Pain At The Pump: Gas Prices Jump Ahead Of Memorial Day Weekend In MN

MINNESOTA — Memorial Day weekend road trips will cost Minnesota drivers more this year, with gas prices up sharply from last month and far above where they were a year ago.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.398 on Wednesday, according to AAA.

That compares with $4.156 one week ago, $3.659 one month ago and $3.011 at the same time last year.

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, the average price was even higher Wednesday, at $4.449 per gallon.

And that's below the national average of $4.555.

Minnesota’s average remains below the state’s record high of $4.759 per gallon, which was set in June 2022, according to AAA.

The higher prices come as AAA expects 45 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend.

Most of them, about 39.1 million, are expected to travel by car.

AAA defines the Memorial Day travel period as Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25.

For many Minnesotans, that means the annual drive to the cabin, campground, or lake will come with a more expensive stop at the gas station.

AAA and INRIX said drivers should expect the worst congestion Thursday and Friday afternoon, along with Monday afternoon as travelers return home.

One Minnesota route highlighted by AAA is Minneapolis to Brainerd on U.S. 169 north. Travel times on that route are expected to be about 30 percent longer than usual around 5:15 p.m. Friday, according to AAA.

AAA said the best times to drive are:

Thursday: After 9 p.m.

Friday: Before 11 a.m.

Saturday: Before 11 a.m.

Sunday: Minimal traffic impact expected

Monday: Before 10 a.m.

Drivers can check current gas prices through AAA’s gas price tracker.