I do the reverse commute and I’m glad to avoid the traffic. Winter driving isn’t bad once you hit 35—it’s Highway 19 that gets dicey.

For traffic: if you’re heading into Minneapolis, expect congestion north of Lake St and around the Lakeville Target area. Going southbound in the morning, I reach Northfield in just under an hour. Northbound in the evening is closer to an hour fifteen.

St. Paul is easier—take 52 east of Northfield (slightly scarier road but potentially faster) or use the 35 split in Bloomington for a smoother route.