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Highway 74: St. Charles to Weaver, Whitewater Valley, Minnesota
Photo: Wikideas1 · CC0

Drives Minnesota Minnesota

Highway 74: St. Charles to Weaver

MN 74 · St. Charles → Weaver

Sweeping21 mi35 min400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 74 heads north from St. Charles up the Whitewater valley in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota. The stretch between St. Charles and Elba was built in the 1930s, and the highway passes Whitewater State Park, one of the most popular parks in the state.

The road continues toward Weaver along the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. Birders favor that land because the road cuts through wetlands used by migrating and nesting birds. The route ends where Highway 74 meets County Road 26 near Weaver.

The route is 20.8 miles, takes about 35 minutes and climbs 430 feet. Traffic is light and services are few.

Along the way

  1. St. Charles
  2. Weaver
Elevation
400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,200 ft
St. CharlesWeaver
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
St. CharlesWeaver
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Highway 74 has an unpaved stretch of about 11 miles through the wildlife area between Beaver and Weaver; it is the only gravel road MnDOT maintains.
  • MnDOT often closes the gravel stretch for several weeks each spring, so check the 511 page.
  • Services are few; fill up in St. Charles.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Minnesota 511 (MnDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long is the Highway 74 drive from St. Charles to Weaver?

Highway 74 from St. Charles to Weaver is 20.8 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

Is Highway 74 in Minnesota paved?

Most of it is, but about 11 miles between Beaver and Weaver, through the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, is gravel.

Is Highway 74 closed in spring?

MnDOT often closes the gravel stretch for several weeks in spring to protect the road. Check Minnesota 511 before you go.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 74: St. Charles to Weaver, from St. Charles to Weaver