U.S. Route 212 in Minnesota
Encyclopedia
Within the U.S. state of Minnesota
, U.S. Highway 212
travels from the South Dakota
state line in the west, crossing the southwestern part of the state, to the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metropolitan area in the east, ending at its interchange
with U.S. 169
and State Highway 62
in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina
. U.S. 212 in Minnesota has an official length of 161.8 miles (260.4 km). It is an urban freeway within the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area, and is mostly a two-lane rural road elsewhere in the state.
Prior to the establishment of the U.S. Highway system
, most of the U.S. 212 corridor in Minnesota was part the transcontinental auto trail
known as the Yellowstone Trail
, which was established in 1917. U.S. 212 was established in 1926 but originally terminated at U.S. Highway 12
in the city of Willmar
from 1926 to 1934. U.S. 212 was shifted to its current alignment around 1934, continuing slightly east of its current terminus to end at then U.S. 12 in Saint Paul until 1982, when U.S. 212 was truncated to Edina. In 2008, the Twin Cities portion of U.S. 212 was relocated to a new freeway (formerly designated as State Highway 312 from 2003 to 2008).
state line to the Twin Cities area. It runs in straight east–west course from the South Dakota line across prairie land to the city of Montevideo
. From there the route follows the valley of the Minnesota River
to Granite Falls
. It then leaves the Minnesota River valley to pass through farming areas until Glencoe
, where the terrain gradually becomes more hilly as the road continues east. As the route approaches the Twin Cities, the road becomes a freeway running parallel to, but not within, the Minnesota River valley. U.S. 212 ends at the junction
of U.S. 169
and State Highway 62
in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina
.
The entire length of U.S. Highway 212 in Minnesota is officially designated the Minnesota Veterans Memorial Highway.
Legally, the Minnesota section of U.S. 212 is defined as Legislative Routes 155, 12, 187, and 260 in the Minnesota Statutes. The route is not marked with those numbers.
, then enters the small city of Dawson
several miles later. U.S. 212 continues past Dawson through more fertile prairie land, eventually being joined by U.S. Highway 59
. The overlapped routes pass by the entrance to Camp Release State Park, a 14 acres (56,656 m²) park where the former Sioux village of Chief Red Iron was located, and which also contains a 51 feet (15.5 m) granite monument commemorating the release of 269 prisoners from Sioux captivity. U.S. 212 and 59 split in the western edge of the city of Montevideo
in the valley of the Minnesota River
, with U.S. 59 heading northwest and U.S. 212 heading southeast. U.S. 212 follows the Minnesota valley for about thirteen miles (19 km) to the city of Granite Falls
. In the center of the city, State Highway 23
joins U.S. 212 briefly as they cross the Minnesota River, with the two routes splitting soon after leaving the eastern city limits. The city of Granite Falls is known as being the hometown of Andrew Volstead
, who authored the National Prohibition Act.
, Renville
, Danube
, and Olivia
. In Olivia, the county seat of Renville County, U.S. 212 meets with U.S. Highway 71
. U.S. 212 continues due east through more farmland, again passing through a series of small cities that developed along the route. Through the next 30 miles (48.3 km) of the road, U.S. 212 goes through Bird Island
, Hector
(intersecting with State Highway 4
), Buffalo Lake
, Stewart
and Brownton
(intersecting with State Highway 15
). Brownton, which is located on Buffalo Creek, is the site of the Sioux Uprising, one of the earliest massacres of white settlers in the region. Several miles later, U.S. 212 is joined by State Highway 22
, U.S. 212 becomes a four-lane divided highway
heading east into the city of Glencoe
closely following Buffalo Creek. Highway 22 splits off to the north in downtown Glencoe, while U.S. 212 heads east out of the city.
and State Highway 25
about eight miles (13 km) after leaving Glencoe. The three overlapped routes continue east into the city of Norwood Young America
for about two miles (3 km), after which Highways 5 and 25 split off to the north in the center of the city. After leaving Norwood Young America, U.S. 212 becomes a two-lane road, passing by several lakes, then continues east for several miles to the city of Cologne
, then into the community of Dahlgren. East of Dahlgren, U.S. 212 becomes a freeway as it heads into the Twin Cities area. The freeway runs along the northwest upland of the Minnesota River valley.
After the first interchange on the freeway with Jonathan Carver Parkway, U.S. 212 enters the city limits of Chaska
. The road then curves to the north, crossing over Chaska Creek and interchanging with Engler Boulevard, before turning northeastward. The freeway meets with State Highway 41
. Less than two miles (3 km) later, the freeway enters the city of Chanhassen
, where it has two interchanges and passes by several lakes. U.S. 212 then crosses into Hennepin County
and into the city of Eden Prairie
. U.S. 212 is joined by State Highway 5
in Eden Prairie for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) as they travel eastward. The overlap with Highway 5 ends at the cloverleaf interchange
with Interstate 494
. At the boundary between Eden Prairie and Edina
, U.S. 212 is paralleled by State Highway 62
and the two routes have a junction
with U.S. Highway 169
. U.S. Highway 212 officially ends at the eastern limit of this interchange
in Edina, where eastbound U.S. 212 merges into eastbound Highway 62. Highway 62 continues the roadway into the city of Minneapolis.
known as the Yellowstone Trail
, which was conceived in 1912. The Yellowstone Trail stretched from Seattle, Washington
, via Yellowstone National Park
, to Plymouth, Massachusetts. The auto trail route in Minnesota was officially recognized by the Minnesota Highway Department in 1917. East of Norwood Young America, the Yellowstone Trail utilized State Highway 5, shifting to Excelsior Boulevard via the Minnewashta Parkway to reach Minneapolis. West of Montevideo, the Yellowstone Trail used present day State Highway 7 to U.S. Highway 12.
The westernmost section of present day U.S. 212, from the South Dakota line to Montevideo, was also part of another auto trail known as the Short Cut West Highway. This auto trail went on a direct route between Minneapolis and Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Trail also connects Minneapolis with Yellowstone National Park but travels a longer, more circuitous route through many populated centers. Between Montevideo and the Twin Cities area, the Short Cut West Highway ran along State Highway 7 until Lake Minnewashta, where it ended at the Yellowstone Trail.
was implemented in the country. U.S. 212 was originally designated as a route that connected U.S. 85
in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
, with U.S. 12
in Willmar, Minnesota
. In 1934, U.S. 212 was extended east to Saint Paul
along mostly its modern alignment. In the Twin Cities area, U.S. 212 utilized Flying Cloud Drive and Vernon Avenue to reach Excelsior Boulevard. It then followed Lake Street
through Minneapolis, crossing the Mississippi River
into Saint Paul and becoming Marshall Avenue, finally ending at then U.S. 12 in downtown Saint Paul. In 1983, U.S. 212 was truncated to end at U.S. Highway 169 in Edina, resulting in U.S. 212 no longer connecting to U.S. 12, its parent route.
Over the next few decades, several sections of the road were reconstructed as four-lanes divided highway
s. The four-lane road between Glencoe and Norwood Young America was completed in 1959. The expressway approach in the vicinity of I-494 was completed by 1971. Several other segments were reconstructed in 1990, namely the old Flying Cloud Drive alignment, which became a four-lane divided surface arterial, and the State Highway 5 overlap, which became an expressway.
The section of the route between Glencoe
and Chaska
currently alternates between a 65 mph four-lane expressway and a 55 mph two-lane roadway. A four-way stop sign
in Glencoe is located within the 65 mph expressway segment of the route. Counties and cities along Highway 212 are lobbying to extend the four-lane divided highway
west of Glencoe. Mn/DOT is considering the proposal.
From Hector
to State Highway 22
near Glencoe, the route is planned to be reconstructed with passing lanes beginning in 2009.
and Chaska
, U.S. Highway 212 was relocated in July 2008 to a new, more northerly, 12 miles (19.3 km) freeway alignment. During planning and construction, the new freeway was given the temporary designation of Highway 312.
On April 29, 2002, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta
was in the Twin Cities for an announcement regarding transportation in Minnesota. Mineta presented a $2.9 million check (Federal Highway Administration grant) to state transportation officials. The $2.9 million is part of the $238 million funding for the new 12 miles (19.3 km) freeway alignment of U.S. Highway 212 in Eden Prairie
, Chanhassen
, and Chaska
. The groundbreaking celebration on August 20, 2005, was held in Chaska
. Elected officials at the ceremony included former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman
, former U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, U.S. Rep. John Kline
, former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad
and Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau
. Lieutenant Governor and Transportation Commissioner Molnau said that "When the Legislature approved the $900 million Transportation Finance Bill secured by the Pawlenty
Administration during 2003, we were able to advance Highway 212 as a 'design-build' project by eight years from its originally scheduled start between 2010 and 2015."
On December 7, 2007, a six-mile (10 km) portion of the project from Dell Road in Eden Prairie to State Highway 41
in Chaska opened to traffic, giving drivers use of about half of the new freeway alignment. It was signed using its temporary designation of State Highway 312. On July 14, 2008, the remaining portion of the project from Highway 41 to just west of Carver opened to traffic. The new freeway has a designated shoulder on both sides for a planned Bus Rapid Transit
route extending from Carver, MN
to points eastward along the freeway.
Soon after the completion of Highway 312, the 312 route number was retired and Highway 212 was relocated onto the new freeway. The former surface alignment of Highway 212 along Flying Cloud Drive was turned back to the maintenance of Carver and Hennepin counties as County Road 61.
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, U.S. Highway 212
U.S. Route 212
U.S. Route 212 is a spur of U.S. Route 12. Though it currently never intersects U.S. 12, it once had an eastern terminus at U.S. 12 in St. Paul, Minnesota. It runs for 949 miles from Minnesota Highway 62 at Edina, Minnesota to Yellowstone National Park.U.S. 212 passes through the states of...
travels from the South Dakota
South Dakota
South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. Once a part of Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. The state has an area of and an estimated population of just over...
state line in the west, crossing the southwestern part of the state, to the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metropolitan area in the east, ending at its interchange
Interchange (road)
In the field of road transport, an interchange is a road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one highway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. It differs from a standard intersection, at which...
with U.S. 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
and State Highway 62
Minnesota State Highway 62 (east)
Minnesota State Highway 62 is a highway in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. The route was part of Hennepin County Road 62 until 1988, when a portion of the route was inherited by the state. The western terminus of the route is at Interstate Highway 494 in Eden Prairie, where the roadway...
in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina
Edina, Minnesota
Edina is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and a first-ring suburb situated immediately southwest of Minneapolis. Edina began as a small farming and milling community in the 1860s. The population was 47,941 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
. U.S. 212 in Minnesota has an official length of 161.8 miles (260.4 km). It is an urban freeway within the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area, and is mostly a two-lane rural road elsewhere in the state.
Prior to the establishment of the U.S. Highway system
United States Numbered Highways
The system of United States Numbered Highways is an integrated system of roads and highways in the United States numbered within a nationwide grid...
, most of the U.S. 212 corridor in Minnesota was part the transcontinental auto trail
Auto trail
The system of auto trails was an informal network of marked routes that existed in the United States and Canada in the early part of the 20th century. Marked with colored bands on telephone poles, the trails were intended to help travellers in the early days of the automobile.Auto trails were...
known as the Yellowstone Trail
Yellowstone Trail
The Yellowstone Trail was the first transcontinental automobile highway through the upper tier of states in the United States. It ran from Massachusetts to Seattle. It was conceived by J.W. Parmley of Ipswich, South Dakota in 1912. Originally, Parmley and his business colleagues wanted a good road...
, which was established in 1917. U.S. 212 was established in 1926 but originally terminated at U.S. Highway 12
U.S. Route 12 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 12 is a highway in west-central and east-central Minnesota, which runs from the South Dakota state line at Ortonville near Big Stone Lake and continues east to the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin state line. U.S. 12 in Minnesota is in length...
in the city of Willmar
Willmar, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,351 people, 7,302 households, and 4,461 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.9 people per square mile . There were 7,789 housing units at an average density of 657.8 per square mile...
from 1926 to 1934. U.S. 212 was shifted to its current alignment around 1934, continuing slightly east of its current terminus to end at then U.S. 12 in Saint Paul until 1982, when U.S. 212 was truncated to Edina. In 2008, the Twin Cities portion of U.S. 212 was relocated to a new freeway (formerly designated as State Highway 312 from 2003 to 2008).
Route description
U.S. Highway 212 in Minnesota passes through seven counties in the southern part of the state, from the South DakotaSouth Dakota
South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. Once a part of Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. The state has an area of and an estimated population of just over...
state line to the Twin Cities area. It runs in straight east–west course from the South Dakota line across prairie land to the city of Montevideo
Montevideo, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,346 people, 2,353 households, and 1,444 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,190.5 people per square mile . There were 2,551 housing units at an average density of 568.1 per square mile...
. From there the route follows the valley of the Minnesota River
Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 332 miles long, in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It drains a watershed of nearly , in Minnesota and about in South Dakota and Iowa....
to Granite Falls
Granite Falls, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,070 people, 1,344 households, and 806 families residing in the city. The population density was 890.5 people per square mile . There were 1,472 housing units at an average density of 427.0 per square mile...
. It then leaves the Minnesota River valley to pass through farming areas until Glencoe
Glencoe, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,453 people, 2,103 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,045.6 people per square mile . There were 2,169 housing units at an average density of 813.7 per square mile...
, where the terrain gradually becomes more hilly as the road continues east. As the route approaches the Twin Cities, the road becomes a freeway running parallel to, but not within, the Minnesota River valley. U.S. 212 ends at the junction
Junction (road)
A road junction is a location where vehicular traffic going in different directions can proceed in a controlled manner designed to minimize accidents. In some cases, vehicles can change between different routes or directions of travel.-Origins:...
of U.S. 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
and State Highway 62
Minnesota State Highway 62 (east)
Minnesota State Highway 62 is a highway in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. The route was part of Hennepin County Road 62 until 1988, when a portion of the route was inherited by the state. The western terminus of the route is at Interstate Highway 494 in Eden Prairie, where the roadway...
in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina
Edina, Minnesota
Edina is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and a first-ring suburb situated immediately southwest of Minneapolis. Edina began as a small farming and milling community in the 1860s. The population was 47,941 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
.
The entire length of U.S. Highway 212 in Minnesota is officially designated the Minnesota Veterans Memorial Highway.
Legally, the Minnesota section of U.S. 212 is defined as Legislative Routes 155, 12, 187, and 260 in the Minnesota Statutes. The route is not marked with those numbers.
South Dakota to Granite Falls
U.S. 212 crosses into Minnesota from South Dakota, traveling through flat, open terrain. About 12 miles (19.3 km) from the state line, it intersects with U.S. Highway 75U.S. Route 75
U.S. Route 75 is a north–south U.S. Highway. The highway's northern terminus is in Kittson County, Minnesota, at the Canadian border, where it continues as Manitoba Highway 75 on the other side of a closed border crossing. Its southern terminus is at Interstate 30 and Interstate 45 in Dallas,...
, then enters the small city of Dawson
Dawson, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,539 people, 677 households, and 398 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,043.4 people per square mile . There were 756 housing units at an average density of 512.6 per square mile...
several miles later. U.S. 212 continues past Dawson through more fertile prairie land, eventually being joined by U.S. Highway 59
U.S. Route 59
U.S. Route 59 is a north–south United States highway . A latecomer to the U.S. numbered route system, U.S. 59 is now a border-to-border route, Part of NAFTA Corridor Highway System. It parallels U.S. Route 75 for nearly its entire route, never much more than away, until it veers southwest...
. The overlapped routes pass by the entrance to Camp Release State Park, a 14 acres (56,656 m²) park where the former Sioux village of Chief Red Iron was located, and which also contains a 51 feet (15.5 m) granite monument commemorating the release of 269 prisoners from Sioux captivity. U.S. 212 and 59 split in the western edge of the city of Montevideo
Montevideo, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,346 people, 2,353 households, and 1,444 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,190.5 people per square mile . There were 2,551 housing units at an average density of 568.1 per square mile...
in the valley of the Minnesota River
Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 332 miles long, in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It drains a watershed of nearly , in Minnesota and about in South Dakota and Iowa....
, with U.S. 59 heading northwest and U.S. 212 heading southeast. U.S. 212 follows the Minnesota valley for about thirteen miles (19 km) to the city of Granite Falls
Granite Falls, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,070 people, 1,344 households, and 806 families residing in the city. The population density was 890.5 people per square mile . There were 1,472 housing units at an average density of 427.0 per square mile...
. In the center of the city, State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23 is a state highway that stretches from southwest to northeast Minnesota. At in length, it is the second longest state route in Minnesota, after MN 1....
joins U.S. 212 briefly as they cross the Minnesota River, with the two routes splitting soon after leaving the eastern city limits. The city of Granite Falls is known as being the hometown of Andrew Volstead
Andrew Volstead
Andrew John Volstead was an American member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota,1903–1923, and a member of the Republican Party. His name is closely associated with the National Prohibition Act of 1919, usually called the Volstead Act...
, who authored the National Prohibition Act.
Granite Falls to Glencoe
East of Granite Falls, U.S. 212 leaves the Minnesota River valley, heading due east across a variety of farming areas in the south central portion of the state. For the next 28 miles (45.1 km), U.S. 212 passes through a series of small cities in this area: Sacred HeartSacred Heart, Minnesota
Sacred Heart is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 548 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.U.S...
, Renville
Renville, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,323 people, 508 households, and 329 families residing in the city. The population density was 948.9 people per square mile . There were 544 housing units at an average density of 390.2 per square mile...
, Danube
Danube, Minnesota
Danube is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 505 at the 2010 census. Danube was founded in 1901 and held a celebration for its centennial in 2001 where it recorded its first-ever fireworks display.-Geography:...
, and Olivia
Olivia, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,570 people, 75 households, and 658 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,102.7 people per square mile . There were 1,178 housing units at an average density of 505.4 per square mile...
. In Olivia, the county seat of Renville County, U.S. 212 meets with U.S. Highway 71
U.S. Route 71
U.S. Route 71 is a north–south United States highway. This original 1926 route has remained largely unchanged by encroaching Interstate highways. Currently, the highway's northern terminus is in International Falls, Minnesota at the Canadian border, at the southern end of the Fort...
. U.S. 212 continues due east through more farmland, again passing through a series of small cities that developed along the route. Through the next 30 miles (48.3 km) of the road, U.S. 212 goes through Bird Island
Bird Island, Minnesota
Bird Island is a city on U.S. Route 212 in Renville County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,042 at the 2010 census.The city is named for a nearby 60-acre island. At one time, the island, was surrounded by sloughs and covered with many huge, beautiful trees, which were a refuge for...
, Hector
Hector, Minnesota
Hector is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, USA. The population was 1,151 at the 2010 census.U.S. Route 212 and Minnesota State Highway 4 are two of the main arterial routes in the city.-Geography:...
(intersecting with State Highway 4
Minnesota State Highway 4
Minnesota State Highway 4 is a highway in southwest and west-central Minnesota, which runs from Iowa Highway 4 at the Iowa state line , and continues north to its northern terminus at its interchange with Interstate Highway 94 near Sauk Centre and Melrose.Highway 4 is in length.-Route...
), Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake, Minnesota
Buffalo Lake is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 733 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
, Stewart
Stewart, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 564 people, 241 households, and 146 families residing in the city. The population density was 697.3 people per square mile . There were 254 housing units at an average density of 314.0 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.58% White, 0.18%...
and Brownton
Brownton, Minnesota
Brownton is a city in McLeod County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 762 at the 2010 census.U.S. Route 212 and Minnesota State Highway 15 are two of the main arterial routes in the community.-Geography:...
(intersecting with State Highway 15
Minnesota State Highway 15
Minnesota State Highway 15 is a highway in south-central and central Minnesota, which runs from Iowa Highway 15 at the Iowa state line and continues north to its northern terminus at its interchange with U.S. Highway 10 outside of Sartell and Sauk Rapids, north of St...
). Brownton, which is located on Buffalo Creek, is the site of the Sioux Uprising, one of the earliest massacres of white settlers in the region. Several miles later, U.S. 212 is joined by State Highway 22
Minnesota State Highway 22
Minnesota State Highway 22 is a highway in south-central and central Minnesota, which runs from Winnebago County Road R50 at the Iowa state line near Kiester and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 23 in Richmond, west of St...
, U.S. 212 becomes a four-lane divided highway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...
heading east into the city of Glencoe
Glencoe, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,453 people, 2,103 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,045.6 people per square mile . There were 2,169 housing units at an average density of 813.7 per square mile...
closely following Buffalo Creek. Highway 22 splits off to the north in downtown Glencoe, while U.S. 212 heads east out of the city.
Glencoe to the Twin Cities area
East of Glencoe, the terrain becomes progressively more hilly as U.S. 212 continues eastward. U.S. 212 is joined by State Highway 5Minnesota State Highway 5
Minnesota State Highway 5 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with State Highways 19 and 22 in Gaylord and continues east and northeast to its eastern terminus at its interchange with State Highway 36 and Washington County Road 5 in Stillwater...
and State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its interchange with U.S. Highway 169 in Belle Plaine and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 210 in Brainerd.The route is in length....
about eight miles (13 km) after leaving Glencoe. The three overlapped routes continue east into the city of Norwood Young America
Norwood Young America, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,108 people, 1,171 households, and 833 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,855.8 people per square mile . There were 1,201 housing units at an average density of 717.1 per square mile...
for about two miles (3 km), after which Highways 5 and 25 split off to the north in the center of the city. After leaving Norwood Young America, U.S. 212 becomes a two-lane road, passing by several lakes, then continues east for several miles to the city of Cologne
Cologne, Minnesota
Cologne is a city in Carver County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,519 at the 2010 census. The city is about 30 miles away from Minneapolis.-Geography:...
, then into the community of Dahlgren. East of Dahlgren, U.S. 212 becomes a freeway as it heads into the Twin Cities area. The freeway runs along the northwest upland of the Minnesota River valley.
After the first interchange on the freeway with Jonathan Carver Parkway, U.S. 212 enters the city limits of Chaska
Chaska, Minnesota
As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile...
. The road then curves to the north, crossing over Chaska Creek and interchanging with Engler Boulevard, before turning northeastward. The freeway meets with State Highway 41
Minnesota State Highway 41
Minnesota State Highway 41 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Jackson Township near Shakopee and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 7 in Shorewood....
. Less than two miles (3 km) later, the freeway enters the city of Chanhassen
Chanhassen, Minnesota
Chanhassen is a city in Carver and Hennepin counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is southwest of Minneapolis. The population was 22,952 at the 2010 census....
, where it has two interchanges and passes by several lakes. U.S. 212 then crosses into Hennepin County
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Hennepin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. As of 2010 the population was 1,152,425. Its county seat is Minneapolis. It is by far the most populous county in Minnesota; more than one in five Minnesotans live...
and into the city of Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,579 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile...
. U.S. 212 is joined by State Highway 5
Minnesota State Highway 5
Minnesota State Highway 5 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with State Highways 19 and 22 in Gaylord and continues east and northeast to its eastern terminus at its interchange with State Highway 36 and Washington County Road 5 in Stillwater...
in Eden Prairie for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) as they travel eastward. The overlap with Highway 5 ends at the cloverleaf interchange
Cloverleaf interchange
A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level interchange in which left turns, reverse direction in left-driving regions, are handled by ramp roads...
with Interstate 494
Interstate 494
Interstate 494 is a loop route making up part of a beltway of Interstate 94, circling through the southern and western portions of the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota...
. At the boundary between Eden Prairie and Edina
Edina, Minnesota
Edina is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and a first-ring suburb situated immediately southwest of Minneapolis. Edina began as a small farming and milling community in the 1860s. The population was 47,941 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
, U.S. 212 is paralleled by State Highway 62
Minnesota State Highway 62 (east)
Minnesota State Highway 62 is a highway in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. The route was part of Hennepin County Road 62 until 1988, when a portion of the route was inherited by the state. The western terminus of the route is at Interstate Highway 494 in Eden Prairie, where the roadway...
and the two routes have a junction
Junction (road)
A road junction is a location where vehicular traffic going in different directions can proceed in a controlled manner designed to minimize accidents. In some cases, vehicles can change between different routes or directions of travel.-Origins:...
with U.S. Highway 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
. U.S. Highway 212 officially ends at the eastern limit of this interchange
Interchange (road)
In the field of road transport, an interchange is a road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one highway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. It differs from a standard intersection, at which...
in Edina, where eastbound U.S. 212 merges into eastbound Highway 62. Highway 62 continues the roadway into the city of Minneapolis.
Auto trails
Most of the route of present day U.S. Highway 212 between Montevideo and Norwood Young America was originally designated as part of the transcontinental auto trailAuto trail
The system of auto trails was an informal network of marked routes that existed in the United States and Canada in the early part of the 20th century. Marked with colored bands on telephone poles, the trails were intended to help travellers in the early days of the automobile.Auto trails were...
known as the Yellowstone Trail
Yellowstone Trail
The Yellowstone Trail was the first transcontinental automobile highway through the upper tier of states in the United States. It ran from Massachusetts to Seattle. It was conceived by J.W. Parmley of Ipswich, South Dakota in 1912. Originally, Parmley and his business colleagues wanted a good road...
, which was conceived in 1912. The Yellowstone Trail stretched from Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
, via Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho...
, to Plymouth, Massachusetts. The auto trail route in Minnesota was officially recognized by the Minnesota Highway Department in 1917. East of Norwood Young America, the Yellowstone Trail utilized State Highway 5, shifting to Excelsior Boulevard via the Minnewashta Parkway to reach Minneapolis. West of Montevideo, the Yellowstone Trail used present day State Highway 7 to U.S. Highway 12.
The westernmost section of present day U.S. 212, from the South Dakota line to Montevideo, was also part of another auto trail known as the Short Cut West Highway. This auto trail went on a direct route between Minneapolis and Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Trail also connects Minneapolis with Yellowstone National Park but travels a longer, more circuitous route through many populated centers. Between Montevideo and the Twin Cities area, the Short Cut West Highway ran along State Highway 7 until Lake Minnewashta, where it ended at the Yellowstone Trail.
Designation as a U.S. Highway
In 1926, the U.S. Highway systemUnited States Numbered Highways
The system of United States Numbered Highways is an integrated system of roads and highways in the United States numbered within a nationwide grid...
was implemented in the country. U.S. 212 was originally designated as a route that connected U.S. 85
U.S. Route 85
U.S. Route 85 is a north–south United States highway that runs for in the Mountain - Northern Plains states of the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at the United States-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, connecting with Mexican Federal Highway 45...
in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which are land and is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 4,565 people, 1,854 households, and 1,186 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,446.9 people per square mile...
, with U.S. 12
U.S. Route 12 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 12 is a highway in west-central and east-central Minnesota, which runs from the South Dakota state line at Ortonville near Big Stone Lake and continues east to the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin state line. U.S. 12 in Minnesota is in length...
in Willmar, Minnesota
Willmar, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,351 people, 7,302 households, and 4,461 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.9 people per square mile . There were 7,789 housing units at an average density of 657.8 per square mile...
. In 1934, U.S. 212 was extended east to Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul is the capital and second-most populous city of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city lies mostly on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the area surrounding its point of confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Minneapolis, the state's largest city...
along mostly its modern alignment. In the Twin Cities area, U.S. 212 utilized Flying Cloud Drive and Vernon Avenue to reach Excelsior Boulevard. It then followed Lake Street
Lake Street (Minneapolis)
Lake Street is a major east-west thoroughfare in Minneapolis, Minnesota which is located between 29th and 31st Streets in south Minneapolis. It was named such because it runs through the Chain of Lakes area on the west side of town and passes over a small channel linking Lake Calhoun and Lake of...
through Minneapolis, crossing the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
into Saint Paul and becoming Marshall Avenue, finally ending at then U.S. 12 in downtown Saint Paul. In 1983, U.S. 212 was truncated to end at U.S. Highway 169 in Edina, resulting in U.S. 212 no longer connecting to U.S. 12, its parent route.
Construction
The paving of U.S. 212 in Minnesota began in 1928 and the route was completely paved by 1940. The earliest sections to be paved were the roads east of State Highway 15, which was paved by 1929. The portion of the route in Renville County was paved by 1931, while the portion between U.S. Highway 75 and Granite Falls was paved between 1932 and 1934. The portion west of U.S. Highway 75 had originally been a county road and was only added to the state highway system in 1934. Paving of this section was finished in 1938. The portion that overlapped with State Highway 5 was paved by 1940.Over the next few decades, several sections of the road were reconstructed as four-lanes divided highway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...
s. The four-lane road between Glencoe and Norwood Young America was completed in 1959. The expressway approach in the vicinity of I-494 was completed by 1971. Several other segments were reconstructed in 1990, namely the old Flying Cloud Drive alignment, which became a four-lane divided surface arterial, and the State Highway 5 overlap, which became an expressway.
The section of the route between Glencoe
Glencoe, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,453 people, 2,103 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,045.6 people per square mile . There were 2,169 housing units at an average density of 813.7 per square mile...
and Chaska
Chaska, Minnesota
As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile...
currently alternates between a 65 mph four-lane expressway and a 55 mph two-lane roadway. A four-way stop sign
Stop sign
A Stop sign is a traffic sign to notify drivers that they must stop before proceeding.-Specifications:The Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals proposed standard stop sign diameters of 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2 metres. UK and New Zealand stop signs are 750, 900 or 1200 mm, according to sign...
in Glencoe is located within the 65 mph expressway segment of the route. Counties and cities along Highway 212 are lobbying to extend the four-lane divided highway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...
west of Glencoe. Mn/DOT is considering the proposal.
From Hector
Hector, Minnesota
Hector is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, USA. The population was 1,151 at the 2010 census.U.S. Route 212 and Minnesota State Highway 4 are two of the main arterial routes in the city.-Geography:...
to State Highway 22
Minnesota State Highway 22
Minnesota State Highway 22 is a highway in south-central and central Minnesota, which runs from Winnebago County Road R50 at the Iowa state line near Kiester and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 23 in Richmond, west of St...
near Glencoe, the route is planned to be reconstructed with passing lanes beginning in 2009.
Highway 312
Between Eden PrairieEden Prairie, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,579 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile...
and Chaska
Chaska, Minnesota
As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile...
, U.S. Highway 212 was relocated in July 2008 to a new, more northerly, 12 miles (19.3 km) freeway alignment. During planning and construction, the new freeway was given the temporary designation of Highway 312.
On April 29, 2002, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta
Norman Mineta
Norman Yoshio Mineta, is a United States politician of the Democratic Party. Mineta most recently served in President George W. Bush's Cabinet as the United States Secretary of Transportation, the only Democratic Cabinet Secretary in the Bush administration...
was in the Twin Cities for an announcement regarding transportation in Minnesota. Mineta presented a $2.9 million check (Federal Highway Administration grant) to state transportation officials. The $2.9 million is part of the $238 million funding for the new 12 miles (19.3 km) freeway alignment of U.S. Highway 212 in Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,579 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile...
, Chanhassen
Chanhassen, Minnesota
Chanhassen is a city in Carver and Hennepin counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is southwest of Minneapolis. The population was 22,952 at the 2010 census....
, and Chaska
Chaska, Minnesota
As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile...
. The groundbreaking celebration on August 20, 2005, was held in Chaska
Chaska, Minnesota
As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile...
. Elected officials at the ceremony included former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman
Norm Coleman
Norman Bertram Coleman, Jr. is an American attorney and politician. He was a United States senator from Minnesota from 2003 to 2009. Coleman was elected in 2002 and served in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses. Before becoming a senator, he was mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2002...
, former U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, U.S. Rep. John Kline
John Kline (politician)
John Paul Kline is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. The district includes most of the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities, including Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville and Eagan. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education and career:Kline was born...
, former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad
Jim Ramstad
James Marvin "Jim" Ramstad is a United States politician from the state of Minnesota.-Early life:Ramstad was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, was educated at the University of Minnesota and the George Washington University Law School. He was an officer in the United States National Guard from 1968...
and Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau
Carol Molnau
Carol Molnau was the 46th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She formerly served as head of the Minnesota Department of Transportation...
. Lieutenant Governor and Transportation Commissioner Molnau said that "When the Legislature approved the $900 million Transportation Finance Bill secured by the Pawlenty
Tim Pawlenty
Timothy James "Tim" Pawlenty , also known affectionately among supporters as T-Paw, is an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of Minnesota . He was a Republican candidate for President of the United States in the 2012 election from May to August 2011...
Administration during 2003, we were able to advance Highway 212 as a 'design-build' project by eight years from its originally scheduled start between 2010 and 2015."
On December 7, 2007, a six-mile (10 km) portion of the project from Dell Road in Eden Prairie to State Highway 41
Minnesota State Highway 41
Minnesota State Highway 41 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Jackson Township near Shakopee and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 7 in Shorewood....
in Chaska opened to traffic, giving drivers use of about half of the new freeway alignment. It was signed using its temporary designation of State Highway 312. On July 14, 2008, the remaining portion of the project from Highway 41 to just west of Carver opened to traffic. The new freeway has a designated shoulder on both sides for a planned Bus Rapid Transit
Bus rapid transit
Bus rapid transit is a term applied to a variety of public transportation systems using buses to provide faster, more efficient service than an ordinary bus line. Often this is achieved by making improvements to existing infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling...
route extending from Carver, MN
Carver, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,266 people, 458 households, and 349 families residing in the city. The population density was 328.6 people per square mile . There were 467 housing units at an average density of 121.2 per square mile...
to points eastward along the freeway.
Soon after the completion of Highway 312, the 312 route number was retired and Highway 212 was relocated onto the new freeway. The former surface alignment of Highway 212 along Flying Cloud Drive was turned back to the maintenance of Carver and Hennepin counties as County Road 61.
Major intersections
| County | Location | Mile | Junction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continues into South Dakota | ||||
| Lac Qui Parle Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 8,067 people, 3,316 households, and 2,225 families residing in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile . There were 3,774 housing units at an average density of 5 per square mile... |
12.545 | |||
| 26.060 | ||||
| 32.083 | West end of overlap with U.S. 59 | |||
| Chippewa Chippewa County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 13,088 people, 5,361 households, and 3,597 families residing in the county. The population density was 22 people per square mile . There were 5,855 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile... |
Montevideo Montevideo, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 5,346 people, 2,353 households, and 1,444 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,190.5 people per square mile . There were 2,551 housing units at an average density of 568.1 per square mile... |
35.733 | East end of overlap with U.S. 59 | |
| Yellow Medicine Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota -External links:***... |
47.871 | West end of overlap with MN 67 | ||
| Granite Falls Granite Falls, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 3,070 people, 1,344 households, and 806 families residing in the city. The population density was 890.5 people per square mile . There were 1,472 housing units at an average density of 427.0 per square mile... |
49.062 | East end of overlap with MN 67 West end of overlap with MN 23 |
||
| Renville Renville County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 17,154 people, 6,779 households, and 4,623 families residing in the county. The population density was 18 people per square mile . There were 7,413 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile... |
52.284 | East end of overlap with MN 23 Junction at Chippewa county line |
||
| Olivia Olivia, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 2,570 people, 75 households, and 658 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,102.7 people per square mile . There were 1,178 housing units at an average density of 505.4 per square mile... |
74.611 | West end of overlap with U.S. 71 | ||
| 76.680 | East end of overlap with U.S. 71 | |||
| Hector Hector, Minnesota Hector is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, USA. The population was 1,151 at the 2010 census.U.S. Route 212 and Minnesota State Highway 4 are two of the main arterial routes in the city.-Geography:... |
90.926 | |||
| McLeod McLeod County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 34,898 people, 13,449 households, and 9,427 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 14,087 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile... |
Sumter Township Sumter Township, Minnesota Sumter Township is a township in McLeod County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 558 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 square miles , of which, 35.0 square miles of it is land and 0.8 square... |
108.076 | ||
| 116.286 | West end of overlap with MN 22 | |||
| Glencoe Glencoe, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 5,453 people, 2,103 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,045.6 people per square mile . There were 2,169 housing units at an average density of 813.7 per square mile... |
119.481 | East end of overlap with MN 22 | ||
| Carver Carver County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 70,205 people, 24,356 households, and 18,778 families residing in the county. The population density was 197 people per square mile . There were 24,883 housing units at an average density of 70 per square mile... |
128.320 | West end of overlap with MN 5 and MN 25 | ||
| Norwood Young America Norwood Young America, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 3,108 people, 1,171 households, and 833 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,855.8 people per square mile . There were 1,201 housing units at an average density of 717.1 per square mile... |
130.627 | East end of overlap with MN 5 and MN 25 | ||
| Cologne Cologne, Minnesota Cologne is a city in Carver County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,519 at the 2010 census. The city is about 30 miles away from Minneapolis.-Geography:... |
138.296 | |||
| Begin Freeway | ||||
| Chaska Chaska, Minnesota As of 2005, there were 22,467 people and 8,194 households residing in the city. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 6,235 housing units at an average density of 454.1 per square mile... |
145.210 | Jonathan Carver Parkway | ||
| 147.570 | Engler Boulevard | |||
| 148.921 | ||||
| Chanhassen Chanhassen, Minnesota Chanhassen is a city in Carver and Hennepin counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is southwest of Minneapolis. The population was 22,952 at the 2010 census.... |
151.832 | Powers Boulevard | ||
| 152.801 | ||||
| Hennepin Hennepin County, Minnesota Hennepin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. As of 2010 the population was 1,152,425. Its county seat is Minneapolis. It is by far the most populous county in Minnesota; more than one in five Minnesotans live... |
Eden Prairie Eden Prairie, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,579 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile... |
154.531 | Dell Road | |
| 155.474 | Eden Prairie Road | |||
| 156.613 | Wallace Road | Eastbound exit and westbound entrance | ||
| 157.142 | Mitchell Road |
West end of overlap with MN 5 | ||
| 157.955 | Prairie Center Drive | |||
| 158.674 | East end of overlap with MN 5 | |||
| 159.174 | ||||
| 160.334 | ||||
| 160.895 | West end of overlap with MN 62 | |||
| Edina Edina, Minnesota Edina is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and a first-ring suburb situated immediately southwest of Minneapolis. Edina began as a small farming and milling community in the 1860s. The population was 47,941 at the 2010 census.-Geography:... |
161.298 | Junction at municipal boundary | ||
| 161.787 | East end of overlap with MN 62 Eastbound US 212 merges into eastbound MN 62 |
|||