Minnesota Traffic Cameras
Minnesota traffic is a balance between the urban intensity of the Twin Cities and the unforgiving elements of the Bold North. Our interactive map provides real-time access to live street feeds and intersection cameras throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth. From the daily gridlock on the I-35W/I-94 Common Section to the zero-visibility blizzards on the western prairies, staying safe requires real-time visual intelligence and road-level views. Use our live camera network to monitor MnDOT feeds, check winter road conditions from Duluth to Rochester, and navigate the North Star State with confidence.
VIEW MINNESOTA CAMERAS →Minnesota serves as the primary economic and logistics hub for the Upper Midwest. With 5.7 million residents and a state highway system of approximately 12,000 miles, the highway network faces some of the most extreme weather challenges in the country. According to preliminary 2024 data, Minnesota recorded 338 traffic-related deaths as of September, underscoring the vital importance of real-time monitoring. In addition to highway monitoring, users can access live street feeds and intersection cameras along major surface arterials like Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis and Summit Avenue in St. Paul to check for localized gridlock. These road-level views are essential for navigating around surface street snow removal and stadium events during winter ground blizzards or holiday "Cabin Traffic" surges.
Major Minnesota Traffic Corridors
Minnesota's highway network is centered around the Twin Cities metro area, with critical interstates radiating out to connect the state's regional centers.
I-35: The North-South Spine
220+ cameras
Running from the Iowa border through the Twin Cities (where it splits into I-35W and I-35E) and terminating in Duluth. It is the primary artery for commuters and Northwoods vacationers alike. Watch for heavy merging downtown and winter squalls north of the metro.
I-94: The Gateway to the West
210+ cameras
Connecting Wisconsin to North Dakota via St. Paul and Minneapolis. This route carries an enormous volume of interstate freight and is notorious for "whiteout" conditions on the open prairies west of St. Cloud.
I-494 / I-694: The Twin Cities Beltway
380+ cameras
The complete loop around the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, including Roseville, Plymouth, and the MN-36 corridor.
US-52: The Rochester Link
40+ cameras
The primary corridor connecting the Twin Cities to Rochester and the Mayo Clinic. It experiences steady commuter and medical tourism traffic, particularly on the southern end of the metro.
Plan Your Minnesota Route
Don't get stuck in a "Common Section" gridlock or a prairie whiteout. Build a custom route to see every live camera along your specific path before you leave.
BUILD CUSTOM ROUTE →Minnesota's Regional Traffic Breakdowns
Twin Cities Metro (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
The Twin Cities traffic is driven by a complex, multi-hub metro area of 3.7 million people. The convergence of I-35W, I-35E, and I-94 creates several "Common Sections" where heavy merging leads to perpetual bottlenecks. Major suburban hubs including Fridley, Roseville, Maplewood, and Bloomington serve as critical transit links for the regional workforce.
Duluth & The North Shore
Duluth, the "Port City," sits at the terminus of I-35. Traffic here is heavily influenced by the steep terrain and extreme winter weather coming off Lake Superior. "The Hill" in Duluth is a frequent site of winter closures and requires careful monitoring during snow events.
Rochester & Southern MN
Home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester's traffic is unique due to the high volume of visitors navigating the US-52 and US-63 corridors. While lighter than the Twin Cities, localized congestion is common near the medical campus and downtown core.
Blizzard Alert: Western Minnesota and the I-94 corridor are prone to "Ground Blizzards" where wind picks up existing snow to create zero-visibility conditions even when no snow is falling. Always check the prairie cameras during high-wind winter days.
Seasonal Patterns and Challenges
The "Cabin Traffic" (Summer)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Minnesota traffic takes on a distinct weekend rhythm known locally as "Cabin Traffic."
- Friday PM: Massive northbound volume on I-35 and US-169 as residents head to the Brainerd Lakes area and the North Shore.
- Sunday PM: The "Great Return" creates heavy southbound congestion, often stretching from Hinckley all the way into the Twin Cities.
- Strategy: If you aren't north of the metro by 2:00 PM on a Friday, consider waiting until after 7:00 PM.
Winter Survival and Monitoring
Winter storms (November-March) are a fact of life in Minnesota. While MnDOT is world-class at plowing, "black ice" and extreme cold (-20°F and below) can lead to rapid vehicle stalls and multi-car pileups. Our cameras provide visual verification of road surface conditions and the presence of salt/sand treatments.
Save Your Daily Commute Feeds
Do you check the same I-35W or I-494 cameras every morning? Create a free account to save your favorites for instant access on your personalized dashboard.
SAVE FAVORITE CAMS →Critical Traffic Bottlenecks
Minnesota Watchlist
- I-35W at I-94 (The Common Section) — The busiest stretch of highway in the state.
- Lowry Hill Tunnel (I-94) — A major speed-check and bottleneck in Minneapolis.
- The I-35W/I-494 Interchange — A notorious site for suburban commuter delays.
- I-35 North at Duluth — Steep grades and lake-effect snow chokepoint.
- I-94 St. Paul Capitol — Heavy volume passing through the seat of government.
Minnesota Travel Strategy
Check the "Twin" Flows
If you're moving between Minneapolis and St. Paul, compare the I-94 and MN-280 cameras to see which river crossing is moving faster.
Verify Prairie Conditions
Heading west on I-94 or US-12? Check the cameras at Rogers and St. Cloud to ensure you aren't driving into a whiteout.
Monitor the Ploughs
During snow events, look for MnDOT's "Green Lights" on the cameras. If the plows aren't active in a region, the road is likely impassable.
Use the Beltway
If the downtown cores are red, use the I-494 (South/West) or I-694 (North/East) loops to bypass the city centers.
Camera Coverage: 850+ Live Feeds
Our platform aggregates over 850 live cameras from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and local municipal systems.
How many traffic cameras are in Minnesota?
There are over 850 live traffic cameras across Minnesota, with the highest concentration in the Twin Cities metro area and along the I-35 and I-94 corridors.
Where can I find Minnesota street feeds?
You can access live Minnesota street feeds and road-level views through our interactive map. We aggregate feeds from MnDOT and local authorities to cover major intersections in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.
Can I see the road conditions in Duluth on camera?
Yes, we provide extensive coverage of the I-35 approaches to Duluth, including the steep grades and the areas most affected by lake-effect snow.
Are Minnesota traffic cameras live?
Yes, the feeds are provided by MnDOT and update near-real-time, typically every few seconds, to show current flow, plowing operations, and incidents.
What is the "Common Section" in Twin Cities traffic?
The Common Section refers to the area in downtown Minneapolis where I-35W and I-94 share a short stretch of roadway, leading to complex merging and frequent backups.
Ready to View Minnesota Street Cameras?
Minnesota roads demand respect, especially in winter. Take control of your travel with the most comprehensive directory of Minnesota traffic cameras and city street feeds alongside 135,000+ feeds worldwide.
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