Does Super Cruise work in the Brainerd Lakes Area?

The Future of the Open Road: GMC Super Cruise at Mills Automotive Group

Imagine cruising past the scenic overlooks of the Brainerd Lakes Area or heading south from Baxter toward the Twin Cities, and for the first time, you aren’t fighting the steering wheel. Your hands are in your lap, your shoulders are relaxed, and your GMC is doing the work for you.

Welcome to the world of GMC Super Cruise—the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology. If you’ve been wondering what all the buzz is about or if this high-tech feature actually works here in our neck of the woods, this guide is for you.

What is GMC Super Cruise?

Super Cruise is a sophisticated driver-assistance system that allows for hands-free driving on compatible roads. Unlike standard cruise control, which only maintains speed, Super Cruise uses a combination of high-tech tools to navigate the road:

• LiDAR Mapping: Precision laser-scanned maps provide the vehicle with a detailed “blueprint” of the road ahead, including every curve and hill.
• Real-Time Cameras & Radar: These sensors “see” the lane lines and other vehicles around you in real-time.
• Driver Attention System: A small camera on the steering column ensures your eyes stay on the road. It’s hands-free, but not “eyes-free” you’re still the captain of the ship!
• Automatic Lane Change: On many 2024-2026 models, the truck can even signal and move into the left lane to pass slower traffic before returning to the right lane on its own.

Does it Work in the Brainerd/Baxter Area?

The short answer is yes! In the early days, Super Cruise was mostly limited to major interstates like I-94. However, GM has rapidly expanded the network to over 750,000 miles of compatible roads across North America, including many of our local thoroughfares.

• Highway 371: This is the lifeline of our community, and we have great news: Super Cruise is active on large stretches of Hwy 371. Whether you’re heading north toward Nisswa or south toward Little Falls, you can enjoy hands-free segments on this divided highway.
• Highway 210: Significant portions of Hwy 210 are also mapped, making that cross-state drive much more relaxing.
• The “Cabin Run”: If you frequently travel between the Brainerd Lakes Area and the Twin Cities, you’ll find that nearly the entire trip can be handled hands-free once you hit the divided highway.

Note: Super Cruise requires clearly marked lanes and is designed for divided highways. It generally won’t engage on narrow backroads, gravel trails, or in the middle of a busy intersection in downtown Brainerd.

Why GMC Super Cruise is a Game-Changer for Minnesotans

Driving in Minnesota can be taxing. Between long distances to the metro and the fatigue of hauling heavy loads, Super Cruise offers some unique local benefits:

1. Towing with Ease: GMC was the first to offer Super Cruise with Trailering. If you’re pulling a boat or a camper, the system can still operate hands-free while automatically adjusting the following distance to account for the extra weight.
2. Reduced Driver Fatigue: On those long drives home after a weekend at the lake or a long day on the job site, letting the truck handle the steering micro-adjustments keeps you fresher and more alert.
3. Winter Confidence: While Super Cruise requires visible lane lines (meaning it won’t work in a total blizzard), the advanced radar sensors can often “see” through light mist or fog better than the human eye, providing an extra layer of situational awareness.

See it in Action at Mills GM

The best way to understand Super Cruise isn’t by reading about it; it’s by feeling the steering wheel stay perfectly centered while your hands are at your sides.

At Mills GM in Baxter, we have a wide selection of Super Cruise-equipped vehicles, including the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, the Yukon, and the all-electric Sierra EV. Our team can take you out on Highway 371 for a demonstration that will change the way you think about driving forever.

Ready to let go of the wheel? Visit us today or browse our Super Cruise inventory online!