This 158.7-mile drive from Balsam Lake to La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a manageable 3-hour journey, perfect for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated around $24, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes local roads, offering a more intimate travel experience without extensive highway driving, as indicated by its 0% highway share. You'll navigate through Wisconsin's heartland, making this a straightforward and efficient way to connect these two points. Plan for a single stop along the way to break up the drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
79.2 miles from Balsam Lake, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 61
30.2 mi
36m
US 14
28.8 mi
36m
US Highway 63
23 mi
33m
State Highway 35
11.4 mi
16m
Keller Avenue South
7.8 mi
13m
County Road D
7.1 mi
12m
US 63
6.7 mi
9m
Great River Road
6.7 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 61
— 30.2 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Balsam Lake, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Courthouse Avenue
406 ft·19 sec·Courthouse Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46; CTH I
0.5 mi·50 sec·West Main Street
3
Continue on WI 46
3.5 mi·6 min·140th Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 8; WI 46
2.9 mi·3 min·East 130th Avenue
5
Turn right onto CTH H
2.8 mi·3 min·County Highway H
6
Keep slight right at fork
367 ft·6 sec
7
Continue on 110th Street
1.5 mi·2 min·110th Street
8
At end of road, turn right onto 110th Street
1.3 mi·2 min·110th Street
9
Turn left onto Baker Avenue
1.0 mi·2 min·Baker Avenue
10
Turn right onto 105th Street
0.3 mi·1 min·105th Street
11
Turn left onto CTH F
0.7 mi·1 min·County Highway F
12
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46
7.8 mi·13 min·Keller Avenue South
13
Continue on WI 46
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
14
Continue on WI 46
3.2 mi·5 min·State Highway 46
15
Enter roundabout onto US 63
143 ft·8 sec·US Highway 63
Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
16
Continue on US 63
23 mi·33 min·US Highway 63
Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
17
Turn slight left onto US 63
6.7 mi·9 min·US 63
18
Turn left onto CTH DD
2.0 mi·3 min·County Road DD
19
Turn left onto US 10
1.4 mi·1 min·US Highway 10
20
Turn right onto CTH D
7.1 mi·12 min·County Road D
21
Turn left onto WI 35
6.7 mi·10 min·Great River Road
22
Continue on WI 35
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 35
23
Continue on WI 35
3.2 mi·4 min·3rd Street
24
Continue on WI 35
2.9 mi·4 min·State Road 35
25
Continue on WI 25; WI 35
0.6 mi·54 sec·State Road 25-35
26
Continue on WI 25; WI 35
0.7 mi·1 min·North Main Street
27
Continue on WI 25
2.0 mi·2 min·State Road 25
28
Continue on WI 25
0.4 mi·36 sec·State Highway 25
29
Continue on WI 25
0.2 mi·20 sec·Wabasha-Nelson Bridge
30
Continue on MN 60
0.4 mi·41 sec·MN 60
31
At end of road, turn left onto MN 60
0.1 mi·17 sec·4th Grant Boulevard West
32
Turn right onto MN 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Pembroke Avenue
33
Continue on US 61; MN 60
30 mi·36 min·US 61; MN 60
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on US 14; US 61
3.7 mi·5 min·US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
35
Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61
162 ft·2 sec·US 14;US 61
36
Continue on US 14; US 61
0.2 mi·11 sec·US 14;US 61
37
Continue on US 14; US 61
12 mi·14 min·US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on US 14; US 61
8.5 mi·9 min·US 14; US 61
39
Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61
2.9 mi·4 min·US 14; US 61
40
Turn left onto US 14; US 61; MN 16
1.7 mi·2 min·Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
41
Continue on US 14; US 61; WI 16
1.3 mi·2 min·US 14; US 61; WI 16
42
Turn slight right
0.1 mi·20 sec
43
Merge onto US 14; US 61
0.4 mi·1 min·3rd Street South
44
Continue on US 14; US 61
0.2 mi·24 sec·South Avenue
45
Turn left onto Adams Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Adams Street
46
Turn left onto WI 35
0.1 mi·23 sec·West Avenue South
47
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, this trip is best tackled in one day, allowing for flexibility. Aim to depart Balsam Lake in the morning to maximize your time in La Crosse. With only one recommended stop and a focus on local roads, you can easily manage your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $24, and plan your fill-up accordingly, perhaps before leaving Balsam Lake or as you approach La Crosse. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for frequent turns and be mindful of local traffic patterns as you transition between West Main Street, 140th Street, and East 130th Avenue.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 79.2 miles from Balsam Lake, WI, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 35 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.2 miles or 2h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Balsam Lake, WI so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Balsam Lake, WI
This is one driving day of about 158.4 miles and 3h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Balsam Lake, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 61 for about 30.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 130.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
14.7 mi into trip|~24m in|WI 46 / Keller Avenue South
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46 / Keller Avenue South
Navigation decision point
7
26.5 mi into trip|~45m in|US 63 / US Highway 63
Enter roundabout onto US 63 / US Highway 63 toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
5
95.2 mi into trip|~2h 29m in|MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West
At end of road, turn left onto MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West
Navigation decision point
5
130.1 mi into trip|~3h 13m in|US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61
Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.76 one way
$49.53 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$27.19
$54.38
premium
$4.89
$30.48
$60.97
diesel
$5.61
$34.97
$69.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.5
0
$16.63
$7.60
Efficient EV
39.6
0
$13.86
$6.34
EV Truck/SUV
63.4
0
$22.18
$10.14
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Balsam Lake, WI
Night
in Balsam Lake on Saturday
Local time
9:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Night
in La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
9:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms
S 8 to 16 mph90% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Watch issued April 17 at 7:06AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 7:06AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
46°F
Lima, WI
79 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
37 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 50m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with no significant highway stretches to cover the 158.7 miles. The journey unfolds primarily along West Main Street, 140th Street, and East 130th Avenue, meaning you'll be interacting with local roads for the entire duration. This profile suggests a more engaged driving experience, potentially with more frequent turns and varied speed limits as you pass through communities. Without a longest uninterrupted stretch of highway, you'll be constantly adjusting to the local landscape.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.2 mi on US 61.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 61 and US 14. You will hit about 22 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 158.4 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 14.7 miles (WI 46 / Keller Avenue South): Navigation decision point; at 26.5 miles (US 63 / US Highway 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Balsam Lake, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Baldwin along the way.
La Crosse is a city in the Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of La Crosse County. It's nestled between the river and picturesque bluffs that rise behind it. With a city population of around 50,000 and the metropolitan area just under 100,000, La Crosse offers visitors plenty of activities to do and sights to see, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 50m. Total distance: 158.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.2 miles on US 61. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at La Crosse, WI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 14.7 miles (WI 46 / Keller Avenue South): Navigation decision point; at 26.5 miles (US 63 / US Highway 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at La Crosse, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
