Trip from Belle Plaine, WI to Racine, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 32m

Distance

168.1 mi

271 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 20m ★

6 AM

3h 32m

8 AM

3h 57m

10 AM

3h 41m

12 PM

3h 38m

3 PM

3h 42m

5 PM

3h 55m

8 PM

3h 25m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Belle Plaine, WI

Sam McCool

city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 168.1-mile drive from Belle Plaine, WI, to Racine, WI, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-41 and US Highway 45, this route is largely highway-focused, making it a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $26, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a practical commute. The drive offers a predictable pace, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll find this route efficient for covering ground between these two Wisconsin locations.

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

84.1 miles from Belle Plaine, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 41	87.4 mi	1h 38m
US Highway 45	29.7 mi	40m
US 45	12.3 mi	14m
North-South Freeway	11.9 mi	13m
Northwestern Avenue	9 mi	15m
State Highway 22	5.7 mi	8m
Airport Freeway	4.3 mi	5m
South Main Street	1.3 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 41 — 87.4 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belle Plaine, WI and Racine, WI.

Start on Belle Plaine Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Belle Plaine Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto WI 22

3.2 mi · 4 min · State Highway 22

Continue on WI 22

0.9 mi · 1 min · Grand Avenue

Turn right onto WI 22

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Main Street

Continue on WI 22

2.5 mi · 3 min · State Highway 22

At end of road, turn right onto W Green Tree Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · W Green Tree Road

Turn left onto CTH D

0.7 mi · 1 min · County Road D

At end of road, turn left onto CTH D

0.1 mi · 19 sec · West 12th Street

Turn right onto WI 22; CTH D

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Main Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on US 45; WI 22; CTH D

24 mi · 32 min · US Highway 45

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto US 45

110 ft · 6 sec · US Highway 45

Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Continue on US 45

5.9 mi · 7 min · US Highway 45

Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

12 mi · 14 min · US 45

Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee

Merge onto I 41; US 41

86 mi · 1 hr 36 min · I 41; US 41

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.3 mi · 5 min · Airport Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41

Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

12 mi · 13 min · North-South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec

Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto CTH K

5.1 mi · 9 min · Northwestern Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

27 ft · 0 sec · Northwestern Avenue

Continue on WI 38

3.4 mi · 5 min · Northwestern Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

91 ft · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue

Continue on WI 38

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Northwestern Avenue

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

72 ft · 4 sec · State Street

Continue on WI 38

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street

Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32

309 ft · 17 sec · 6th Street

Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue

284 ft · 14 sec · Wisconsin Avenue

Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32

245 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street

Arrive at destination

WI 20; WI 32

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 32-minute duration for 168.1 miles, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination, and factor in the $26 fuel cost for your budget. While there's only one recommended stop, the longest stretch of 87.4 miles on I-41 suggests you might want to take a break before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that longer highway portion, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted drive to Racine.

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 84.1 miles from Belle Plaine, WI, or about 1h 48m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.4 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 37 miles or 54m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 84.1 miles or 1h 48m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 48m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Belle Plaine, 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 Belle Plaine, WI

This is one driving day of about 168.1 miles and 3h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Belle Plaine, 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 I 41 for about 87.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fond du Lac, WI

84 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Neenah, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fond du Lac, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.1 miles from Belle Plaine, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Blüm Coffee Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Greenfield, Wisconsin

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.1

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+14142824220

Visit website

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

2.5 mi

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Bay View

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.1

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14144890765

Visit website

Blüm Coffee Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.1

Greenfield, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+14142824220

Visit website

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.1

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.1

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.1

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 157.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | WI 22 / State Highway 22

At end of road, turn left onto WI 22 / State Highway 22

Navigation decision point

9.3 mi into trip | ~15m in | WI 22; CTH D / South Main Street

Turn right onto WI 22; CTH D / South Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

40.2 mi into trip | ~59m in | US 45

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

144.1 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | I 41; US 41

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago

157.3 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.28 one way

$52.56 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$28.85	$57.71
premium	$4.89	$32.35	$64.70
diesel	$5.61	$37.11	$74.23

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.4	$17.65	$8.07
Efficient EV	42	$14.71	$6.72
EV Truck/SUV	67.2	$23.53	$10.76

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Belle Plaine, WI

Morning in Belle Plaine on Sunday

Local time

7:00 AM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Racine, WI

Morning in Racine on Sunday

Local time

7:00 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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 32m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 90% of the 168.1 miles on major roads like I-41 and US 45. This means you'll experience a consistent pace for most of your journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 87.4 miles on I-41, so plan for a solid period of highway driving before any potential transitions. While the majority is on faster routes, be aware that US Highway 45 might offer a slightly different feel as you navigate through different sections of Wisconsin. Overall, the character is one of efficiency and steady progress.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 87.4 mi on I 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US Highway 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near WI 22 / State Highway 22.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 168.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (WI 22 / State Highway 22): Navigation decision point; at 9.3 miles (WI 22; CTH D / South Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 40.2 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Belle Plaine, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Cth K: Racine and Caledonia.

Cth K: Racine

157.3 mi in | ~3h 12m

Caledonia

157.3 mi in | ~3h 12m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 168.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 87.4 miles on I 41. 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 Racine, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Belle Plaine, WI or browse trips ending in Racine, WI.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.

Trip from Belle Plaine, WI to Racine, WI

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Blüm Coffee Garden

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Bay View

Blüm Coffee Garden

Vendetta Coffee Bar

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

Vendetta Coffee Bar

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Belle Plaine, WI

Racine, WI

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 32m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Racine, WI

More from Belle Plaine, WI

More trips to Racine, WI