Origin
Black Wolf, WI
Night in Black Wolf on Saturday
Local time
11:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Black Wolf, WI to North La Crosse, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 32m
Distance
155.9 mi
251 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 20m
★
6 AM
3h 33m
8 AM
3h 57m
10 AM
3h 41m
12 PM
3h 39m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 56m
8 PM
3h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Black Wolf, WI
Wikimedia Commons
North La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are looking to traverse Wisconsin from Black Wolf to North La Crosse, prepare for a 152.2-mile journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. This path is best suited as a single-day trip, as it is manageable enough to complete without an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $23 for fuel to cover the distance. Because the route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, you will experience a more intimate look at the Midwest landscape. It is a straightforward trip for those who prefer backroads over high-speed traffic, though you should plan for at least one stop 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
78 miles from Black Wolf, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 65.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| State Highway 82 | 28.1 mi | 41m |
| State Highway 23 | 25.2 mi | 36m |
| State Highway 44 | 14.8 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 23 & 49 | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| I 41 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| County Road N | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| Underwood Avenue | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 65.8 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Black Wolf, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Country Club Road
207 ft
·
11 sec
·
Country Club Road
2
Turn right onto Nekimi Avenue
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Nekimi Avenue
3
Turn right onto CTH I
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road I
4
Turn left onto CTH N
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
County Road N
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I-41_North: Appleton, Green_Bay
6
Merge onto I 41; US 41
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 41; US 41
Toward Appleton
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 116
Toward WI 44, WI 91
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn slight left
353 ft
·
10 sec
9
Turn left onto WI 44; WI 91
353 ft
·
13 sec
·
South Park Ave
10
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
State Highway 44/91
11
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Ripon Rd
12
Continue on WI 44
15 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 44
13
Continue on East Oshkosh Street
1.5 mi
·
4 min
·
East Oshkosh Street
14
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 49
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Fond du Lac Street
15
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 23 & 49
16
Turn straight onto WI 23; CTH A
9.2 mi
·
12 min
·
State Highway 23
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Fulton Street
18
Turn left onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D; CTH J
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
19
Turn left
150 ft
·
2 sec
20
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
South 2nd Street
21
Continue on State Highway 23
9.9 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 23
22
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
East Montello Street
23
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
West Montello Street
24
Turn slight right onto WI 23; CTH C
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Underwood Avenue
25
Continue on WI 23
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 23
26
Continue on WI 82
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 82
27
Continue on WI 82
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ormsby Street
28
Continue on WI 82
25 mi
·
36 min
·
State Highway 82
29
Keep slight right at fork
278 ft
·
5 sec
30
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
31
Merge onto I 90; I 94
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 90; I 94
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
42 mi
·
45 min
·
I 90
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
33
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
I 90; US 53
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
34
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Rose Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Given the turn-heavy nature of these local roads, daylight driving is highly recommended to ensure you can navigate the intersections and curves safely. Plan for one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping that $23 fuel estimate in mind as you map out your transit. Because you are traveling exclusively on county and local roads, stay alert for changing speed limits and signage that might differ from typical highway protocols. Prioritize a steady pace to keep the 2-hour and 48-minute duration comfortable throughout the journey.
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 78 miles from Black Wolf, WI, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.8 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 34 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78 miles or 2h 2m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Black Wolf, 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 Black Wolf, WI
This is one driving day of about 155.9 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Black Wolf, 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 90 for about 65.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 78 miles from Black Wolf, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 154.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Nekimi Avenue
Turn right onto Nekimi Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
1 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
CTH I / County Road I
Turn right onto CTH I / County Road I
Navigation decision point
8
6.4 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward WI 44, WI 91
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 116
Toward WI 44, WI 91
7
112.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
6
154.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
I 90; US 53
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53 toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.37 one way
$48.75 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.76 | $53.52 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.00 | $60.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.42 | $68.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.8 | 0 | $16.37 | $7.48 |
| Efficient EV | 39 | 0 | $13.64 | $6.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.4 | 0 | $21.83 | $9.98 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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.
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Night in North La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
11:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
Princeton, WI
78 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
9 degrees cooler 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, manage...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 59.2
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this route avoids highways entirely, maintaining a 0% highway share as you navigate Nekimi Avenue, County Road I, and County Road N. The personality of this road is defined by its winding local nature, which keeps the pace steady but requires frequent adjustments. You will find that the roads demand a more active driving style compared to a standard freeway commute. Prepare for a technical experience that focuses on local connectivity rather than long-distance speed.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65.8 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 82. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Nekimi Avenue.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 155.9 miles you will encounter 14 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: near the start (Nekimi Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (CTH I / County Road I): Navigation decision point; at 6.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
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 Black Wolf, WI to North La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward La Crosse along the way.
La Crosse
112.1 mi in
|
~2h 43m
|
via I 90
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 155.9 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 65.8 miles on I 90. 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 North 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: near the start (Nekimi Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (CTH I / County Road I): Navigation decision point; at 6.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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 North La Crosse, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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