Bangor Rest Area 15
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Bradley, WI to North La Crosse, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h
Distance
188.1 mi
303 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 47m
★
6 AM
4h 0m
8 AM
4h 26m
10 AM
4h 9m
12 PM
4h 7m
3 PM
4h 11m
5 PM
4h 25m
8 PM
3h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bradley, WI
Tom Fisk
North La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Bradley, WI to North La Crosse, WI is 188.1 miles and takes about 4 hours via US 51 and I-90, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving you across the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a practical option for getting between these two points efficiently. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
94.1 miles from Bradley, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 51 | 46.3 mi | 53m |
| I 90 | 41.3 mi | 44m |
| State Highway 173 | 34 mi | 49m |
| Victory Road | 15.2 mi | 22m |
| I 39 | 12.5 mi | 13m |
| State Highway 34 | 9.9 mi | 13m |
| US 8 | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 21 | 4.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 46.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bradley, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on CTH Y
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road Y
2
Turn left onto US 8
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
US 8
3
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto US 51
46 mi
·
53 min
·
US 51
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
13 mi
·
13 min
·
I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 175
Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
7
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft
·
6 sec
8
Turn straight onto WI 34
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
State Highway 34
9
Enter roundabout onto WI 34; CTH C
123 ft
·
2 sec
·
State Highway 34
10
Continue on WI 34; CTH C
9.7 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 34
11
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
WI 34
12
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US Highway 10
13
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
WI 34
Exit 204
Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
14
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 34
15 mi
·
22 min
·
Victory Road
15
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Avenue South
16
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
185 ft
·
3 sec
·
2nd Avenue South
17
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Avenue South
18
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wisconsin River Drive
19
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Letendre Avenue
20
Continue on WI 54
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 54
21
Turn left onto CTH G
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway G
22
Continue on State Highway 173
9.1 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 173
23
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
410 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Highway 80
24
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 173
25
Continue on WI 173
24 mi
·
33 min
·
State Highway 173
26
Turn right onto WI 21
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 21
27
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
30
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 94
31
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
32
Merge onto I 90
41 mi
·
43 min
·
I 90
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
Consider departing in the morning to take full advantage of the 4-hour estimated drive time and avoid late-day traffic. With only one recommended stop implied by the data, you have flexibility in pacing your travel. The fuel cost is estimated at $29, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 46.3-mile stretch on US 51, as services might be less frequent there. This is a manageable one-day drive, allowing for a relaxed start or finish.
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 94.1 miles from Bradley, WI, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.3 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 41 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.1 miles or 1h 57m 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 21m
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 Bradley, 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 Bradley, WI
This is one driving day of about 188.1 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Bradley, 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 51 for about 46.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
94 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 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.1 miles from Bradley, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Sparta Rest Area 16
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
La Crosse Rest Area 31
1.2 mi from route
Rest Area
1.8 mi from route
Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
George Street Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Rothschild, Wisconsin
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+17153593660
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 5 and 144.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
5 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
51.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
|
I 39; US 51
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
6
64.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 175
Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
6
78.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
|
WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 204
Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapid...
6
144.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.41 one way
$58.81 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.29 | $64.58 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.20 | $72.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.53 | $83.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.4 | 0 | $19.75 | $9.03 |
| Efficient EV | 47 | 0 | $16.46 | $7.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.2 | 0 | $26.33 | $12.04 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Origin
Bradley, WI
Morning in Bradley on Tuesday
Local time
6:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Morning in North La Crosse on Tuesday
Local time
6:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
22 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
4h on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 97.3
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 86% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 46.3 miles on US 51. Expect a primarily highway driving experience, with fewer exits for longer periods, before transitioning to surface roads closer to your destination. The high percentage of highway driving suggests a consistent pace with opportunities for quick travel.
86% 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: 46.3 mi on US 51.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 188.1 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 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.7 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Between Bradley, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Wisconsin Rapids and Albert Lea.
Madison
51.7 mi in
|
~1h 1m
|
via I 39; US 51
Wisconsin Rapids
64.2 mi in
|
~1h 15m
Albert Lea
144.5 mi in
|
~3h 11m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h. Total distance: 188.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.3 miles on US 51. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.7 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 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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