If you are planning a trip from De Forest to Franklin, Wisconsin, you can expect a straightforward journey spanning 85.6 miles. This drive typically takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. You will primarily navigate via I-94, I-39, and US-45, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the duration of your travel. Budgeting approximately $13 for fuel should comfortably cover your transit between these two Midwestern locations. Because the total travel time is under two hours, there is no need to plan for an overnight split, allowing you maximum flexibility at your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.8 miles from De Forest, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
64.2 mi
1h 9m
I 39
6.3 mi
6m
US 45
5.8 mi
10m
Zoo Freeway
3.5 mi
4m
Lake Road
3 mi
5m
North Main Street
0.6 mi
1m
State Highway 19
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 64.2 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Forest, WI and Franklin, WI.
1
Start on CTH CV
0.6 mi·1 min·North Main Street
2
Continue on CTH CV
3.0 mi·5 min·Lake Road
3
Turn straight
208 ft·9 sec
4
Turn slight right onto WI 19
0.2 mi·23 sec·State Highway 19
5
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: MadisonUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 39; I 90; I 94
6.3 mi·6 min·I 39; I 90; I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
10
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·30 sec·this road
Exit 305AToward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
12
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
3.5 mi·4 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto US 45
0.8 mi·1 min·US 45
Exit 4Toward I 43 South, US 45 South: Beloit
14
Take the exit onto US 45
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 45
Exit 60Toward US 45, WI 100: 108th StreetUse the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
4.8 mi·9 min·US 45
Toward WI 100 South, US 45 SouthUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn right
87 ft·8 sec
17
Turn right
160 ft·11 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of choosing your departure time based on your personal schedule rather than worrying about exhaustion. Aim to avoid peak commute hours when navigating through the interstate sections, as traffic volume can fluctuate significantly on these major arteries. You likely won't need to plan formal stops given the 1 hour and 43 minute duration, but keeping the $13 fuel estimate in mind will help you manage your budget. A great way to approach this route is to check real-time traffic conditions for I-94 before you head out, as that 64.2-mile stretch is the backbone of your journey and can be sensitive to congestion.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 42.8 miles from De Forest, WI, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.2 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 19 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.8 miles or 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving De Forest, WI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from De Forest, WI
This is one driving day of about 85.6 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from De Forest, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 64.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.8 and 80.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Madison
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Madiso...
8
10.6 mi into trip|~15m in|I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
74.8 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
75.4 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
8
80.6 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|US 45
Take the exit onto US 45 toward US 45, WI 100: 108th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 60
Toward US 45, WI 100: 108th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.38 one way
$26.77 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$14.69
$29.39
premium
$4.89
$16.47
$32.95
diesel
$5.61
$18.90
$37.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.7
0
$8.99
$4.11
Efficient EV
21.4
0
$7.49
$3.42
EV Truck/SUV
34.2
0
$11.98
$5.48
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
De Forest, WI
Late night
in De Forest on Tuesday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Franklin, WI
Late night
in Franklin on Tuesday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°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
4 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
1h 43m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 93% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You should prepare for a consistent interstate experience, as the route features a longest uninterrupted stretch of 64.2 miles on I-94. The road maintains a steady pace, lacking the technical turns or slow-moving local traffic that might characterize rural backroads. While the drive is efficient and designed for speed, it remains a functional interstate corridor rather than a winding scenic byway. Expect a predictable, utilitarian experience behind the wheel that prioritizes getting you from De Forest to Franklin as quickly as possible.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85.6 miles you will encounter 13 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 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,024 ft781 ft
Total Climb
379 ft
Total Descent
450 ft
Highest Point
1,024 ft
~10.7 mi in
Elevation Range
242 ft
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 De Forest, WI to Franklin, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Fond Du Lac
74.8 mi in|~1h 24m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 85.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 64.2 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Franklin, WI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Franklin, WI before heading back.
