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Trip from Denmark, WI to Eau Claire, WI

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

Drive Time

4h 9m

Distance

210.8 mi

339 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 57m ★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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village in Wisconsin

Denmark, WI

Wikimedia Commons

city in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in Wisconsin, United States, that is the county seat of Eau Claire County

Eau Claire, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Denmark to Eau Claire, this 210.8-mile journey across Wisconsin is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes. Because the route is highly efficient, it serves perfectly as a manageable one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You will primarily navigate via WI 29, US 45, and I-43, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of the ride. Budgeting approximately $32 for fuel should cover your needs, making this an economical cross-state option. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, the route offers a reliable path through the heart of the Midwest.

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

105.4 miles from Denmark, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
WI 29 147.9 mi 2h 50m
US 45 30.4 mi 35m
I 43 9 mi 9m
US 53 5.9 mi 6m
WI 172 5.3 mi 6m
WI 32 North 2.9 mi 3m
I 41 2 mi 2m
Birch Street 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: WI 29 — 147.9 mi, about 2h 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denmark, WI and Eau Claire, WI.

1

Start on this road

63 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto CTH KB

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Main Street
3

Continue on CTH KB

0.5 mi · 1 min · Depere Road
4

Enter roundabout onto CTH KB

133 ft · 7 sec · Depere Road
5

Continue on CTH KB

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Depere Road
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
7

Merge onto I 43

9.0 mi · 9 min · I 43
8

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 180 Toward WI 172 West: Austin Straubel Airport
9

Continue on WI 172

5.3 mi · 6 min · WI 172
10

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 41 North: Marinette
11

Merge onto I 41; US 41

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 41; US 41
12

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 168B; 168C Toward I 41 North, WI 29 North, WI 32 North: Wausau
13

Keep slight right at fork onto WI 32 North

2.9 mi · 3 min · WI 32 North
Toward WI 29 West, WI 32 North: Wausau
14

Continue on WI 29; WI 32

14 mi · 15 min · WI 29; WI 32
15

Continue on WI 29; WI 55

7.7 mi · 8 min · WI 29; WI 55
16

Continue on WI 29; WI 47; WI 55

36 mi · 41 min · WI 29; WI 47; WI 55
17

Continue on US 45; WI 29

30 mi · 35 min · US 45; WI 29
18

Take the exit onto WI 29

90 mi · 1 hr 43 min · WI 29
Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward US 53 South: Eau Claire
20

Merge onto US 53

5.9 mi · 6 min · US 53
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward River Prairie Drive
22

Keep slight right at fork

207 ft · 6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
23

Turn straight onto River Prairie Drive

0.6 mi · 1 min · River Prairie Drive
Use the straight lane.
24

Continue on Birch Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · Birch Street
25

Continue on Germania Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Germania Street
26

Continue on East Madison Street

0.2 mi · 36 sec · East Madison Street
27

Turn left onto North Farwell Street

0.4 mi · 49 sec · North Farwell Street
28

Turn right onto East Grand Avenue

35 ft · 1 sec · East Grand Avenue
29

Arrive at destination

East Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 4-hour-plus journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the drive is quite direct, leaving in the morning gives you the flexibility to arrive in Eau Claire with plenty of daylight to spare. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between the major highway segments, though $32 is a solid baseline for your planning. Because the vast majority of your miles are on major highways, stay alert during the long 147.9-mile stretch on WI 29 where maintaining focus is key to a safe arrival. Use this stretch to pace yourself, ensuring you stay alert throughout the entirety of the 210.8-mile transit.

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 105.4 miles from Denmark, WI, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 147.9 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 46 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.4 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 22m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Denmark, 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 Denmark, WI

This is one driving day of about 210.8 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Denmark, 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 WI 29 for about 147.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

mountain

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rib Mountain, WI

105 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

Bonduel, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rib Mountain, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.4 miles from Denmark, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before WI 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 147.9 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 Restaurant

The Exchange Coffee, Mercantile & Eatery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

De Pere, Wisconsin

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.1

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Grounded Café

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Green Bay, Wisconsin

2.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee Wizardz

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Allouez, Wisconsin

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Luna Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

De Pere, Wisconsin

2.3 mi

The Exchange Coffee, Mercantile & Eatery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.1

De Pere, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Kavarna Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19204303200

Visit website

Grounded Café

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19204484303

Visit website

Coffee Wizardz

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

Allouez, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Luna Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

De Pere, Wisconsin

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

Visit website

Tazza Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.1

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+19205932300

Visit website

Glas Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.1

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19202722222

Visit website

Kompound Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.1

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19206007626

Visit website

George Street Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 105.4

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17153593660

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 207.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CTH KB / Main Street

Turn left onto CTH KB / Main Street

Navigation decision point

6
19.6 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 41 North, WI 29 North, WI 32 North: Wausau

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

Exit 168B; 168C Toward I 41 North, WI 29 North, WI 32 North: Wa...
6
20.2 mi into trip | ~27m in | WI 32 North

Keep slight right at fork onto WI 32 North toward WI 29 West, WI 32 North: Wausau

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward WI 29 West, WI 32 North: Wausau
7
111.2 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | WI 29

Take the exit onto WI 29 toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls

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. Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls
7
207.9 mi into trip | ~4h 3m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.96 one way

$65.91 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.18 $72.37
premium $4.89 $40.57 $81.13
diesel $5.61 $46.54 $93.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.2 0 $22.13 $10.12
Efficient EV 52.7 0 $18.45 $8.43
EV Truck/SUV 84.3 1 $29.51 $13.49

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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

Denmark, WI

Night in Denmark on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Eau Claire, WI

Night in Eau Claire on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°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

21 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 9m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 97% of your travel spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a consistent pace quickly, as the route is designed for efficiency rather than winding backroads. A significant portion of your time—roughly 147.9 miles—will be spent on the long, uninterrupted stretch of WI 29. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers. By minimizing local road navigation, the route maintains a smooth, rhythmic flow from start to finish.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 147.9 mi on WI 29.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WI 29 and US 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CTH KB / Main Street.

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 17 significant decision points across 210.8 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: near the start (CTH KB / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles (WI 32 North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Denmark, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Chippewa Falls along the way.

Chippewa Falls

111.2 mi in | ~2h 12m | via WI 29

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 210.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 147.9 miles on WI 29. 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 Eau Claire, 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 (CTH KB / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles (WI 32 North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Eau Claire, 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.

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