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Trip from Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, 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 16m

Distance

167.6 mi

270 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 36 min
4 AM
3h 5m ★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m

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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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

village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Cross Plains, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Eau Claire to Cross Plains, this 167.6-mile journey across Wisconsin is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because the total drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $25 on fuel for the trek, making this an economical choice for a weekend getaway or a quick change of scenery. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-94, US-12, and US Highway 14, providing a consistent pace throughout the Midwest landscape. Whether you are heading out for business or leisure, this path offers a reliable connection between these two points in Wisconsin.

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

83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 122.5 mi 2h 11m
US 12 22 mi 28m
US Highway 14 6.8 mi 9m
State Highway 78 6.5 mi 9m
South Hastings Way 2.3 mi 2m
State Highway 19/78 1.4 mi 2m
Phillips Boulevard 1.2 mi 2m
Hastings Way 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 122.5 mi, about 2h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Grand Avenue

35 ft · 5 sec · East Grand Avenue
2

Turn right onto South Farwell Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Farwell Street
3

Turn left onto Washington Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Washington Street
4

Continue on Harding Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Harding Avenue
5

Continue on Brackett Avenue

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Brackett Avenue
6

Turn slight right

515 ft · 18 sec
7

Turn straight onto US 53 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · Hastings Way
8

Take the ramp onto US 53 Business

2.3 mi · 2 min · South Hastings Way
9

Turn straight onto US 53

0.2 mi · 20 sec · US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
10

Enter roundabout onto US 53

378 ft · 5 sec · US 53
11

Continue on US 53

441 ft · 8 sec · US 53
12

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
13

Merge onto I 94

122 mi · 2 hr 11 min · I 94
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 92 Toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec
16

Merge onto US 12

22 mi · 27 min · US 12
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 12; WI 60

1.2 mi · 2 min · Phillips Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Continue on US 12; WI 78

0.2 mi · 22 sec · US 12; WI 78
19

Turn right onto WI 78

6.5 mi · 9 min · State Highway 78
Use the right lane.
20

Continue on WI 78; WI 19

1.4 mi · 2 min · State Highway 19/78
21

Turn left onto US 14; WI 78

2.1 mi · 2 min · US Highway 14
22

Continue on US 14; WI 78

0.5 mi · 1 min · State Street
23

Continue on US 14; CTH F

4.7 mi · 6 min · US Highway 14
24

Continue on US 14; CTH KP

0.3 mi · 39 sec · US 14; CTH KP
25

Arrive at destination

US 14

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though leaving early helps ensure you arrive in Cross Plains with time to spare. Plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 3-hour and 16-minute transit to stretch your legs and refresh. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 122.5-mile segment on I-94, as it is the most significant portion of your journey. Because the route is so efficient, you can easily complete the trip in one go without needing to break it up over multiple days. Utilizing the major highway connections will keep your travel time predictable, so aim to avoid peak traffic hours to maintain that steady pace.

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 83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.5 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 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 83.8 miles or 1h 33m 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 33m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire, WI

This is one driving day of about 167.6 miles and 3h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Eau Claire, 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 94 for about 122.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Mauston, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mauston, 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

Black River Falls, WI

Fuel and coffee

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

Clifton, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 122.5 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 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 129 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
5.4 mi into trip | ~9m in | US 53

Enter roundabout onto US 53

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
6 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 94

Merge onto I 94

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
128.5 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in

Take the exit toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton

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

Exit 92 Toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton
5
128.8 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
129 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | US 12

Merge onto US 12

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.20 one way

$52.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.77 $57.54
premium $4.89 $32.25 $64.51
diesel $5.61 $37.00 $74.01

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: 58.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.3 0 $17.60 $8.04
Efficient EV 41.9 0 $14.67 $6.70
EV Truck/SUV 67 0 $23.46 $10.73

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 14, 2026

Origin

Eau Claire, WI

Morning in Eau Claire on Sunday

Local time

9:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Widespread Fog then Mostly Cloudy

SW 0 to 5 mph 12% chance Live forecast

Dense Fog Advisory

Dense Fog Advisory issued April 14 at 6:26AM CDT until April 14 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN

Dense Fog Advisory

Dense Fog Advisory issued April 14 at 6:20AM CDT until April 14 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN

Destination

Cross Plains, WI

Morning in Cross Plains on Sunday

Local time

9:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

48°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 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 16m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

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...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour Free near mile 115.6
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 95% of your travel time will be spent on high-speed roads. The vast majority of your journey is dominated by a 122.5-mile stretch along I-94, which offers a steady, uninterrupted flow for the bulk of the trip. As you transition from the interstate onto US-12 and US Highway 14, the driving environment shifts from wide-open highway lanes to more localized corridors. This combination creates a predictable rhythm, allowing you to settle into a comfortable cruising speed for most of the 167.6 miles. While it lacks the stop-and-go nature of city driving, the transition between road types provides a slight change in pace as you approach your destination.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 122.5 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 12. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near US 53.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 167.6 miles you will encounter 9 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 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 6 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,089 ft 757 ft

Total Climb

637 ft

Total Descent

561 ft

Highest Point

1,089 ft

~71.8 mi in

Elevation Range

332 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 Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Delton along the way.

Lake Delton

128.5 mi in | ~2h 21m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 167.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 122.5 miles on I 94. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 6 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.5 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 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Cross Plains, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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