Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Trip from Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 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
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
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.
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
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
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~946 veh/hr typical · worst 1,701
Quietest
2 AM
~126 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
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 checkTop 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Millston Rest Area 53
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Rest area
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Black River Falls Rest Area 54
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
1.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 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
$27.87 one way
$55.73 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $30.35 | $60.71 |
| premium | $5.18 | $34.20 | $68.40 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $35.30 | $70.60 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
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, 2026-06-01.
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.
Origin
Eau Claire, WI
Afternoon in Eau Claire on Wednesday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
ENE 5 to 10 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 8:57PM CDT until May 28 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 5:37PM CDT until May 28 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Cross Plains, WI
Afternoon in Cross Plains on Wednesday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy
NE 5 to 10 mph
84% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 8:57PM CDT until May 28 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 5:37PM CDT until May 28 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
63°F
Elroy, WI
84 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
1 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
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
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.
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
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Olson's Ice Cream
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: ice_cream
Visit websiteNorthbound Supply Co.
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteSoul Brewed Coffee Roasters
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
ECDC - Eau Claire Dowtown Coffee
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Hours: Mo-Su 06:00-17:00
Grand Avenue Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Hours: Mo-Su 07:30-14:30
Star Cup
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: bubble_tea
The Reboot Social
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Visit websiteBlue Ox Running
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Visit websiteMadden Ramen
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: ramen
Visit websiteJimmy John's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-20:00
Visit websiteThe Informalist
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Hours: Mo-Th 15:00-22:00; Fr 15:00-24:00; Sa 08...
Rice Palace
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Cuisine: thai
Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-21:00
Village of Cross Plains Pool
Attraction
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Andersen Preserve DCA
Camp_site
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Hobart Playground
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
McDonough Playground
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Kaiser Field
Park
Near the start, short detour
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Lower Overlook
Viewpoint
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Bishop Wilson Memorial Building
Yes
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
WI
Adin Randall Statue
Monument
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Visit website
Haney's Tavern
Memorial
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Black River Valley
Memorial
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Castle Rock
Memorial
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Visit website
Henry Aaron memorial
Memorial
Near the start, short detour
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Eau Claire, WI
Visit websiteThe Oxbow Hotel
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Andersen Preserve DCA
Camp_site
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cedarberry Inn
Hotel
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Bluewater Bay Campground
Camp_site
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Sandstone Ridge Campground
Camp_site
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Eau Claire, WI
Full guide →Eau Claire (pronounced: O'Clare, French for clear water) is a city of about 62,000 in Northwest Wisconsin.
Top landmarks
- • Sacred Heart Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
- • Martin Van Buren Barron House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
- • Brady Anderson and Waldemar Ager House — United States historic place
Arriving in Cross Plains, WI
Full guide →Founded 1920
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
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.
Yes — we found about 13 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.
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Explore more options from Eau Claire, WI or browse trips ending in Cross Plains, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.