Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Trip from Eau Claire, WI to Rutland, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
196.1 mi
316 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 26m
★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Rutland, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Eau Claire, WI to Rutland, WI is 196.1 miles and takes about 3h 38m via I 94, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Wisconsin on a largely efficient route. With a single recommended stop, this drive is well-suited for a same-day trip. Most of your time will be spent on the interstate, making it a straightforward connection between these two Wisconsin cities.
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
98.1 miles from Eau Claire, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 167.8 mi | 2h 59m |
| South Park Street | 11.9 mi | 14m |
| South Beltline Highway | 5.3 mi | 7m |
| I 39 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| South Hastings Way | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Hastings Way | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Harding Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| South Farwell Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 167.8 mi, about 2h 59m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,452 veh/hr typical · worst 2,230
Quietest
2 AM
~191 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.6×
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 Rutland, 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
168 mi
·
2 hr 59 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
16
Merge onto US 12; US 18
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 261
Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, Oregon
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
140 ft
·
5 sec
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, Oregon
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto US 14
12 mi
·
14 min
·
South Park Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn left onto Old Stage Road
440 ft
·
11 sec
·
Old Stage Road
21
Turn right
178 ft
·
13 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 38 minutes, starting your drive in the morning from Eau Claire will allow you ample time to reach Rutland without feeling rushed. The drive is designed for a single day, so you can be flexible with your departure time. With only one recommended stop, you can decide if you want to break up the 167.8-mile interstate segment or push through. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $35, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially before you transition off the main interstate.
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 98.1 miles from Eau Claire, WI, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.8 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 43 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.1 miles or 1h 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 2h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rutland, 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 196.1 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 167.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 98.1 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 167.8 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
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Poynette Rest Area 12
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 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 135 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 184 — 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
8
173.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
|
I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
6
177.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
8
183.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, Oregon
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 261
Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, O...
9
184 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, Oregon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate S...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.96 one way
$57.92 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $31.97 | $63.94 |
| premium | $4.72 | $36.41 | $72.82 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $37.03 | $74.05 |
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: 68.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.8 | 0 | $20.59 | $9.41 |
| Efficient EV | 49 | 0 | $17.16 | $7.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.4 | 0 | $27.45 | $12.55 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Eau Claire, WI
Evening in Eau Claire on Monday
Local time
7:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Smoke
SSW 5 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 12:13AM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 19 at 10:46PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Rutland, WI
Evening in Rutland on Monday
Local time
7:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Patchy Smoke
S 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 12:13AM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 19 at 10:46PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
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
7 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 38m 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
Caution: Summit Moraine Segment — Timber Harvest Nearby
Park Closure: Sturgeon Bay Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 88% of the drive on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 167.8 miles on I 94 before transitioning to surface streets. Expect to encounter numerous exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system for the majority of your travel time. The final portion of your drive will involve navigating local roads, indicated by South Park Street and South Beltline Highway.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.8 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and South Park Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near US 53.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 196.1 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 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 173.9 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,067 ft
789 ft
Total Climb
702 ft
Total Descent
539 ft
Highest Point
1,067 ft
~28 mi in
Elevation Range
278 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 Rutland, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Oregon along the way.
Oregon
183.8 mi in
|
~3h 23m
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 Rutland, WI
Full guide →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 38m. Total distance: 196.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.8 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 17 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 Rutland, 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 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 173.9 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 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 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Rutland, 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.
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