Spanning 243.8 miles across Wisconsin, this trip from Ettrick to Racine is a straightforward journey typically taking 4 hours and 55 minutes. You will primarily navigate via I-90, I-94, and the North-South Freeway. Because the transit time is under five hours, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, though you may prefer an overnight stay depending on your schedule. Budgeting roughly $37 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. Expect a consistent, highway-focused experience as you transition from the western part of the state toward the lakeshore. It is a practical, efficient way to bridge the gap between these two regions without the need for complex detours.
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
121.9 miles from Ettrick, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
108.4 mi
1h 56m
I 94
64.2 mi
1h 9m
North-South Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Northwestern Avenue
9 mi
15m
County Highway D
8.3 mi
14m
State Highway 27
8 mi
10m
State Highway 71
7.6 mi
11m
County Road D
6.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 108.4 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ettrick, WI and Racine, WI.
1
Start on CTH D
0.2 mi·26 sec·South Main Street
2
Continue on CTH D
6.4 mi·11 min·County Road D
3
Continue on CTH D
8.3 mi·14 min·County Highway D
4
At end of road, turn right onto WI 54
0.3 mi·22 sec·State Highway 54
5
Continue on WI 54
0.9 mi·1 min·North Washington Street
6
Turn straight onto WI 108
0.3 mi·31 sec·Sparta Street
7
Continue on WI 108
1.1 mi·1 min·State Highway 108
8
Turn left onto WI 71
7.6 mi·11 min·State Highway 71
9
At end of road, turn right onto WI 27; WI 71
8.0 mi·10 min·State Highway 27
10
Continue on WI 27; WI 71
0.3 mi·33 sec·Black River Street
11
Turn left onto West Montgomery Street
0.5 mi·56 sec·West Montgomery Street
12
Turn right onto WI 21
0.4 mi·47 sec·North Water Street
13
Turn left onto East Oak Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·East Oak Street
14
At end of road, turn right onto East Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Avenue
15
Turn left onto WI 16; WI 71
0.6 mi·1 min·East Wisconsin Street
16
Continue on WI 16; WI 71
0.2 mi·24 sec·State Highway 16
17
Enter roundabout onto WI 16
109 ft·6 sec·East Wisconsin Street
18
Continue on WI 16
1.0 mi·1 min·East Wisconsin Street
19
Continue on WI 16
0.2 mi·17 sec·State Highway 16
20
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
21
Merge onto I 90
108 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 90
Use the straight lane.
22
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.
23
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.
24
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.
25
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
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
27
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Exit 10BToward I 41 South, I 94 South: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
12 mi·13 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 329Toward CTH K: Racine, CaledoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Turn left onto CTH K
5.1 mi·9 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
33
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
27 ft·0 sec·Northwestern Avenue
34
Continue on WI 38
3.4 mi·5 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
35
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
91 ft·1 sec·Northwestern Avenue
36
Continue on WI 38
0.4 mi·34 sec·Northwestern Avenue
37
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
72 ft·4 sec·State Street
38
Continue on WI 38
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the straight lane.
39
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
40
Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32
309 ft·17 sec·6th Street
41
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
284 ft·14 sec·Wisconsin Avenue
42
Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32
245 ft·8 sec·7th Street
43
Arrive at destination
WI 20; WI 32
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 55-minute travel time, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the monotony of the long interstate stretches. Since the route is heavily weighted toward highway driving, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion as you approach the Racine area. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 108.4-mile stretch on I-90, as this is your longest period away from services. Taking advantage of the flexibility offered by a one-day trip allows you to adjust your departure based on real-time traffic conditions. Use your single planned stop strategically to refresh before hitting the final leg of the North-South Freeway.
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 121.9 miles from Ettrick, WI, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.4 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 54 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.9 miles or 2h 30m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ettrick, 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 Ettrick, WI
This is one driving day of about 243.8 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Ettrick, 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 90 for about 108.4 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 145.8 and 233 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
145.8 mi into trip|~2h 56m 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
210 mi into trip|~4h 5m 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
210.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m 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...
9
219.7 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
233 mi into trip|~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
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.
Exit 329
Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.12 one way
$76.23 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$41.85
$83.70
premium
$4.89
$46.92
$93.83
diesel
$5.61
$53.83
$107.66
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.1
0
$25.60
$11.70
Efficient EV
61
0
$21.33
$9.75
EV Truck/SUV
97.5
1
$34.13
$15.60
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Ettrick, WI
Night
in Ettrick on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Racine, WI
Night
in Racine on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Lodi, WI
122 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
21 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
4h 55m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is defined by its efficiency, with 87% of the drive taking place on major highways. You should prepare for a consistent interstate experience, highlighted by a significant 108.4-mile stretch along I-90 that allows for steady cruising. While the drive is largely a highway-focused endeavor, the personality of the road remains functional and direct rather than technical or winding. You will find that the rhythm of the trip is set by these high-speed corridors, making it a reliable choice for those looking to reach their destination without navigating local surface streets. It is a quintessential Midwest interstate drive that prioritizes speed and connectivity over scenic variety.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 108.4 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 145.8 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 243.8 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: at 145.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 210 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Ettrick, WI to Racine, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Fond Du Lac
210 mi in|~4h 5m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 55m. Total distance: 243.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 108.4 miles on I 90. 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 Racine, 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: at 145.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 210 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
