Fox Point to La Crosse is 219.2 miles and takes about 4h 12m via I-90 and I-94, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest. With 97% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on the interstate system. It's a straightforward trip designed for efficiency, making it a solid choice if you want to get from point A to point B without much fuss. Plan for a single day to complete this journey comfortably.
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
109.6 miles from Fox Point, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
102.6 mi
1h 49m
East-West Freeway
69.6 mi
1h 17m
I 94
29.1 mi
31m
North-South Freeway
7.2 mi
9m
WI 16
4.9 mi
8m
North Port Washington Road
1 mi
2m
16th Street South
0.8 mi
2m
Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 102.6 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 116 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,875 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,460
Quietest
2 AM
~221 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Fox Point, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on North Santa Monica Boulevard
0.3 mi·1 min·North Santa Monica Boulevard
2
Turn left onto East Bradley Road
0.5 mi·1 min·East Bradley Road
3
Turn left onto North Port Washington Road
1.0 mi·2 min·North Port Washington Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn right onto West Good Hope Road
0.1 mi·24 sec·West Good Hope Road
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 43 SouthUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 43
7.2 mi·9 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 72DToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 94
16 mi·20 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi·57 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi·31 min·I 94
Exit 240Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau ClaireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
39 mi·41 min·I 90
Exit 45Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 5Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
14
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi·8 min·WI 16
15
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi·1 min·Losey Boulevard North
16
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
17
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi·2 min·16th Street South
18
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Johnson Street
19
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft·11 sec·West Avenue South
20
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
For this 4h 12m drive, you can easily start anytime in the morning and arrive in La Crosse by the afternoon. Since it’s a single-day trip with a manageable distance, there's no need to split it up, but you will encounter one planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 102.6-mile stretch on I-90, as services might be spaced out. The estimated fuel cost of $33 is based on current averages, so adjust if gas prices are higher in your area.
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 109.6 miles from Fox Point, WI, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.6 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 48 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.6 miles or 2h 7m 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 La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fox Point, 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 Fox Point, WI
This is one driving day of about 219.2 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Fox Point, 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 102.6 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 172.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.8 mi into trip|~5m in|West Good Hope Road
Turn right onto West Good Hope Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
2 mi into trip|~5m in
Take the ramp toward I 43 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 43 South
7
9.5 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 72D
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
79.9 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
7
172.5 mi into trip|~3h 14m in|I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.37 one way
$64.74 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$35.74
$71.47
premium
$4.72
$40.70
$81.40
diesel
$4.80
$41.39
$82.78
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.8
0
$23.02
$10.52
Efficient EV
54.8
0
$19.18
$8.77
EV Truck/SUV
87.7
1
$30.69
$14.03
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Fox Point, WI
Late night
in Fox Point on Sunday
Local time
5:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Late night
in La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
5:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
N 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 12m 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.
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 136
Park Closure: Janesville Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is overwhelmingly on highways, with 97% of the 219.2 miles taking place on interstates like I-90 and I-94. You'll experience a longest stretch of 102.6 miles on I-90 without needing to exit. Surface roads become a factor only for the final few miles as you approach your destination. Expect consistent cruising speeds for the vast majority of the trip.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.6 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and East-West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near West Good Hope Road.
Driving Effort8/10
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 219.2 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 1.8 miles (West Good Hope Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
993 ft669 ft
Total Climb
592 ft
Total Descent
608 ft
Highest Point
993 ft
~93.9 mi in
Elevation Range
325 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 Fox Point, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Eau Claire along the way.
La Crosse is a city in the Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of La Crosse County. It's nestled between the river and picturesque bluffs that rise behind it. With a city population of around 50,000 and the metropolitan area just under 100,000, La Crosse offers visitors plenty of activities to do and sights to see, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
Top landmarks
•St. Rose of Viterbo Convent — historic church in Wisconsin, United States
•La Crosse station — train station in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US
•Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 219.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m 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 102.6 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 La Crosse, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (West Good Hope Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at La Crosse, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
