Franklin, WI to Prescott, WI is 328.5 miles and takes about 6h 7m via I 94, East-West Freeway, and I 90, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Wisconsin. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major interstates, making it a practical choice for a single-day journey. You'll find it’s a highway-focused route, so expect consistent speeds and a direct path to your destination.
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
164.3 miles from Franklin, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
173.7 mi
3h 6m
East-West Freeway
63.8 mi
1h 9m
I 90
63.5 mi
1h 8m
County Road F
6.8 mi
9m
County Highway F
5.9 mi
8m
South Lovers Lane Road
4.4 mi
8m
Zoo Freeway
3.7 mi
5m
Carmichael Road
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 173.7 mi, about 3h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, WI and Prescott, WI.
1
Start on this road
141 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn right
89 ft·8 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 45
384 ft·16 sec·US 45
4
Turn left onto US 45; WI 100
0.1 mi·14 sec·West Saint Martins Road
5
Continue on US 45; WI 100
4.4 mi·8 min·South Lovers Lane Road
6
Take the ramp onto US 45
0.4 mi·52 sec·US 45
Toward I 43 North, US 45 North
7
Merge onto I 43; US 45
0.2 mi·19 sec·Rock Freeway
8
Take the exit onto US 45
0.6 mi·55 sec·US 45
Exit 61Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
9
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
3.7 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1B-AToward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·56 sec
Exit 1BToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the slight left lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
13
Merge onto I 94
10 mi·11 min·East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi·57 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
145 mi·2 hr 35 min·I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint PaulUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit onto Exit 2 Ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec·Exit 2 Ramp
Exit 2Toward CTH F: Hudson, Carmichael RoadUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
240 ft·7 sec
20
Turn left onto CTH F
1.4 mi·2 min·Carmichael Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Continue on CTH F
5.9 mi·8 min·County Highway F
22
Continue on CTH F
6.8 mi·9 min·County Road F
23
Turn right onto WI 29; WI 35; CTH F
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 29
24
Turn right onto US 10; WI 35
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 10
25
Continue on WI 35
462 ft·11 sec·Broad Street
26
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 7m duration, starting your drive in Franklin, WI, in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Prescott, WI, with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and a highway-focused profile, you can easily complete this in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 173.7 miles on I 94, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates. The fuel cost is estimated at $51, so budget accordingly for this direct trip.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.3 miles from Franklin, WI, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 173.7 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 72 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 164.3 miles or 3h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Prescott, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, WI
This is one driving day of about 328.5 miles and 6h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Franklin, 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 173.7 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.6 and 311.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9.6 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
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 1B-A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
9.8 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
74.3 mi into trip|~1h 27m 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...
8
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 6m in|I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
8
311.5 mi into trip|~5h 41m in|Exit 2 Ramp
Take the exit onto Exit 2 Ramp toward CTH F: Hudson, Carmichael Road
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 2
Toward CTH F: Hudson, Carmichael Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.36 one way
$102.71 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg115 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$56.39
$112.78
premium
$4.89
$63.22
$126.43
diesel
$5.61
$72.53
$145.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
98.6
1
$34.49
$15.77
Efficient EV
82.1
0
$28.74
$13.14
EV Truck/SUV
131.4
1
$45.99
$21.02
Gas CO2
115 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Franklin, WI
Evening
in Franklin on Saturday
Local time
8:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Prescott, WI
Evening
in Prescott on Saturday
Local time
8:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Adams, WI
164 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 7m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 135.9
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 94% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I 94 and I 90. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 173.7 miles on I 94, so be prepared for long periods of consistent driving. The East-West Freeway also plays a role in connecting these segments. Expect a smooth, predictable driving experience with minimal deviations from the interstate system for the majority of the 6-hour journey.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 173.7 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and East-West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.6 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 328.5 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 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.3 miles (I 94): 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.
Between Franklin, WI and Prescott, WI, road signs point toward Eau Claire, Saint Paul and Cth F: Hudson.
Eau Claire
74.3 mi in|~1h 27m|via I 94
Saint Paul
166.9 mi in|~3h 6m|via I 94
Cth F: Hudson
311.5 mi in|~5h 41m|via Exit 2 Ramp
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 328.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 173.7 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.
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 Prescott, 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 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.3 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Prescott, WI before the return drive.
