Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Gillett, WI to La Crosse, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 54m
Distance
218.4 mi
352 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 41m
★
6 AM
4h 55m
8 AM
5h 22m
10 AM
5h 4m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gillett, WI
Castorly Stock
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Gillett, WI to La Crosse, WI is 218.4 miles and takes about 4h 54m via I 90, I 39, and State Highway 29, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive that's best suited for a single day, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B without much fuss. You'll find it to be a practical choice if you're looking for a no-frills journey.
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
109.2 miles from Gillett, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 38.1 mi | 40m |
| I 39 | 33.9 mi | 36m |
| State Highway 29 | 29.9 mi | 34m |
| West Follett Drive | 28.1 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 22 | 15.9 mi | 26m |
| State Highway 66 | 14.6 mi | 25m |
| State Highway 49 | 13.2 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 21 | 11.1 mi | 15m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 38.1 mi, about 40m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~972 veh/hr typical · worst 1,235
Quietest
1 AM
~75 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13×
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 Gillett, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on South Mackenzie Street
43 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Mackenzie Street
2
Turn sharp left onto WI 22
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Main Street
3
Continue on WI 22
16 mi
·
26 min
·
State Highway 22
4
Continue on WI 22; WI 47; WI 55; WI 29 Business
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Green Bay Street
5
Turn right onto North Ellis Street
323 ft
·
19 sec
·
North Ellis Street
6
Turn left onto East 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
East 5th Street
7
Turn left onto North Union Street
328 ft
·
16 sec
·
North Union Street
8
Turn right onto WI 22; WI 47; WI 55; WI 29 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Green Bay Street
9
Continue on CTH MMM; WI 29 Business
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
County Road MMM
10
Turn right onto WI 29
30 mi
·
34 min
·
State Highway 29
11
Take the exit
387 ft
·
10 sec
12
Turn slight left onto WI 49
170 ft
·
2 sec
·
Willow Drive
13
Continue on WI 49
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 49
14
Continue on WI 49
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Highland Avenue
15
Continue on WI 49
11 mi
·
16 min
·
State Highway 49
16
At end of road, turn right onto WI 66
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Grand Avenue East
17
Continue on WI 66
15 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 66
18
Continue on WI 66
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Stanley Street
19
Turn left onto WI 66
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
WI 66
20
Continue on I 39; US 51
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 39; US 51
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward WI 21: Coloma, Necedah
22
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft
·
3 sec
23
Merge onto WI 21
28 mi
·
39 min
·
West Follett Drive
24
Continue on WI 21
11 mi
·
15 min
·
East 3rd Street
25
Continue on WI 21; CTH H
11 mi
·
15 min
·
State Highway 21
26
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
29
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 94
30
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
31
Merge onto I 90
38 mi
·
40 min
·
I 90
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
33
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
WI 16
34
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
35
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
36
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Street South
37
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnson Street
38
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Avenue South
39
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 54-minute duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to keep an eye on fuel levels, especially during the 38.1-mile stretch on I 90, as services can be spaced out. Wisconsin's weather can change, so checking the forecast before you leave is always a good idea.
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 109.2 miles from Gillett, WI, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.1 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 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.2 miles or 2h 31m 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 4m
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 Gillett, 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 Gillett, WI
This is one driving day of about 218.4 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Gillett, 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 38.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.2 miles from Gillett, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Highway 13 & 21 Wayside
0 mi from route
Bangor Rest Area 15
0.1 mi from route
Sparta Rest Area 16
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 210.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 22 / West Main Street
Turn sharp left onto WI 22 / West Main Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
18.1 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
East 5th Street
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Navigation decision point
5
18.3 mi into trip
|
~31m in
|
North Union Street
Turn left onto North Union Street
Navigation decision point
6
172 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
6
210.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.25 one way
$64.51 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $35.61 | $71.21 |
| premium | $4.72 | $40.55 | $81.10 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.24 | $82.48 |
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: 76.4 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 | 65.5 | 0 | $22.93 | $10.48 |
| Efficient EV | 54.6 | 0 | $19.11 | $8.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.4 | 1 | $30.58 | $13.98 |
Gas CO2
76 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.
Origin
Gillett, WI
Late night in Gillett on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Smoke
N 10 mph
0% chance
Live 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 Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
N 7 mph
0% chance
Live 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
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 54m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 120.5
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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the journey on major interstates. Expect long stretches of efficient travel, including a continuous segment of 38.1 miles on I 90. The character of the drive is largely defined by the speed and ease of interstate travel, though you will also navigate sections of State Highway 29. It offers a consistent pace for most of the trip, allowing you to cover ground quickly.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.1 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. You will hit about 22 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WI 22 / West Main Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 218.4 miles you will encounter 22 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: near the start (WI 22 / West Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18.1 miles (East 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 18.3 miles (North Union Street): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,169 ft
669 ft
Total Climb
394 ft
Total Descent
535 ft
Highest Point
1,169 ft
~46.8 mi in
Elevation Range
500 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.
Between Gillett, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Necedah and Albert Lea.
Necedah
118.2 mi in
|
~2h 41m
Albert Lea
172 mi in
|
~3h 56m
About the Cities
Starting in Gillett, WI
Full guide →Arriving in La Crosse, WI
Full guide →Founded 1842
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
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 4h 54m. Total distance: 218.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.1 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (WI 22 / West Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18.1 miles (East 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 18.3 miles (North Union Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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 La Crosse, 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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