This 212.1-mile journey from Glenmore to La Crosse, Wisconsin, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-90, I-41, and State Highway 82, this route offers an efficient drive through the Midwest. With 88% of the trip on highways, it’s a straightforward connection between these two Wisconsin cities. Budget around $33 for fuel for this trip. While there's one recommended stop, the longest stretch without a break is about 62.7 miles, so plan accordingly for comfort. This drive is best suited for those who prefer consistent highway travel.
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
106 miles from Glenmore, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
62.7 mi
1h 7m
I 41
46.4 mi
50m
State Highway 82
28.1 mi
41m
State Highway 23
25.2 mi
36m
State Highway 44
14.8 mi
21m
WI 16
4.9 mi
8m
State Highway 23 & 49
3.7 mi
5m
Heritage Road
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Glenmore, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Langes Corners Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Langes Corners Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto CTH G
1.0 mi·2 min·Dickinson Road
3
Turn right onto CTH X
3.0 mi·5 min·County Road X
4
Continue on CTH X
0.9 mi·1 min·Morrison Road
5
Turn straight onto CTH X
2.3 mi·3 min·Heritage Road
6
Enter roundabout onto CTH X
131 ft·2 sec·County Road X
7
Continue on CTH X
0.4 mi·42 sec·County Road X
8
Continue on CTH X
1.2 mi·2 min·Heritage Road
9
Enter roundabout onto CTH PP
9 ft·0 sec·South Broadway Drive
10
Continue on CTH PP
0.6 mi·1 min·South Broadway Drive
11
Continue on WI 32; WI 57
0.7 mi·1 min·South Broadway
12
Enter roundabout onto WI 32
294 ft·4 sec·Main Avenue
13
Continue on WI 32
1.4 mi·3 min·Main Avenue
14
Enter roundabout onto West Main Avenue
92 ft·2 sec·West Main Avenue
15
Continue on West Main Avenue
345 ft·6 sec·West Main Avenue
16
Enter roundabout onto West Main Avenue
101 ft·1 sec·West Main Avenue
17
Continue on West Main Avenue
0.2 mi·17 sec·West Main Avenue
18
Enter roundabout
23 ft·0 sec
Toward Appleton
19
Continue
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Appleton
20
Merge onto I 41; US 41
46 mi·50 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 116Toward WI 44, WI 91Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
183 ft·4 sec
23
Turn right onto WI 44; WI 91
0.8 mi·1 min·Ripon Rd
24
Continue on WI 44
15 mi·21 min·State Highway 44
25
Continue on East Oshkosh Street
1.5 mi·4 min·East Oshkosh Street
26
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 49
1.4 mi·2 min·West Fond du Lac Street
27
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.7 mi·5 min·State Highway 23 & 49
28
Turn straight onto WI 23; CTH A
9.2 mi·12 min·State Highway 23
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
0.7 mi·1 min·South Fulton Street
30
Turn left onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D; CTH J
0.8 mi·1 min·West Main Street
31
Turn left
150 ft·2 sec
32
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi·42 sec·South 2nd Street
33
Continue on State Highway 23
9.9 mi·14 min·State Highway 23
34
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.6 mi·57 sec·East Montello Street
35
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.1 mi·10 sec·West Montello Street
36
Turn slight right onto WI 23; CTH C
1.8 mi·2 min·Underwood Avenue
37
Continue on WI 23
6.1 mi·8 min·State Highway 23
38
Continue on WI 82
3.5 mi·5 min·State Highway 82
39
Continue on WI 82
1.1 mi·1 min·East Ormsby Street
40
Continue on WI 82
25 mi·36 min·State Highway 82
41
Keep slight right at fork
278 ft·5 sec
42
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
43
Merge onto I 90; I 94
24 mi·25 min·I 90; I 94
44
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
39 mi·41 min·I 90
Exit 45Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
45
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 5Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
46
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi·8 min·WI 16
47
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi·1 min·Losey Boulevard North
48
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
49
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi·2 min·16th Street South
50
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Johnson Street
51
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft·11 sec·West Avenue South
52
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 43-minute duration for 212.1 miles, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Consider an early morning departure from Glenmore to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially on the highway sections. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, monitor your gauge, though the longest stretch of 62.7 miles on I-90 shouldn't pose an issue for most vehicles. Plan your single stop strategically, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs and refuel if necessary. Pay attention to signage for State Highway 82 as you approach La Crosse, as this segment may offer a slightly different driving experience.
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 106 miles from Glenmore, WI, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 47 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 miles or 2h 27m 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 La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, WI
This is one driving day of about 212.1 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Glenmore, 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 62.7 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 204.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1 mi into trip|~2m in|CTH G / Dickinson Road
At end of road, turn left onto CTH G / Dickinson Road
Navigation decision point
6
12.9 mi into trip|~25m in
Enter roundabout toward Appleton
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward Appleton
8
59.9 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward WI 44, WI 91
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 116
Toward WI 44, WI 91
7
165.4 mi into trip|~3h 45m 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
6
204.5 mi into trip|~4h 27m 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
$33.16 one way
$66.32 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$36.41
$72.82
premium
$4.89
$40.82
$81.63
diesel
$5.61
$46.83
$93.66
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.27
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.56
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.69
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Glenmore, WI
Night
in Glenmore on Saturday
Local time
11:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Night
in La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
11:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
33°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
NW 10 mph38% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Watch issued April 18 at 12:10AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:47PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00AM 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
11 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 43m 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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 117
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?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 212.1-mile trip, with 88% of the route on major roadways like I-90 and I-41. The drive is largely characterized by efficient travel, punctuated by a significant 62.7-mile stretch on I-90 where you can maintain a steady pace. As you transition to State Highway 82, the character might shift slightly, offering a different driving feel before you reach your destination. This route prioritizes getting you there reliably, with a focus on smooth, high-speed travel for most of the 4-hour and 43-minute duration.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.7 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near CTH G / Dickinson Road.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 212.1 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 1 miles (CTH G / Dickinson Road): Navigation decision point; at 12.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 59.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Glenmore, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 212.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m 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 62.7 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (CTH G / Dickinson Road): Navigation decision point; at 12.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 59.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at La Crosse, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
