Origin
Hale, WI
Evening in Hale on Friday
Local time
7:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hale, WI to Racine, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 5, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 50m
Distance
250.1 mi
402 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 37m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 57m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 16m
8 PM
4h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hale, WI
Tom Fisk
Racine, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Hale to Racine is 250.1 miles and takes about 4h 50m via I 94, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, primarily within Wisconsin. Expect a straightforward drive that's almost entirely on major highways, making it a convenient option for a quick trip. It's a route that prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently, with minimal fuss.
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
125 miles from Hale, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 204.6 mi | 3h 40m |
| North-South Freeway | 11.9 mi | 13m |
| Northwestern Avenue | 9 mi | 15m |
| State Highway 121 | 5.1 mi | 8m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Zoo Freeway | 4 mi | 5m |
| US Highway 53 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| County Road EE | 2.2 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 204.6 mi, about 3h 40m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 188 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,202 veh/hr typical · worst 3,822
Quietest
2 AM
~188 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Hale, WI and Racine, WI.
1
Start on CTH EE
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road EE
2
At end of road, turn right onto US 53
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
US Highway 53
3
Continue on US 53
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Ekern Street
4
Turn left onto WI 121
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
5
Continue on WI 121
5.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 121
6
Continue on WI 121
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
WI 121
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
8
Merge onto I 94
140 mi
·
2 hr 30 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 94
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Use the slight left lane.
12
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
this road
Exit 305A
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
14
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 41; US 41
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
12 mi
·
13 min
·
North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 329
Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto CTH K
5.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
27 ft
·
0 sec
·
Northwestern Avenue
21
Continue on WI 38
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
91 ft
·
1 sec
·
Northwestern Avenue
23
Continue on WI 38
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Northwestern Avenue
24
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
72 ft
·
4 sec
·
State Street
25
Continue on WI 38
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Main Street
27
Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32
309 ft
·
17 sec
·
6th Street
28
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
284 ft
·
14 sec
·
Wisconsin Avenue
29
Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32
245 ft
·
8 sec
·
7th Street
30
Arrive at destination
WI 20; WI 32
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 50m driving time, departing in the morning allows ample time for the trip and potential brief stops without feeling rushed. The route data indicates only one recommended stop, so consider a quick break around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. With a fuel cost estimated at $39, you can plan your budget accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially after the 204.6-mile stretch on I 94, as services can become more spread out before you reach the denser exit areas closer to Racine.
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 125 miles from Hale, WI, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 204.6 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 55 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125 miles or 2h 22m 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 49m
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 Hale, 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 Hale, WI
This is one driving day of about 250.1 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Hale, 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 204.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
125 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 125 miles from Hale, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 204.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 245 decision points cluster between mile 152.2 and 239.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
152.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m 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
216.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 1m 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
216.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 2m 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
226.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m 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
239.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m 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
$38.78 one way
$77.55 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $42.52 | $85.03 |
| premium | $4.93 | $48.52 | $97.05 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $55.13 | $110.26 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75 | 0 | $26.26 | $12.00 |
| Efficient EV | 62.5 | 0 | $21.88 | $10.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100 | 1 | $35.01 | $16.01 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Racine, WI
Evening in Racine on Friday
Local time
7:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
9 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 50m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 94% of this 250.1-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 204.6 miles, which will be on I 94. The transition to surface roads will occur around mile 205, where you'll encounter more local traffic and frequent intersections. Be prepared for a higher density of exits as you approach your destination.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 204.6 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and North-South Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 152.2 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 250.1 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 152.2 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.9 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.
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 Hale, WI to Racine, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Fond Du Lac
216.3 mi in
|
~4h 1m
About the Cities
Starting in Hale, WI
Full guide →Arriving in Racine, WI
Full guide →Founded 1699
Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.
Top landmarks
- • Johnson Wax Headquarters — corporate headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin
- • Thomas P. Hardy House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
- • Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
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 50m. Total distance: 250.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 204.6 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 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 152.2 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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