Spanning 244.4 miles across Wisconsin, this trip connects Holmen to Pleasant Prairie in approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes. Because the route is straightforward and entirely within the Midwest, it is perfectly suited for a single-day journey. You should budget roughly $37 for fuel to complete the trip, which leans heavily on major thoroughfares. Given the duration, you won't need an overnight stay, making this a practical choice for a direct commute or a quick weekend getaway. With 97% of the drive on highways, you can expect a very consistent pace from start to finish. If you prefer to minimize travel time, this efficient route is your best option.
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
122.2 miles from Holmen, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
132.5 mi
2h 22m
I 94
64.2 mi
1h 9m
North-South Freeway
26.3 mi
29m
US 53
5.5 mi
6m
Airport Freeway
4.3 mi
5m
Zoo Freeway
4 mi
5m
I 41
1.3 mi
1m
104th Avenue
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 132.5 mi, about 2h 22m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 114 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,469 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,054
Quietest
2 AM
~228 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.2×
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 Holmen, WI and Pleasant Prairie, WI.
1
Start on CTH D
70 ft·6 sec·County Highway D
2
Turn left onto CTH DH
0.5 mi·53 sec·South Main Street
3
Enter roundabout onto CTH DH
72 ft·1 sec·West Gaarder Road
4
Continue on CTH DH
0.2 mi·23 sec·West Gaarder Road
5
Turn left onto CTH HD; WI 35 BUS
0.9 mi·1 min·Holmen Drive
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·51 sec
7
Merge onto US 53
5.5 mi·6 min·US 53
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
9
Merge onto I 90
133 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 90
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·30 sec·this road
Exit 305AToward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
15
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Exit 10BToward I 41 South, I 94 South: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
26 mi·29 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·25 sec
Exit 344Toward WI 50: Kenosha, Lake GenevaUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·31 sec·this road
Toward I 41 South, I 94 EastUse the straight / left lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
187 ft·6 sec
Toward WI 50 East, I 94 East: Kenosha
22
Turn left onto WI 50
1.0 mi·1 min·75th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Turn right onto 104th Avenue
1.0 mi·2 min·104th Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
104th Avenue
Trip Plan
Planning for just one designated stop is a smart way to break up the 4-hour and 33-minute drive comfortably. Since you are covering 244.4 miles, aiming to leave early in the morning can help you bypass potential congestion as you approach the more populated regions near your destination. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that longest 132.5-mile stretch on I-90 to ensure you don't run low between service areas. Because the route is so heavily reliant on major interstates, check local traffic reports before you depart to account for any unexpected highway delays. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, so feel free to adjust your single stop based on your energy levels rather than a rigid schedule.
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 122.2 miles from Holmen, WI, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.5 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 54 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.2 miles or 2h 13m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pleasant Prairie, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Holmen, 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 Holmen, WI
This is one driving day of about 244.4 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Holmen, 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 132.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 140.4 and 241.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
140.4 mi into trip|~2h 33m 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
204.6 mi into trip|~3h 42m 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
205.2 mi into trip|~3h 44m 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
214.3 mi into trip|~3h 57m 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
241.9 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward WI 50: Kenosha, Lake Geneva
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 344
Toward WI 50: Kenosha, Lake Geneva
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.63 one way
$81.27 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$44.26
$88.52
premium
$5.18
$49.87
$99.74
diesel
$5.35
$51.48
$102.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.3
0
$25.66
$11.73
Efficient EV
61.1
0
$21.39
$9.78
EV Truck/SUV
97.8
1
$34.22
$15.64
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Holmen, WI
Afternoon
in Holmen on Wednesday
Local time
2:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Chance Rain Showers
E 2 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 2:17AM CDT until June 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Afternoon
in Pleasant Prairie on Wednesday
Local time
2:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Isolated Rain Showers
N 0 to 5 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 2:17AM CDT until June 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
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 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 33m 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 84.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-90, I-94, and the North-South Freeway, keeping the experience consistent throughout the transition from western to southeastern Wisconsin. The most significant segment occurs early on, featuring a 132.5-mile stretch on I-90 that allows for steady, uninterrupted cruising. Because 97% of the journey is highway-based, the drive feels like a standard interstate haul rather than a technical or scenic tour. Expect a predictable experience behind the wheel as you navigate these major arteries across the state.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 132.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 140.4 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 244.4 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 140.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,113 ft694 ft
Total Climb
606 ft
Total Descent
630 ft
Highest Point
1,113 ft
~122.2 mi in
Elevation Range
419 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 Holmen, WI to Pleasant Prairie, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 244.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m 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 132.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Pleasant Prairie, 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 140.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.2 miles: 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Pleasant Prairie, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
