Hurley, WI to Racine, WI is 335.8 miles and takes about 6h 57m via I 41 and US 51 South, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making for a relatively straightforward drive. Consider this a solid option if you need to cover ground efficiently between these two points in the Badger State.
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
167.9 miles from Hurley, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
87.4 mi
1h 38m
Oneida Street
71.1 mi
1h 29m
US 51 South
55.1 mi
1h 20m
US 10
51.3 mi
1h 1m
I 39
29.8 mi
32m
US 45
12.3 mi
14m
North-South Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Northwestern Avenue
9 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 87.4 mi, about 1h 38m
Traffic on I-41
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 134 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,047 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,650
Quietest
2 AM
~195 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 102 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 Hurley, WI and Racine, WI.
1
Start on WI 77
99 ft·4 sec·Granite Road
2
Continue on WI 77
0.2 mi·41 sec·Silver Street
3
Turn right onto US 51
0.3 mi·49 sec·2nd Avenue South
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on US 51
55 mi·1 hr 20 min·US 51 South
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 51
71 mi·1 hr 29 min·Oneida Street
Use the straight lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
22 mi·24 min·I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
7
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
8
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi·57 sec·US 10; WI 66
Exit 158Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi·1 hr·US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, WaupacaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi·14 min·US 45
Exit 276Toward US 45 South: OshkoshUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
12
Merge onto I 41; US 41
86 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
12 mi·13 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 329Toward CTH K: Racine, CaledoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto CTH K
5.1 mi·9 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
27 ft·0 sec·Northwestern Avenue
19
Continue on WI 38
3.4 mi·5 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
20
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
91 ft·1 sec·Northwestern Avenue
21
Continue on WI 38
0.4 mi·34 sec·Northwestern Avenue
22
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
72 ft·4 sec·State Street
23
Continue on WI 38
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
25
Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32
309 ft·17 sec·6th Street
26
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
284 ft·14 sec·Wisconsin Avenue
27
Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32
245 ft·8 sec·7th Street
28
Arrive at destination
WI 20; WI 32
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour-plus drive, aim to depart early in the morning. This allows you to cover the longest stretch of I 41, which is 87.4 miles, before hitting potential midday traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along I 41 or US 51 South for a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $52, and plan your refueling stops accordingly, especially before departing on the longer highway segments. This route is manageable in a single day, but breaking it up is also an option if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
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 167.9 miles from Hurley, WI, or about 3h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.4 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 74 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.9 miles or 3h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 41m
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 Hurley, 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 Hurley, WI
This is one driving day of about 335.8 miles and 6h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Hurley, 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 41 for about 87.4 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 126.8 and 325 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
126.8 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|I 39; US 51
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
8
157 mi into trip|~3h 24m in|US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
207.9 mi into trip|~4h 24m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
9
311.7 mi into trip|~6h 22m 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
325 mi into trip|~6h 38m 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
$56.02 one way
$112.03 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$60.88
$121.76
premium
$5.26
$69.53
$139.05
diesel
$6.18
$81.69
$163.38
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.7
1
$35.26
$16.12
Efficient EV
84
0
$29.38
$13.43
EV Truck/SUV
134.3
1
$47.01
$21.49
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Hurley, WI
Morning
in Hurley on Saturday
Local time
10:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
26°F
Clear
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:24AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Racine, WI
Morning
in Racine on Saturday
Local time
10:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
37°F
Mostly Clear
NW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:24AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 57m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 75% of this route is highway driving. You'll encounter a stretch of 87.4 miles on I 41 without needing to exit. The transition from highway to surface roads will likely happen around Oneida Street. Expect a steady pace for the majority of your travel, with more frequent exits as you get closer to your destination.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.4 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Oneida Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 126.8 miles in near I 39; US 51.
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 21 significant decision points across 335.8 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 126.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 207.9 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,682 ft624 ft
Total Climb
370 ft
Total Descent
1,246 ft
Highest Point
1,682 ft
~48 mi in
Elevation Range
1,058 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hurley, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
The Gogebic Range is a historical iron mining area that comprises parts of Gogebic County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Iron County, Wisconsin. The largest city in the area is Ironwood, Michigan, though there are several other smaller cities within the vicinity.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 57m. Total distance: 335.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 57m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.4 miles on I 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 126.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 207.9 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Racine, WI before the return drive.
