Spanning 363.9 miles across Wisconsin, this journey from Kenosha to Balsam Lake is a significant trek that takes approximately 7 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because the route relies on local roads like Sheridan, Washington, and Burlington Roads rather than major interstates, it is a demanding haul for a single day. You should budget roughly $55 for fuel to complete the trip. While it can be tackled in one long day, the turn-heavy nature of the drive makes it feel quite substantial. Consider if you prefer a direct push or if you would rather split the journey to fully enjoy the Midwest landscape. Ultimately, this is a practical choice for those who prefer navigating the local character of the state over the monotony of high-speed highways.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
182 miles from Kenosha, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
105.2 mi
1h 52m
East-West Freeway
63.8 mi
1h 9m
I 90
63.5 mi
1h 8m
US 53
50 mi
55m
I 41
28.5 mi
33m
US 8
13.7 mi
19m
14th Avenue
9.6 mi
14m
Airport Freeway
4.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 105.2 mi, about 1h 52m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 110 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,021 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,576
Quietest
2 AM
~195 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.5×
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 Kenosha, WI and Balsam Lake, WI.
1
Start on 56th Street
265 ft·11 sec·56th Street
2
Turn right onto WI 32
1.0 mi·2 min·Sheridan Road
3
Turn left onto CTH S
3.0 mi·6 min·Washington Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on Burlington Road
3.7 mi·6 min·Burlington Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 41 North, I 94 West
6
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
23 mi·24 min·I 41; I 94; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41
0.6 mi·49 sec·I 41; I 94; US 41
Exit 317Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 41; US 41
1.1 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.6 mi·6 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41
4.2 mi·5 min·I 41; I 894; US 41
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1B-AToward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·56 sec
Exit 1BToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
14
Merge onto I 94
10 mi·11 min·East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi·57 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi·31 min·I 94
Exit 240Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau ClaireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi·1 hr 21 min·I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint PaulUse the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
21
Merge onto US 53
50 mi·55 min·US 53
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward US 8: Barron, Cameron
23
Keep slight left at fork
260 ft·13 sec
24
Turn left onto US 8
3.7 mi·5 min·US 8
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 8
2.0 mi·5 min·East Division Avenue
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 8
3.0 mi·4 min·13 1/2 Avenue
27
Continue on US 8
1.4 mi·1 min·13 1/2 - 14th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 8
9.0 mi·12 min·14th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
29
Enter roundabout onto US 8
130 ft·7 sec·14th Avenue
30
Continue on US 8
0.5 mi·1 min·14th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Enter roundabout onto US 8; US 63
102 ft·5 sec·US 8; US 63
32
Continue on US 8; US 63
10.0 mi·14 min·US 8; US 63
Use the straight lane.
33
Enter roundabout onto US 8; WI 46
123 ft·7 sec·East 130th Avenue
34
Continue on US 8; WI 46
4.4 mi·6 min·East 130th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto WI 46
3.5 mi·6 min·140th Street
Use the right lane.
36
Continue on WI 46
0.5 mi·56 sec·West Main Street
37
Turn left onto Courthouse Avenue
406 ft·17 sec·Courthouse Avenue
38
Arrive at destination
Courthouse Avenue
Trip Plan
To manage the 7-hour drive effectively, plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs and stay sharp on the winding local roads. Since you are relying on smaller routes like Burlington Road, leave early in the morning to ensure you reach Balsam Lake before nightfall, as navigating local turns in the dark can be more taxing. Keep your $55 fuel budget accessible, and try to fill up before hitting the more rural stretches where service stations might be less frequent. A helpful tip for this specific route is to download your maps for offline use, as the reliance on local roads can sometimes lead to spotty reception in more remote parts of the state. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don't hesitate to pull over for a break if the constant turning begins to wear you down.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 182 miles from Kenosha, WI, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.2 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 80 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 182 miles or 3h 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 5h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Balsam Lake, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kenosha, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Kenosha, WI
This is one driving day of about 363.9 miles and 7h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kenosha, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 105.2 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 30.8 and 105.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
30.8 mi into trip|~40m in|I 41; I 94; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Ma...
8
37 mi into trip|~49m in|I 41; I 894; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US...
8
41.2 mi into trip|~55m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
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 1B-A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
41.4 mi into trip|~55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
105.9 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.50 one way
$121.00 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$65.90
$131.81
premium
$5.18
$74.26
$148.51
diesel
$5.35
$76.65
$153.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.2
1
$38.21
$17.47
Efficient EV
91
1
$31.84
$14.56
EV Truck/SUV
145.6
1
$50.95
$23.29
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (66% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Kenosha, WI
Afternoon
in Kenosha on Wednesday
Local time
2:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Isolated Rain Showers
N 5 mph20% 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
Balsam Lake, WI
Afternoon
in Balsam Lake on Wednesday
Local time
2:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph52% 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
88°F
Wilton, WI
182 mi in
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
7h 2m 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.
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 163.1
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 very different experience than a typical interstate cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will be spending the entire 363.9 miles navigating local roads, which gives the trip a turn-heavy, technical feel that requires your full attention behind the wheel. The road's personality is defined by constant adjustments rather than long, straight stretches of pavement. As you move from Kenosha toward Balsam Lake, the character of the drive remains consistent, favoring intimacy with the local terrain over speed. Be prepared for a hands-on driving experience where the lack of major highways means you will be actively engaged with every turn throughout the seven-hour duration.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and East-West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 30.8 miles in near I 41; I 94; US 41.
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 29 significant decision points across 363.9 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 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,162 ft600 ft
Total Climb
1,029 ft
Total Descent
468 ft
Highest Point
1,162 ft
~363.9 mi in
Elevation Range
561 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kenosha, WI and Balsam Lake, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Saint Paul, Superior and Cameron.
Fond Du Lac
30.8 mi in|~40m|via I 41; I 94; US 41
Milwaukee
41.2 mi in|~55m
Eau Claire
105.9 mi in|~2h 6m|via I 94
Saint Paul
198.5 mi in|~3h 45m|via I 94
Superior
274.6 mi in|~5h 6m
Cameron
325.3 mi in|~6h 3m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Kenosha is Wisconsin's fourth largest city. It is in the state's southeast region. Many of its residents commute to jobs elsewhere, leading to its appellation as "Chicago's northernmost suburb."
Top landmarks
•Kenosha County Courthouse and Jail — prison in Kenosha, United States of America
•Kenosha Light — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
•Kenosha North Pier Light — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 2m. Total distance: 363.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.2 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 29 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 Balsam Lake, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Balsam Lake, WI before the return drive.
