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Trip from Kenosha, WI to Buena Vista, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

168.3 mi

271 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 48m ★
6 AM
4h 1m
8 AM
4h 27m
10 AM
4h 10m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 26m
8 PM
3h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Kenosha County, Wisconsin and part of the Chicago metropolitan area, known as Chicagoland

Kenosha, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Buena Vista, WI, WI

Buena Vista, WI

Vika Glitter

Trip Overview

This 168.3-mile drive from Kenosha, WI, to Buena Vista, WI, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 4 hours and 1 minute. Primarily utilizing State Highway 11 and I-43, this route offers a highway-focused experience through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, it's an economical option for a single-day excursion. You'll encounter only one recommended stop along the way, making it a convenient journey for those looking to maximize their time at their destination. This trip is well-suited as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

84.2 miles from Kenosha, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
State Highway 11 31.8 mi 44m
I 43 25.1 mi 26m
WI 11 20.8 mi 28m
State Highway 81 15.3 mi 20m
75th Street 13.9 mi 21m
State Highway 50 12.6 mi 18m
Great River Road 8.8 mi 13m
County Road H 6 mi 10m
Longest stretch: State Highway 11 — 31.8 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kenosha, WI and Buena Vista, WI.

1

Start on 56th Street

265 ft · 9 sec · 56th Street
2

Turn left onto WI 32

0.5 mi · 1 min · Sheridan Road
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn right onto WI 50

0.7 mi · 1 min · 63rd Street
4

Turn slight left onto WI 50

320 ft · 7 sec · State Highway 50
5

Continue on WI 50

1.2 mi · 2 min · Roosevelt Road
6

Continue on WI 50

2.6 mi · 4 min · State Highway 50
7

Continue on WI 50

14 mi · 21 min · 75th Street
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8

Continue on WI 50; WI 83

2.3 mi · 3 min · Geneva Road
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on WI 50

10.0 mi · 13 min · State Highway 50
Use the straight lane.
10

Take the exit

7.8 mi · 8 min
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 321 Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
15

Merge onto I 43

25 mi · 26 min · I 43
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 2 Toward CTH X: Hart Road
17

Keep slight right at fork

270 ft · 6 sec
18

Turn straight onto East Hart Road

2.2 mi · 3 min · East Hart Road
19

At end of road, turn left onto CTH S

2.2 mi · 3 min · Shopiere Road
20

Continue on Henry Avenue

1.2 mi · 3 min · Henry Avenue
21

Continue on Maple Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Maple Avenue
22

At end of road, turn left onto 6th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · 6th Street
23

Turn right onto WI 81; WI 213

4.6 mi · 6 min · East Liberty Avenue
24

Continue on WI 81

15 mi · 20 min · State Highway 81
25

Turn left onto WI 11; WI 81

13 mi · 18 min · State Highway 11
26

Continue on WI 11; WI 69; WI 81

21 mi · 28 min · WI 11; WI 69; WI 81
27

Continue on WI 11; WI 78

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bridge Street
28

Continue on WI 11

19 mi · 25 min · State Highway 11
29

Continue on WI 11

0.7 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
30

Turn right onto CTH J

3.0 mi · 5 min · County Road J
31

Turn left onto CTH H

0.8 mi · 1 min · County Road H
32

Continue on CTH H

0.4 mi · 41 sec · East Roosevelt Street
33

Continue on CTH H

5.2 mi · 9 min · County Road H
34

Continue on CTH HH

3.2 mi · 5 min · County Road HH
35

Continue on US 61; WI 35

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Great River Road
36

Continue on US 61; WI 35

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
37

Continue on US 61; WI 35

8.5 mi · 12 min · Great River Road
38

Arrive at destination

US 61; WI 35

Trip Plan

For this approximately 4-hour drive, starting early in the morning can help you avoid any potential midday traffic, especially if you encounter stretches on I-43. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of about $26, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your timing. Keep an eye out for the transitions between State Highway 11 and I-43, as these are key points in your navigation. Since this is a manageable drive, you likely won't need to split it, allowing you to enjoy a full day at Buena Vista without feeling rushed.

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 84.2 miles from Kenosha, WI, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.8 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 37 miles or 54m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 84.2 miles or 1h 57m 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 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buena Vista, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Kenosha, WI

This is one driving day of about 168.3 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Kenosha, 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 State Highway 11 for about 31.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

village in Winnebago County, Illinois

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockton, IL

84 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

Mundelein, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockton, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.2 miles from Kenosha, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

West Side Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Beloit, Wisconsin

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.1

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16083654949

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

BLAK Coffee Kenosha

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

East View Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenosha, Wisconsin

0.1 mi

West Side Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.1

Beloit, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16083654949

Visit website

BLAK Coffee Kenosha

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

East View Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+12622074140

Visit website

Summer Moon Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+14144882708

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 39.1 and 65.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
39.1 mi into trip | ~57m in

Take the exit toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, 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 321 Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
6
39.2 mi into trip | ~57m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
7
39.9 mi into trip | ~58m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
5
40.2 mi into trip | ~59m in | I 43

Merge onto I 43

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
65.3 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in

Take the exit toward CTH X: Hart Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 2 Toward CTH X: Hart Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.31 one way

$52.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.89 $57.78
premium $4.89 $32.39 $64.78
diesel $5.61 $37.16 $74.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.5 0 $17.67 $8.08
Efficient EV 42.1 0 $14.73 $6.73
EV Truck/SUV 67.3 0 $23.56 $10.77

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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 19, 2026

Origin

Kenosha, WI

Night in Kenosha on Saturday

Local time

11:55 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Buena Vista, WI

Night in Buena Vista on Saturday

Local time

11:55 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 1m 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?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 168.3-mile route, with 63% of your journey on interstates and state highways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 31.8 miles on State Highway 11, offering a good period of consistent travel. While the route is primarily highway-based, the transitions between different road types are generally smooth. This road personality suggests a driving experience that is efficient and allows for steady progress toward your destination without significant detours or challenging terrain.

63% 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: 31.8 mi on State Highway 11.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 11 and I 43. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 39.1 miles in.

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 16 significant decision points across 168.3 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 39.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Kenosha, WI and Buena Vista, WI, road signs point toward Cth Nn: Beloit, Milwaukee and Beloit.

Cth Nn: Beloit

39.1 mi in | ~57m

Milwaukee

39.1 mi in | ~57m

Beloit

39.2 mi in | ~57m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 168.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 31.8 miles on State Highway 11. 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 Buena Vista, 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 39.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Buena Vista, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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