Lake Pepin Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Kenosha, WI to Trenton, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 32m
Distance
334 mi
537 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 20m
★
6 AM
6h 32m
8 AM
6h 57m
10 AM
6h 41m
12 PM
6h 39m
3 PM
6h 42m
5 PM
6h 56m
8 PM
6h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kenosha, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trenton, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Kenosha to Trenton is 334 miles and takes about 6h 32m via I 90 and I 94, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. Plan for a straightforward transit with minimal detours, focusing on covering distance efficiently.
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 miles from Kenosha, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 114.1 mi | 2h 2m |
| East-West Freeway | 63.8 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 94 | 29.1 mi | 31m |
| I 41 | 28.5 mi | 33m |
| Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway | 28.2 mi | 33m |
| US 14 | 24.6 mi | 30m |
| Route 61/Route 63 | 14.8 mi | 19m |
| Route 61 | 9.5 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 114.1 mi, about 2h 2m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 196 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,476 veh/hr typical · worst 4,132
Quietest
2 AM
~212 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.4×
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 Kenosha, WI and Trenton, 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 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Use 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 Lac
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 1B-A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 1B
Toward I 94 West: Madison
Use 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 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Use 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 left at fork onto I 90
51 mi
·
54 min
·
I 90
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 14; US 61
Toward US 14, US 61: Winona
20
Continue on US 14; US 61
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 14; US 61
21
Continue on US 14; US 61
13 mi
·
15 min
·
US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 14; US 61
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
23
Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61
143 ft
·
2 sec
·
US 14;US 61
24
Continue on US 14; US 61
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
US 14;US 61
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 14; US 61
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
27
Continue on US 61
28 mi
·
33 min
·
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 61
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
2nd Street
29
Continue on US 61
9.5 mi
·
13 min
·
Route 61
30
Continue on US 61
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
South Lakeshore Drive
31
Continue on US 61; US 63
15 mi
·
19 min
·
Route 61/Route 63
32
Turn left onto US 63
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Route 63
Use the left lane.
33
Turn left onto CTH VV
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road VV
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto CTH K
381 ft
·
16 sec
·
County Road K
35
Continue on CTH K
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
County Road K
36
Turn left onto 174th Avenue
174 ft
·
8 sec
·
174th Avenue
37
Continue on 174th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
174th Avenue
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6.5-hour drive time, leaving Kenosha in the morning is advisable to make the most of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to take a longer break mid-drive or push through and stop upon arrival in Trenton. Keep an eye on your fuel level, especially during the longest stretch of 114.1 miles on I 90, as services can be spread out. The fuel cost estimate of $53 is based on current averages, so check prices closer to your departure.
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 miles from Kenosha, WI, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.1 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 73 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167 miles or 3h 11m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Trenton, 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 334 miles and 6h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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 I 90 for about 114.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
167 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 167 miles from Kenosha, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Poynette Rest Area 12
0 mi from route
Lake City Concourse
0 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Kenosha Truck Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0.1 mi from route
Bangor Rest Area 15
0.1 mi from route
Johnson Creek Rest Area 14
0.1 mi from route
Sparta Rest Area 16
0.1 mi from route
La Crosse Rest Area 31
0.1 mi from route
Dresbach Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Rest Area
1.8 mi from route
Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 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
$55.71 one way
$111.43 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
117 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $60.55 | $121.11 |
| premium | $5.26 | $69.15 | $138.31 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $81.25 | $162.50 |
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: 116.9 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 | 100.2 | 1 | $35.07 | $16.03 |
| Efficient EV | 83.5 | 0 | $29.23 | $13.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 133.6 | 1 | $46.76 | $21.38 |
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.
Origin
Kenosha, WI
Morning in Kenosha on Saturday
Local time
10:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
36°F
Clear
NW 10 mph
1% chance
Live 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
Trenton, WI
Morning in Trenton on Saturday
Local time
10:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
30°F
Widespread Frost
NW 5 mph
0% chance
Live 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
6 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
6h 32m 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 161.2
Caution: Use Caution — Tisch Mills Segment
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 87% of the drive on interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 114.1 miles on I 90 before transitioning to other roads. Expect a consistent highway experience for the majority of your time behind the wheel. The shift from primary interstates to other roads will likely involve a change in exit density and speed.
87% 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: 114.1 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 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 Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 334 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
Mostly flat terrain
992 ft
600 ft
Total Climb
621 ft
Total Descent
448 ft
Highest Point
992 ft
~119.3 mi in
Elevation Range
392 ft
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.
Between Kenosha, WI and Trenton, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse.
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
La Crosse
198.5 mi in
|
~3h 45m
|
via I 90
About the Cities
Starting in Kenosha, WI
Full guide →Founded 1835
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
Arriving in Trenton, WI
Full guide →Trenton is in Mercer County, and is the capital of New Jersey. The city's strategic location in between New York City and Philadelphia has historically contributed to its growth and significantly impacts local culture. Located on the Delaware River across from Pennsylvania, Trenton is the only accessible capital city in the United States to border another state.
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 6h 32m. Total distance: 334 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 32m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 114.1 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Trenton, 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 30 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 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Trenton, WI before the return drive.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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