Kimberly, WI to Fitchburg, WI is 126.5 miles and takes about 2h 36m via US 151, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This straightforward Midwest drive keeps you within Wisconsin for its entirety, offering a quick connection between two points. With over 80% of the journey on highways, it's a practical choice for efficient travel. You'll find this route to be a functional way to get where you're going without significant detours, making it ideal if time is a primary concern.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
63.3 miles from Kimberly, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 151
50.6 mi
56m
State Highway 26
20.4 mi
28m
I 41
19.5 mi
20m
Tri-County Expressway
6.4 mi
7m
South Park Street
6.2 mi
7m
South Beltline Highway
5.3 mi
7m
I 39
5.3 mi
5m
County Highway M
4.8 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 151
— 50.6 mi, about 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kimberly, WI and Fitchburg, WI.
1
Start on West Kimberly Avenue
67 ft·8 sec·West Kimberly Avenue
2
Turn left onto South Railroad Street
0.8 mi·1 min·South Railroad Street
3
Enter roundabout onto South Railroad Street
85 ft·4 sec·South Railroad Street
4
Continue on South Railroad Street
0.2 mi·27 sec·South Railroad Street
5
Turn straight onto CTH CE
0.4 mi·32 sec·County Road CE
6
Enter roundabout onto CTH CE
164 ft·2 sec·County Road CE
7
Continue on CTH CE
0.4 mi·36 sec·County Road CE
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on CTH CE
0.1 mi·17 sec·East College Avenue
9
Turn left
0.3 mi·44 sec
Use the left lane.
10
Merge onto WI 441
6.4 mi·7 min·Tri-County Expressway
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on WI 441; US 10
0.7 mi·47 sec·Roland Kampo Memorial Bridge
12
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 287 BToward I 41 South, US 41 South: Milwaukee, OshkoshUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Merge onto I 41; US 41
19 mi·20 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 113Toward WI 26, CTH N: RosendaleUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto WI 26; CTH N
11 mi·14 min·State Highway 26
16
Continue on WI 26
1.0 mi·2 min·North Main Street
17
Continue on WI 26
9.7 mi·13 min·State Highway 26
18
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·58 sec
19
Merge onto US 151; WI 26
51 mi·56 min·US 151; WI 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 97AToward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Chicago, MilwaukeeUse the right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
22
Merge onto I 39; I 90; I 94
1.5 mi·1 min·I 39; I 90; I 94
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
3.8 mi·4 min·I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 142AToward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
25
Merge onto US 12; US 18
5.3 mi·7 min·South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 261Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, OregonUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
140 ft·5 sec
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, OregonUse the left lane.
28
Turn left onto US 14
6.2 mi·7 min·South Park Street
Use the straight lane.
29
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward CTH MM: Oregon
30
Keep slight right at fork
485 ft·11 sec
Toward CTH MM, US 18 Alternate, US 151 Alternate: Oregon
31
Turn straight onto CTH MM
494 ft·11 sec·County Road MM
32
Turn slight right onto CTH MM
41 ft·0 sec·CTH MM
33
Turn slight right onto CTH M
4.8 mi·6 min·County Highway M
34
Turn right onto Wendt Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Wendt Road
35
Arrive at destination
Wendt Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 36 minutes, this trip is easily completed in a single day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. You can aim to leave in the morning to arrive before afternoon traffic, or depart later to enjoy a leisurely start. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $20, you won't need extensive planning for breaks or budgeting. Keep an eye on US 151 as it is the longest stretch, and ensure you have enough fuel before entering that segment to maintain your momentum.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.3 miles from Kimberly, WI, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.6 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 28 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.3 miles or 1h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fitchburg, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kimberly, 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 Kimberly, WI
This is one driving day of about 126.5 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Kimberly, 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 US 151 for about 50.6 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.3 and 114.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9.3 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 41 South, US 41 South: Milwaukee, Oshkosh
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 287 B
Toward I 41 South, US 41 South: Milwaukee, Oshk...
8
29.6 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward WI 26, CTH N: Rosendale
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 113
Toward WI 26, CTH N: Rosendale
8
102.4 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Chicago, Milwaukee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 97A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Chicag...
8
104.7 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
9
114.9 mi into trip|~2h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, Oregon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate S...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.78 one way
$39.55 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$21.71
$43.43
premium
$4.89
$24.34
$48.69
diesel
$5.61
$27.93
$55.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.9
0
$13.28
$6.07
Efficient EV
31.6
0
$11.07
$5.06
EV Truck/SUV
50.6
0
$17.71
$8.10
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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 15, 2026
Origin
Kimberly, WI
Night
in Kimberly on Saturday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fitchburg, WI
Night
in Fitchburg on Saturday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°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
4 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
2h 36m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 81% of the mileage on main roads like US 151, State Highway 26, and I 41. Expect to encounter longer stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 50.6 miles on US 151 without significant interruptions. The character is largely that of efficient travel, designed for covering ground rather than exploring. You'll likely experience a steady pace for the majority of your trip, making it a predictable driving experience.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50.6 mi on US 151.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 151 and State Highway 26. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.3 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 126.5 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 9.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Kimberly, WI and Fitchburg, WI, road signs point toward Oshkosh, Cth N: Rosendale, Milwaukee and Oregon.
Oshkosh
9.3 mi in|~12m
Cth N: Rosendale
29.6 mi in|~34m
Milwaukee
102.4 mi in|~2h 4m
Oregon
114.7 mi in|~2h 20m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 36m. Total distance: 126.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 50.6 miles on US 151. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Fitchburg, 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 9.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fitchburg, WI before heading back.
