La Crosse, WI to Brussels, WI is 238.3 miles and takes about 5h 5m via I 90 and I 41, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This all-Wisconsin drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward journey primarily on major highways. It's a manageable route for a single day, perfect if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, making it a practical choice for travelers prioritizing speed and directness.
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
119.2 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
62.5 mi
1h 7m
I 41
53.8 mi
58m
State Highway 82
28.3 mi
42m
WI 54
21.3 mi
24m
State Highway 23
16 mi
23m
State Highway 44
14.8 mi
21m
State Highway 23 & 73
9.5 mi
13m
I 43
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 62.5 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse, WI and Brussels, WI.
1
Start on WI 35
0.7 mi·2 min·West Avenue South
2
Turn right
350 ft·12 sec
3
Turn straight onto CTH F
0.9 mi·2 min·Main Street
4
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi·1 min·Losey Boulevard North
5
Continue on WI 16
4.5 mi·8 min·WI 16
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
7
Merge onto I 90
63 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 90
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 69Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
9
Turn left onto State Highway 82
130 ft·5 sec·State Highway 82
10
Continue on State Highway 82
0.2 mi·17 sec·State Highway 82
11
At end of road, turn left onto State Highway 82
29 ft·0 sec·State Highway 82
12
Continue on WI 82
25 mi·36 min·State Highway 82
13
Continue on WI 82
1.1 mi·1 min·West Ormsby Street
14
Continue on WI 82
3.5 mi·5 min·State Highway 82
15
Continue on State Highway 23
6.1 mi·8 min·State Highway 23
16
Continue on WI 23
1.8 mi·2 min·Underwood Avenue
17
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.2 mi·17 sec·West Montello Street
18
Continue on WI 22; WI 23; CTH C
0.6 mi·50 sec·East Montello Street
19
Continue on WI 23
9.9 mi·14 min·State Highway 23
20
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi·49 sec·South 2nd Street
21
Turn right onto WI 73; CTH J
0.8 mi·1 min·West Main Street
22
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D
0.8 mi·1 min·South Fulton Street
23
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
9.5 mi·13 min·State Highway 23 & 73
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.4 mi·4 min·State Highway 23 & 49
25
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
1.4 mi·2 min·West Fond du Lac Street
26
Turn left onto CTH FF
403 ft·15 sec·North Union Street
27
Turn straight onto West Oshkosh Street
1.4 mi·4 min·West Oshkosh Street
28
Keep slight left at fork onto East Oshkosh Street
263 ft·8 sec·East Oshkosh Street
29
Continue on WI 44
15 mi·21 min·State Highway 44
30
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.8 mi·1 min·Ripon Rd
31
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.2 mi·21 sec·State Highway 44/91
32
Turn left
0.2 mi·33 sec
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
33
Merge onto I 41; US 41
54 mi·58 min·I 41; US 41
Toward AppletonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 43 South, US 141 South: Milwaukee
35
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·2 min
Exit 170BToward I 43 South: Milwaukee
36
Continue on I 43
4.7 mi·5 min·I 43
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward WI 54, WI 57, LMCT: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
38
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
39
Merge onto WI 54; WI 57
21 mi·24 min·WI 54; WI 57
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
40
Take the exit
440 ft·12 sec
41
Turn straight onto CTH D
210 ft·7 sec·County Road D
42
Continue on CTH DK
4.5 mi·7 min·County Road DK
43
Turn left onto CTH C
106 ft·2 sec·County Road C
44
Arrive at destination
CTH C
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 5 hours, this is a trip you can comfortably complete in a single day. Leaving La Crosse in the morning allows ample time to reach Brussels before evening. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which you can use for a break or to refuel. Given the highway-centric nature, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 62.5-mile stretch on I 90, to ensure you have enough to reach the next service area. The relatively short drive time means you have flexibility with your departure, but an early start is always recommended for a relaxed journey.
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 119.2 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.5 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 52 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brussels, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving La Crosse, 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 La Crosse, WI
This is one driving day of about 238.3 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from La Crosse, 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 62.5 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 69.6 and 212 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
69.6 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 69
Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
6
151.7 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Turn left toward I-41_North: Appleton
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
6
151.9 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|I 41; US 41
Merge onto I 41; US 41 toward Appleton
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Appleton
6
205.9 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 170B
Toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
6
212 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, A...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.26 one way
$74.51 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$40.91
$81.81
premium
$4.89
$45.86
$91.72
diesel
$5.61
$52.61
$105.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
Efficient EV
59.6
0
$20.85
$9.53
EV Truck/SUV
95.3
1
$33.36
$15.25
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
La Crosse, WI
Night
in La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brussels, WI
Night
in Brussels on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°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
27 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
5h 5m 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.
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 98.6
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?
This drive is heavily focused on highways, with 92% of the journey taking place on them. Expect a profile that's largely a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll encounter well-maintained interstates for the majority of your trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 62.5 miles on I 90, providing a significant period of consistent travel. While the route is predominantly interstate, the transition to State Highway 82 near the end offers a slight change of pace before reaching your destination.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 69.6 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 238.3 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 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.7 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 151.9 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between La Crosse, WI and Brussels, WI, road signs point toward Oxford, Appleton, Lmct: Sturgeon Bay and Algoma.
La Crosse is a city in the Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of La Crosse County. It's nestled between the river and picturesque bluffs that rise behind it. With a city population of around 50,000 and the metropolitan area just under 100,000, La Crosse offers visitors plenty of activities to do and sights to see, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 238.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 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 Brussels, 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.7 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 151.9 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brussels, WI before the return drive.
