La Crosse, WI to Kronenwetter, WI is 137 miles and takes about 3h 10m via I 90 and WI 13, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Midwest, traversing Wisconsin for its entirety. It's a straightforward, mostly highway drive, making it ideal for a single-day trip when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a relatively quick transit with minimal fuss, focusing on covering ground comfortably.
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
68.5 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
38.6 mi
41m
State Highway 173
34 mi
49m
WI 13
14.3 mi
20m
State Highway 34
9.9 mi
13m
WI 16
4.5 mi
8m
State Highway 21
4 mi
5m
US Highway 10
3.8 mi
4m
I 39
3.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 38.6 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse, WI and Kronenwetter, 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
39 mi·41 min·I 90
8
Take the exit
0.8 mi·55 sec
Exit 45Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
9
Merge onto I 94
2.9 mi·3 min·I 94
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 143Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
11
Turn right onto WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
12
Continue on WI 21
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 21
13
Turn left onto WI 173
24 mi·33 min·State Highway 173
14
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi·1 min·State Highway 173
15
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
410 ft·8 sec·State Highway 80
16
Turn right onto WI 173
9.1 mi·13 min·State Highway 173
17
Continue on CTH G
2.0 mi·3 min·County Highway G
18
At end of road, turn right onto WI 54
2.1 mi·3 min·State Highway 54
19
Continue on WI 54
1.4 mi·2 min·Letendre Avenue
20
At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi·2 min·Wisconsin River Drive
21
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
22
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
64 ft·1 sec·2nd Avenue South
23
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
24
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 73
0.8 mi·1 min·West Riverview Expressway
25
Continue on WI 13; WI 34
14 mi·20 min·WI 13; WI 34
26
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.3 mi·42 sec·WI 34
27
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 10
28
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi·36 sec·WI 34
Exit 208Toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
29
Turn left onto WI 34
0.1 mi·21 sec·State Highway 134
30
Continue on WI 34
0.2 mi·22 sec·WI 34
31
Continue on WI 34
9.5 mi·13 min·State Highway 34
32
Enter roundabout onto WI 34
132 ft·2 sec·State Highway 34
33
Continue on WI 34
0.3 mi·39 sec·State Highway 34
34
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
35
Merge onto I 39; US 51
3.3 mi·3 min·I 39; US 51
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 179Toward WI 153: Mosinee, Elderon
37
Turn right onto WI 153
3.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 153
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Turn left onto CTH X; CTH XX
2.3 mi·3 min·CTH X; CTH XX
39
Turn right onto Forest Road
0.8 mi·3 min·Forest Road
40
Turn left onto Autumn Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Autumn Road
41
Arrive at destination
Autumn Road
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you plenty of flexibility, allowing for a leisurely pace or an early arrival. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, so ensure you have enough before setting out or plan a fuel stop. Since the longest stretch without exiting the main highway is under 40 miles, you won't need to worry about extensive periods without services, but it's always wise to top off your tank before heading into less populated areas. Consider a brief stop around the halfway mark if you prefer to break up the drive.
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 68.5 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.6 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 30 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.5 miles or 1h 28m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kronenwetter, 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 137 miles and 3h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 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 38.6 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 45.7 and 130.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
45.7 mi into trip|~56m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
49.4 mi into trip|~1h in
Take the exit toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 143
Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
5
93.4 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive
At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive
Navigation decision point
6
116.1 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 179
Toward WI 153: Mosinee, Elderon
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.42 one way
$42.84 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.52
$47.03
premium
$4.89
$26.36
$52.73
diesel
$5.61
$30.25
$60.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.1
0
$14.39
$6.58
Efficient EV
34.3
0
$11.99
$5.48
EV Truck/SUV
54.8
0
$19.18
$8.77
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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
La Crosse, WI
Late night
in La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
2:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
31°F
Partly Cloudy then Chance Snow Showers
W 5 to 10 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Kronenwetter, WI
Late night
in Kronenwetter on Sunday
Local time
2:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
11 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
3h 10m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 94.5
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?
You'll spend 89% of your time on the highway, which means a good portion of this 137-mile trip will be on major roads like I 90. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 38.6 miles on I 90. After leaving the interstate, you'll transition to State Highway 173 and then WI 13, which will feel more like cruising through the state. Expect a generally smooth experience with fewer complex intersections for most of the drive.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.6 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 173. You will hit about 26 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 45.7 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 137 miles you will encounter 26 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.4 miles (WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive): Navigation decision point.
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 Kronenwetter, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Necedah, Cth P, Cth Hh: Knowlton and Stevens Point.
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 3h 10m. Total distance: 137 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.6 miles on I 90. 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 Kronenwetter, 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 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.4 miles (WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive): Navigation decision point.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Kronenwetter, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
