Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Trip from La Crosse, WI to Rutland, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 3m
Distance
160.4 mi
258 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 52m
★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 9m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Rutland, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
La Crosse, WI to Rutland, WI is 160.4 miles and takes about 3h 3m via I 90, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin, making it a straightforward trip between two points in the same region. With 87% of the route on the highway, expect a relatively quick and efficient transit. This is a good option if you're looking for a short, manageable drive that doesn't require an overnight stay. Given the short duration, you have plenty of flexibility for when you depart.
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
80.2 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 131 mi | 2h 20m |
| South Park Street | 11.9 mi | 14m |
| South Beltline Highway | 5.3 mi | 7m |
| WI 16 | 4.5 mi | 8m |
| I 39 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| West Avenue South | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| Losey Boulevard North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 131 mi, about 2h 20m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,282 veh/hr typical · worst 1,894
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 La Crosse, WI and Rutland, 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
131 mi
·
2 hr 20 min
·
I 90
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
10
Merge onto US 12; US 18
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 261
Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, Oregon
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
140 ft
·
5 sec
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, Oregon
Use the left lane.
13
Turn left onto US 14
12 mi
·
14 min
·
South Park Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn left onto Old Stage Road
440 ft
·
11 sec
·
Old Stage Road
15
Turn right
178 ft
·
13 sec
16
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour drive time and 160.4-mile distance, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Aim to leave in the morning to allow for a relaxed pace and potential brief stops. The longest stretch on I 90 is 131 miles, so plan your fuel needs accordingly, though the estimated $28 cost suggests you won't need to worry too much. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 90 to surface streets as you get closer to Rutland to avoid missing your final turns. Since it's a shorter drive, you can afford to leave later if needed.
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 80.2 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 131 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 35 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.2 miles or 1h 33m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rutland, 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 160.4 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 131 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.2 miles from La Crosse, 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 131 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Poynette Rest Area 12
0.1 mi from route
Bangor Rest Area 15
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Sparta Rest Area 16
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
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
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 7.1 and 148.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
7.1 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 90
Merge onto I 90
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
138.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m 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
6
141.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
Take the exit toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
8
148 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m in
Take the exit toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, Oregon
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 261
Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, O...
9
148.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m 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
$23.69 one way
$47.37 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $26.15 | $52.30 |
| premium | $4.72 | $29.78 | $59.56 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $30.29 | $60.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.1 | 0 | $16.84 | $7.70 |
| Efficient EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.04 | $6.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.46 | $10.27 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Origin
La Crosse, WI
Evening in La Crosse on Monday
Local time
8:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Areas Of Smoke
E 2 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:49PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Rutland, WI
Evening in Rutland on Monday
Local time
8:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Areas Of Smoke
E 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:49PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 3m 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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 82.9
Park Closure: Lodi Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park Closure: Janesville Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 87% of the 160.4 miles on I 90. You'll experience a long stretch of 131 miles on I 90 before transitioning to surface roads like South Park Street and South Beltline Highway closer to Rutland. The high highway percentage means you'll likely encounter consistent speeds and potentially dense exit activity as you approach your destination. The shift from the interstate to these local roads will mark the end of the high-speed cruising.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 131 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and South Park Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.1 miles in near I 90.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 160.4 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 7.1 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.1 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
998 ft
669 ft
Total Climb
639 ft
Total Descent
355 ft
Highest Point
998 ft
~126 mi in
Elevation Range
330 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.
On the drive from La Crosse, WI to Rutland, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Oregon along the way.
Oregon
148 mi in
|
~2h 48m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Bean Juice Coffee Roasters
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Hours: Mo-Sa 06:30-18:00; Su 08:00-15:00
Sweet Haus
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Visit websiteMOKA
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Jules Coffee
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
McCaffrey's Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: 07:00-17:00
Moka
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Taco Bell
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: tex-mex
Hours: Mo-We 09:00-03:00; Th-Sa 09:00-04:00; Su...
Visit websiteJimmy John's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Visit websiteLovechild Restaurant
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cuisine: fine_dining
Hours: Mo-Th 17:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-22:00
Visit websiteTacomex
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: mexican
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:30-21:00
Visit websiteQdoba
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: mexican
Hours: Mo-We 10:30-22:00; Th 10:30-02:30; Fr-Sa...
Visit websiteSubway
Fast_food
Near the start, short detour
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Fr 09:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-19:30; Su 09...
Visit websiteMill Bluff campground
Camp_site
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
M60A3
Attraction
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Bell AH-1
Attraction
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Fishing Spot (Northern Pike)
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cliffwood
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Hedgehog
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Bangor & Area Historical Society
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Bangor, WI
Visit websiteDahl Auto Museum
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Visit websiteSwarthout Museum
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
WI
Hours: Mo,Tu,Th-Sa 10:00-18:00; We 10:00-20:00
Bangor House/Elsen House
Building
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Majestic Hall
Building
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
M60A3
Tank
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Mill Bluff campground
Camp_site
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Willow's Motel
Motel
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Babcock County Park Campground
Camp_site
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McFarland, WI
Super 8
Motel
Near the start, short detour
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
La Crosse, WI
Visit websiteCliffwood Campground
Camp_site
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Sandstone Ridge Campground
Camp_site
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in La Crosse, WI
Full guide →Founded 1842
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.
Top landmarks
- • St. Rose of Viterbo Convent — historic church in Wisconsin, United States
- • La Crosse station — train station in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US
- • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
Arriving in Rutland, WI
Full guide →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 3h 3m. Total distance: 160.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 131 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Rutland, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.1 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.1 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Rutland, 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, 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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