La Crosse to Two Rivers is 215.8 miles and takes about 4h 57m via I 90 and US Highway 10, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. For the most part, you'll be on major highways, making it a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is a solid choice if you're looking for a direct path across the state without too many complicated turns.
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
107.9 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
62.5 mi
1h 7m
US Highway 10
32.9 mi
46m
State Highway 82
28.3 mi
42m
State Highway 23
16 mi
23m
State Highway 44
14.8 mi
21m
I 41
13.9 mi
14m
State Highway 23 & 73
9.5 mi
13m
State Highway 310
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 62.5 mi, about 1h 7m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,138 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,666
Quietest
1 AM
~136 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Two Rivers, 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
14 mi·14 min·I 41; US 41
Toward AppletonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 131Toward WI 114, CTH JJUse the slight right lane.
35
Keep slight right at fork
330 ft·7 sec
36
Turn straight onto WI 114
0.1 mi·10 sec·Winneconne Avenue
37
Enter roundabout onto WI 114
156 ft·2 sec·Winneconne Avenue
38
Continue on WI 114
334 ft·5 sec·Winneconne Avenue
39
Enter roundabout onto WI 114
87 ft·1 sec·Winneconne Avenue
40
Continue on WI 114
1.0 mi·1 min·Winneconne Avenue
41
Turn left onto WI 114
0.9 mi·1 min·South Commercial Street
42
Continue on WI 114
0.3 mi·30 sec·Washington Street
43
Continue on WI 114
0.4 mi·39 sec·Tayco Street
44
Turn right onto WI 114
0.8 mi·1 min·3rd Street
45
Continue on WI 114
1.8 mi·4 min·Plank Road
46
Continue on US 10; WI 114
4.2 mi·5 min·US Highway 10
Use the straight lane.
47
Enter roundabout onto US 10
93 ft·5 sec·US Highway 10
48
Continue on US 10
2.0 mi·2 min·US Highway 10
49
Enter roundabout onto US 10
150 ft·8 sec·US Highway 10
50
Continue on US 10
6.4 mi·8 min·US Highway 10
51
Enter roundabout onto US 10
130 ft·7 sec·US Highway 10
52
Continue on US 10
11 mi·15 min·US Highway 10
53
Continue on US 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
54
Continue on US 10
5.4 mi·7 min·US Highway 10
55
Continue on US 10
1.4 mi·3 min·West Menasha Avenue
56
Continue on US 10
4.3 mi·5 min·US Highway 10
Use the straight lane.
57
Continue on WI 310
1.1 mi·1 min·State Highway 310
Use the straight lane.
58
Enter roundabout onto WI 310
106 ft·1 sec·State Highway 310
59
Continue on WI 310
1.5 mi·2 min·State Highway 310
60
Enter roundabout onto WI 310
120 ft·2 sec·State Highway 310
61
Continue on WI 310
0.9 mi·1 min·State Highway 310
62
Enter roundabout onto WI 310
112 ft·1 sec·State Highway 310
63
Continue on WI 310
1.9 mi·2 min·State Highway 310
64
Continue on WI 310
2.4 mi·3 min·Hawthorne Avenue
65
Turn left onto WI 310
0.2 mi·28 sec·14th Street
66
Turn left onto WI 310
0.1 mi·9 sec·Madison Street
67
Continue on WI 310
0.2 mi·28 sec·16th Street
68
Turn left onto WI 42
0.4 mi·48 sec·Washington Street
Use the left lane.
69
Turn left onto WI 147
229 ft·4 sec·22nd Street
Use the left lane.
70
Arrive at destination
WI 147
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 57 minute estimated drive time, leaving La Crosse in the morning will comfortably get you to Two Rivers before dinner. The longest continuous stretch is 62.5 miles on I 90, so plan your first break after that segment. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility; however, consider stopping about halfway to stretch your legs and refuel. The total fuel cost is estimated at $38, so ensure your tank is full before you depart. This single-day drive allows for a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
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 107.9 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 18m 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 47 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.9 miles or 2h 18m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Two Rivers, 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 215.8 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 69.6 and 166.3 — 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
8
165.8 mi into trip|~3h 41m in
Take the exit toward WI 114, CTH JJ
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 131
Toward WI 114, CTH JJ
6
166.3 mi into trip|~3h 42m in|WI 114 / Winneconne Avenue
Enter roundabout onto WI 114 / Winneconne Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.88 one way
$71.76 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$39.08
$78.16
premium
$5.18
$44.04
$88.07
diesel
$5.35
$45.45
$90.91
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.7
0
$22.66
$10.36
Efficient EV
54
0
$18.88
$8.63
EV Truck/SUV
86.3
1
$30.21
$13.81
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 May 31, 2026
Origin
La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in La Crosse on Wednesday
Local time
4:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Partly Cloudy
E 5 to 9 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 4:57PM CDT until May 30 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 12:08AM CDT until May 30 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Two Rivers, WI
Afternoon
in Two Rivers on Wednesday
Local time
4:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Mostly Clear
E 3 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 4:57PM CDT until May 30 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 12:08AM CDT until May 30 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
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
10 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
4h 57m 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 96.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 89% of the miles on interstates and major roads. You'll experience a continuous stretch of 62.5 miles on I 90, which means a good amount of time cruising at higher speeds. The transition to surface roads will happen later in the trip, offering a change of pace from the more direct highway sections. Expect to notice the steady flow of traffic typical of major interstates for most of your travel.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
70 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?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US Highway 10. 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 Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 215.8 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
973 ft603 ft
Total Climb
565 ft
Total Descent
631 ft
Highest Point
973 ft
~92.5 mi in
Elevation Range
371 ft
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 Two Rivers, WI, road signs point toward Oxford, Appleton and Cth.
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
Manitowoc and Two Rivers are a pair of harbor cities along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Northeastern Wisconsin. With a population of around 34,000 and 11,000 respectively, the two cities have been known for their maritime activities, and are a popular gateway to scenic Door County to the north by Highway 42.
Top landmarks
•Bernard Schwartz House — Historic house in Two Rivers, Wisconsin
•Rawley Point Light — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
•Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum — museum in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 215.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m 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 62.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Two Rivers, 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 11 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.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Two Rivers, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
