La Crosse to Wind Lake is 212.7 miles and takes about 4 hours 8 minutes via I 90 and I 94, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region towards another part of the Midwest. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making for a straightforward drive. It's a single-day trip that's best suited for those who prefer efficient travel over scenic detours.
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
106.3 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
131 mi
2h 20m
I 94
57.6 mi
1h 1m
South Racine Avenue
5.8 mi
10m
East Racine Avenue
5.2 mi
9m
WI 16
4.5 mi
8m
US 18
2.1 mi
3m
WI 164
1.7 mi
3m
Racine Avenue
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 131 mi, about 2h 20m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,563 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,040
Quietest
1 AM
~123 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.8×
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 Wind Lake, 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 left at fork onto I 94
58 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto WI 164
0.2 mi·28 sec·WI 164
Exit 297Toward US 18 South, WI 164 South, CTH JJ South: Bluemound Road, WaukeshaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 164
1.5 mi·2 min·WI 164
Toward US 18 West, WI 164 South: WaukeshaUse the straight lane.
11
Turn slight left onto US 18; WI 164
2.1 mi·3 min·US 18; WI 164
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Turn slight left
450 ft·18 sec
13
Turn left onto CTH Y
5.2 mi·9 min·East Racine Avenue
Use the straight lane.
14
Enter roundabout onto CTH Y
115 ft·2 sec·South Racine Avenue
15
Continue on CTH Y
0.1 mi·11 sec·South Racine Avenue
16
Enter roundabout onto CTH Y
111 ft·2 sec·South Racine Avenue
17
Continue on CTH Y
5.7 mi·10 min·South Racine Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Enter roundabout onto CTH Y
83 ft·1 sec·Racine Avenue
19
Continue on CTH Y
1.0 mi·1 min·Racine Avenue
20
Continue on CTH Y
0.9 mi·1 min·County Highway Y
21
Enter roundabout onto CTH Y
192 ft·4 sec·Oak Ridge Drive
22
Continue on CTH Y
160 ft·30 sec·Oak Ridge Drive
23
Continue on CTH Y
138 ft·2 sec·Oak Ridge Drive
24
Arrive at destination
CTH Y
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, leaving La Crosse in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Wind Lake well before evening. You'll only need one stop for fuel and a break, which you can plan around the 131-mile stretch on I 90. The estimated fuel cost is $38, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, sticking to the main highways will ensure you reach Wind Lake efficiently.
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 106.3 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 1m 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 47 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.3 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wind Lake, 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 212.7 miles and 4h 8m.
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 131 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.1 and 204.9 — 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 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
195.6 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|WI 164
Take the exit onto WI 164 toward US 18 South, WI 164 South, CTH JJ South: Bluemound Road, Waukesha
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 297
Toward US 18 South, WI 164 South, CTH JJ South:...
8
195.9 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|WI 164
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 164 toward US 18 West, WI 164 South: Waukesha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 18 West, WI 164 South: Waukesha
5
204.9 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|CTH Y / South Racine Avenue
Enter roundabout onto CTH Y / South Racine Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.36 one way
$70.73 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$38.52
$77.04
premium
$5.18
$43.40
$86.81
diesel
$5.35
$44.80
$89.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.8
0
$22.33
$10.21
Efficient EV
53.2
0
$18.61
$8.51
EV Truck/SUV
85.1
1
$29.78
$13.61
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 May 29, 2026
Origin
La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in La Crosse on Wednesday
Local time
4:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Partly Sunny
S 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 29 at 5:43PM CDT until May 30 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Wind Lake, WI
Afternoon
in Wind Lake on Wednesday
Local time
4:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Partly Cloudy
E 0 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 29 at 5:43PM CDT until May 30 at 9:00PM 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
32 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 8m 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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 80.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 93% highway, meaning you'll be on interstates for the vast majority of the 212.7 miles. The longest stretch without needing to exit is 131 miles on I 90. You'll transition to surface roads, like South Racine Avenue, closer to your destination in Wind Lake. Expect a lot of exits and merging as you navigate these busy highway corridors.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 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?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 7.1 miles in near I 90.
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 212.7 miles you will encounter 14 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 7.1 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.1 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.6 miles (WI 164): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,063 ft669 ft
Total Climb
640 ft
Total Descent
511 ft
Highest Point
1,063 ft
~121.5 mi in
Elevation Range
394 ft
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 Wind Lake, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Waukesha along the way.
Waukesha
195.6 mi in|~3h 37m|via WI 164
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 212.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). 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 18 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 Wind Lake, 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 18 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 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.6 miles (WI 164): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Wind Lake, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
