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Trip from Lac du Flambeau, WI to Milwaukee, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 23m

Distance

268.1 mi

431 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 10m ★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 16m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Lac du Flambeau, WI, WI

Lac du Flambeau, WI

apertur 2.8

city in and county seat of Milwaukee County, and largest city in State of Wisconsin, United States

Milwaukee, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 268.3-mile journey from Lac du Flambeau to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a manageable one-day drive, taking approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile and 0% highway share, suggesting a more engaging experience than a typical interstate cruise. With a projected fuel cost of around $41, this trip is budget-friendly. Given the relatively short duration and the nature of the roads, it's well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region for the entirety of your trip.

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

134 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 41 80.8 mi 1h 29m
Oneida Street 71.1 mi 1h 29m
US 10 51.3 mi 1h 1m
I 39 29.8 mi 32m
US 45 12.3 mi 14m
State Highway 47 10.8 mi 16m
East-West Freeway 5.7 mi 8m
Elm Street 1.8 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 41 — 80.8 mi, about 1h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lac du Flambeau, WI and Milwaukee, WI.

1

Start on Simpson Avenue

38 ft · 2 sec · Simpson Avenue
2

Turn right onto CTH D

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Waswagon Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto WI 47; CTH D

0.6 mi · 50 sec · Old Abe Road
4

Continue on WI 47

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 47
5

Continue on WI 47

0.4 mi · 41 sec · 1st Avenue
6

Turn right onto US 51; WI 70

1.8 mi · 4 min · Elm Street
Use the right lane.
7

Continue on US 51

71 mi · 1 hr 29 min · Oneida Street
Use the straight lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51

22 mi · 24 min · I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
9

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51
10

Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 10; WI 66
Exit 158 Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

51 mi · 1 hr · US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

12 mi · 14 min · US 45
Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
14

Merge onto I 41; US 41

81 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 38A-B Toward I 94 East, I 94 West: Milwaukee, Madison Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 38A Toward I 94 East, I 43 South Alternate: Milwaukee Use the slight left lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto I 94

4.7 mi · 6 min · East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 794

1.0 mi · 1 min · East-West Freeway
Exit 310C Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 1E Toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
21

Turn slight right

309 ft · 14 sec
Toward Jackson Street South Use the right lane.
22

Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue

0.1 mi · 24 sec · East Saint Paul Avenue
23

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 47 sec · North Milwaukee Street
24

Arrive at destination

US 18; WI 32

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 19-minute drive covering 268.3 miles, starting your trip in the morning will give you ample daylight to navigate the numerous turns suggested by the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $41, you can easily complete this in a single day without significant breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition onto Highway 47, to ensure you have enough for the local road segments. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can adjust your pace as needed, making it a comfortable day trip.

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 134 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.8 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 59 miles or 1h 19m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 134 miles or 2h 47m 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 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Milwaukee, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lac du Flambeau, 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 Lac du Flambeau, WI

This is one driving day of about 268.1 miles and 5h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Lac du Flambeau, 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 41 for about 80.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Mosinee, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mosinee, WI

134 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

Merrill, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stevens Point, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Discourse Coffee | Downtown

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 268.3

Hours: 7:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1 mi

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Bay View

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 268.3

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14144890765

Visit website

Discourse Coffee | Downtown

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 268.3

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 268.3

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 268.3

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

Stevens Point Brewery | Tap Room & Gift Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 115

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+17153449310

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 115.2 and 266.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
115.2 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | US 10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
166.1 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in | US 45

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
8
260.5 mi into trip | ~5h 11m in

Take the exit toward I 94 East, I 94 West: Milwaukee, Madison

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 38A-B Toward I 94 East, I 94 West: Milwaukee, Madison
9
260.7 mi into trip | ~5h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 East, I 43 South Alternate: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 38A Toward I 94 East, I 43 South Alternate: Milwauk...
9
266.4 mi into trip | ~5h 20m in | I 794 / East-West Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 794 / East-West Freeway toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 310C Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.91 one way

$83.83 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.02 $92.04
premium $4.89 $51.59 $103.19
diesel $5.61 $59.19 $118.39

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$42

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.4 0 $28.15 $12.87
Efficient EV 67 0 $23.46 $10.72
EV Truck/SUV 107.2 1 $37.53 $17.16

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% 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 14, 2026

Origin

Lac du Flambeau, WI

Night in Lac du Flambeau on Saturday

Local time

11:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Milwaukee, WI

Night in Milwaukee on Saturday

Local time

11:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 10 to 15 mph 88% chance 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

4 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 23m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a winding and turn-heavy experience on this route, as it features a 0% highway share and relies on local roads like Waswagon Street and Old Abe Road, eventually connecting to Highway 47. The 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be navigating frequent intersections and changes in direction rather than cruising on long, straight stretches. While the longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, the overall character suggests a drive that keeps you actively engaged with the road. This is not a route for autopilot; it demands your attention as you transition through various local landscapes.

71% 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: 80.8 mi on I 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Oneida Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 115.2 miles in near US 10.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 268.1 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 115.2 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.1 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Lac du Flambeau, WI and Milwaukee, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.

Madison

85 mi in | ~1h 52m | via I 39; US 51

Waupaca

114.9 mi in | ~2h 24m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

114.9 mi in | ~2h 24m | via US 10; WI 66

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 268.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 80.8 miles on I 41. 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 Milwaukee, 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 115.2 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.1 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Milwaukee, WI before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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