Origin
Lake Koshkonong, WI
Morning in Lake Koshkonong on Tuesday
Local time
7:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Koshkonong, WI to North La Crosse, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 13m
Distance
169.6 mi
273 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Koshkonong, WI
Tom Fisk
North La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lake Koshkonong, WI to North La Crosse, WI is 169.6 miles and takes about 3h 13m via I-90, I-39, and US-51, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive primarily on Wisconsin's interstate system, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip between the Midwest regions. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, so expect efficient travel. This route is ideal if you're looking for a no-fuss journey with minimal navigation challenges. Plan for a quick and easy commute between these two Wisconsin points.
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
84.8 miles from Lake Koshkonong, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 105.8 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 39 | 32.5 mi | 34m |
| US 51 | 18.4 mi | 20m |
| State Highway 106 | 8.8 mi | 12m |
| Rose Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| North Shore Road | 1 mi | 3m |
| Burnham Road | 0.8 mi | 3m |
| State Highway 73 | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 105.8 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Koshkonong, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on North Shore Road
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North Shore Road
2
Turn left onto Burnham Road
0.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Burnham Road
3
Turn left onto WI 106
6.6 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 106
4
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 106
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 106
5
Turn left onto WI 73
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 73
6
Take the ramp onto US 51
18 mi
·
20 min
·
US 51
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on I 39; I 90
33 mi
·
34 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
42 mi
·
45 min
·
I 90
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
10
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
I 90; US 53
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
11
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Rose Street
12
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3h 13m duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and allow for any unexpected delays. You'll only need one significant stop for fuel or a break, with the longest stretch being 105.8 miles. The route's highway-centric nature means rest areas are readily available. A good tip is to check your fuel level before leaving Lake Koshkonong; while gas is plentiful along I-90, having a full tank provides peace of mind for the first 100+ miles.
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 84.8 miles from Lake Koshkonong, WI, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.8 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 37 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.8 miles or 1h 40m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake Koshkonong, 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 Lake Koshkonong, WI
This is one driving day of about 169.6 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Lake Koshkonong, 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 105.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.8 miles from Lake Koshkonong, 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 105.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 85 decision points cluster between mile 8.4 and 167.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
8.4 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
WI 106 / State Highway 106
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 106 / State Highway 106
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
11.3 mi into trip
|
~21m in
|
US 51
Take the ramp onto US 51
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
62.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
I 90; I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
125.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
6
167.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
|
I 90; US 53
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53 toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.52 one way
$53.03 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.11 | $58.22 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.64 | $65.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.45 | $74.89 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.81 | $8.14 |
| Efficient EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.84 | $6.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.8 | 0 | $23.74 | $10.85 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Morning in North La Crosse on Tuesday
Local time
7:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
17 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 13m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 93.6
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.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including a continuous segment of 105.8 miles on I-90. The character of the drive is predominantly fast-paced interstate cruising, designed for covering ground quickly. Expect smooth sailing and minimal slowdowns as you navigate through Wisconsin's landscape. This profile means you'll be on well-maintained, multi-lane highways for the vast majority of your journey.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.8 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 39. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.4 miles in near WI 106 / State Highway 106.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 169.6 miles you will encounter 8 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 8.4 miles (WI 106 / State Highway 106): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 11.3 miles (US 51): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.3 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Lake Koshkonong, WI to North La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward La Crosse along the way.
La Crosse
125.7 mi in
|
~2h 24m
|
via I 90
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 169.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.8 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 North La Crosse, 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 8.4 miles (WI 106 / State Highway 106): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 11.3 miles (US 51): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.3 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at North La Crosse, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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