Origin
Lake Wisconsin, WI
Late night in Lake Wisconsin on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Wisconsin, WI to La Crosse, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 31m
Distance
125.8 mi
202 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 21m
★
6 AM
2h 31m
8 AM
2h 51m
10 AM
2h 38m
12 PM
2h 36m
3 PM
2h 39m
5 PM
2h 50m
8 PM
2h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Wisconsin, WI
Wikimedia Commons
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Lake Wisconsin to La Crosse, you are in for a 125.7-mile journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it covers a manageable distance that doesn't require an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $17 for fuel to complete the transit across this slice of the Midwest. Because you will be navigating local roads rather than major interstates, the drive offers a more intimate look at the Wisconsin countryside. It is an ideal option if you prefer a direct, turn-heavy local route over the monotony of high-speed highway travel.
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
62.9 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 102.6 mi | 1h 49m |
| I 39 | 6.3 mi | 6m |
| WI 16 | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| County Highway V | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| County Highway J | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Summerville Park Road | 1.2 mi | 4m |
| County Hwys J & CS | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| County Hwys J & V | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 102.6 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Wisconsin, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Summerville Park Road
1.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Summerville Park Road
2
Turn left onto CTH V
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
County Highway V
3
Turn left onto CTH J; CTH V
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
County Hwys J & V
4
Turn right onto CTH J
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway J
5
At end of road, turn right onto CTH J; CTH CS
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
County Hwys J & CS
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
7
Merge onto I 39; I 90; I 94
6.3 mi
·
6 min
·
I 39; I 90; I 94
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
39 mi
·
41 min
·
I 90
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
11
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
WI 16
12
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
13
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
14
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Street South
15
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnson Street
16
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Avenue South
17
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. While the route is direct, the turn-heavy nature of County Highways V and J means you should keep a close eye on your navigation to avoid missing your next transition. There are no mandatory stops listed, so plan your breaks based on your personal comfort level rather than specific road constraints. To ensure a smooth journey, verify your fuel levels before leaving Lake Wisconsin, as the $17 estimate assumes a standard vehicle efficiency for the 125.7-mile distance. Stay alert at every intersection, as the constant shifting between local roads requires a bit more focus than a standard highway commute.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62.9 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.6 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 28 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.9 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin, WI
This is one driving day of about 125.8 miles and 2h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Lake Wisconsin, 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 102.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
63 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 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 62.9 miles from Lake Wisconsin, 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 102.6 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 8 and 125.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
8 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
CTH J; CTH CS / County Hwys J & CS
At end of road, turn right onto CTH J; CTH CS / County Hwys J & CS
Navigation decision point
6
15.6 mi into trip
|
~24m 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
79.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m 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
118.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m in
Take the exit toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
5
125.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
|
WI 35 / West Avenue South
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35 / West Avenue South
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.67 one way
$39.33 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $21.59 | $43.19 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.21 | $48.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $27.78 | $55.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.7 | 0 | $13.21 | $6.04 |
| Efficient EV | 31.5 | 0 | $11.01 | $5.03 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 50.3 | 0 | $17.61 | $8.05 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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
La Crosse, WI
Late night in La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
1 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
2h 31m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging experience behind the wheel, as this path avoids major interstates entirely with a 0% highway share. You will rely primarily on County Highways V and J to navigate your way toward La Crosse. Since the longest stretch on any single road is 0 miles, you should be prepared for frequent transitions and a turn-heavy environment that demands your full attention. This is not a route for cruising on autopilot; it is a hands-on drive that keeps you connected to the road as you wind through the local landscape.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.6 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8 miles in near CTH J; CTH CS / County Hwys J & CS.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 125.8 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 8 miles (CTH J; CTH CS / County Hwys J & CS): Navigation decision point; at 15.6 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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 Wisconsin, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Onalaska along the way.
Onalaska
118.2 mi in
|
~2h 14m
About the Cities
Arriving in La Crosse, WI
Full guide →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.
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 2h 31m. Total distance: 125.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.6 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 8 miles (CTH J; CTH CS / County Hwys J & CS): Navigation decision point; at 15.6 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at La Crosse, WI before heading back.
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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