Lind to Racine is 398.4 miles and takes about 7h 53m via I 94, US 53, and State Highway 70, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a route that covers a good chunk of the state, primarily on major highways. The drive is set up for a single-day trip, so you can get there and back or continue onward without needing an overnight stop.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
199.2 miles from Lind, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
232 mi
4h 9m
US 53
81.4 mi
1h 31m
State Highway 70
42.7 mi
1h
North-South Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Northwestern Avenue
9 mi
15m
Airport Freeway
4.3 mi
5m
Zoo Freeway
4 mi
5m
State Highway 35
2.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 232 mi, about 4h 9m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 102 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,974 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,514
Quietest
2 AM
~180 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.5×
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 Lind, WI and Racine, WI.
1
Start on Fish Lake Road
1.4 mi·5 min·Fish Lake Road
2
Turn left onto Anderson Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Anderson Road
3
Continue on West River Road
0.7 mi·2 min·West River Road
4
At end of road, turn left onto West River Road
1.0 mi·3 min·West River Road
5
Turn right onto WI 70
19 mi·27 min·State Highway 70
6
Turn left onto WI 35; WI 70
2.5 mi·4 min·State Highway 35
7
Enter roundabout onto WI 70
132 ft·7 sec·State Highway 70
8
Continue on WI 70
23 mi·31 min·State Highway 70
9
Continue on WI 70
1.6 mi·3 min·West Maple Street
10
Continue on WI 70
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 70
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward US 53 South: Rice Lake
12
Merge onto US 53
81 mi·1 hr 30 min·US 53
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
14
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft·5 sec·US 53
15
Continue on US 53
441 ft·8 sec·US 53
16
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
17
Merge onto I 94
168 mi·2 hr 59 min·I 94
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
21
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·30 sec·this road
Exit 305AToward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
23
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Exit 10BToward I 41 South, I 94 South: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
12 mi·13 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 329Toward CTH K: Racine, CaledoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn left onto CTH K
5.1 mi·9 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
29
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
27 ft·0 sec·Northwestern Avenue
30
Continue on WI 38
3.4 mi·5 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
31
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
91 ft·1 sec·Northwestern Avenue
32
Continue on WI 38
0.4 mi·34 sec·Northwestern Avenue
33
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
72 ft·4 sec·State Street
34
Continue on WI 38
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
36
Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32
309 ft·17 sec·6th Street
37
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
284 ft·14 sec·Wisconsin Avenue
38
Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32
245 ft·8 sec·7th Street
39
Arrive at destination
WI 20; WI 32
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 53m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning is your best bet to complete this 398.4-mile trip before dark. With only 2 recommended stops, you can be strategic about when and where you take breaks, perhaps planning one around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach the longest stretch on I 94, which is 232 miles; ensuring you're fueled up beforehand will prevent any delays. The $62 fuel cost is an estimate, so adjust based on current prices and your vehicle's MPG.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 199.2 miles from Lind, WI, or about 4h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232 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 88 miles or 2h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 199.2 miles or 4h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lind, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lind, WI
This is one driving day of about 398.4 miles and 7h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Lind, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 232 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 300.4 and 387.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
300.4 mi into trip|~5h 55m 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
364.6 mi into trip|~7h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
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 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
365.2 mi into trip|~7h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
374.3 mi into trip|~7h 18m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
387.6 mi into trip|~7h 34m in
Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
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 329
Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.83 one way
$117.67 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg139 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$64.95
$129.90
premium
$4.72
$73.97
$147.94
diesel
$4.80
$75.23
$150.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
119.5
1
$41.83
$19.12
Efficient EV
99.6
1
$34.86
$15.94
EV Truck/SUV
159.4
1
$55.78
$25.50
Gas CO2
139 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Lind, WI
Evening
in Lind on Saturday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Smoke
0 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Racine, WI
Evening
in Racine on Saturday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Smoke
E 0 to 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
61°F
Shelby, WI
199 mi in
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 53m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 247.3
Park Closure: Devil’s Lake Segment — Balanced Rock Trail Closed May 4–8
Park Closure: Lodi Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely highway, with 95% of the 398.4 miles on major roadways. You'll experience a solid 232-mile stretch on I 94, which means consistent cruising with frequent exits. State Highway 70 and US 53 will likely be where you transition to slightly less direct, but still efficient, travel before hitting I 94 again. Expect a mostly rural feel with the occasional town passing by as you cover the distance.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 232 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 300.4 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort10/10
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 30 significant decision points across 398.4 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 300.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 364.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,293 ft624 ft
Total Climb
659 ft
Total Descent
934 ft
Highest Point
1,293 ft
~56.9 mi in
Elevation Range
669 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 Lind, WI to Racine, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.
Top landmarks
•Johnson Wax Headquarters — corporate headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin
•Thomas P. Hardy House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
•Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 53m. Total distance: 398.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 53m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 232 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Racine, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 300.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 364.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Racine, WI before the return drive.
