Poynette Rest Area 12
0 mi from route
Trip from Lyons, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 45m
Distance
253.5 mi
408 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 32m
★
6 AM
4h 45m
8 AM
5h 12m
10 AM
4h 55m
12 PM
4h 52m
3 PM
4h 56m
5 PM
5h 11m
8 PM
4h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lyons, WI
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lyons, WI to Eau Claire, WI is 253.5 miles and takes about 4h 45m via I-94, I-39, and I-90, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest. It's a straightforward trip that primarily utilizes the interstate system, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. With a recommended one-day drive time, it's an accessible option for a quick transit or the start of a longer adventure.
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
126.8 miles from Lyons, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 76.1 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 39 | 65.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| US 14 | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| I 43 | 12.2 mi | 13m |
| US 12 | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 36 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| State Highway 120 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,585 veh/hr typical · worst 2,364
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Lyons, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on Center Street
55 ft
·
3 sec
·
Center Street
2
Turn right onto South Railroad Street
314 ft
·
18 sec
·
South Railroad Street
3
Turn left onto Mill Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Mill Street
4
Turn left onto WI 36
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 36
5
Turn left onto WI 120
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 120
6
Enter roundabout
226 ft
·
5 sec
7
Continue
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
8
Merge onto US 12
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
US 12
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 321
Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
13
Merge onto I 43
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 43
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft
·
3 sec
16
Merge onto US 14
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
US 14
17
Turn left onto US 14; WI 11
11 mi
·
15 min
·
US 14; WI 11
18
Turn left onto WI 11
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Racine Street
19
Enter roundabout
10 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
20
Continue
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
21
Merge onto I 39; I 90
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
26
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
27
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
28
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
29
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
30
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
31
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
32
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 45m estimated drive time, leaving Lyons, WI in the morning should allow you to reach Eau Claire, WI with plenty of daylight remaining. The $42 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's wise to fill up before you depart or at a major exit along I-94 to ensure you have enough. The longest stretch without a significant change in direction is over 76 miles, so plan your breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when approaching the end of that long interstate segment, and consider a quick stop around Tomah, WI if needed.
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 126.8 miles from Lyons, WI, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 56 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.8 miles or 2h 25m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lyons, 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 Lyons, WI
This is one driving day of about 253.5 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Lyons, 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 94 for about 76.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 126.8 miles from Lyons, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Janesville Rest Area 17
0.1 mi from route
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0.1 mi from route
Millston Rest Area 53
0.1 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Black River Falls Rest Area 54
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pleasant Springs Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
1.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 265 decision points cluster between mile 12.8 and 172 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
12.8 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Take the exit toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
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 321
Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
6
13 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
7
13.7 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
8
26.2 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Take the exit toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
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 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
8
172 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.44 one way
$74.87 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $41.33 | $82.66 |
| premium | $4.72 | $47.07 | $94.13 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $47.87 | $95.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.1 | 0 | $26.62 | $12.17 |
| Efficient EV | 63.4 | 0 | $22.18 | $10.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.4 | 1 | $35.49 | $16.22 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Lyons, WI
Late night in Lyons on Sunday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
W 10 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Eau Claire, WI
Late night in Eau Claire on Sunday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
86°F
Lodi, WI
127 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
3 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 45m 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 139.9
Caution: Indian Creek Segment — Machinery and Parking Closure
Park Closure: Sturgeon Bay Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 97% of the driving on interstates. You'll experience a longest stretch of 76.1 miles on I-94 before needing to navigate other major highways like I-39 and I-90. Expect a consistent cruising experience with frequent exits as you cover the 253.5 miles. The transition to surface roads, if any, will be at the very end of your trip.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.1 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 253.5 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 12.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,058 ft
789 ft
Total Climb
730 ft
Total Descent
741 ft
Highest Point
1,058 ft
~176.5 mi in
Elevation Range
269 ft
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.
Between Lyons, WI and Eau Claire, WI, road signs point toward Cth Nn: Beloit, Milwaukee, Beloit, Janesville and Saint Paul.
Cth Nn: Beloit
12.8 mi in
|
~16m
Milwaukee
12.8 mi in
|
~16m
Beloit
13 mi in
|
~17m
Janesville
26.2 mi in
|
~32m
Saint Paul
172 mi in
|
~3h 14m
|
via I 94
About the Cities
Starting in Lyons, WI
Full guide →Arriving in Eau Claire, WI
Full guide →Eau Claire (pronounced: O'Clare, French for clear water) is a city of about 62,000 in Northwest Wisconsin.
Top landmarks
- • Sacred Heart Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
- • Martin Van Buren Barron House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
- • Brady Anderson and Waldemar Ager House — United States historic place
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 4h 45m. Total distance: 253.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76.1 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 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 Eau Claire, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Eau Claire, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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