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Trip from Marathon, WI to Racine, WI

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

Drive Time

4h 24m

Distance

222.4 mi

358 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 11m ★
6 AM
4h 24m
8 AM
4h 51m
10 AM
4h 34m
12 PM
4h 31m
3 PM
4h 35m
5 PM
4h 50m
8 PM
4h 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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long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 km

Marathon, WI

Andrew Durkin

city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 222.4-mile drive from Marathon to Racine, Wisconsin, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 4 hours and 24 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-41, US-10, and I-39, this route is a highway-focused experience, making it ideal for a single-day journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $35, it's an economical option for getting between these two points in the Midwest. The drive offers a consistent pace, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Consider this route if you're looking for efficiency and a predictable travel time across Wisconsin.

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

111.2 miles from Marathon, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 41 87.4 mi 1h 38m
US 10 51.3 mi 1h 1m
I 39 29.8 mi 32m
US 45 12.3 mi 14m
WI 29 12.1 mi 15m
North-South Freeway 11.9 mi 13m
Northwestern Avenue 9 mi 15m
Airport Freeway 4.3 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 41 — 87.4 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Marathon, WI and Racine, WI.

1

Start on WI 107

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
2

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec
3

Merge onto WI 29

7.7 mi · 8 min · WI 29
4

Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29

4.5 mi · 6 min · WI 29
Toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

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
6

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51
7

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
8

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.
9

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.
10

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
11

Merge onto I 41; US 41

86 mi · 1 hr 36 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.3 mi · 5 min · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41
Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

12 mi · 13 min · North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn left onto CTH K

5.1 mi · 9 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

27 ft · 0 sec · Northwestern Avenue
18

Continue on WI 38

3.4 mi · 5 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
19

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

91 ft · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue
20

Continue on WI 38

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Northwestern Avenue
21

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

72 ft · 4 sec · State Street
22

Continue on WI 38

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the straight lane.
23

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
24

Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32

309 ft · 17 sec · 6th Street
25

Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue

284 ft · 14 sec · Wisconsin Avenue
26

Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32

245 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street
27

Arrive at destination

WI 20; WI 32

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour 24 minute duration, starting your trip in Marathon early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. You'll have one recommended stop, which is ample for a drive of this length, allowing you to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. The estimated fuel cost of $35 is budget-friendly, but always check your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the 87.4-mile stretch on I-41. This route is efficient, so you have the flexibility to depart when it's most convenient for you, but plan around potential rush hour if you're arriving in Racine during peak times.

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 111.2 miles from Marathon, WI, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.4 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 49 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.2 miles or 2h 10m 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 30m

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 Marathon, 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 Marathon, WI

This is one driving day of about 222.4 miles and 4h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Marathon, 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 87.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Neenah, WI

111 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

Stevens Point, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Black Wolf, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.2 miles from Marathon, 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 87.4 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.

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 190.6

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 190.6

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

Blüm Coffee Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 190.6

Greenfield, Wisconsin

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+14142824220

Visit website

George Street Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 15.9

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17153593660

Visit website

Franklin Woods Nature Center Pavilion

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 206.5

Franklin, Wisconsin

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+14147452760

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.9 and 211.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
8.9 mi into trip | ~11m in | WI 29

Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29 toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison
8
43.6 mi into trip | ~50m 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
94.5 mi into trip | ~1h 51m 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
9
198.4 mi into trip | ~3h 49m 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
211.6 mi into trip | ~4h 4m 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

$34.77 one way

$69.54 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.18 $76.35
premium $4.89 $42.80 $85.60
diesel $5.61 $49.10 $98.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 77.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.7 0 $23.35 $10.68
Efficient EV 55.6 0 $19.46 $8.90
EV Truck/SUV 89 1 $31.14 $14.23

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 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 15, 2026

Origin

Marathon, WI

Late night in Marathon on Sunday

Local time

2:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Racine, WI

Late night in Racine on Sunday

Local time

2:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

18 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 24m 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 predominantly highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey on interstates and major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 87.4 miles along I-41, providing a good opportunity to maintain a steady speed. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than scenic detours, so you'll experience the character of Wisconsin's main transportation arteries. While the majority is highway, keep in mind that transitions between I-41, US-10, and I-39 will occur as you progress south towards Racine.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.4 mi on I 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.9 miles in near WI 29.

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 23 significant decision points across 222.4 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 8.9 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.6 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.5 miles (US 45): 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.

Between Marathon, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.

Madison

13.4 mi in | ~17m | via I 39; US 51

Waupaca

43.3 mi in | ~49m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

43.3 mi in | ~49m | via US 10; WI 66

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 24m. Total distance: 222.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 87.4 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 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 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 8.9 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.6 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.5 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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