Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Medford, WI to Wauwatosa, 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 29m

Distance

226.1 mi

364 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 16m ★
6 AM
4h 30m
8 AM
4h 56m
10 AM
4h 39m
12 PM
4h 36m
3 PM
4h 40m
5 PM
4h 55m
8 PM
4h 22m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Medford, WI, WI

Medford, WI

Tom Fisk

city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States

Wauwatosa, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Medford to Wauwatosa takes you on a 226.1-mile journey across Wisconsin, typically requiring about 4 hours and 29 minutes of travel time. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should expect to spend roughly $34 on fuel for the trek, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating primarily via WI 29, US 10, and I 41, you will transition from the central part of the state toward the more densely populated areas near Milwaukee. It is a practical, efficient route that keeps you moving steadily toward your destination in the Midwest.

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

113.1 miles from Medford, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 41 79.5 mi 1h 27m
US 10 51.3 mi 1h 1m
WI 29 33.9 mi 40m
I 39 29.8 mi 32m
US 45 12.3 mi 14m
State Highway 13 11.8 mi 17m
WI 29 Business 1.4 mi 2m
West Watertown Plank Road 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 41 — 79.5 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Medford, WI and Wauwatosa, WI.

1

Start on South 4th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · South 4th Street
2

Turn left onto East Perkins Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · East Perkins Street
3

Turn slight right

259 ft · 9 sec
4

Turn straight onto WI 13

0.9 mi · 2 min · South 8th Street
5

Continue on WI 13

12 mi · 17 min · State Highway 13
6

Continue on WI 13

0.6 mi · 1 min · North 4th Street
7

Turn left onto WI 29 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · WI 29 Business
8

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
9

Merge onto WI 29

29 mi · 33 min · WI 29
10

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.
11

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
12

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51
13

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
14

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.
15

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.
16

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
17

Merge onto I 41; US 41

80 mi · 1 hr 27 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
20

Turn straight onto West Watertown Plank Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · West Watertown Plank Road
Use the left lane.
21

Continue on Harwood Avenue

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Harwood Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn left onto WI 181

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Harmonee Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
23

Turn right onto West Menomonee River Parkway

498 ft · 21 sec · West Menomonee River Parkway
24

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

Since this trip takes under five hours, you have plenty of flexibility to depart when it best suits your schedule. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the drive and keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Watch your fuel gauge as you transition between the various highway segments to ensure you stay within your estimated $34 budget. Because the majority of your time is spent on major roads like I 41, keep an eye on traffic reports, as congestion can fluctuate near larger population centers. Using your one planned stop to stretch your legs during the transition between major highways will make the 226.1-mile journey feel significantly more manageable.

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 113.1 miles from Medford, WI, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.5 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 50 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.1 miles or 2h 19m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wauwatosa, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Medford, 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 Medford, WI

This is one driving day of about 226.1 miles and 4h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Medford, 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 79.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Portage County, Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Stevens Point, WI

113 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

Rib Mountain, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clintonville, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.1 miles from Medford, 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 79.5 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.

Top Coffee Stop

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 226.1

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1 mi

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 226.1

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 226.1

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

George Street Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 48.5

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17153593660

Visit website

Stevens Point Brewery | Tap Room & Gift Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 80.8

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+17153449310

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 45 and 223.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
45 mi into trip | ~1h 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
79.7 mi into trip | ~1h 39m 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
130.7 mi into trip | ~2h 40m 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
7
223.7 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Take the exit toward Watertown Plank Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road
8
223.9 mi into trip | ~4h 24m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Watertown Plank Road East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.35 one way

$70.70 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 79 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.81 $77.62
premium $4.89 $43.51 $87.02
diesel $5.61 $49.92 $99.84

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: 79.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 67.8 0 $23.74 $10.85
Efficient EV 56.5 0 $19.78 $9.04
EV Truck/SUV 90.4 1 $31.65 $14.47

Gas CO2

79 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

Medford, WI

Morning in Medford on Sunday

Local time

9:40 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wauwatosa, WI

Morning in Wauwatosa on Sunday

Local time

9:40 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°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 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 29m 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 trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 97% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major corridors, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 79.5 miles on I 41. The personality of this drive is consistent and functional, focusing on getting you from point A to point B with minimal local road navigation. While you traverse different stretches of Wisconsin, the experience remains largely focused on maintaining steady highway speeds. It is an ideal route for those who prefer predictable, fast-paced driving conditions over winding backroads.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.5 mi on I 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 45 miles in near WI 29.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 16 significant decision points across 226.1 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 45 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.7 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.7 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 Medford, WI and Wauwatosa, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.

Madison

45 mi in | ~1h | via WI 29

Waupaca

79.4 mi in | ~1h 38m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

79.4 mi in | ~1h 38m | via US 10; WI 66

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 226.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 29m 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 79.5 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 Wauwatosa, 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 45 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.7 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.7 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Wauwatosa, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Wauwatosa, WI

Balsam Lake, WI 325 mi · 6h 13m Amery, WI 313 mi · 5h 56m Arbor Vitae, WI 252.1 mi · 5h 1m Conover, WI 247 mi · 5h 31m

More from Medford, WI

New Berlin, WI 231.5 mi · 4h 37m West Allis, WI 227.5 mi · 4h 31m Menomonee Falls, WI 213.2 mi · 4h 12m La Crosse, WI 129.1 mi · 3h 27m Eau Claire, WI 80.1 mi · 1h 42m

More trips to Wauwatosa, WI

Randall, WI 357.2 mi Saint Croix Falls, WI 331.2 mi Somerset, WI 314.2 mi New Richmond, WI 309 mi North Hudson, WI 308.5 mi Saint Germain, WI 260.6 mi
Escape planner: Medford, WI Scenic drives in WI

Explore more options from Medford, WI or browse trips ending in Wauwatosa, WI.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.