If you are planning to head north from Menomonee Falls to Mercer, expect a 268.3-mile journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 24 minutes. This Wisconsin trip is perfectly suited as a one-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You will primarily navigate via I-41, US Highway 10, and US 51, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of the ride. Budget roughly $41 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, the transition is smooth, making this a straightforward trek for anyone looking to traverse the state efficiently.
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
134.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 51
70.9 mi
1h 28m
I 41
68.8 mi
1h 13m
US Highway 10
46.6 mi
54m
Chippewa Street
33.2 mi
50m
I 39
23.3 mi
25m
US 45
15.2 mi
17m
US 10
6.6 mi
7m
Main Street
2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 70.9 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-41
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 38 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,176 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,684
Quietest
1 AM
~126 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Menomonee Falls, WI and Mercer, WI.
1
Start on WI 175
21 ft·4 sec·Appleton Avenue
2
Turn left onto Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Turn left onto Pilgrim Road
0.3 mi·44 sec·Pilgrim Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 41 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Appleton, West Bend
5
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
7.2 mi·7 min·I 41; US 41; US 45
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, AppletonUse the slight left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto US 45
15 mi·17 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
47 mi·54 min·US Highway 10
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
11
Continue on US 10
1.3 mi·2 min·Main Street
12
Take the exit onto US 10
6.6 mi·7 min·US 10
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North, US 10 West
13
Continue on I 39; US 51
23 mi·25 min·I 39; US 51
14
Merge onto US 51; WI 29
48 mi·55 min·US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 51
23 mi·32 min·US 51
16
Turn slight right onto US 51
33 mi·50 min·Chippewa Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Arrive at destination
US 51
Trip Plan
To keep your energy levels high, plan to take at least one stop during your 5-hour and 24-minute transit. Leaving early in the day is your best bet to avoid potential traffic fluctuations on the busier highway sections. Since you are spending $41 on gas, monitor your fuel gauge once you hit the longer 70.9-mile stretch on US 51 to ensure you do not run low in more isolated areas. Because this is a manageable single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference. Keep your route map handy for the transitions between I-41, US Highway 10, and US 51 to stay on track.
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 134.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.9 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 59 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.1 miles or 2h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mercer, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls, WI
This is one driving day of about 268.3 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Menomonee Falls, 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 US 51 for about 70.9 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 8.6 and 86.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8.6 mi into trip|~11m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
70.2 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
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.
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
7
70.4 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 45 North: New London
5
71.2 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 45
Merge onto US 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
86.4 mi into trip|~1h 36m in|US 10 / US Highway 10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 / US Highway 10 toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.62 one way
$79.24 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$43.74
$87.48
premium
$4.72
$49.82
$99.63
diesel
$4.80
$50.66
$101.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.5
0
$28.17
$12.88
Efficient EV
67.1
0
$23.48
$10.73
EV Truck/SUV
107.3
1
$37.56
$17.17
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Morning
in Menomonee Falls on Sunday
Local time
10:24 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
W 5 to 10 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:46AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Destination
Mercer, WI
Morning
in Mercer on Sunday
Local time
10:24 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Patchy Smoke
NW 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:46AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
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
13 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
5h 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of this route consists of high-speed travel. The character of the drive shifts as you progress, balancing interstate segments with longer stretches on US 51, where you will encounter your longest uninterrupted leg of 70.9 miles. While the route is designed for efficiency, the consistent road types keep the pace steady throughout the day. You will spend most of your time behind the wheel focused on the road ahead rather than navigating technical local turns. It is a functional, reliable drive that prioritizes getting you from point A to point B with minimal complexity.
86% 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: 70.9 mi on US 51.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near I 41; US 41.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 268.3 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 8.6 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
North Central Wisconsin is in Wisconsin. The region’s numerous lakes and forests make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts during the summer season.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 24m. Total distance: 268.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 70.9 miles on US 51. 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 Mercer, 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 8.6 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mercer, WI before the return drive.
