Menomonee Falls to Ringle is 156.2 miles and takes about 3h 12m via I 41, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward trip focused on efficient travel between two points. You'll be spending most of your time on major highways, so if you're looking for a quick, no-fuss journey, this route fits the bill. Consider this if you want to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
78.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
68.8 mi
1h 13m
US 45
31.4 mi
37m
US Highway 45
23.8 mi
33m
West Madison Street
17.8 mi
25m
County Highway J
7.1 mi
9m
Ringle Avenue
3.4 mi
3m
South Main Street
0.8 mi
1m
Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 68.8 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonee Falls, WI and Ringle, 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 right at fork onto US 45
2.9 mi·3 min·US 45
Exit 273Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight lane.
11
Enter roundabout onto US 45
125 ft·7 sec·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New London
12
Continue on US 45
24 mi·32 min·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight / left lanes.
13
Continue on US 45; WI 22; CTH D
0.8 mi·1 min·South Main Street
14
Turn left onto US 45
18 mi·25 min·West Madison Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Continue on US 45; CTH J
7.1 mi·9 min·County Highway J
16
Turn left onto US 45
13 mi·15 min·US 45
17
Continue on WI 29
3.4 mi·3 min·Ringle Avenue
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward CTH Q: Ringle
19
Keep slight right at fork
133 ft·3 sec
20
Turn right onto CTH Q
0.4 mi·1 min·County Road Q
21
Turn left onto 1st Avenue
271 ft·11 sec·1st Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
1st Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 12m duration, this is comfortably a one-day trip, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Aim to leave in the morning to make the most of daylight and allow for any minor delays. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $24, you won't need to plan extensively for either. The longest stretch without a major exit is nearly 70 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that portion of I 41. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the latter half of that segment.
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 78.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.8 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.1 miles or 1h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ringle, 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 156.2 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 I 41 for about 68.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 78.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, 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 68.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
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.
8
86.4 mi into trip|~1h 36m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 273
Toward US 45 North: New London
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.42 one way
$48.84 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$26.81
$53.62
premium
$4.89
$30.06
$60.12
diesel
$5.61
$34.49
$68.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.9
0
$16.40
$7.50
Efficient EV
39.1
0
$13.67
$6.25
EV Truck/SUV
62.5
0
$21.87
$10.00
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 20, 2026
Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Morning
in Menomonee Falls on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
27°F
Widespread Frost
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 19 at 10:08PM CDT until April 20 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 19 at 10:08PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Ringle, WI
Morning
in Ringle on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
New London, WI
78 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
13 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
3h 12m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily highway-focused, with 79% of the drive on interstates and major highways. Expect a mostly efficient travel experience, punctuated by stretches of open road. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 68.8 miles on I 41, offering a significant period of consistent driving. While primarily a highway drive, you'll transition between different major roadways like I 41 and US 45. The character of the drive is largely defined by its speed and directness, rather than winding scenic byways.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.8 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 45. 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 17 significant decision points across 156.2 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.
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 Menomonee Falls, WI to Ringle, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton along the way.
Appleton
8.6 mi in|~11m|via I 41; US 41
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 156.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.8 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 Ringle, 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Ringle, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
