Lomira Rest Area 63
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Milwaukee, WI to Rhinelander, 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 48m
Distance
245.3 mi
395 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 35m
★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 58m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Milwaukee, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Rhinelander, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Milwaukee to Rhinelander is 245.3 miles and takes about 4h 48m via I 41 and US 51, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, traversing Wisconsin for its entirety. With 98% of the route on highways, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. It's a good option if you're looking for a direct path north through the state, suitable for a single day's travel.
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
122.7 miles from Milwaukee, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 61.6 mi | 1h 6m |
| US Highway 10 | 46.6 mi | 54m |
| US 51 | 46.5 mi | 53m |
| I 39 | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| Zoo Freeway | 19.5 mi | 23m |
| US 45 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| US 8 | 14.3 mi | 20m |
| US 10 | 6.6 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 6m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 58 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,644 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~352 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16×
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 Milwaukee, WI and Rhinelander, WI.
1
Start on US 18; WI 32
45 ft
·
8 sec
·
North Milwaukee Street
2
Turn left onto East Wisconsin Avenue
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
East Wisconsin Avenue
3
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Jackson Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 794 West
Use the straight / slight right / right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 794
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
East-West Freeway
6
Continue on I 794
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
East-West Freeway
Exit 1A
Toward I 94 West: Madison
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 305A-B
Toward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, Chicago
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 305B
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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, Appleton
Use the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New London
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto US 45
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
47 mi
·
54 min
·
US Highway 10
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
15
Continue on US 10
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
16
Take the exit onto US 10
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 10
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North, US 10 West
17
Continue on I 39; US 51
23 mi
·
25 min
·
I 39; US 51
18
Merge onto US 51; WI 29
47 mi
·
53 min
·
US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward US 8: Prentice, Rhinelander
20
Keep slight right at fork
278 ft
·
9 sec
Toward US 8: Rhinelander
21
Turn right onto US 8
14 mi
·
20 min
·
US 8
Use the straight lane.
22
Enter roundabout onto CTH P
139 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Kemp Street
23
Continue on CTH P
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Kemp Street
24
Turn left onto Arbutus Street
476 ft
·
13 sec
·
Arbutus Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on South Petham Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
South Petham Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn slight left onto South Stevens Street
356 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Stevens Street
27
Turn left onto West King Street
200 ft
·
8 sec
·
West King Street
28
Arrive at destination
West King Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 48 minute estimated drive time, leaving Milwaukee in the morning will allow you to reach Rhinelander with plenty of daylight. The route is mostly highway, so you can plan for efficient travel with minimal detours. With only one suggested stop and a fuel cost around $38, you can easily manage your budget. The longest stretch without exiting is over 60 miles, so ensure you have fuel and any needed snacks before you begin that segment, likely on I 41.
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 122.7 miles from Milwaukee, WI, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.7 miles or 2h 21m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rhinelander, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI
This is one driving day of about 245.3 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Milwaukee, 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 61.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.7 miles from Milwaukee, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.6 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.
Theresa Rest Area 64
0.1 mi from route
64
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
1.7 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 6.7 and 88.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.7 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, Chicago
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 305A-B
Toward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, Chicago
9
6.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 305B
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
8
26.8 mi into trip
|
~35m 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
88.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m 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
88.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.23 one way
$72.45 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $39.99 | $79.98 |
| premium | $4.72 | $45.54 | $91.09 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.32 | $92.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.6 | 0 | $25.76 | $11.77 |
| Efficient EV | 61.3 | 0 | $21.46 | $9.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.1 | 1 | $34.34 | $15.70 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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
Milwaukee, WI
Late night in Milwaukee on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
NW 10 mph
16% 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
Rhinelander, WI
Late night in Rhinelander on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Smoke
NNW 12 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
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
5 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 48m 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?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 98% of the 245.3 miles on major roads. You'll experience the longest continuous stretch of 61.6 miles on I 41. The bulk of your travel will be on I 41, US Highway 10, and US 51, indicating a very high proportion of high-speed cruising. Expect rural cruising for the majority of the trip, transitioning to surface roads for the final portion as you approach Rhinelander.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 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 Highway 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.7 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 22 significant decision points across 245.3 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 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,549 ft
615 ft
Total Climb
1,232 ft
Total Descent
298 ft
Highest Point
1,549 ft
~245.3 mi in
Elevation Range
934 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.
On the drive from Milwaukee, WI to Rhinelander, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton along the way.
Appleton
26.8 mi in
|
~35m
|
via I 41; US 41
About the Cities
Starting in Milwaukee, WI
Full guide →“Mil Town” · Founded 1846
Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin, United States. The city celebrates its heritage as a major center for beer-brewing, and of it German and Polish communities. It is now known for its many festivals. The city's population is about 600,000 with about 1.6 million in the metropolitan area (2019). It is in the southeastern portion of the state on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Top landmarks
- • Milwaukee Art Museum — art museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- • Milwaukee City Hall — municipal office in E. Wells St. Milwaukee, United States
- • Basilica of St. Josaphat — church building in Milwaukee, United States of America
Arriving in Rhinelander, WI
Full guide →Rhinelander is a town in North Central Wisconsin that is a commercial, industrial, and recreation hub for the Northwoods area of Wisconsin. Because of the forests, lakes, and trails in the area, it is both a summer and winter vacation destination. Its population was 8,300 in 2020.
Top landmarks
- • Oneida County Courthouse — county courthouse in Rhinelander, Wisconsin
- • First National Bank — historic bank building in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, United States
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 48m. Total distance: 245.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.6 miles on I 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Rhinelander, 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 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Rhinelander, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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