Origin
Monona, WI
Late night in Monona on Sunday
Local time
3:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Monona, WI to North La Crosse, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 38m
Distance
142.5 mi
229 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 28m
★
6 AM
2h 38m
8 AM
2h 59m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 47m
5 PM
2h 58m
8 PM
2h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Monona, WI
Wikimedia Commons
North La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Monona to North La Crosse, expect a straightforward journey covering 142.5 miles across the Wisconsin landscape. Clocking in at approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can anticipate spending roughly $22 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway or a quick business trip. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, keeping navigation simple and stress-free. Whether you are heading west for a change of scenery or visiting family, this drive offers a reliable connection between these two Midwest locations.
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
71.2 miles from Monona, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 105.8 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 39 | 28.9 mi | 31m |
| South Stoughton Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| Rose Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| WI 30 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| Pflaum Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Nichols Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 105.8 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monona, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Nichols Road
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Nichols Road
2
Continue on Pflaum Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Pflaum Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
3
Turn left onto US 51
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
South Stoughton Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
5
Merge onto WI 30
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
WI 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 3B
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto I 39; I 90
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
42 mi
·
45 min
·
I 90
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
10
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
I 90; US 53
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
11
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Rose Street
12
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2 hour and 38 minute drive, consider departing during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the interstate segments. Since the trip is relatively short, a single planned stop is usually sufficient to stretch your legs and refresh, though the direct nature of the route gives you plenty of flexibility in your timing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto I-90, as that 105.8-mile stretch will be your primary focus for the majority of the journey. Because you are spending nearly the entire trip on high-speed roads, ensure your vehicle is prepared for consistent highway cruising speeds. Planning for just one stop will help you maintain your momentum while keeping the total transit time well within a comfortable range for a single day.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.2 miles from Monona, WI, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.8 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 31 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.2 miles or 1h 20m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Monona, 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 Monona, WI
This is one driving day of about 142.5 miles and 2h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Monona, 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 90 for about 105.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.2 miles from Monona, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.8 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 85 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 140.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.3 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 51 / South Stoughton Road
Turn left onto US 51 / South Stoughton Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
5.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 3B
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
6
35.1 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
I 90; I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
98.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
|
I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
6
140.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
I 90; US 53
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53 toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.28 one way
$44.56 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.46 | $48.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.42 | $54.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.46 | $62.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.96 | $6.84 |
| Efficient EV | 35.6 | 0 | $12.47 | $5.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57 | 0 | $19.95 | $9.12 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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.
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Late night in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
3:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
9 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
2h 38m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, manage...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 63.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 95% of your travel time spent on major interstates. You will start by navigating South Stoughton Road before merging onto I-39 and I-90 for the bulk of your navigation. Be prepared for a sustained interstate experience, as your longest uninterrupted stretch spans 105.8 miles on I-90. While the road lacks the technical challenge of winding backroads, the heavy reliance on high-speed transit allows you to maintain a consistent pace. Expect a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over the slower, secondary routes found elsewhere in the state.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.8 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near US 51 / South Stoughton Road.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 142.5 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 1.3 miles (US 51 / South Stoughton Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.1 miles (I 90; I 94): 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.
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 Monona, WI to North La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward La Crosse along the way.
La Crosse
98.6 mi in
|
~1h 49m
|
via I 90
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 142.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.8 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 North La Crosse, 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 1.3 miles (US 51 / South Stoughton Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.1 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at North La Crosse, WI before heading back.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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