Poynette Rest Area 12
0 mi from route
Trip from New Berlin, WI to Star Prairie, 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
5h 44m
Distance
309.6 mi
498 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 32m
★
6 AM
5h 45m
8 AM
6h 11m
10 AM
5h 54m
12 PM
5h 51m
3 PM
5h 55m
5 PM
6h 10m
8 PM
5h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Berlin, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Star Prairie, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 309.6-mile journey from New Berlin, Wisconsin, to Star Prairie, Wisconsin, a drive that typically takes about 5 hours and 44 minutes. This Midwest to Midwest trip is primarily highway-focused, with 94% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-94 and I-90, along with the East-West Freeway. Given its length and duration, this route is very manageable as a single-day trip, though you might consider an overnight stay if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $48. You'll find this is a straightforward, efficient route for getting between these two Wisconsin locations.
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
154.8 miles from New Berlin, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 159.2 mi | 2h 50m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| East-West Freeway | 60.2 mi | 1h 4m |
| County Highway T | 12.8 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 64 | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 65 | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| South Moorland Road | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| US-12 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 159.2 mi, about 2h 50m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 82 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,864 veh/hr typical · worst 2,373
Quietest
2 AM
~131 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.2×
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 New Berlin, WI and Star Prairie, WI.
1
Start on West National Avenue
69 ft
·
1 sec
·
West National Avenue
2
Turn sharp right onto CTH O
3.3 mi
·
6 min
·
South Moorland Road
3
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
4
Merge onto I 94
6.7 mi
·
7 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi
·
57 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 94
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
130 mi
·
2 hr 19 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto Exit 16
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Exit 16
Exit 16
Toward CTH T: Hammond
10
Enter roundabout onto CTH T
15 ft
·
0 sec
·
County Highway T
Toward Hammond
11
Continue on CTH T
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
County Highway T
Toward Hammond
12
Continue on US 12; CTH T
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
US-12
13
Turn right onto CTH T
10 mi
·
13 min
·
County Highway T
14
Turn left onto WI 64
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 64
15
Turn right onto WI 65
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 65
16
Turn right onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Main Street
17
Turn right onto CTH M
79 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bridge Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
CTH M
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 44-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from New Berlin to maximize your daylight and arrive in Star Prairie with ample time. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but it's wise to plan for a break around the halfway point, especially given the 159.2-mile stretch on I-94. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $48 estimated cost suggests regular fueling will be necessary. Since this is a manageable day trip, you can afford to be flexible with your start time and any brief stops you might want to make along the way.
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 154.8 miles from New Berlin, WI, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 159.2 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 68 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 154.8 miles or 2h 49m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Star Prairie, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Berlin, 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 New Berlin, WI
This is one driving day of about 309.6 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from New Berlin, 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 94 for about 159.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
155 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 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 154.8 miles from New Berlin, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 159.2 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.
Rest area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Menomonie Eastbound Rest Area 61
0.1 mi from route
Menomonie Westbound Rest Area 62
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0.1 mi from route
Johnson Creek Rest Area 14
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Millston Rest Area 53
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Black River Falls Rest Area 54
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Rest Area
1.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 10.6 and 287.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
10.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 94 / East-West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / East-West Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
64.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
6
93.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m 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.
8
156.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
287.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 11m in
|
CTH T / County Highway T
Enter roundabout onto CTH T / County Highway T toward Hammond
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward Hammond
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.72 one way
$91.44 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
108 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $50.47 | $100.95 |
| premium | $4.72 | $57.48 | $114.97 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $58.46 | $116.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 92.9 | 1 | $32.51 | $14.86 |
| Efficient EV | 77.4 | 0 | $27.09 | $12.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 123.8 | 1 | $43.34 | $19.81 |
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
New Berlin, WI
Evening in New Berlin on Saturday
Local time
8:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph
32% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:05PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Destination
Star Prairie, WI
Evening in Star Prairie on Saturday
Local time
8:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
SW 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:05PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM 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
2 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
5h 44m 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.
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 117.4
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for most of this 309.6-mile drive. With 94% of the route on interstates like I-94 and I-90, you'll be covering ground efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 159.2 miles, also on I-94, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the main roads provide a direct path, the character is largely defined by its interstate nature, making it a practical transit rather than a winding scenic tour.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 159.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.6 miles in near I 94 / East-West Freeway.
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 12 significant decision points across 309.6 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 10.6 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.2 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,126 ft
816 ft
Total Climb
688 ft
Total Descent
672 ft
Highest Point
1,126 ft
~287.5 mi in
Elevation Range
310 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.
Between New Berlin, WI and Star Prairie, WI, road signs point toward Eau Claire, Saint Paul, Cth T: Hammond and Hammond.
Eau Claire
64.1 mi in
|
~1h 12m
|
via I 94
Saint Paul
156.7 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via I 94
Cth T: Hammond
286.8 mi in
|
~5h 10m
|
via Exit 16
Hammond
287.1 mi in
|
~5h 11m
|
via CTH T
About the Cities
Starting in New Berlin, WI
Full guide →Founded 1840
New Berlin is in Wisconsin.
Top landmarks
- • Freewill Baptist Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
Arriving in Star Prairie, WI
Full guide →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 5h 44m. Total distance: 309.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 159.2 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Star Prairie, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.6 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.2 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Star Prairie, WI before the return drive.
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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