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Trip from New Lisbon, WI to Racine, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 22m

Distance

174.6 mi

281 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 10m ★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 46m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 28m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 15m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Juneau County, Wisconsin, United States

New Lisbon, WI

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 174.6-mile drive from New Lisbon, WI, to Racine, WI, will take you about 3 hours and 22 minutes. It's a straightforward trip primarily on I-90, I-94, and the North-South Freeway, with 92% of the journey on highways. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. Expect to spend around $27 on fuel for this journey. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel as you travel across Wisconsin.

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

87.3 miles from New Lisbon, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 75.4 mi 1h 20m
I 94 64.2 mi 1h 9m
North-South Freeway 11.9 mi 13m
Northwestern Avenue 9 mi 15m
Airport Freeway 4.3 mi 5m
Zoo Freeway 4 mi 5m
I 41 1.3 mi 1m
State Street 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 75.4 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New Lisbon, WI and Racine, WI.

1

Start on this road

25 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto South Monroe Street

161 ft · 9 sec · South Monroe Street
3

Turn right onto WI 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Bridge Street
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
5

Merge onto I 90; I 94

75 mi · 1 hr 20 min · I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 94
Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago Use the slight left lane.
9

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 30 sec · this road
Exit 305A Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
11

Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45

4.0 mi · 5 min · Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.3 mi · 5 min · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41
Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

12 mi · 13 min · North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn left onto CTH K

5.1 mi · 9 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

27 ft · 0 sec · Northwestern Avenue
18

Continue on WI 38

3.4 mi · 5 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
19

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

91 ft · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue
20

Continue on WI 38

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Northwestern Avenue
21

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

72 ft · 4 sec · State Street
22

Continue on WI 38

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the straight lane.
23

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
24

Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32

309 ft · 17 sec · 6th Street
25

Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue

284 ft · 14 sec · Wisconsin Avenue
26

Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32

245 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street
27

Arrive at destination

WI 20; WI 32

Trip Plan

With a total drive time of just over three hours, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits you best. Consider leaving early in the morning to avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you approach Racine. You'll have one significant stretch of 75.4 miles on I-90 to keep in mind for planning your stops. Since this is a single-day trip, focus on one comfortable break point rather than multiple. For this route, paying attention to lane changes as you transition between I-90 and I-94 will be key to a smooth journey.

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 87.3 miles from New Lisbon, WI, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 38 miles or 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 87.3 miles or 1h 35m 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 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving New Lisbon, 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 Lisbon, WI

This is one driving day of about 174.6 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from New Lisbon, 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 75.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Whitewater, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Whitewater, WI

87 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

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cottage Grove, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.3 miles from New Lisbon, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.4 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 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 76.6 and 163.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
76.6 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in | I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
140.8 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac

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, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
141.4 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
150.5 mi into trip | ~2h 47m in | I 41; US 41

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
163.8 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

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. Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.30 one way

$54.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.97 $59.94
premium $4.89 $33.60 $67.20
diesel $5.61 $38.55 $77.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.4 0 $18.33 $8.38
Efficient EV 43.7 0 $15.28 $6.98
EV Truck/SUV 69.8 0 $24.44 $11.17

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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 16, 2026

Origin

New Lisbon, WI

Afternoon in New Lisbon on Sunday

Local time

12:32 PM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Racine, WI

Afternoon in Racine on Sunday

Local time

12:32 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

N 5 to 10 mph 15% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 12:12PM CDT until April 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 12:12PM CDT by NWS Green Bay 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

11 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

3h 22m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience on this drive, with 92% of the mileage covered on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 75.4 miles on I-90, so be prepared for sustained periods of steady driving. The route is designed for efficiency, prioritizing speed and directness over winding backroads. You'll likely find the character of the drive remains consistent, making it predictable and easy to navigate as you move from the western part of the state toward the southeastern corner.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on I 90.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 76.6 miles in near I 94.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 24 significant decision points across 174.6 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 76.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between New Lisbon, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Cth K: Racine and Caledonia.

Fond Du Lac

140.8 mi in | ~2h 33m

Cth K: Racine

163.8 mi in | ~3h 2m

Caledonia

163.8 mi in | ~3h 2m

About the Cities

Arriving in Racine, WI

Full guide →

Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.

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 3h 22m. Total distance: 174.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on I 90. 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 Racine, 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 76.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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