Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Night in North La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
11:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Brussels, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
235.7 mi
379 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 57m
8 AM
5h 24m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 4m
3 PM
5h 8m
5 PM
5h 23m
8 PM
4h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Brussels, WI
Tapas S
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Brussels, WI is 235.7 miles and takes about 4h 57m via I 41, I 90, and State Highway 82, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin for its entirety. Expect a largely highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward drive. It's a good option if you're looking for a direct route with minimal complexity, allowing you to cover the distance efficiently within a single day. Consider this drive for its practicality and ease of navigation.
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
117.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 53.8 mi | 58m |
| I 90 | 51.9 mi | 55m |
| State Highway 82 | 28.3 mi | 42m |
| WI 54 | 21.3 mi | 24m |
| State Highway 23 | 16 mi | 23m |
| State Highway 44 | 14.8 mi | 21m |
| US 53 | 14 mi | 15m |
| State Highway 23 & 73 | 9.5 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 53.8 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Brussels, WI.
1
Start on US 53; CTH B
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Rose Street
2
Take the exit onto US 53
14 mi
·
15 min
·
US 53
3
Continue on I 90
52 mi
·
55 min
·
I 90
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 69
Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
5
Turn left onto State Highway 82
130 ft
·
5 sec
·
State Highway 82
6
Continue on State Highway 82
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
State Highway 82
7
At end of road, turn left onto State Highway 82
29 ft
·
0 sec
·
State Highway 82
8
Continue on WI 82
25 mi
·
36 min
·
State Highway 82
9
Continue on WI 82
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Ormsby Street
10
Continue on WI 82
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 82
11
Continue on State Highway 23
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 23
12
Continue on WI 23
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Underwood Avenue
13
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
West Montello Street
14
Continue on WI 22; WI 23; CTH C
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Montello Street
15
Continue on WI 23
9.9 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 23
16
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
South 2nd Street
17
Turn right onto WI 73; CTH J
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
18
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Fulton Street
19
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
9.5 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 23 & 73
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 23 & 49
21
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Fond du Lac Street
22
Turn left onto CTH FF
403 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Union Street
23
Turn straight onto West Oshkosh Street
1.4 mi
·
4 min
·
West Oshkosh Street
24
Keep slight left at fork onto East Oshkosh Street
263 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Oshkosh Street
25
Continue on WI 44
15 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 44
26
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Ripon Rd
27
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
State Highway 44/91
28
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
29
Merge onto I 41; US 41
54 mi
·
58 min
·
I 41; US 41
Toward Appleton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 43 South, US 141 South: Milwaukee
31
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Exit 170B
Toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
32
Continue on I 43
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
I 43
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward WI 54, WI 57, LMCT: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
35
Merge onto WI 54; WI 57
21 mi
·
24 min
·
WI 54; WI 57
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
36
Take the exit
440 ft
·
12 sec
37
Turn straight onto CTH D
210 ft
·
7 sec
·
County Road D
38
Continue on CTH DK
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
County Road DK
39
Turn left onto CTH C
106 ft
·
2 sec
·
County Road C
40
Arrive at destination
CTH C
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 57 minute estimated drive time, leaving in the morning will comfortably allow you to reach Brussels, WI before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically along the route, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially when on I 41, as the longest stretch without exits is 53.8 miles. This is a single-day trip, so you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best. A practical tip is to ensure you have your preferred snacks and drinks before departing North La Crosse, as dedicated rest areas might be spaced out on the longer highway segments.
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 117.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.8 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 52 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.9 miles or 2h 29m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brussels, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North La Crosse, 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 North La Crosse, WI
This is one driving day of about 235.7 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from North La Crosse, 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 53.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 155 decision points cluster between mile 67.1 and 209.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
67.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
Take the exit toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 69
Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
6
149.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 17m in
Turn left toward I-41_North: Appleton
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
6
149.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
|
I 41; US 41
Merge onto I 41; US 41 toward Appleton
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Appleton
6
203.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 170B
Toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
6
209.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, Algoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WI 54 East, WI 57 North: Sturgeon Bay, A...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.85 one way
$73.70 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $40.46 | $80.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $45.36 | $90.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.04 | $104.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.7 | 0 | $24.75 | $11.31 |
| Efficient EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.62 | $9.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.3 | 1 | $33.00 | $15.08 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Destination
Brussels, WI
Night in Brussels on Saturday
Local time
11:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°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
18 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 57m 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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 97.5
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 92% of the drive on major roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I 41, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 53.8 miles. The character is that of a steady, efficient drive, primarily utilizing interstate and state highways. While the bulk of the journey is on faster roads, the inclusion of State Highway 82 at some point will likely offer a slight shift in scenery and speed. Overall, anticipate a driving experience that prioritizes covering ground.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.8 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 67.1 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 235.7 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 67.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 149.1 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 149.3 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
Between North La Crosse, WI and Brussels, WI, road signs point toward Oxford, Appleton, Lmct: Sturgeon Bay and Algoma.
Oxford
67.1 mi in
|
~1h 13m
Appleton
149.3 mi in
|
~3h 18m
|
via I 41; US 41
Lmct: Sturgeon Bay
209.2 mi in
|
~4h 24m
Algoma
209.2 mi in
|
~4h 24m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 235.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m 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 53.8 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 Brussels, 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 67.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 149.1 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 149.3 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Brussels, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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