Traveling from North La Crosse to Conover covers 232.8 miles across the heart of Wisconsin. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes, making this a manageable journey for a single day. With a fuel budget of about $35, it is a cost-effective excursion through the Midwest. While you could certainly push through in one go, opting for a single stop will help keep you refreshed for the arrival in the Northwoods. Whether you are heading north for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the route is straightforward and reliable.
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
116.4 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 51
46.5 mi
53m
State Highway 173
34 mi
49m
I 90
27.9 mi
29m
State Highway 17
19.7 mi
29m
WI 13
14.3 mi
20m
US 8
14.3 mi
20m
US 53
14 mi
15m
I 39
12.3 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 46.5 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Conover, 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
28 mi·29 min·I 90
4
Take the exit
0.8 mi·55 sec
Exit 45Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
5
Merge onto I 94
2.9 mi·3 min·I 94
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 143Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
7
Turn right onto WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
8
Continue on WI 21
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 21
9
Turn left onto WI 173
24 mi·33 min·State Highway 173
10
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi·1 min·State Highway 173
11
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
410 ft·8 sec·State Highway 80
12
Turn right onto WI 173
9.1 mi·13 min·State Highway 173
13
Continue on CTH G
2.0 mi·3 min·County Highway G
14
At end of road, turn right onto WI 54
2.1 mi·3 min·State Highway 54
15
Continue on WI 54
1.4 mi·2 min·Letendre Avenue
16
At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi·2 min·Wisconsin River Drive
17
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
64 ft·1 sec·2nd Avenue South
19
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
20
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 73
0.8 mi·1 min·West Riverview Expressway
21
Continue on WI 13; WI 34
14 mi·20 min·WI 13; WI 34
22
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.3 mi·42 sec·WI 34
23
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 10
24
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi·36 sec·WI 34
Exit 208Toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
25
Turn left onto WI 34
0.1 mi·21 sec·State Highway 134
26
Continue on WI 34
0.2 mi·22 sec·WI 34
27
Continue on WI 34
9.5 mi·13 min·State Highway 34
28
Enter roundabout onto WI 34
132 ft·2 sec·State Highway 34
29
Continue on WI 34
0.3 mi·39 sec·State Highway 34
30
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
31
Merge onto I 39; US 51
12 mi·13 min·I 39; US 51
32
Merge onto US 51; WI 29
47 mi·53 min·US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward US 8: Prentice, Rhinelander
34
Keep slight right at fork
278 ft·9 sec
Toward US 8: Rhinelander
35
Turn right onto US 8
14 mi·20 min·US 8
Use the straight lane.
36
Enter roundabout onto CTH P
139 ft·7 sec·West Kemp Street
37
Continue on CTH P
1.1 mi·2 min·West Kemp Street
38
Turn left onto Arbutus Street
476 ft·13 sec·Arbutus Street
Use the left lane.
39
Continue on South Petham Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·South Petham Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Turn slight left onto South Stevens Street
2.5 mi·4 min·South Stevens Street
41
At end of road, turn left onto WI 17
0.8 mi·1 min·North Stevens Street
42
Continue on WI 17
18 mi·24 min·State Highway 17
43
Turn slight right
405 ft·15 sec
44
Turn straight onto WI 17; WI 70
1.9 mi·4 min·State Highway 17
45
Turn left onto WI 17
0.3 mi·1 min·Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
46
Continue on US 45; WI 17; WI 32
9.6 mi·15 min·North Railroad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
47
Continue on US 45; WI 32; CTH K
0.4 mi·39 sec·US 45; WI 32; CTH K
48
Arrive at destination
US 45; WI 32
Trip Plan
To maximize your comfort, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid midday congestion on the busier highway sections. Since the route is roughly five hours long, plan your one recommended stop around the midway point to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when navigating the longer 46.5-mile stretch on US 51, as services may be more spaced out than on the interstate portions. Because this trip is well within the range of a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions or your own energy levels.
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 116.4 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.5 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.4 miles or 2h 33m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Conover, 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 232.8 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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 US 51 for about 46.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.1 and 222.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
43.1 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
46.8 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 143
Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
6
113.6 mi into trip|~2h 29m in|WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
222.5 mi into trip|~4h 51m in|WI 17 / Bridge Street
Turn left onto WI 17 / Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.40 one way
$72.79 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$39.96
$79.92
premium
$4.89
$44.80
$89.60
diesel
$5.61
$51.40
$102.80
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: 81.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.8
0
$24.44
$11.17
Efficient EV
58.2
0
$20.37
$9.31
EV Truck/SUV
93.1
1
$32.59
$14.90
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026
Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Night
in North La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Conover, WI
Night
in Conover on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
3 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 9m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 89% of your travel occurring on major routes like I-90, State Highway 173, and US 51. You will experience a mix of fast-paced interstate driving and more steady highway cruising as you head toward Conover. The longest uninterrupted segment spans 46.5 miles on US 51, offering a consistent rhythm behind the wheel. Expect the road personality to shift from the busier corridors near La Crosse to the more open, steady stretches as you progress deep into the state.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.5 mi on US 51.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and State Highway 173. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 28 significant decision points across 232.8 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 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.6 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 North La Crosse, WI and Conover, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Necedah, Cth P, Cth Hh: Knowlton, Stevens Point and Rhinelander.
Saint Paul
43.1 mi in|~47m
Necedah
46.8 mi in|~51m
Cth P
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Cth Hh: Knowlton
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Stevens Point
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Rhinelander
183.2 mi in|~3h 52m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 232.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.5 miles on US 51. 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 Conover, 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 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.6 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Conover, WI before the return drive.
