Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Late night in North La Crosse on Wednesday
Local time
3:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Dunkirk, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 9, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 52m
Distance
153.5 mi
247 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 41m
★
6 AM
2h 52m
8 AM
3h 14m
10 AM
3h 0m
12 PM
2h 58m
3 PM
3h 1m
5 PM
3h 13m
8 PM
2h 45m
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
Dunkirk, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Dunkirk, WI is 153.5 miles and takes about 2h 52m via I 90, US 53, and I 39, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. With 94% of the trip on highways, expect a straightforward and efficient transit. This route is a solid choice if you're looking for a relatively short, direct connection between these two points without extensive detours.
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
76.7 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 120.3 mi | 2h 8m |
| US 53 | 14 mi | 15m |
| I 39 | 9.3 mi | 9m |
| County Highway N | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| County Road N | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| Rose Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Veterans Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 120.3 mi, about 2h 8m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,290 veh/hr typical · worst 1,940
Quietest
2 AM
~155 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 103 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 North La Crosse, WI and Dunkirk, 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
120 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
I 90
Use the straight lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
9.3 mi
·
9 min
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 147
Toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
Use the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
380 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 147
Toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
7
Turn straight onto CTH N
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
County Highway N
8
Enter roundabout onto CTH N
138 ft
·
3 sec
·
County Highway N
9
Continue on CTH N
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway N
10
Continue on CTH B; CTH N
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road N
11
Continue on CTH N
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
County Highway N
12
Continue on CTH N; CTH A
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Veterans Road
13
Continue on CTH N
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
County Road N
14
Arrive at destination
CTH N
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 52m duration, this is a comfortable one-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. The longest continuous stretch is 120.3 miles on I 90, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before embarking on this segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $24, it's an economical drive. There's only one noted stop, suggesting you might not need extensive planning for rest areas, but always be mindful of your surroundings.
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 76.7 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.3 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.7 miles or 1h 24m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dunkirk, 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 153.5 miles and 2h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 90 for about 120.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.7 miles from North La Crosse, 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 120.3 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 55 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 145.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
3
1.2 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 53
Take the exit onto US 53
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
8
135.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
|
I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
8
144.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
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 147
Toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
8
145.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward CTH N: Stoughton, Cottage Grove
5
145.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
CTH N / County Highway N
Enter roundabout onto CTH N / County Highway N
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.80 one way
$47.60 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $26.10 | $52.19 |
| premium | $4.93 | $29.78 | $59.56 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $33.84 | $67.67 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.12 | $7.37 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.43 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.49 | $9.82 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Dunkirk, WI
Late night in Dunkirk on Wednesday
Local time
3:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°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
4 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 52m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 94% of the 153.5 miles on major roadways like I 90, US 53, and I 39. You'll encounter a long stretch of 120.3 miles on I 90, indicating extended periods of highway cruising. The transition to non-highway driving, if any, will occur later in the trip, closer to Dunkirk, WI. Expect a consistent driving experience with fewer frequent turns.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 120.3 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US 53. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near US 53.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 52m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 135.5 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,007 ft
648 ft
Total Climb
542 ft
Total Descent
353 ft
Highest Point
1,007 ft
~120.6 mi in
Elevation Range
358 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 North La Crosse, WI and Dunkirk, WI, road signs point toward Cth N: Stoughton and Cottage Grove.
Cth N: Stoughton
144.8 mi in
|
~2h 36m
Cottage Grove
144.8 mi in
|
~2h 36m
About the Cities
Starting in North La Crosse, WI
Full guide →Founded 1842
Top landmarks
- • St. Rose of Viterbo Convent — historic church in Wisconsin, United States
- • La Crosse station — train station in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US
- • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
Arriving in Dunkirk, 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 2h 52m. Total distance: 153.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 120.3 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 135.5 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Dunkirk, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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