Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Lyons, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 3m
Distance
215.3 mi
346 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 50m
★
6 AM
4h 3m
8 AM
4h 29m
10 AM
4h 12m
12 PM
4h 10m
3 PM
4h 13m
5 PM
4h 28m
8 PM
3h 55m
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
Lyons, WI
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Lyons, WI is 215.3 miles and takes about 4 hours 3 minutes via I-90, I-39, and US-53, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest region. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making for a straightforward drive. It's a manageable distance for a single day, so you can plan for a relaxed departure or an early arrival.
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
107.6 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 120.3 mi | 2h 8m |
| I 39 | 37.2 mi | 39m |
| US 53 | 14 mi | 15m |
| I 43 | 11.7 mi | 12m |
| WI 11 | 11.2 mi | 15m |
| US 12 | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 36 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| US 14 | 3.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 120.3 mi, about 2h 8m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 84 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,411 veh/hr typical · worst 2,093
Quietest
2 AM
~166 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Lyons, 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
37 mi
·
39 min
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 175
Toward WI 11 East: Delavan
6
Keep slight left at fork
518 ft
·
13 sec
7
Enter roundabout onto WI 11
297 ft
·
16 sec
·
East Racine Street
8
Continue on WI 11
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
East Racine Street
9
Enter roundabout onto WI 11
112 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Racine Street
10
Continue on WI 11
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
East Racine Street
11
Turn straight onto WI 11
11 mi
·
15 min
·
WI 11
12
Continue on US 14
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 14
13
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
14
Merge onto I 43
12 mi
·
12 min
·
I 43
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 27A
Toward US 12 East: Lake Geneva
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
17
Merge onto US 12
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
US 12
18
Take the exit onto WI 120
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
WI 120
Toward WI 120 North, CTH H North: Lake Geneva, Burlington
19
Enter roundabout onto WI 120
9 ft
·
0 sec
·
State Highway 120
20
Continue on WI 120
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
State Highway 120
21
Enter roundabout onto WI 120
100 ft
·
2 sec
·
State Highway 120
22
Continue on WI 120
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 120
23
Turn right onto WI 36
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 36
24
Turn right onto Mill Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Mill Street
25
Turn right onto South Railroad Street
314 ft
·
17 sec
·
South Railroad Street
26
Turn left onto Center Street
55 ft
·
2 sec
·
Center Street
27
Arrive at destination
Center Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, leaving in the morning from North La Crosse, WI, will give you plenty of daylight to reach Lyons, WI. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with your timing, perhaps pausing around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $34 for the 215.3-mile trip. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is over 120 miles on I-90, so plan for a fuel stop before or during that segment if needed.
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 107.6 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 57m 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 47 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.6 miles or 1h 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lyons, 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 215.3 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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
108 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 107.6 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area #17 Janesville
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Poynette Rest Area 12
0.1 mi from route
Janesville Rest Area 17
0.1 mi from route
Bangor Rest Area 15
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Sparta Rest Area 16
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pleasant Springs Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
La Crosse Rest Area 31
1.2 mi from route
Rest Area
1.8 mi from route
Rest Area
2 mi from route
Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 135.5 and 201.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
5
172.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 6m in
Take the exit toward WI 11 East: Delavan
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 175
Toward WI 11 East: Delavan
5
172.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
173 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
|
WI 11 / East Racine Street
Enter roundabout onto WI 11 / East Racine Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
201.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m in
Take the exit toward US 12 East: Lake Geneva
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 27A
Toward US 12 East: Lake Geneva
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.91 one way
$71.83 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.62 | $39.19 | $78.37 |
| premium | $5.25 | $44.53 | $89.05 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $53.20 | $106.40 |
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: 75.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.6 | 0 | $22.61 | $10.33 |
| Efficient EV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.84 | $8.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.1 | 1 | $30.14 | $13.78 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Morning in North La Crosse on Friday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
S 6 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Lyons, WI
Morning in Lyons on Friday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
NE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 3m 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...
25 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 74.2
Caution: Use Caution — Sand Creek Segment
Caution: Use Caution — Summit Moraine Segment
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway driving, with 98% of the 215.3 miles on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 120.3 miles on I-90, indicating significant time spent on this major corridor. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system for the bulk of your trip before transitioning to US-53. The profile is mostly highway, suggesting a consistent driving experience with limited time on surface roads.
98% 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: 120.3 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 135.5 miles in near I 39; I 90.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 215.3 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 135.5 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 172.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
985 ft
648 ft
Total Climb
473 ft
Total Descent
321 ft
Highest Point
985 ft
~123 mi in
Elevation Range
337 ft
About the Cities
Starting in North La Crosse, WI
Full guide →Founded 1842
Top landmarks
- • La Crosse station — train station in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US
- • St. Rose of Viterbo Convent — historic church in Wisconsin, United States
- • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
Arriving in Lyons, 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 4h 3m. Total distance: 215.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 — we found about 25 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 Lyons, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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 172.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 172.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lyons, 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, 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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