Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Morning in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Paddock Lake, 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 20m
Distance
227 mi
365 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 7m
★
6 AM
4h 21m
8 AM
4h 47m
10 AM
4h 30m
12 PM
4h 27m
3 PM
4h 31m
5 PM
4h 46m
8 PM
4h 13m
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
Paddock Lake, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Paddock Lake, WI is 227 miles and takes about 4h 20m via I 90, I 39, and US 53, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip is a straightforward journey through the Midwest, connecting two points within Wisconsin. Given its relatively short duration and focus on major highways, it's a practical option for a single-day drive. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, making it an efficient way to cover the distance without extensive planning.
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
113.5 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m 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 |
| State Highway 50 | 10.2 mi | 14m |
| US 12 | 7.7 mi | 8m |
| 75th Street | 3.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 120.3 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Paddock Lake, 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
7.7 mi
·
8 min
·
US 12
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 330B
Toward WI 50 East: Kenosha
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on WI 50; WI 120
10 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 50
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on WI 50; WI 83
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Geneva Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on WI 50
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
75th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto 248th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
248th Avenue
23
Turn right onto 69th Place
512 ft
·
22 sec
·
69th Place
24
Continue on 245th Avenue
389 ft
·
17 sec
·
245th Avenue
25
Continue on 244th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
244th Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
244th Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total duration of around 4 hours and 20 minutes, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and avoid any potential afternoon traffic. You'll only need one stop for fuel and rest, which can be strategically placed along the 120.3-mile stretch on I 90. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as highway driving can consume fuel more quickly than expected; aiming to refuel before reaching the 3/4 tank mark is a good practice.
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 113.5 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 3m 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 50 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.5 miles or 2h 3m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Paddock Lake, 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 227 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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
114 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.5 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 135.5 and 210 — 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
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
7
210 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
Take the exit toward WI 50 East: Kenosha
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 330B
Toward WI 50 East: Kenosha
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.49 one way
$70.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
79 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $38.97 | $77.93 |
| premium | $4.89 | $43.68 | $87.37 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.12 | $100.24 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.1 | 0 | $23.83 | $10.90 |
| Efficient EV | 56.8 | 0 | $19.86 | $9.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 90.8 | 1 | $31.78 | $14.53 |
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Paddock Lake, WI
Morning in Paddock Lake on Sunday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°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
10 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 20m 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
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 78.3
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 primarily a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the journey utilizing major roadways. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 120.3-mile segment on I 90. The profile suggests a consistent, high-speed experience for the majority of the trip, minimizing time spent on slower local roads. You'll primarily be on interstates like I 90, I 39, and US 53, which are designed for efficient travel.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 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?
9/10
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
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 14 significant decision points across 227 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 173 miles (WI 11 / East Racine Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 227 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). 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.
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 Paddock Lake, 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 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 173 miles (WI 11 / East Racine Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Paddock Lake, 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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