Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Randolph, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 36m
Distance
133.5 mi
215 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 27m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 45m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m
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
Randolph, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Randolph, WI is 133.5 miles and takes about 2h 36m via I 90 and WI 33, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest region. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a short, single-day trip. Expect a quick transit with minimal fuss, ideal if you're looking to cover ground efficiently without a lengthy commitment.
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
66.7 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 88.9 mi | 1h 35m |
| WI 33 | 28 mi | 41m |
| US 53 | 14 mi | 15m |
| Rose Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| North High Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| State Highway 73 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 88.9 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,282 veh/hr typical · worst 1,894
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Randolph, 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
89 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
I 90
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 106
Toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
5
Keep slight right at fork
175 ft
·
4 sec
6
Turn straight onto WI 33
28 mi
·
41 min
·
WI 33
7
Turn right onto WI 73
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
State Highway 73
8
Continue on WI 73
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North High Street
9
Arrive at destination
WI 73
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 36m duration, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a short drive, flexibility is key; you can adjust your timing as needed. The fuel cost is estimated at $20, so ensure your tank is full before leaving North La Crosse, as major services are sparse on the latter part of WI 33.
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 66.7 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.9 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 29 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.7 miles or 1h 13m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Randolph, 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 133.5 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 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 88.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.7 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 88.9 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.
Love's Travel Stop
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
Road Ranger
0.2 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
Petro Stopping Centers
2.1 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
4 of 44 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 132.4 — 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
6
104.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 106
Toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
5
104.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
3
132.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
WI 73 / State Highway 73
Turn right onto WI 73 / State Highway 73
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.71 one way
$39.43 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $21.76 | $43.53 |
| premium | $4.72 | $24.79 | $49.57 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $25.21 | $50.41 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.02 | $6.41 |
| Efficient EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.68 | $5.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.69 | $8.54 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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
Night in North La Crosse on Monday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Areas Of Smoke
E 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:49PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Randolph, WI
Night in Randolph on Monday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Areas Of Smoke
E 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:49PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 36m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 78.2
Park Closure: Janesville Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 98% highway, so you'll be on high-speed roads for nearly the entire 133.5 miles. The longest continuous stretch on I 90 covers 88.9 miles. You'll experience a consistent cruising pace until the final leg, where the highway gives way to surface roads. Be prepared for a relatively low number of exits for most of the drive.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
9 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.9 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
2/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and WI 33. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near US 53.
Driving Effort
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from North La Crosse, WI to Randolph, WI is easy. At 2h 36m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
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 104.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,024 ft
648 ft
Total Climb
583 ft
Total Descent
266 ft
Highest Point
1,024 ft
~38.1 mi in
Elevation Range
376 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.
On the drive from North La Crosse, WI to Randolph, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Baraboo along the way.
Baraboo
104.1 mi in
|
~1h 53m
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 Randolph, 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 36m. Total distance: 133.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.9 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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.
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 104.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Randolph, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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