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Trip from North La Crosse, WI to River Hills, WI

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 2m

Distance

217 mi

349 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 12m
12 PM
4h 9m
3 PM
4h 13m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States

North La Crosse, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown River Hills, WI, WI

River Hills, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

North La Crosse, WI to River Hills, WI is 217 miles and takes about 4h 2m via I-90, I-94, and US-53, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. With a 99% highway share, expect a straightforward drive primarily on major interstates. This route is designed for a single day of travel, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.

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

108.5 miles from North La Crosse, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 120.3 mi 2h 8m
I 94 70.4 mi 1h 18m
US 53 14 mi 15m
North-South Freeway 9.3 mi 12m
Rose Street 1.2 mi 2m
West Brown Deer Road 0.4 mi 1m
North Spruce Road 0.2 mi <1m
West Heather Lane <0.1 mi <1m
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 River Hills, 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 left at fork onto I 94

70 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 94
Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 310B Toward I 43 North: Green Bay Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 43 North, WI 145: Green Bay, Fond du Lac Avenue, McKinley Avenue
7

Merge onto I 43

9.3 mi · 12 min · North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 82A Toward East Brown Deer Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

278 ft · 9 sec
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Turn left onto WI 100

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Brown Deer Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11

Turn left onto North Spruce Road

0.2 mi · 43 sec · North Spruce Road
12

Turn left onto West Heather Lane

201 ft · 6 sec · West Heather Lane
13

Arrive at destination

West Heather Lane

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 2m drive time, leaving in the morning should allow you to reach River Hills with plenty of daylight. The route is primarily highway, so planning for one stop around the halfway point, perhaps after the longest stretch on I-90, would be sensible for a break and fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer stretches of highway. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart a bit later if needed, but an earlier start ensures a relaxed pace.

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 108.5 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 58m 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 48 miles or 53m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 108.5 miles or 1h 58m 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 14m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near River Hills, 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 217 miles and 4h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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.

reservoir on the Wisconsin River in Sauk and Columbia counties in Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lake Wisconsin, WI

109 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

Mauston, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108.5 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top 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.

Best coffee break · home stretch

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 17min to go 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

2.2 mi

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

Birch & Banyan Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Hartland, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+12625631034

Visit website

Lyndon Station Rest Area 9

0 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

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

Johnson Creek Rest Area 14

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 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

2.2 mi from route

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 135.5 and 216.3 — 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 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee
7
205.9 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in

Take the exit toward I 43 North: Green Bay

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 310B Toward I 43 North: Green Bay
6
206.6 mi into trip | ~3h 46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 43 North, WI 145: Green Bay, Fond du Lac Avenue, McKinley Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 43 North, WI 145: Green Bay, Fond du L...
7
216 mi into trip | ~3h 59m in

Take the exit toward East Brown Deer Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 82A Toward East Brown Deer Road
7
216.3 mi into trip | ~4h in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.93 one way

$67.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $37.25 $74.50
premium $4.89 $41.76 $83.52
diesel $5.61 $47.91 $95.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.1 0 $22.78 $10.42
Efficient EV 54.3 0 $18.99 $8.68
EV Truck/SUV 86.8 1 $30.38 $13.89

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 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

Morning in North La Crosse on Tuesday

Local time

6:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny

NW 8 to 12 mph 46% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 19 at 5:01AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 19 at 5:01AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Destination

River Hills, WI

Morning in River Hills on Tuesday

Local time

6:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Scattered Rain And Snow Showers

NW 5 to 15 mph 22% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 19 at 5:01AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 19 at 5:01AM 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

1 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 2m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is almost entirely highway, with 99% of the 217 miles on major roads like I-90, I-94, and US-53. You'll experience a long stretch of 120.3 miles on I-90 without needing to exit. Expect frequent exits and interchanges as you transition between these interstates, particularly as you get closer to your destination.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 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 94. 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 94.

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 10 significant decision points across 217 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 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 217 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). 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 19 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 River Hills, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 135.5 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 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 River Hills, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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