North La Crosse, WI to Rothschild, WI is 136.1 miles and takes about 3 hours via State Highway 173 and I-90, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest region. Given its relatively short distance and predominantly highway profile, it's a straightforward route suitable for a single day of travel. You'll find most of your driving on major roads, making for efficient transit between these two locations.
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
68 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Highway 173
34 mi
49m
I 90
27.9 mi
29m
WI 13
14.3 mi
20m
US 53
14 mi
15m
State Highway 34
9.9 mi
13m
I 39
9.2 mi
9m
State Highway 21
4 mi
5m
US Highway 10
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
State Highway 173
— 34 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Rothschild, 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
28 mi·29 min·I 90
4
Take the exit
0.8 mi·55 sec
Exit 45Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
5
Merge onto I 94
2.9 mi·3 min·I 94
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 143Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
7
Turn right onto WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
8
Continue on WI 21
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 21
9
Turn left onto WI 173
24 mi·33 min·State Highway 173
10
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi·1 min·State Highway 173
11
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
410 ft·8 sec·State Highway 80
12
Turn right onto WI 173
9.1 mi·13 min·State Highway 173
13
Continue on CTH G
2.0 mi·3 min·County Highway G
14
At end of road, turn right onto WI 54
2.1 mi·3 min·State Highway 54
15
Continue on WI 54
1.4 mi·2 min·Letendre Avenue
16
At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi·2 min·Wisconsin River Drive
17
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
64 ft·1 sec·2nd Avenue South
19
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
20
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 73
0.8 mi·1 min·West Riverview Expressway
21
Continue on WI 13; WI 34
14 mi·20 min·WI 13; WI 34
22
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.3 mi·42 sec·WI 34
23
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 10
24
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi·36 sec·WI 34
Exit 208Toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
25
Turn left onto WI 34
0.1 mi·21 sec·State Highway 134
26
Continue on WI 34
0.2 mi·22 sec·WI 34
27
Continue on WI 34
9.5 mi·13 min·State Highway 34
28
Enter roundabout onto WI 34
132 ft·2 sec·State Highway 34
29
Continue on WI 34
0.3 mi·39 sec·State Highway 34
30
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
31
Merge onto I 39; US 51
9.2 mi·9 min·I 39; US 51
32
Take the exit onto US 51 Business
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 51 Business
Exit 185Toward US 51 Business: Rothschild, Kronenwetter
33
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51 Business
1.7 mi·3 min·US 51 Business
Toward US 51 Business: Rothschild
34
Turn right onto Weston Avenue
0.3 mi·50 sec·Weston Avenue
35
Turn right onto Leon Street
29 ft·1 sec·Leon Street
36
Arrive at destination
Leon Street
Trip Plan
For this 136.1-mile drive, which takes around 3 hours, leaving in the morning is a good plan to maximize daylight. With only one day recommended, you can be flexible with your departure time. The estimated fuel cost is $21, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Keep in mind the longest continuous stretch is 34 miles on State Highway 173; plan for a brief stop before or after this segment if needed for comfort or to refuel, though with the short overall duration, this may not be necessary.
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 68 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34 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 30 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68 miles or 1h 22m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rothschild, 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 136.1 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 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 State Highway 173 for about 34 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.1 and 133.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
43.1 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
46.8 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 143
Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah
5
90.8 mi into trip|~1h 56m in|WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive
At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive
Navigation decision point
6
113.6 mi into trip|~2h 29m in|WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto US 51 Business toward US 51 Business: Rothschild, Kronenwetter
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 185
Toward US 51 Business: Rothschild, Kronenwetter
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.28 one way
$42.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.36
$46.72
premium
$4.89
$26.19
$52.38
diesel
$5.61
$30.05
$60.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.8
0
$14.29
$6.53
Efficient EV
34
0
$11.91
$5.44
EV Truck/SUV
54.4
0
$19.05
$8.71
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026
Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
12:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Rothschild, WI
Afternoon
in Rothschild on Sunday
Local time
12:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
15 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
3h 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.
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...
29 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 89.2
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on highways, with 93% of the total mileage on them. You'll experience a consistent stretch of 34 miles on State Highway 173 before transitioning to other major roads. Expect a high number of exits and merges typical of highway driving for most of the 3-hour duration. The remaining 7% of the route will be on surface roads.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34 mi on State Highway 173.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 173 and I 90. You will hit about 23 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 43.1 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 136.1 miles you will encounter 23 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.8 miles (WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive): Navigation decision point.
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 Rothschild, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Necedah, Cth P, Cth Hh: Knowlton and Stevens Point.
Saint Paul
43.1 mi in|~47m
Necedah
46.8 mi in|~51m
Cth P
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Cth Hh: Knowlton
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Stevens Point
113.6 mi in|~2h 29m|via WI 34
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 136.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 34 miles on State Highway 173. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 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 Rothschild, 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.8 miles (WI 54; WI 73 / Wisconsin River Drive): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Rothschild, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
