North La Crosse, WI to Saint Croix Falls, WI is 161.2 miles and takes about 3h 44m via Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes highways, making it a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day duration and a reasonable fuel cost, this route is well-suited for a quick getaway or a transition to another adventure.
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
80.6 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
28.2 mi
33m
US 14
24.6 mi
30m
State Highway 35
18.7 mi
26m
Route 61/Route 63
14.8 mi
19m
Route 63
12.1 mi
17m
Route 61
9.5 mi
13m
State Highway 35/65
9.3 mi
11m
State Highway 65
9.3 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
— 28.2 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Saint Croix Falls, WI.
1
Start on US 53; CTH B
1.6 mi·3 min·Rose Street
2
Turn left onto I 90
8.4 mi·9 min·I 90
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61
1.5 mi·1 min·US 14; US 61
Toward US 14, US 61: Winona
4
Continue on US 14; US 61
1.7 mi·1 min·US 14; US 61
5
Continue on US 14; US 61
13 mi·15 min·US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 14; US 61
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
7
Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61
143 ft·2 sec·US 14;US 61
8
Continue on US 14; US 61
2.6 mi·3 min·US 14;US 61
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 14; US 61
5.3 mi·7 min·US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
0.5 mi·37 sec·Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
11
Continue on US 61
28 mi·33 min·Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 61
0.2 mi·17 sec·2nd Street
13
Continue on US 61
9.5 mi·13 min·Route 61
14
Continue on US 61
2.8 mi·5 min·South Lakeshore Drive
15
Continue on US 61; US 63
15 mi·19 min·Route 61/Route 63
16
Turn left onto US 63
12 mi·17 min·Route 63
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 10; US 63
1.6 mi·2 min·West Main Street
18
Turn left onto WI 65
1.7 mi·3 min·North Maple Street
19
Continue on WI 65
9.1 mi·12 min·State Highway 65
20
Enter roundabout onto WI 29; WI 35; WI 65
144 ft·8 sec·State Highway 65
21
Continue on WI 29; WI 35; WI 65
0.1 mi·9 sec·State Highway 65
22
Continue on WI 29; WI 35; WI 65
0.5 mi·48 sec·State Highway 29/35/65
23
Continue on WI 35; WI 65
9.3 mi·11 min·State Highway 35/65
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I-94 East, US 12 East: Eau Claire
25
Merge onto I 94; US 12
0.2 mi·12 sec·I 94; US 12
26
Take the exit onto US 12
0.3 mi·43 sec·US 12
Exit 4Toward US 12, CTH U: SomersetUse the slight right lane.
27
Turn straight onto US 12; CTH U
2.1 mi·3 min·US Highway 12
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on CTH A
0.8 mi·1 min·CTH A
Toward CTH AUse the straight lane.
29
Enter roundabout onto CTH A
136 ft·2 sec·CTH A
30
Continue on CTH A
2.1 mi·4 min·CTH A
31
Turn left onto CTH I
7.1 mi·11 min·County Road I
Use the straight lane.
32
Enter roundabout onto County Road I
64 ft·1 sec·County Road I
33
Continue on County Road I
0.7 mi·1 min·County Road I
34
Turn right onto WI 64 BUS; CTH VV
0.2 mi·40 sec·Main Street
35
Turn left onto WI 35
0.8 mi·1 min·Church Hill Road
36
Continue on WI 35
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 35
37
Continue on WI 35
2.1 mi·4 min·South Cascade Street
38
Continue on WI 35
6.7 mi·9 min·State Highway 35
Use the straight lane.
39
Continue on South Vincent Street
0.4 mi·1 min·South Vincent Street
Use the straight lane.
40
Continue on East State Street
453 ft·18 sec·East State Street
41
Turn right onto South Roosevelt Street
0.1 mi·29 sec·South Roosevelt Street
42
Turn right onto East Kentucky Street
288 ft·12 sec·East Kentucky Street
43
Arrive at destination
East Kentucky Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 44m estimated drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Consider starting your drive in the morning to allow ample time for any brief stops you might need. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it's wise to ensure you have a full tank before departing North La Crosse, as there's only one recommended stop. Pay attention to highway signage for US 14 and State Highway 35 as you navigate the latter half of the route.
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 80.6 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 35 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.6 miles or 1h 43m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Croix Falls, 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 161.2 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway for about 28.2 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 10 and 130.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
10 mi into trip|~12m in|US 14; US 61
Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61 toward US 14, US 61: Winona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 14, US 61: Winona
5
26.6 mi into trip|~32m in|US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61
Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
125.1 mi into trip|~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward I-94 East, US 12 East: Eau Claire
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-94 East, US 12 East: Eau Claire
8
125.6 mi into trip|~2h 45m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward US 12, CTH U: Somerset
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 4
Toward US 12, CTH U: Somerset
6
130.9 mi into trip|~2h 55m in|CTH I / County Road I
Turn left onto CTH I / County Road I
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.20 one way
$50.40 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$27.67
$55.34
premium
$4.89
$31.02
$62.04
diesel
$5.61
$35.59
$71.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48.4
0
$16.93
$7.74
Efficient EV
40.3
0
$14.10
$6.45
EV Truck/SUV
64.5
0
$22.57
$10.32
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026
Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Late night
in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
2:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Saint Croix Falls, WI
Late night
in Saint Croix Falls on Sunday
Local time
2:37 AM
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 44m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is largely highway-focused, with about 68% of the mileage on main roads like the Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway, US 14, and State Highway 35. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 28.2 miles on the Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway, offering a good amount of uninterrupted driving. The road character is generally straightforward, prioritizing efficiency over winding backroads, allowing for consistent progress toward your destination.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.2 mi on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway and US 14. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 10 miles in near US 14; US 61.
Driving Effort5/10
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 161.2 miles you will encounter 18 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 10 miles (US 14; US 61): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.6 miles (US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 125.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Saint Croix Falls, WI, road signs point toward Cth U: Somerset and Cth A.
Cth U: Somerset
125.6 mi in|~2h 45m|via US 12
Cth A
128 mi in|~2h 49m|via CTH A
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 161.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.2 miles on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway. 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.
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 10 miles (US 14; US 61): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.6 miles (US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 125.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Croix Falls, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
