Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Morning in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
9:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Star Prairie, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 14m
Distance
138.3 mi
223 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 3m
★
6 AM
3h 15m
8 AM
3h 38m
10 AM
3h 23m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 24m
5 PM
3h 37m
8 PM
3h 7m
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
Star Prairie, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
North La Crosse, WI to Star Prairie, WI is 138.3 miles and takes about 3h 14m 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 the Midwest, traversing Wisconsin for its entirety. Expect a mixed drive experience, balancing some faster highway segments with more local road travel. With a recommended one-day drive time and a reasonable fuel cost, this route is a straightforward option for a single day's travel.
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
69.2 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway | 25.3 mi | 29m |
| US 14 | 24.6 mi | 30m |
| County Highway T | 17.9 mi | 27m |
| State Highway 35 | 11.4 mi | 16m |
| I 90 | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| County Road D | 7.1 mi | 12m |
| Great River Road | 6.7 mi | 10m |
| US Highway 63 | 6.4 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
— 25.3 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Star Prairie, 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
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn right onto Pembroke Avenue South
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Pembroke Avenue South
Toward MN 60 East: Wabasha
13
Turn left onto MN 60
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
4th Grant Boulevard West
14
Turn slight right onto MN 60
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
MN 60
15
Continue on WI 25
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Wabasha-Nelson Bridge
16
Continue on WI 25
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
State Highway 25
17
Continue on WI 25
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
State Road 25
18
Continue on WI 25; WI 35
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
19
Continue on WI 25; WI 35
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
State Road 25-35
20
Continue on WI 35
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
State Road 35
21
Continue on WI 35
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
3rd Street
22
Continue on WI 35
11 mi
·
16 min
·
State Highway 35
23
Continue on WI 35
6.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Great River Road
24
Turn right onto CTH D
7.1 mi
·
12 min
·
County Road D
25
Turn left onto US 10
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 10
26
Turn right onto CTH DD
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
County Road DD
27
At end of road, turn right onto US 63
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
US Highway 63
28
Turn slight left onto CTH Y
2.9 mi
·
7 min
·
County Road Y
29
Continue on CTH M
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
County Highway M
30
Turn right onto CTH T
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
County Highway T
31
Enter roundabout onto CTH T
92 ft
·
5 sec
·
County Highway T
32
Continue on CTH T
503 ft
·
28 sec
·
County Highway T
33
Enter roundabout onto CTH T
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
County Highway T
Toward Hammond
34
Continue on CTH T
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
County Highway T
Toward Hammond
35
Continue on US 12; CTH T
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
US-12
36
Turn right onto CTH T
10 mi
·
13 min
·
County Highway T
37
Turn left onto WI 64
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 64
38
Turn right onto WI 65
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 65
39
Turn right onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Main Street
40
Turn right onto CTH M
79 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bridge Avenue
41
Arrive at destination
CTH M
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3h 14m duration, you can easily complete this drive in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the 138.3 miles, perhaps around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, considering the $22 estimated fuel cost. Pay attention to signage as you transition between US 14 and County Highway T, as these shifts can sometimes be abrupt. The longest stretch on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway is over 25 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before entering that segment.
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 69.2 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.3 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 30 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.2 miles or 1h 26m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Star Prairie, 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 138.3 miles and 3h 14m.
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 Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway for about 25.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.2 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 155 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 138.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 90
Turn left onto I 90
Navigation decision point
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
6
115.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
|
CTH T / County Highway T
Enter roundabout onto CTH T / County Highway T toward Hammond
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward Hammond
5
138.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
|
CTH M / Bridge Avenue
Turn right onto CTH M / Bridge Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.62 one way
$43.24 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.74 | $47.48 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.61 | $53.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.53 | $61.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.52 | $6.64 |
| Efficient EV | 34.6 | 0 | $12.10 | $5.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.3 | 0 | $19.36 | $8.85 |
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.
Destination
Star Prairie, WI
Morning in Star Prairie on Sunday
Local time
9:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
46°F
Lima, WI
69 mi in
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
7 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 14m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This 138.3-mile journey features a 45% highway share, meaning you'll encounter a blend of driving experiences. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 25.3 miles along Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway, offering a period of consistent travel. As you progress, the road profile shifts, moving from more direct highway routes to navigating Wisconsin's county roads. This mixed drive suggests you'll experience varied speeds and road conditions, keeping the drive engaging without being overly demanding.
45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 25.3 mi on Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near I 90.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 138.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 1.6 miles (I 90): Navigation decision point; 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.
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 Star Prairie, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Hammond along the way.
Hammond
115.8 mi in
|
~2h 41m
|
via CTH T
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 14m. Total distance: 138.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (45%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 25.3 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 1.6 miles (I 90): Navigation decision point; 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Star Prairie, 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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