Oak Creek to Algoma is 134.8 miles and takes about 3 hours via I 43 and State Highway 42, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This journey stays within the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin, taking you from the Milwaukee metro area north along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It's a straightforward, mostly highway-focused trip, ideal for a single day of travel. You'll find it a practical choice for a quick getaway or a connection between two points in the region, with most of the driving completed on major routes. Expect a consistent travel experience for the bulk of the 134.8 miles.
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
67.4 miles from Oak Creek, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 43
55.3 mi
59m
State Highway 42
28.2 mi
41m
North-South Freeway
20.8 mi
25m
Memorial Drive
4.6 mi
7m
John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
4.1 mi
6m
Nicholson Avenue
2.5 mi
6m
Lake Freeway
2.3 mi
3m
Calumet Avenue
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 43
— 55.3 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oak Creek, WI and Algoma, WI.
1
Start on East Puetz Road
109 ft·9 sec·East Puetz Road
2
Turn left onto WI 32
0.5 mi·1 min·South Chicago Road
3
Turn left onto East Forest Hill Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·East Forest Hill Avenue
4
Turn right onto Nicholson Avenue
2.5 mi·6 min·Nicholson Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on WI 794
1.5 mi·3 min·South Pennsylvania Avenue
6
Turn left onto WI 794
4.1 mi·6 min·John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on I 794
2.3 mi·3 min·Lake Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 794
0.4 mi·33 sec·East-West Freeway
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 1B-CToward I 43, I 94 East: Chicago, Green Bay
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 1CToward I 43 North: Green BayUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 43
21 mi·25 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 43; WI 57
55 mi·59 min·I 43; WI 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 149Toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc, Fond du Lac
14
Keep slight right at fork
169 ft·4 sec
15
Turn straight onto WI 42
2.0 mi·3 min·Calumet Avenue
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on WI 42
0.2 mi·27 sec·Washington Street
17
Turn left onto South 21st Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South 21st Street
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on Revere Drive
0.4 mi·38 sec·Revere Drive
19
Continue on CTH Q
0.4 mi·51 sec·North 18th Street
20
Turn right onto US 10
1.3 mi·3 min·Waldo Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
Enter roundabout onto Memorial Drive
130 ft·7 sec·Memorial Drive
22
Continue on Memorial Drive
4.6 mi·6 min·Memorial Drive
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on WI 42
0.7 mi·1 min·Washington Street
24
Turn right onto WI 42
0.4 mi·43 sec·22nd Street
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto WI 42
2.0 mi·2 min·Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on WI 42
19 mi·28 min·State Highway 42
27
Continue on WI 42
1.9 mi·2 min·Milwaukee Street
28
Continue on WI 42
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
29
Continue on WI 42
9.0 mi·13 min·State Highway 42
30
Continue on WI 42
1.2 mi·1 min·Lake Street
31
Keep slight right at fork onto Lake Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Lake Street
32
Continue on Lake Street
0.2 mi·43 sec·Lake Street
33
At end of road, turn right onto Steele Street
189 ft·11 sec·Steele Street
34
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just 3 hours and a fuel cost estimated at $21, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination or upon arrival in Algoma. You'll encounter only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the 55.3-mile mark on I 43. Since it's a relatively short drive, you don't need to split it, allowing you to enjoy a full day. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 43 to State Highway 42; this is where the character of the drive subtly changes.
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 67.4 miles from Oak Creek, WI, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.3 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 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.4 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Algoma, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oak Creek, 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 Oak Creek, WI
This is one driving day of about 134.8 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Oak Creek, 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 43 for about 55.3 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 1.5 and 89.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.5 mi into trip|~3m in|Nicholson Avenue
Turn right onto Nicholson Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
6
5.5 mi into trip|~12m in|WI 794 / John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
Turn left onto WI 794 / John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
12.3 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the exit toward I 43, I 94 East: Chicago, Green Bay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1B-C
Toward I 43, I 94 East: Chicago, Green Bay
8
12.6 mi into trip|~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 43 North: Green Bay
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1C
Toward I 43 North: Green Bay
6
89.1 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc, Fond du Lac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 149
Toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.07 one way
$42.15 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg47 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.14
$46.28
premium
$4.89
$25.94
$51.88
diesel
$5.61
$29.76
$59.52
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: 47.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.4
0
$14.15
$6.47
Efficient EV
33.7
0
$11.80
$5.39
EV Truck/SUV
53.9
0
$18.87
$8.63
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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Oak Creek, WI
Late night
in Oak Creek on Sunday
Local time
1:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Algoma, WI
Late night
in Algoma on Sunday
Local time
1:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
WNW 14 to 17 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 18 at 6:43AM CDT until April 20 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 18 at 6:40AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Green Bay 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
14 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
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 82% of the journey utilizing major highways like I 43 and the North-South Freeway. You'll experience stretches of efficient travel, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 55.3 miles on I 43. While the majority is on these faster roads, the transition to State Highway 42 near the end offers a slight shift in scenery and pace. The overall feel is one of steady progress, minimizing complex navigation and maximizing time on the open road. It's designed for getting from point A to point B with relative ease.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.3 mi on I 43.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 43 and State Highway 42. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in near Nicholson Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 134.8 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 1.5 miles (Nicholson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.5 miles (WI 794 / John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 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 Oak Creek, WI and Algoma, WI, road signs point toward Green Bay, Lmct: Manitowoc and Fond Du Lac.
Green Bay
12.3 mi in|~22m
Lmct: Manitowoc
89.1 mi in|~1h 49m
Fond Du Lac
89.1 mi in|~1h 49m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 134.8 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 (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.3 miles on I 43. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Algoma, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles (Nicholson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.5 miles (WI 794 / John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Algoma, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
