Spanning 359.4 miles across Wisconsin, this trip from Osceola to Racine is a substantial journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes of drive time. Because the route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, you should plan on a full day of travel to account for the pace. Budget roughly $55 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Midwest locations. While it is possible to complete the trip in a single day, be prepared for a long session behind the wheel. Choosing this path over an interstate alternative offers a more localized experience of the state, though it requires more focus on navigation.
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
179.1 miles from Osceola, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
292.5 mi
5h 14m
State Highway 35
12 mi
16m
North-South Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Northwestern Avenue
9 mi
15m
County Road I
6.7 mi
10m
County Highway E
4.6 mi
6m
Airport Freeway
4.3 mi
5m
Zoo Freeway
4 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 292.5 mi, about 5h 14m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 122 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,529 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,076
Quietest
2 AM
~170 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Osceola, WI and Racine, WI.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue
201 ft·15 sec·2nd Avenue
2
Turn left onto WI 35
1.0 mi·1 min·North Cascade Street
3
Continue on WI 35
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 35
4
Continue on WI 35
0.8 mi·1 min·Church Hill Road
5
Turn right onto WI 64 BUS; CTH VV
0.2 mi·36 sec·Main Street
6
Turn left onto CTH I
0.8 mi·1 min·County Road I
7
Enter roundabout onto County Road I
71 ft·1 sec·County Road I
8
Continue on County Road I
5.9 mi·9 min·County Road I
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn sharp left onto CTH E
0.9 mi·1 min·County Road E
10
Continue on CTH A; CTH E
0.4 mi·33 sec·County Highway E
11
Continue on CTH E
4.2 mi·5 min·County Highway E
12
Turn right onto 120th Street
3.0 mi·4 min·120th Street
13
Enter roundabout onto WI 65
129 ft·7 sec·State Highway 65
14
Continue on WI 65
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 65
15
Enter roundabout onto WI 65
110 ft·6 sec·State Highway 65
16
Continue on WI 65
1.1 mi·1 min·State Highway 65
17
Continue on WI 65
0.1 mi·15 sec·State Highway 65
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 65
94 ft·5 sec·State Highway 65
Toward River Falls
19
Continue on WI 65
0.1 mi·16 sec·State Highway 65
Toward River Falls
20
Enter roundabout
293 ft·17 sec
Toward Eau Claire, Madison
21
Continue
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward Eau Claire, Madison
22
Merge onto I 94
228 mi·4 hr 4 min·I 94
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
26
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·30 sec·this road
Exit 305AToward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
28
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Exit 10BToward I 41 South, I 94 South: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
12 mi·13 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 329Toward CTH K: Racine, CaledoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Turn left onto CTH K
5.1 mi·9 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
34
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
27 ft·0 sec·Northwestern Avenue
35
Continue on WI 38
3.4 mi·5 min·Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
36
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
91 ft·1 sec·Northwestern Avenue
37
Continue on WI 38
0.4 mi·34 sec·Northwestern Avenue
38
Enter roundabout onto WI 38
72 ft·4 sec·State Street
39
Continue on WI 38
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the straight lane.
40
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
41
Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32
309 ft·17 sec·6th Street
42
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
284 ft·14 sec·Wisconsin Avenue
43
Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32
245 ft·8 sec·7th Street
44
Arrive at destination
WI 20; WI 32
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy route without highway stretches, aim for a morning departure to maximize daylight hours for navigating local roads. You should factor in at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs, as the continuous turning can be more taxing than a standard highway drive. Keep your navigation system updated, as local roads require more frequent attention to signage than interstate travel. Given the total time of 5 hours and 46 minutes, flexibility is your best asset; if you feel fatigued, do not hesitate to add an extra break to ensure you arrive in Racine safely. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $55 budget is an estimate and local road driving often impacts your vehicle's efficiency.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 179.1 miles from Osceola, WI, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 292.5 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 79 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 179.1 miles or 3h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Osceola, 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 Osceola, WI
This is one driving day of about 358.3 miles and 6h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Osceola, 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 94 for about 292.5 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 260.3 and 347.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
260.3 mi into trip|~4h 54m 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
8
324.5 mi into trip|~6h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
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 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
325.1 mi into trip|~6h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
334.2 mi into trip|~6h 17m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
347.5 mi into trip|~6h 33m in
Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 329
Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.91 one way
$105.83 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$58.41
$116.83
premium
$4.72
$66.53
$133.05
diesel
$4.80
$67.65
$135.31
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107.5
1
$37.62
$17.20
Efficient EV
89.6
1
$31.35
$14.33
EV Truck/SUV
143.3
1
$50.16
$22.93
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Osceola, WI
Evening
in Osceola on Saturday
Local time
8:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Patchy Smoke
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:04AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 12:55AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Racine, WI
Evening
in Racine on Saturday
Local time
8:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Smoke
0 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:04AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 12:55AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
62°F
Guilford, IL
179 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 52m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 197.7
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that feels significantly different from a standard highway cruise. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating along North Cascade Street, Highway 35, and Church Hill Road for the entirety of the trip. This profile ensures you stay off the major interstates, resulting in a more technical, winding experience rather than a monotonous straight shot. You will need to stay alert at intersections and turns, as the lack of high-speed lanes means you will be interacting with local traffic patterns throughout the 359.4-mile trek.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 292.5 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 260.3 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 33 significant decision points across 358.3 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 260.3 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 324.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 325.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,229 ft624 ft
Total Climb
734 ft
Total Descent
923 ft
Highest Point
1,229 ft
~51.2 mi in
Elevation Range
605 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Osceola, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward River Falls, Eau Claire, Madison and Fond Du Lac.
Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.
Top landmarks
•Johnson Wax Headquarters — corporate headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin
•Thomas P. Hardy House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
•Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 52m. Total distance: 358.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 52m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 292.5 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Racine, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 260.3 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 324.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 325.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Racine, WI before the return drive.
