Poynette Rest Area 12
0 mi from route
Trip from Paris, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 3m
Distance
266.3 mi
428 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 50m
★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 13m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 29m
8 PM
4h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paris, WI
Almir reis
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Paris, WI to Eau Claire, WI is 266.3 miles and takes about 5h 3m via I 94, I 39, and I 90, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Wisconsin for its entirety, offering a straightforward Midwest passage. Given its mostly highway profile and single-day recommendation, it's a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a relatively smooth trip with minimal detours, focusing on covering ground.
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
133.1 miles from Paris, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 76.1 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 39 | 65.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| US 14 | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| I 43 | 13.4 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 11 | 8.6 mi | 12m |
| State Highway 142 | 7.5 mi | 10m |
| Burlington Bypass | 5.9 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,585 veh/hr typical · worst 2,364
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Paris, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on WI 142
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Burlington Road
2
Continue on WI 142
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 142
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto WI 11; WI 36; WI 83
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Burlington Bypass
5
Continue on WI 11
8.6 mi
·
12 min
·
State Highway 11
6
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
7
Merge onto I 43
13 mi
·
14 min
·
I 43
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft
·
3 sec
10
Merge onto US 14
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
US 14
11
Turn left onto US 14; WI 11
11 mi
·
15 min
·
US 14; WI 11
12
Turn left onto WI 11
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Racine Street
13
Enter roundabout
10 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
14
Continue
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
15
Merge onto I 39; I 90
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
20
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
21
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
22
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
23
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
24
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
25
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
26
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour estimated drive time, departing Paris, WI in the morning should allow you to reach Eau Claire, WI with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, consider breaking up the drive around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch on I 94 is over 76 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering that segment. The $47 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices as you plan your departure.
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 133.1 miles from Paris, WI, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 59 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.1 miles or 2h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paris, 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 Paris, WI
This is one driving day of about 266.3 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Paris, 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 76.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.1 miles from Paris, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Janesville Rest Area 17
0.1 mi from route
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0.1 mi from route
Millston Rest Area 53
0.1 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Black River Falls Rest Area 54
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pleasant Springs Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
1.5 mi from route
Elkhorn Rest Area 35 (northbound)
2.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 10.6 and 184.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
10.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
38.9 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
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 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
6
55.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
Enter roundabout toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
6
121.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 90; I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
184.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 32m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.33 one way
$78.65 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $43.42 | $86.83 |
| premium | $4.72 | $49.44 | $98.89 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $50.28 | $100.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.9 | 0 | $27.96 | $12.78 |
| Efficient EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.30 | $10.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.5 | 1 | $37.28 | $17.04 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Paris, WI
Afternoon in Paris on Sunday
Local time
12:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:25AM CDT until July 18 at 1:45AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:46AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Destination
Eau Claire, WI
Afternoon in Eau Claire on Sunday
Local time
12:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph
83% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:25AM CDT until July 18 at 1:45AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:46AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
86°F
Lodi, WI
133 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
5 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
5h 3m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
25 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 146.9
Caution: Summit Moraine Segment — Timber Harvest Nearby
Park Closure: Sturgeon Bay Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The bulk of this 266.3-mile drive, about 94%, is on major interstates, meaning you'll spend most of your time cruising at highway speeds. Be prepared for a longest stretch of 76.1 miles on I 94, which offers extended periods of consistent driving. You'll notice a high density of exits and services along these interstate segments. The transition from highway to surface roads will likely occur closer to your destination.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.1 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 266.3 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 10.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 38.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.1 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,057 ft
755 ft
Total Climb
570 ft
Total Descent
536 ft
Highest Point
1,057 ft
~247.5 mi in
Elevation Range
301 ft
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.
Between Paris, WI and Eau Claire, WI, road signs point toward Janesville and Saint Paul.
Janesville
38.9 mi in
|
~50m
Saint Paul
184.7 mi in
|
~3h 32m
|
via I 94
About the Cities
Starting in Paris, WI
Full guide →Founded -300
Top landmarks
- • avenue des Champs-Élysées — avenue in Paris, France
- • Musée Picasso — museum in Paris, France
- • Elephant of the Bastille — monument in Paris which existed between 1813 and 1846
Arriving in Eau Claire, WI
Full guide →Eau Claire (pronounced: O'Clare, French for clear water) is a city of about 62,000 in Northwest Wisconsin.
Top landmarks
- • Sacred Heart Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
- • Martin Van Buren Barron House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
- • Brady Anderson and Waldemar Ager House — United States historic place
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 266.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76.1 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Eau Claire, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 38.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.1 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Eau Claire, WI before the return drive.
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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