Origin
Racine, WI
Late night in Racine on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Racine, WI to Merrill, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 33m
Distance
228.6 mi
368 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 20m
★
6 AM
4h 33m
8 AM
5h 0m
10 AM
4h 43m
12 PM
4h 40m
3 PM
4h 44m
5 PM
4h 59m
8 PM
4h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Racine, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Merrill, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 228.6-mile journey from Racine, WI, to Merrill, WI, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 33 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, you'll primarily be on I-41, US Highway 10, and I-39, with 91% of the route being highway. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $36, making it an economical option. You'll traverse the Midwest region, staying within Wisconsin for the entire trip. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without significant detours.
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
114.3 miles from Racine, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 87.9 mi | 1h 39m |
| US Highway 10 | 46.6 mi | 54m |
| I 39 | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| US 51 | 19.9 mi | 22m |
| US 45 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Douglas Avenue | 8.3 mi | 13m |
| US 10 | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.6 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 87.9 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Racine, WI and Merrill, WI.
1
Start on WI 20; WI 32
69 ft
·
10 sec
·
7th Street
2
Turn left onto WI 32
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
3
Turn left onto WI 32
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Hamilton Street
4
Turn right onto WI 32
8.3 mi
·
13 min
·
Douglas Avenue
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on WI 32
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
South Chicago Road
6
Turn straight
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
7
Turn left onto WI 100
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
West Ryan Road
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 41 North, I 94 West: Milwaukee
9
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
I 41; I 94; US 41
Exit 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 41; US 41
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41
25 mi
·
30 min
·
I 41; I 894; US 41
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
62 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Use the slight left lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New London
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto US 45
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
47 mi
·
54 min
·
US Highway 10
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
19
Continue on US 10
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
20
Take the exit onto US 10
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 10
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North, US 10 West
21
Continue on I 39; US 51
23 mi
·
25 min
·
I 39; US 51
22
Merge onto US 51; WI 29
20 mi
·
22 min
·
US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward WI 64, WI 17: Merrill, Antigo
24
Turn left onto WI 64
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
State Highway 64
25
Continue on WI 64
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn left
85 ft
·
6 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 33-minute duration, this trip is best tackled in one day. To make the most of it, consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential midday traffic, especially on the initial stretches of I-41. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with your timing, perhaps planning a brief break around the halfway point or when you feel the need. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major town is 87.9 miles on I-41; it's wise to refuel before you get too low, especially if you're not starting with a full tank.
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 114.3 miles from Racine, WI, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.9 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 50 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.3 miles or 2h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Merrill, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Racine, 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 Racine, WI
This is one driving day of about 228.6 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Racine, 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 41 for about 87.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 114.3 miles from Racine, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.9 miles.
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 185 decision points cluster between mile 20 and 112.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
20 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
I 41; I 94; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Ma...
8
26.3 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
I 41; I 894; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US...
8
50.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 11m in
|
I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
112.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
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.
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
7
112.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 45 North: New London
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.74 one way
$71.48 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $39.24 | $78.48 |
| premium | $4.89 | $43.99 | $87.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.47 | $100.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.6 | 0 | $24.00 | $10.97 |
| Efficient EV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.00 | $9.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.4 | 1 | $32.00 | $14.63 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Merrill, WI
Late night in Merrill on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
18 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
4h 33m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-dominant experience on this route, with 91% of the drive consisting of interstate and major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 87.9 miles, primarily on I-41, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the focus is on efficiency, this type of drive still allows for a smooth progression through varied Wisconsin landscapes. You'll experience the predictability of major roadways, making it easy to maintain a steady pace for the majority of your 4-hour-plus journey.
91% 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: 87.9 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US Highway 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20 miles in near I 41; I 94; US 41.
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 18 significant decision points across 228.6 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 20 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.3 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Racine, WI and Merrill, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac and Appleton.
Fond Du Lac
20 mi in
|
~32m
|
via I 41; I 94; US 41
Appleton
50.8 mi in
|
~1h 11m
|
via I 41; US 41
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 228.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.9 miles on I 41. 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.
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 Merrill, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 20 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.3 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Merrill, 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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