This 212.7-mile drive from Racine, Wisconsin to Wausau, Wisconsin is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 17 minutes on the road, covering a significant portion on interstates with 91% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $33. It's a practical route, primarily utilizing I-41, US-10, and I-39, making it a no-fuss option for getting from point A to point B within Wisconsin. The single recommended stop suggests a smooth, uninterrupted travel experience.
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
106.3 miles from Racine, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 10m 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 45
15.2 mi
17m
Douglas Avenue
8.3 mi
13m
US 10
6.6 mi
7m
Airport Freeway
4.6 mi
6m
North-South Freeway
4.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 87.9 mi, about 1h 39m
Traffic on I-41
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 67 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,046 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,595
Quietest
2 AM
~198 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.4×
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 Racine, WI and Wausau, 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 317Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du LacUse 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 LacUse 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, AppletonUse the slight left lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse 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
3.9 mi·4 min·US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward WI 52: Stewart Avenue
24
Keep slight right at fork
305 ft·8 sec
25
Turn straight onto WI 52
0.3 mi·44 sec·Highway 52 Parkway
26
Continue on WI 52
0.9 mi·2 min·Stewart Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on WI 52; US 51 Business
0.3 mi·54 sec·Slough Bridge
Use the straight lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto Slough Bridge
167 ft·13 sec·Slough Bridge
29
Turn left onto North 1st Street
302 ft·12 sec·North 1st Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
30
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
161 ft·9 sec·Jefferson Street
31
Turn right
72 ft·10 sec
32
Turn left
59 ft·6 sec
33
Turn right
223 ft·18 sec
34
At end of road, turn right onto Washington Street
165 ft·7 sec·Washington Street
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 17-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single-day adventure. Aim to depart Racine in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed arrival in Wausau. With only one recommended stop and a $33 fuel estimate, you can plan your stops strategically, perhaps for a mid-drive break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 87.9-mile stretch on I-41, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a convenient refueling point. This route's highway focus means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of changing traffic conditions as you approach larger towns.
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 106.3 miles from Racine, WI, or about 2h 10m 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 47 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.3 miles or 2h 10m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wausau, 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 212.7 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 25
5 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
$35.36 one way
$70.73 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$38.52
$77.04
premium
$5.18
$43.40
$86.81
diesel
$5.35
$44.80
$89.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.8
0
$22.33
$10.21
Efficient EV
53.2
0
$18.61
$8.51
EV Truck/SUV
85.1
1
$29.78
$13.61
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 May 19, 2026
Origin
Racine, WI
Afternoon
in Racine on Wednesday
Local time
4:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 15 mph57% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Wausau, WI
Afternoon
in Wausau on Wednesday
Local time
4:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°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
1 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
4h 17m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 91% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-41, US-10, and I-39. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 87.9 miles on I-41, indicating long periods of consistent, high-speed travel. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways. While not explicitly detailed as monotonous, the highway-focused nature means you'll likely be on well-maintained, multi-lane roads for most of your journey, with the road character remaining largely consistent throughout the 4-hour-plus drive.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 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 Effort10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 212.7 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,275 ft624 ft
Total Climb
975 ft
Total Descent
393 ft
Highest Point
1,275 ft
~197.5 mi in
Elevation Range
651 ft
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 Wausau, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac and Appleton.
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
Wausau is a city in North Central Wisconsin. While the metropolitan area has a population of around 80,000, it has a big city feel and often leads one to believe they are in a larger city. Wausau has many great man-made and natural features, such as Dudley Tower/First Wausau Tower, the tallest commercial building in the state outside of Milwaukee, and Rib Mountain State Park/Granite Peak Ski Area.
Top landmarks
•Charles L. Manson House — House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
•Marathon County Fairgrounds — fairground in Wausau, Wisconsin, United States
•C. F. Dunbar House — historic house in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 17m. Total distance: 212.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m 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.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Wausau, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Wausau, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
