Ringle, WI to North La Crosse, WI is 147.1 miles and takes about 3h 12m via I 90, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving you from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward drive with a high percentage of highway miles, making it ideal if you want to cover ground efficiently. Consider this route for a quick day trip or as a segment of a larger Wisconsin adventure.
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
73.5 miles from Ringle, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
41.3 mi
44m
State Highway 173
34 mi
49m
Victory Road
15.2 mi
22m
I 39
11.3 mi
12m
State Highway 34
9.9 mi
13m
WI 29
9.8 mi
11m
State Highway 21
4.1 mi
5m
US Highway 10
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 41.3 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ringle, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on 1st Avenue
271 ft·13 sec·1st Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto CTH Q
0.4 mi·1 min·County Road Q
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
4
Merge onto WI 29
9.8 mi·11 min·WI 29
5
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
6
Merge onto I 39; US 51
11 mi·12 min·I 39; US 51
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 175Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
8
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
9
Turn straight onto WI 34
0.2 mi·16 sec·State Highway 34
10
Enter roundabout onto WI 34; CTH C
123 ft·2 sec·State Highway 34
11
Continue on WI 34; CTH C
9.7 mi·13 min·State Highway 34
12
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.2 mi·30 sec·WI 34
13
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 10
14
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi·49 sec·WI 34
Exit 204Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
15
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 34
15 mi·22 min·Victory Road
16
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
17
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
185 ft·3 sec·2nd Avenue South
18
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
19
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi·2 min·Wisconsin River Drive
20
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
1.4 mi·2 min·Letendre Avenue
21
Continue on WI 54
2.1 mi·3 min·State Highway 54
22
Turn left onto CTH G
2.0 mi·3 min·County Highway G
23
Continue on State Highway 173
9.1 mi·13 min·State Highway 173
24
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
410 ft·7 sec·State Highway 80
25
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi·1 min·State Highway 173
26
Continue on WI 173
24 mi·33 min·State Highway 173
27
Turn right onto WI 21
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 21
28
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi·12 sec·State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
31
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi·2 min·I 94
32
Take the exit
0.7 mi·51 sec
Exit 147Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
33
Merge onto I 90
41 mi·43 min·I 90
34
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi·37 sec·I 90; US 53
Exit 3Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
35
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi·3 min·Rose Street
36
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3h 12m duration, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. You could depart Ringle in the morning and arrive in North La Crosse with ample time for afternoon activities. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $23, planning is minimal. Keep an eye on I 90 for any potential traffic, as it's the primary artery for most of the drive. Filling up before you leave Ringle is a good idea, as services might be more spread out on the latter portions of the route.
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 73.5 miles from Ringle, WI, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.3 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 32 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.5 miles or 1h 41m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ringle, 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 Ringle, WI
This is one driving day of about 147.1 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Ringle, 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 90 for about 41.3 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.6 and 145.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
10.6 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
6
23.1 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 175
Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
6
37.5 mi into trip|~47m in|WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 204
Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapid...
6
103.5 mi into trip|~2h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
6
145.3 mi into trip|~3h 8m in|I 90; US 53
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53 toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3
Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.00 one way
$45.99 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$25.25
$50.50
premium
$4.89
$28.31
$56.62
diesel
$5.61
$32.48
$64.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.1
0
$15.45
$7.06
Efficient EV
36.8
0
$12.87
$5.88
EV Truck/SUV
58.8
0
$20.59
$9.41
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% 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
Ringle, WI
Afternoon
in Ringle on Sunday
Local time
4:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
4:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
33°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
NW 14 mph36% chanceLive 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
9 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 12m 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.
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...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
Free
near mile 55.8
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 81% of the route utilizing major highways like I 90. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the journey, including a longest stretch of 41.3 miles on I 90 where you can settle into a rhythm. While the core is highway, the route also incorporates State Highway 173 and Victory Road, suggesting a transition to more local roads as you approach your destination. Expect a blend of faster travel and more winding segments.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.3 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 173. 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 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 22 significant decision points across 147.1 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: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.5 miles (WI 34): 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 Ringle, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Wisconsin Rapids and Albert Lea.
Madison
10.6 mi in|~13m
Wisconsin Rapids
23.1 mi in|~28m
Albert Lea
103.5 mi in|~2h 24m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 147.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.3 miles on I 90. 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 North La Crosse, 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 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.5 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at North La Crosse, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
