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Trip from Rothschild, WI to Wauwatosa, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 25m

Distance

176 mi

283 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 14m ★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 18m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Rothschild, WI, WI

Rothschild, WI

Christina & Peter

city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States

Wauwatosa, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 175.9-mile trip from Rothschild, WI to Wauwatosa, WI is a manageable one-day drive, estimated to take about 2 hours and 46 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using Weston Avenue, South Grand Avenue, and US 51. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this route is budget-friendly for a single day's adventure. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, suggesting a route that winds through communities rather than sticking to high-speed highways. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, keeping the scenery consistent.

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

88 miles from Rothschild, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 41 79.5 mi 1h 27m
US 10 51.3 mi 1h 1m
I 39 26.5 mi 28m
US 45 12.3 mi 14m
South Grand Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
West Watertown Plank Road 1.1 mi 2m
Business US 51 0.8 mi 2m
Weston Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 41 — 79.5 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rothschild, WI and Wauwatosa, WI.

1

Start on Leon Street

29 ft · 6 sec · Leon Street
2

Turn left onto Weston Avenue

0.3 mi · 57 sec · Weston Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 51 Business

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
4

Continue on US 51 Business

0.8 mi · 2 min · Business US 51
Use the straight lane.
5

Turn left

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 39, US 51
6

Merge onto I 39; US 51

19 mi · 20 min · I 39; US 51
7

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51
8

Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 10; WI 66
Exit 158 Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

51 mi · 1 hr · US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

12 mi · 14 min · US 45
Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
12

Merge onto I 41; US 41

80 mi · 1 hr 27 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto West Watertown Plank Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · West Watertown Plank Road
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on Harwood Avenue

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Harwood Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Turn left onto WI 181

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Harmonee Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
18

Turn right onto West Menomonee River Parkway

498 ft · 21 sec · West Menomonee River Parkway
19

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

Since this drive is only 175.9 miles and takes under three hours, it's perfect for a spontaneous day trip. You can leave Rothschild, WI anytime that suits you, but an early start will help you avoid potential local traffic. With only one stop recommended, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $27, and it's always wise to fill up before heading out, especially on local roads where service stations might be spaced further apart.

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 88 miles from Rothschild, WI, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.5 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 39 miles or 46m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 88 miles or 1h 45m 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 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wauwatosa, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rothschild, 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 Rothschild, WI

This is one driving day of about 176 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Rothschild, 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 79.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Waupaca, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waupaca, WI

88 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

Garfield, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Neenah, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88 miles from Rothschild, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 175.9

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1 mi

Mosinee Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.6

Mosinee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17156933600

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 175.9

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 175.9

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

George Street Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17153593660

Visit website

Lake Emily County Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 37.7

Amherst Junction, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17158243175

Visit website

Stevens Point Brewery | Tap Room & Gift Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 25.1

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+17153449310

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 173.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
2.3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward I 39, US 51

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 39, US 51
8
29.6 mi into trip | ~35m in | US 10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
80.5 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | US 45

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
7
173.5 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in

Take the exit toward Watertown Plank Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road
8
173.8 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Watertown Plank Road East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.52 one way

$55.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.21 $60.42
premium $4.89 $33.87 $67.74
diesel $5.61 $38.86 $77.72

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.8 0 $18.48 $8.45
Efficient EV 44 0 $15.40 $7.04
EV Truck/SUV 70.4 0 $24.64 $11.26

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Rothschild, WI

Morning in Rothschild on Sunday

Local time

11:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wauwatosa, WI

Morning in Wauwatosa on Sunday

Local time

11:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°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

5 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

3h 25m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 175.9-mile journey. With a highway share of 0%, you won't be cruising on interstates; instead, you'll be navigating local roads like Weston Avenue, South Grand Avenue, and US 51. This means you'll be making frequent turns and likely encountering more traffic signals and varied speed limits. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile indicates a route that demands your attention and keeps you engaged with your surroundings.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.5 mi on I 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 14 significant decision points across 176 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 2.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.5 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Rothschild, WI and Wauwatosa, WI, road signs point toward Waupaca and Appleton.

Waupaca

29.2 mi in | ~34m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

29.2 mi in | ~34m | via US 10; WI 66

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 176 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 79.5 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 Wauwatosa, 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 2.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.5 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Wauwatosa, 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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