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Trip from Saint Croix Falls, 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

6h 23m

Distance

331.2 mi

533 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 11m ★
6 AM
6h 23m
8 AM
6h 48m
10 AM
6h 32m
12 PM
6h 29m
3 PM
6h 33m
5 PM
6h 47m
8 PM
6h 16m

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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fourth-class city in Polk County, Wisconsin, United States

Saint Croix Falls, WI

Wikimedia Commons

city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States

Wauwatosa, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Saint Croix Falls, WI, your destination is Wauwatosa, WI, a journey spanning 331.1 miles. This drive is estimated to take around 5 hours and 14 minutes, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, indicated by the 0% highway share, so expect a more involved driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $50, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Midwest. The profile of this drive is a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting frequent directional changes rather than long, straight stretches.

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

165.6 miles from Saint Croix Falls, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 232 mi 4h 9m
US 53 50.7 mi 56m
West 130th Avenue 11.9 mi 16m
14th Avenue 9 mi 12m
US 8 8.7 mi 12m
13 1/2 Avenue 6.3 mi 8m
West Division Avenue 2 mi 5m
East 130th Avenue 1.9 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 232 mi, about 4h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Saint Croix Falls, WI and Wauwatosa, WI.

1

Start on East Kentucky Street

288 ft · 17 sec · East Kentucky Street
2

Turn left onto South Roosevelt Street

0.1 mi · 35 sec · South Roosevelt Street
3

Turn left onto East State Street

453 ft · 15 sec · East State Street
4

Continue on South Vincent Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Vincent Street
5

Turn left onto WI 35

0.3 mi · 42 sec · WI 35
Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto US 8; WI 35

1.5 mi · 2 min · US Highway 8
Use the straight lane.
7

Continue on US 8; WI 35

0.7 mi · 1 min · West 130th Avenue
8

Enter roundabout onto US 8; WI 35

137 ft · 7 sec · West 130th Avenue
9

Continue on US 8; WI 35

11 mi · 15 min · West 130th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Enter roundabout onto US 8

127 ft · 7 sec · East 130th Avenue
11

Continue on US 8

1.8 mi · 2 min · East 130th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
12

Continue on US 8

8.1 mi · 11 min · US 8
Use the straight lane.
13

Enter roundabout onto US 8; US 63

134 ft · 7 sec · US 8; US 63
14

Continue on US 8; US 63

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 8; US 63
15

Enter roundabout onto US 8

120 ft · 6 sec · 14th Avenue
16

Continue on US 8

9.0 mi · 12 min · 14th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
17

Continue on US 8

1.4 mi · 1 min · 13 1/2 - 14th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Continue on US 8

3.0 mi · 4 min · 13 1/2 Avenue
19

Continue on US 8

2.0 mi · 5 min · West Division Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on US 8

3.3 mi · 4 min · 13 1/2 Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
22

Merge onto US 53

50 mi · 55 min · US 53
23

Turn straight onto US 53

0.2 mi · 20 sec · US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
24

Enter roundabout onto US 53

378 ft · 5 sec · US 53
25

Continue on US 53

441 ft · 8 sec · US 53
26

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
27

Merge onto I 94

168 mi · 2 hr 59 min · I 94
Use the straight lane.
28

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 94
Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
30

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 305B Toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
31

Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45

0.5 mi · 44 sec · Zoo Freeway
32

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road Use the slight right lane.
33

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 24 sec
Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East Use the right lane.
34

Turn straight onto West Watertown Plank Road

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Watertown Plank Road
Use the left lane.
35

Continue on Harwood Avenue

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Harwood Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
36

Turn left onto WI 181

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Harmonee Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
37

Turn right onto West Menomonee River Parkway

498 ft · 21 sec · West Menomonee River Parkway
38

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 14-minute duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, consider an early morning departure from Saint Croix Falls, WI, to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With a fuel cost of approximately $50, plan for at least one fuel stop. Since this is a single-day trip, flexibility is key; you can adjust your pace based on how you feel. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to posted speed limits on the local roads, as they can vary significantly and are strictly enforced.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 165.6 miles from Saint Croix Falls, WI, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232 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 73 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 165.6 miles or 3h 20m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 14m

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 Saint Croix Falls, 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 Saint Croix Falls, WI

This is one driving day of about 331.2 miles and 6h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Saint Croix Falls, 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 232 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Wisconsin, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Blair, WI

166 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

Bloomer, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Angelo, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 165.6 miles from Saint Croix Falls, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 232 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 331.2

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Coffee Talk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Taylors Falls, Minnesota

0.8 mi

Valentine Coffee Roasters on Vliet Street

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1 mi

Vendetta Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 331.2

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Coffee Talk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Taylors Falls, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16514656700

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 331.2

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14149888018

Visit website

Folsom House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Taylors Falls, Minnesota

Hours: Closed

+16514653125

Visit website

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 263.4 and 329.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
263.4 mi into trip | ~5h 5m in | I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
327.5 mi into trip | ~6h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac

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 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
9
328.1 mi into trip | ~6h 16m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 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. Exit 305B Toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
7
329.5 mi into trip | ~6h 18m in

Take the exit toward Watertown Plank Road

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road
9
329.6 mi into trip | ~6h 18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Watertown Plank Road East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.78 one way

$103.56 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 116 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $56.85 $113.70
premium $4.89 $63.74 $127.47
diesel $5.61 $73.12 $146.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 115.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 99.4 1 $34.78 $15.90
Efficient EV 82.8 0 $28.98 $13.25
EV Truck/SUV 132.5 1 $46.37 $21.20

Gas CO2

116 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Saint Croix Falls, WI

Evening in Saint Croix Falls on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wauwatosa, WI

Evening in Wauwatosa on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

69°F

Blair, WI

166 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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 23m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

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 ~63 min detour Free near mile 205.6
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be making numerous turns on South Roosevelt Street, East State Street, and South Vincent Street as you make your way across Wisconsin. With no highway sections, you'll be on local roads for the entire 331.1 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy' nature suggests you'll be consistently engaged with navigation. Expect a driving experience that requires constant attention to your surroundings rather than a monotonous highway cruise.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 232 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 263.4 miles in near I 94.

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 25 significant decision points across 331.2 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 263.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 327.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 23m. Total distance: 331.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 232 miles on I 94. 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 263.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 327.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Wauwatosa, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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