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
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 82 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,873 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,397
Quietest
2 AM
~159 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.1×
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 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 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du LacUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 305BToward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du LacUse 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-BToward Watertown Plank RoadUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Exit 40AToward Watertown Plank Road EastUse 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.
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
$48.91 one way
$97.82 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg116 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$54.00
$107.99
premium
$4.72
$61.49
$122.99
diesel
$4.80
$62.54
$125.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
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, 2026-07-13.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Saint Croix Falls, WI
Evening
in Saint Croix Falls on Saturday
Local time
8:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
SSW 5 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:04AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 12:55AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Wauwatosa, WI
Evening
in Wauwatosa on Saturday
Local time
8:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Smoke then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 to 10 mph22% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:04AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 12:55AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
58°F
Hale, 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
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
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
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
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
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 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 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.
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.
Yes — we found about 23 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 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. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
