Origin
Spring Green, WI
Late night in Spring Green on Tuesday
Local time
4:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Spring Green, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 13m
Distance
156.8 mi
252 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 2m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 22m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Spring Green, WI
Lauri Poldre
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spring Green, WI to Eau Claire, WI is 156.8 miles and takes about 3h 13m via I 94, I 90, and State Highway 23, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It’s a fairly straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. You'll find it a practical choice if you're looking for efficiency and minimal fuss on your way north.
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
78.4 miles from Spring Green, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 76.1 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 90 | 23.5 mi | 25m |
| State Highway 23 | 17.6 mi | 24m |
| State Highway 58 | 13.7 mi | 20m |
| South Main Street | 7 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 33 | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| South Hastings Way | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| US 53 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spring Green, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on Madison Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Madison Street
2
Turn left onto WI 23
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Winsted Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 14; WI 23
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 14
4
Turn right onto WI 23; CTH G
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 23
5
Continue on WI 23
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Wachter Avenue
6
Continue on WI 23
11 mi
·
15 min
·
State Highway 23
7
Continue on WI 23
7.0 mi
·
10 min
·
South Main Street
8
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Albert Avenue
9
Turn left onto WI 33
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
West Main Street
10
Continue on WI 33
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 33
11
Continue on WI 33
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Main Street
12
Turn right onto WI 33; WI 58
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 33 & 58
13
Turn right onto WI 58
14 mi
·
20 min
·
State Highway 58
14
Continue on WI 58
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
Division Street
15
Enter roundabout onto WI 58; WI 82; CTH G
37 ft
·
0 sec
·
Grayside Street
16
Continue on WI 58; WI 82; CTH G
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Grayside Street
17
Continue on WI 58; WI 82; CTH G
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
South Union Street
18
Turn right onto WI 82
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 82
19
Continue on State Highway 82
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
State Highway 82
20
At end of road, turn left onto State Highway 82
29 ft
·
1 sec
·
State Highway 82
21
Continue on State Highway 82
112 ft
·
2 sec
·
State Highway 82
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
23
Merge onto I 90; I 94
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 90; I 94
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
27
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
28
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
29
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
30
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
31
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
32
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
33
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 13m duration, this is easily a same-day trip, so you have flexibility in when you depart. Aiming for a morning start will give you ample daylight to complete the 156.8-mile journey. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on I 94, to refuel and stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into longer highway segments, as the estimated fuel cost is $25.
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 78.4 miles from Spring Green, WI, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 34 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.4 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Spring Green, 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 Spring Green, WI
This is one driving day of about 156.8 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Spring Green, 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 76.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 78.4 miles from Spring Green, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 49.7 and 151.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
49.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
WI 58; WI 82; CTH G / Grayside Street
Enter roundabout onto WI 58; WI 82; CTH G / Grayside Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
51.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
State Highway 82
At end of road, turn left onto State Highway 82
Navigation decision point
8
75.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
5
151.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 3m in
Take the exit toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
6
151.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.51 one way
$49.03 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.92 | $53.83 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.17 | $60.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.62 | $69.24 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47 | 0 | $16.46 | $7.53 |
| Efficient EV | 39.2 | 0 | $13.72 | $6.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.95 | $10.04 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Eau Claire, WI
Late night in Eau Claire on Tuesday
Local time
4:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Watch issued April 16 at 11:57PM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 16 at 11:57PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
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
6 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 13m 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...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 54.1
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 90% of it spent on major interstates. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 76.1-mile segment on I 94. The character is that of a modern interstate journey, designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic exploration. You’ll experience the typical flow of highway driving, characterized by smooth pavement and predictable conditions for the majority of the 3h 13m trip.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.1 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 90. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 49.7 miles in near WI 58; WI 82; CTH G / Grayside Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 156.8 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 49.7 miles (WI 58; WI 82; CTH G / Grayside Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 51.3 miles (State Highway 82): Navigation decision point; at 75.2 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Spring Green, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Paul along the way.
Saint Paul
75.2 mi in
|
~1h 42m
|
via I 94
About the Cities
Arriving in Eau Claire, WI
Full guide →Eau Claire (pronounced: O'Clare, French for clear water) is a city of about 62,000 in Northwest Wisconsin.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 156.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76.1 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 Eau Claire, 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 49.7 miles (WI 58; WI 82; CTH G / Grayside Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 51.3 miles (State Highway 82): Navigation decision point; at 75.2 miles (I 94): 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Eau Claire, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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