Stratford to Kenosha is 229 miles and takes about 4h 39m via I 41 and US 10, with a fuel budget near $36 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 straightforward drive, mostly on well-traveled highways, making it a good option if you're looking for efficiency. You'll likely find this route to be a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without too many surprises.
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
114.5 miles from Stratford, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
87.4 mi
1h 38m
US 10
51.3 mi
1h 1m
North-South Freeway
23.3 mi
25m
I 39
20.7 mi
22m
State Highway 153
17.9 mi
26m
US 45
12.3 mi
14m
Airport Freeway
4.3 mi
5m
Burlington Road
3.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 87.4 mi, about 1h 38m
Traffic on I-41
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 67 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,046 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,595
Quietest
2 AM
~198 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.4×
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 Stratford, WI and Kenosha, WI.
1
Start on WI 97
102 ft·8 sec·State Highway 97
2
Turn left onto WI 153
17 mi·25 min·State Highway 153
3
Continue on WI 153
0.9 mi·2 min·Western Avenue
4
Continue on WI 153
0.3 mi·1 min·4th Street
5
Turn right onto WI 153
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn slight right onto WI 153
425 ft·18 sec·State Highway 153
7
Turn straight onto WI 153
0.2 mi·34 sec·Old Highway 51
8
Turn left onto WI 153
0.4 mi·1 min·State Highway 153
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point
10
Merge onto I 39; US 51
13 mi·14 min·I 39; US 51
11
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
12
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi·57 sec·US 10; WI 66
Exit 158Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi·1 hr·US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, WaupacaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi·14 min·US 45
Exit 276Toward US 45 South: OshkoshUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
16
Merge onto I 41; US 41
86 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi·5 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi·1 min·I 41; US 41
Exit 10BToward I 41 South, I 94 South: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
23 mi·25 min·North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 340Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, BurlingtonUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
22
Turn left onto WI 142
3.6 mi·6 min·Burlington Road
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on CTH S
3.3 mi·7 min·Washington Road
24
Turn right onto WI 32
0.9 mi·1 min·Sheridan Road
25
Turn left onto 54th Street
305 ft·14 sec·54th Street
26
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·31 sec·8th Avenue
27
Turn right onto 56th Street
43 ft·1 sec·56th Street
28
Arrive at destination
56th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 39m duration, this trip is easily doable in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and ensure you have ample time for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, but remember to factor in a break or two. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the 87.4-mile stretch of I 41, as services can be spaced out. The $36 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's wise to have a little extra on hand.
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 114.5 miles from Stratford, WI, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.4 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 50 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.5 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kenosha, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stratford, 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 Stratford, WI
This is one driving day of about 229 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Stratford, 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 87.4 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 41.4 and 221 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
41.4 mi into trip|~56m 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
92.3 mi into trip|~1h 57m 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
9
196.2 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
220.7 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Take the exit toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
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 340
Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
7
221 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, K...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.82 one way
$67.64 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$37.33
$74.67
premium
$4.72
$42.52
$85.04
diesel
$4.80
$43.24
$86.48
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.05
$10.99
Efficient EV
57.3
0
$20.04
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.06
$14.66
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Stratford, WI
Morning
in Stratford on Sunday
Local time
11:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Patchy Smoke
NNW 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Kenosha, WI
Morning
in Kenosha on Sunday
Local time
11:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
N 10 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
63°F
Morrison, WI
115 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
3 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
4h 39m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway driving, with 95% on main roads like I 41 and US 10. You'll experience a longest stretch of 87.4 miles on I 41 before encountering more surface streets. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits as you approach your destination. The transition from high-speed freeway to local roads will be noticeable.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.4 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 41.4 miles in near US 10.
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 20 significant decision points across 229 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 41.4 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.2 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,264 ft600 ft
Total Climb
327 ft
Total Descent
991 ft
Highest Point
1,264 ft
Elevation Range
664 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Stratford, WI and Kenosha, WI, road signs point toward Waupaca and Appleton.
Kenosha is Wisconsin's fourth largest city. It is in the state's southeast region. Many of its residents commute to jobs elsewhere, leading to its appellation as "Chicago's northernmost suburb."
Top landmarks
•Kenosha County Courthouse and Jail — prison in Kenosha, United States of America
•Kenosha Light — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
•Kenosha North Pier Light — lighthouse in Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 229 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.4 miles on I 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Kenosha, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 41.4 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.2 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Kenosha, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
