Skip to main content

Trip from Walworth, WI to Eau Claire, WI

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 26m

Distance

235.5 mi

379 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 13m ★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 19m

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

Downtown Walworth, WI, WI

Walworth, WI

Joaquin Carfagna

city in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in Wisconsin, United States, that is the county seat of Eau Claire County

Eau Claire, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 235.5-mile drive from Walworth, WI, to Eau Claire, WI, is a straightforward journey designed for a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 26 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-94, I-39, and I-90. With 95% of the route on highways, this is a classic Midwest road trip focused on efficient travel between two points within Wisconsin. The estimated fuel cost is around $37, making it an economical option for a day trip. This route is ideal for those who prefer to cover distance quickly and arrive at their destination without significant detours.

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

117.8 miles from Walworth, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 76.1 mi 1h 21m
I 39 65.8 mi 1h 10m
I 90 63.5 mi 1h 8m
US 14 11.2 mi 15m
US Highway 14 6.1 mi 8m
South Walworth Street 5 mi 8m
South Hastings Way 1.6 mi 3m
East Racine Street 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Walworth, WI and Eau Claire, WI.

1

Start on WI 67

16 ft · 4 sec · State Highway 67
2

Turn right onto US 14

214 ft · 12 sec · North Main Street
3

Turn left onto US 14

0.7 mi · 1 min · Madison Street
4

Continue on US 14

6.1 mi · 8 min · US Highway 14
5

Continue on US 14

5.0 mi · 8 min · South Walworth Street
6

Turn left onto US 14; WI 11

11 mi · 15 min · US 14; WI 11
7

Turn left onto WI 11

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Racine Street
8

Enter roundabout

10 ft · 0 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
9

Continue

0.3 mi · 17 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
10

Merge onto I 39; I 90

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94

63 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
12

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.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
15

Merge onto US 53

1.3 mi · 1 min · US 53
16

Take the exit onto US 53 Business

1.6 mi · 3 min · South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
17

Turn left onto Brackett Avenue

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Brackett Avenue
18

Continue on Harding Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Harding Avenue
19

Continue on Washington Street

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Washington Street
20

Turn right onto South Farwell Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Farwell Street
21

Turn left onto East Grand Avenue

35 ft · 1 sec · East Grand Avenue
22

Arrive at destination

East Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 26-minute duration, starting your journey from Walworth in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 76.1 miles on I-94, as services can sometimes be spaced further apart on interstates. The estimated fuel cost of $37 suggests planning for one fill-up if starting with a full tank. This route is easily manageable as a single-day trip, so you can depart at your convenience and enjoy a direct path to Eau Claire.

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 117.8 miles from Walworth, WI, or about 2h 16m 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 52 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117.8 miles or 2h 16m 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 37m

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 Walworth, 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 Walworth, WI

This is one driving day of about 235.5 miles and 4h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Walworth, 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.

reservoir on the Wisconsin River in Sauk and Columbia counties in Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lake Wisconsin, WI

118 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.

Popular next leg

Lake Wisconsin, WI to Eau Claire, WI

160.7 mi · 3h 4m

Pacing Suggestions

City of Janesville, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.8 miles from Walworth, 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 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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 24.4 and 230.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
24.4 mi into trip | ~36m in

Enter roundabout toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
5
24.7 mi into trip | ~36m in | I 39; I 90

Merge onto I 39; I 90

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
90.5 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in | I 90; I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
154 mi into trip | ~2h 55m 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
6
230.2 mi into trip | ~4h 17m 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

$36.82 one way

$73.64 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 82 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $40.42 $80.85
premium $4.89 $45.32 $90.64
diesel $5.61 $52.00 $103.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 82.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 70.6 0 $24.73 $11.30
Efficient EV 58.9 0 $20.61 $9.42
EV Truck/SUV 94.2 1 $32.97 $15.07

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

28 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Walworth, WI

Morning in Walworth on Tuesday

Local time

8:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Eau Claire, WI

Morning in Eau Claire on Tuesday

Local time

8:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

31°F

Partly Cloudy

WNW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Watch

Flash Flood Watch issued April 18 at 12:10AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:18PM 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

12 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

4h 26m 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.

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 121.8
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the 235.5 miles spent on major interstates like I-94, I-39, and I-90. You'll experience long stretches of consistent driving, including a 76.1-mile segment on I-94 without needing to exit. The character of the drive is predominantly one of smooth, high-speed travel through the heart of Wisconsin. While it's not a route known for winding scenic byways, it offers a predictable and efficient way to get from point A to point B, allowing you to maintain a steady pace.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 235.5 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 24.4 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.7 miles (I 39; I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.5 miles (I 90; I 94): 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.

On the drive from Walworth, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Paul along the way.

Saint Paul

154 mi in | ~2h 55m | 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 4h 26m. Total distance: 235.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 26m 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 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 24.4 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.7 miles (I 39; I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.5 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Walworth, WI or browse trips ending in Eau Claire, WI.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.