Origin
Wausau, WI
Late night in Wausau on Sunday
Local time
5:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wausau, WI to Kenosha, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
223.8 mi
360 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wausau, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Kenosha, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 223.8-mile journey from Wausau, WI to Kenosha, WI is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-41, US-10, and I-39, this route keeps you on well-maintained roads for about 95% of the trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $35, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or transit within the Midwest. The drive is designed for efficiency, making it ideal if you're looking to cover ground without significant detours. Plan for one recommended stop to break up the drive and stay refreshed.
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
111.9 miles from Wausau, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 87.4 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 10 | 51.3 mi | 1h 1m |
| I 39 | 29.8 mi | 32m |
| North-South Freeway | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| US 45 | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| US 51 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Burlington Road | 3.6 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 87.4 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wausau, WI and Kenosha, WI.
1
Start on this road
78 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn straight onto North 1st Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
North 1st Street
3
Turn left onto WI 52; US 51 Business
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Scott Street
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on WI 52; US 51 Business
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Stewart Avenue
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on WI 52
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 52 Parkway
6
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto US 51
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
22 mi
·
24 min
·
I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
9
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi
·
7 min
·
I 39; US 10; US 51
10
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
US 10; WI 66
Exit 158
Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi
·
1 hr
·
US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 45
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
14
Merge onto I 41; US 41
86 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 41; US 41
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
23 mi
·
25 min
·
North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 340
Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
199 ft
·
6 sec
Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
20
Turn left onto WI 142
3.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Burlington Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on CTH S
3.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Washington Road
22
Turn right onto WI 32
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Sheridan Road
23
Turn left onto 54th Street
305 ft
·
14 sec
·
54th Street
24
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
8th Avenue
25
Turn right onto 56th Street
43 ft
·
1 sec
·
56th Street
26
Arrive at destination
56th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 26-minute duration, this drive is well-suited for a single-day trip from Wausau to Kenosha. Departing in the morning will give you ample time to reach your destination with daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in choosing when and where to pull over for fuel or a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before longer stretches like the 87.4 miles on I-41. The $35 fuel cost is a helpful budget point, but always consider potential fluctuations. This efficient route means you can easily adjust your timing as needed.
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 111.9 miles from Wausau, WI, or about 2h 12m 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.9 miles or 2h 12m 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 32m
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 Wausau, 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 Wausau, WI
This is one driving day of about 223.8 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Wausau, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.9 miles from Wausau, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.4 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 215.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street
Turn left onto WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
36.3 mi into trip
|
~43m 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
87.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m 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
191 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m 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
215.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.99 one way
$69.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $38.42 | $76.83 |
| premium | $4.89 | $43.07 | $86.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.41 | $98.82 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.50 | $10.74 |
| Efficient EV | 56 | 0 | $19.58 | $8.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.5 | 1 | $31.33 | $14.32 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Kenosha, WI
Late night in Kenosha on Sunday
Local time
5:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 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 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with a 95% highway share. The drive is characterized by its efficiency, allowing for steady progress. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 87.4 miles on I-41, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. The main roads, including I-41, US-10, and I-39, are designed for smooth, higher-speed driving. This highway-focused profile means you'll spend most of your time on major arteries, making for a predictable and generally unchallenging driving experience.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 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 0.1 miles in near WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street.
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 19 significant decision points across 223.8 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 0.1 miles (WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 36.3 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.2 miles (US 45): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wausau, WI and Kenosha, WI, road signs point toward Waupaca and Appleton.
Waupaca
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 10; WI 66
Appleton
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 10; WI 66
About the Cities
Arriving in Kenosha, WI
Full guide →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."
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: 223.8 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 87.4 miles on I 41. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 36.3 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.2 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Kenosha, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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