Traveling from West Allis to Balsam Lake covers 324.4 miles across the Wisconsin landscape. You should plan for a driving time of approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes. Since the entire trip is contained within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the urban surroundings of West Allis toward the northern reaches of the state. While it is possible to complete this journey in a single day, be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. Expect to budget around $49 for fuel to cover the distance. This route is best suited for drivers who don't mind a longer stint on the road to reach their destination in one go.
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
162.2 miles from West Allis, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
105.2 mi
1h 52m
East-West Freeway
63.8 mi
1h 9m
I 90
63.5 mi
1h 8m
US 53
50 mi
55m
US 8
13.7 mi
19m
14th Avenue
9.6 mi
14m
East 130th Avenue
4.4 mi
6m
140th Street
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 105.2 mi, about 1h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Allis, WI and Balsam Lake, WI.
1
Start on WI 59
1.4 mi·3 min·West Greenfield Avenue
Use the left lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 894 West, US 45 North
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 94: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight left lane.
4
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
19 ft·0 sec·Zoo Freeway
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1B-AToward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·56 sec
Exit 1BToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
8
Merge onto I 94
10 mi·11 min·East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi·57 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi·31 min·I 94
Exit 240Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau ClaireUse the straight / slight right 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 PaulUse 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
50 mi·55 min·US 53
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward US 8: Barron, Cameron
17
Keep slight left at fork
260 ft·13 sec
18
Turn left onto US 8
3.7 mi·5 min·US 8
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 8
2.0 mi·5 min·East Division Avenue
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 8
3.0 mi·4 min·13 1/2 Avenue
21
Continue on US 8
1.4 mi·1 min·13 1/2 - 14th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 8
9.0 mi·12 min·14th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Enter roundabout onto US 8
130 ft·7 sec·14th Avenue
24
Continue on US 8
0.5 mi·1 min·14th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Enter roundabout onto US 8; US 63
102 ft·5 sec·US 8; US 63
26
Continue on US 8; US 63
10.0 mi·14 min·US 8; US 63
Use the straight lane.
27
Enter roundabout onto US 8; WI 46
123 ft·7 sec·East 130th Avenue
28
Continue on US 8; WI 46
4.4 mi·6 min·East 130th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
29
Turn right onto WI 46
3.5 mi·6 min·140th Street
Use the right lane.
30
Continue on WI 46
0.5 mi·56 sec·West Main Street
31
Turn left onto Courthouse Avenue
406 ft·17 sec·Courthouse Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Courthouse Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy trek, aim to depart early in the morning to ensure you reach Balsam Lake before sunset. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the six-hour drive and keep your focus sharp on the local roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $49 estimate can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local pricing along these secondary routes. Because the drive lacks major highway stretches, build in extra time for traffic or unexpected road conditions. A helpful tip for this specific trip is to download your maps for offline use, as the reliance on local roads may result in spotty cellular service in less populated areas.
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 162.2 miles from West Allis, WI, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.2 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 71 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 162.2 miles or 2h 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Balsam Lake, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Allis, 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 West Allis, WI
This is one driving day of about 324.4 miles and 6h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from West Allis, 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 105.2 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 159 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
1.6 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee
9
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
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 1B-A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
66.4 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
8
159 mi into trip|~2h 54m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.72 one way
$101.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg114 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$55.68
$111.37
premium
$4.89
$62.43
$124.86
diesel
$5.61
$71.62
$143.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
97.3
1
$34.06
$15.57
Efficient EV
81.1
0
$28.38
$12.98
EV Truck/SUV
129.8
1
$45.42
$20.76
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
West Allis, WI
Evening
in West Allis on Saturday
Local time
8:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Balsam Lake, WI
Evening
in Balsam Lake on Saturday
Local time
8:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
69°F
Blair, WI
162 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
7 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 11m 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 123.1
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?
Expect a turn-heavy, local drive that demands your full attention rather than a mindless highway cruise. While you will utilize I-894 West, I-94, and the Zoo Freeway to start, the journey quickly transitions away from major interstates. Because the highway share is 0%, the route relies on secondary roads that wind through the state. You will find that the personality of the road shifts as you leave the suburban sprawl and navigate the more technical, non-interstate sections. This isn't a route for setting cruise control on a straightaway; instead, it offers a hands-on driving experience that requires constant navigation through local turns.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and East-West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 26 significant decision points across 324.4 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 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: 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.
Between West Allis, WI and Balsam Lake, WI, road signs point toward Eau Claire, Saint Paul, Superior and Cameron.
Eau Claire
66.4 mi in|~1h 15m|via I 94
Saint Paul
159 mi in|~2h 54m|via I 94
Superior
235.1 mi in|~4h 16m
Cameron
285.8 mi in|~5h 12m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 11m. Total distance: 324.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.2 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 Balsam Lake, 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 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Balsam Lake, WI before the return drive.
