West Allis, WI to Tainter Lake, WI is 269.1 miles and takes about 4h 58m via I 94, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region and entirely within Wisconsin, making it a straightforward drive. With a high percentage of highway driving, expect a relatively quick transit. This route is a solid option if you're looking for a single-day excursion without extensive planning, as it's designed for efficient travel.
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
134.6 miles from West Allis, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
130.1 mi
2h 19m
East-West Freeway
63.8 mi
1h 9m
I 90
63.5 mi
1h 8m
CTH B
3.6 mi
5m
County Road D
3 mi
5m
West Greenfield Avenue
1.4 mi
3m
County Road BB
1 mi
1m
County Road G
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 130.1 mi, about 2h 19m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 188 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,621 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,197
Quietest
2 AM
~157 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 West Allis, WI and Tainter 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
101 mi·1 hr 48 min·I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint PaulUse the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 45Toward CTH B: Menomonie
14
Keep slight right at fork
136 ft·3 sec
15
Turn right onto CTH B
3.6 mi·5 min·CTH B
16
Continue on CTH BB
1.0 mi·1 min·County Road BB
17
At end of road, turn right onto CTH G
0.8 mi·1 min·County Road G
18
At end of road, turn right onto CTH D; CTH G
3.0 mi·5 min·County Road D
19
Turn right onto 622nd Street
0.3 mi·1 min·622nd Street
20
Arrive at destination
848th Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 58m drive, consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays or a brief stop. The $43 fuel cost is a reasonable estimate, but it's always wise to fill up before leaving West Allis. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in when you stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 130.1-mile stretch on I 94, as services can sometimes be spaced out on longer highway segments.
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 134.6 miles from West Allis, WI, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.1 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 59 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.6 miles or 2h 28m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tainter 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 269.1 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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 130.1 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 18
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
$44.89 one way
$89.78 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$48.79
$97.58
premium
$5.26
$55.72
$111.43
diesel
$6.18
$65.46
$130.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.7
0
$28.26
$12.92
Efficient EV
67.3
0
$23.55
$10.76
EV Truck/SUV
107.6
1
$37.67
$17.22
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 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.
Forecast as of Oct 17, 2026
Origin
West Allis, WI
Morning
in West Allis on Saturday
Local time
6:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
32°F
Clear then Widespread Frost
NW 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:42PM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 6:56PM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Tainter Lake, WI
Morning
in Tainter Lake on Saturday
Local time
6:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
29°F
Widespread Frost
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:42PM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 6:56PM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
50°F
Lodi, WI
135 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 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 58m 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
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 120.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 96% of the 269.1 miles on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 130.1 miles on I 94, indicating extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will be brief, occurring near the end of your trip. Expect frequent exit and entrance ramps as you navigate these major corridors.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.1 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 269.1 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,093 ft729 ft
Total Climb
862 ft
Total Descent
711 ft
Highest Point
1,093 ft
~211.4 mi in
Elevation Range
364 ft
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 Tainter Lake, WI, road signs point toward Eau Claire and Saint Paul.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 269.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 130.1 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Tainter 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. There are 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Tainter Lake, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
