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Trip from Westby, WI to Racine, WI

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

Drive Time

4h 29m

Distance

232.1 mi

374 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 17m ★
6 AM
4h 30m
8 AM
4h 57m
10 AM
4h 39m
12 PM
4h 37m
3 PM
4h 41m
5 PM
4h 55m
8 PM
4h 22m

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

Downtown Westby, WI, WI

Westby, WI

Tom Fisk

city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Westby to Racine is 232.1 miles and takes about 4h 29m via I 90 and I 94, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Wisconsin. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's well-suited for a single day of travel. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it an efficient way to get from point A to point B. Consider this route if you prioritize speed and directness.

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

116.1 miles from Westby, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 111.9 mi 1h 59m
I 94 64.2 mi 1h 9m
State Highway 27 20.9 mi 28m
North-South Freeway 11.9 mi 13m
Northwestern Avenue 9 mi 15m
Airport Freeway 4.3 mi 5m
Zoo Freeway 4 mi 5m
I 41 1.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 111.9 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Westby, WI and Racine, WI.

1

Start on East Park Street

413 ft · 20 sec · East Park Street
2

Turn right onto US 14; US 61; WI 27

0.2 mi · 33 sec · North Main Street
3

Keep slight right at fork onto Main Street

0.6 mi · 49 sec · Main Street
4

Continue on WI 27

6.3 mi · 8 min · State Highway 27
5

Enter roundabout onto WI 27

132 ft · 7 sec · State Highway 27
6

Continue on WI 27

15 mi · 19 min · State Highway 27
7

Continue on WI 27

0.2 mi · 16 sec · South Black River Street
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec
9

Merge onto I 90

112 mi · 1 hr 59 min · I 90
Use the straight lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 94
Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago Use the slight left lane.
13

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 30 sec · this road
Exit 305A Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
15

Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45

4.0 mi · 5 min · Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.3 mi · 5 min · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

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.
18

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

12 mi · 13 min · North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Turn left onto CTH K

5.1 mi · 9 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
21

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

27 ft · 0 sec · Northwestern Avenue
22

Continue on WI 38

3.4 mi · 5 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

91 ft · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue
24

Continue on WI 38

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Northwestern Avenue
25

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

72 ft · 4 sec · State Street
26

Continue on WI 38

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the straight lane.
27

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
28

Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32

309 ft · 17 sec · 6th Street
29

Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue

284 ft · 14 sec · Wisconsin Avenue
30

Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32

245 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street
31

Arrive at destination

WI 20; WI 32

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 29m estimated duration, you can comfortably complete this drive in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight. The majority of this route is on interstates, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, as services can be spaced out on I 90. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in where you choose to break up the drive. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you approach Racine, as interstate congestion can occur during peak hours.

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 116.1 miles from Westby, WI, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.9 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 51 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 116.1 miles or 2h 11m 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 Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Westby, 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 Westby, WI

This is one driving day of about 232.1 miles and 4h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Westby, 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 90 for about 111.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cottage Grove, WI

116 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

Mauston, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 116.1 miles from Westby, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.9 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 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 134.2 and 221.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
134.2 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
198.4 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in

Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac

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 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
199 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
208.1 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
221.3 mi into trip | ~4h 10m in

Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.29 one way

$72.57 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $39.84 $79.68
premium $4.89 $44.67 $89.33
diesel $5.61 $51.24 $102.49

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 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 69.6 0 $24.37 $11.14
Efficient EV 58 0 $20.31 $9.28
EV Truck/SUV 92.8 1 $32.49 $14.85

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Westby, WI

Morning in Westby on Tuesday

Local time

8:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Racine, WI

Morning in Racine on Tuesday

Local time

8:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

41°F

Cloudy

W 15 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Watch

Flash Flood Watch issued April 18 at 5:41AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 5:27AM CDT until April 19 at 11:31PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

61°F

Cottage Grove, WI

116 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

4 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 29m 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 ~64 min detour Free near mile 80
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 94% of the journey on major roads like I 90 and I 94. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 111.9 miles on I 90. This means you'll be on fast-paced interstates for the bulk of your travel time. While this offers efficiency, be prepared for a driving experience that prioritizes getting there quickly over intricate scenery. The route is designed for steady progress rather than winding exploration.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.9 mi on I 90.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 134.2 miles in near I 94.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 25 significant decision points across 232.1 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 134.2 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 198.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 199 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Westby, WI to Racine, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.

Fond Du Lac

198.4 mi in | ~3h 40m

About the Cities

Arriving in Racine, WI

Full guide →

Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.

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 29m. Total distance: 232.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.9 miles on I 90. 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 Racine, 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 134.2 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 198.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 199 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Racine, 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.

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