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Trip from Amery, WI to La Crosse, WI

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 26m

Distance

144.1 mi

232 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 15m ★
6 AM
3h 27m
8 AM
3h 51m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 33m
3 PM
3h 37m
5 PM
3h 50m
8 PM
3h 20m

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

Downtown Amery, WI, WI

Amery, WI

Tom Fisk

city in and county seat of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States

La Crosse, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Amery, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 144.1 miles and takes about 3h 26m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 61, US 14, US Highway 63 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 30.2 miles on US 61. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.53 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

72 miles from Amery, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 144.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 26m highway drive covering 144.1 miles, with most of the trip on US 61 and US 14. The longest continuous stretch is about 30.2 miles on US 61.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 61 is the longest continuous segment at about 30.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 61 and US 14. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 12.1 miles in near US 63 / US Highway 63.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 26m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 12.1 miles (US 63 / US Highway 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.9 miles (MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West): Navigation decision point; at 81 miles (MN 60 / Pembroke Avenue): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
12.1 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 63 / US Highway 63

Enter roundabout onto US 63 / US Highway 63 toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin

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

Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
5
80.9 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West

At end of road, turn left onto MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West

Navigation decision point

4
81 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in | MN 60 / Pembroke Avenue

Turn right onto MN 60 / Pembroke Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
115.8 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61

Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61 / US 14;US 61

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4
136.7 mi into trip | ~3h 13m in | US 14; US 61

Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

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 Amery, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Baldwin along the way.

Baldwin

12.1 mi in | ~21m | via US 63

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 61 30.2 mi 36m
US 14 28.8 mi 36m
US Highway 63 23 mi 33m
State Highway 35 11.4 mi 16m
Keller Avenue South 8.2 mi 14m
County Road D 7.1 mi 12m
US 63 6.7 mi 9m
Great River Road 6.7 mi 10m
Longest stretch: US 61 — 30.2 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Amery, WI and La Crosse, WI.

1

Start on WI 46; CTH F

8.2 mi · 14 min · Keller Avenue South
2

Continue on WI 46

0.7 mi · 1 min · Main Street
3

Continue on WI 46

3.2 mi · 5 min · State Highway 46
4

Enter roundabout onto US 63

143 ft · 8 sec · US Highway 63
Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
5

Continue on US 63

23 mi · 33 min · US Highway 63
Toward US 63 Southbound, Baldwin
6

Turn slight left onto US 63

6.7 mi · 9 min · US 63
7

Turn left onto CTH DD

2.0 mi · 3 min · County Road DD
8

Turn left onto US 10

1.4 mi · 1 min · US Highway 10
9

Turn right onto CTH D

7.1 mi · 12 min · County Road D
10

Turn left onto WI 35

6.7 mi · 10 min · Great River Road
11

Continue on WI 35

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 35
12

Continue on WI 35

3.2 mi · 4 min · 3rd Street
13

Continue on WI 35

2.9 mi · 4 min · State Road 35
14

Continue on WI 25; WI 35

0.6 mi · 54 sec · State Road 25-35
15

Continue on WI 25; WI 35

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
16

Continue on WI 25

2.0 mi · 2 min · State Road 25
17

Continue on WI 25

0.4 mi · 36 sec · State Highway 25
18

Continue on WI 25

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Wabasha-Nelson Bridge
19

Continue on MN 60

0.4 mi · 41 sec · MN 60
20

At end of road, turn left onto MN 60

0.1 mi · 17 sec · 4th Grant Boulevard West
21

Turn right onto MN 60

0.9 mi · 1 min · Pembroke Avenue
22

Continue on US 61; MN 60

30 mi · 36 min · US 61; MN 60
Use the left lane.
23

Continue on US 14; US 61

3.7 mi · 5 min · US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
24

Enter roundabout onto US 14; US 61

162 ft · 2 sec · US 14;US 61
25

Continue on US 14; US 61

0.2 mi · 11 sec · US 14;US 61
26

Continue on US 14; US 61

12 mi · 14 min · US 14; US 61
Use the straight lane.
27

Continue on US 14; US 61

8.5 mi · 9 min · US 14; US 61
28

Keep slight right at fork onto US 14; US 61

2.9 mi · 4 min · US 14; US 61
29

Turn left onto US 14; US 61; MN 16

1.7 mi · 2 min · Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
30

Continue on US 14; US 61; WI 16

1.3 mi · 2 min · US 14; US 61; WI 16
31

Turn slight right

0.1 mi · 20 sec
32

Merge onto US 14; US 61

0.4 mi · 1 min · 3rd Street South
33

Continue on US 14; US 61

0.2 mi · 24 sec · South Avenue
34

Turn left onto Adams Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Adams Street
35

Turn left onto WI 35

0.1 mi · 23 sec · West Avenue South
36

Arrive at destination

WI 35

Trip Plan

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 72 miles from Amery, WI, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.2 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 32 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72 miles or 1h 52m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 52m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Amery, 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 Amery, WI

This is one driving day of about 144.1 miles and 3h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Amery, 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 US 61 for about 30.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 72 mi from Amery, WI · 1h 52m into the drive

Downtown Lima, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lima, WI

72 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

Ellsworth, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lima, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72 miles from Amery, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in La Crosse, WI

The final approach into La Crosse, WI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around La Crosse, WI.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.53 one way

$45.06 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.74 $49.47
premium $4.89 $27.73 $55.46
diesel $5.61 $31.82 $63.63

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.2 0 $15.13 $6.92
Efficient EV 36 0 $12.61 $5.76
EV Truck/SUV 57.6 0 $20.17 $9.22

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Amery, WI

Afternoon in Amery on Thursday

Local time

4:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

La Crosse, WI

Afternoon in La Crosse on Thursday

Local time

4:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

46°F

Lima, WI

72 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

25 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

3h 26m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Amery, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 144.1 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 61, US 14, US Highway 63. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 72 miles from Amery, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.53 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 3h 26m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.1 miles (US 63 / US Highway 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.9 miles (MN 60 / 4th Grant Boulevard West): Navigation decision point; at 81 miles (MN 60 / Pembroke Avenue): Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Amery, WI to La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Baldwin along the way.

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