Origin
Balsam Lake, WI
Afternoon in Balsam Lake on Sunday
Local time
1:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Balsam Lake, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI
Drive Time
6h 19m
Distance
325.6 mi
524 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
Balsam Lake, WI
Tom Fisk
Menomonee Falls, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Traveling from Balsam Lake to Menomonee Falls covers a distance of 325.6 miles across the Wisconsin landscape. Expect to spend approximately 6 hours and 19 minutes behind the wheel for this straightforward, highway-focused journey. While it is certainly feasible to complete this trek in a single day, be prepared for a solid block of driving time. Budgeting around $44 for fuel should keep you covered for the trip. Since the entire route remains within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition between these two Wisconsin communities.
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
162.8 miles from Balsam Lake, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip leans heavily on major thoroughfares, with highways accounting for 87% of your travel time. You will spend the vast majority of your time cruising on I-94, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 223.4 miles. Aside from the heavy interstate usage, the route incorporates sections of US-53 and 14th Avenue to navigate between points. Be ready for a focused, efficient drive that prioritizes speed over winding backroads. The transition between these road types is relatively seamless, allowing you to maintain a steady pace for nearly the entire duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 223.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 53. 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 46; CTH I / West Main Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 325.6 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 46; CTH I / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.1 miles (US 8; WI 46 / East 130th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 257.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street
Navigation decision point
6
4.1 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
US 8; WI 46 / East 130th Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 8; WI 46 / East 130th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
257.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
312.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
Take the exit toward CTH F: Waukesha, Sussex
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 295
Toward CTH F: Waukesha, Sussex
7
313.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 223.4 mi | 3h 59m |
| US 53 | 50.7 mi | 56m |
| 14th Avenue | 9 mi | 12m |
| US 8 | 8.7 mi | 12m |
| 13 1/2 Avenue | 6.3 mi | 8m |
| East 130th Avenue | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| West Main Street | 5.1 mi | 10m |
| Redford Boulevard | 4.5 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 223.4 mi, about 3h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Balsam Lake, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI.
1
Start on Courthouse Avenue
406 ft
·
19 sec
·
Courthouse Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto WI 46; CTH I
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
West Main Street
3
Continue on WI 46
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
140th Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 8; WI 46
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East 130th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
5
Enter roundabout onto US 8
127 ft
·
7 sec
·
East 130th Avenue
6
Continue on US 8
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East 130th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Continue on US 8
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
US 8
Use the straight lane.
8
Enter roundabout onto US 8; US 63
134 ft
·
7 sec
·
US 8; US 63
9
Continue on US 8; US 63
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 8; US 63
10
Enter roundabout onto US 8
120 ft
·
6 sec
·
14th Avenue
11
Continue on US 8
9.0 mi
·
12 min
·
14th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Continue on US 8
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
13 1/2 - 14th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on US 8
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
13 1/2 Avenue
14
Continue on US 8
2.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Division Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on US 8
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
13 1/2 Avenue
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
17
Merge onto US 53
50 mi
·
55 min
·
US 53
18
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
19
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 53
20
Continue on US 53
441 ft
·
8 sec
·
US 53
21
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
22
Merge onto I 94
168 mi
·
2 hr 59 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
56 mi
·
59 min
·
I 94
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 295
Toward CTH F: Waukesha, Sussex
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
188 ft
·
6 sec
Toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
26
Turn left onto CTH F
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Redford Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Continue on CTH F
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Waukesha Avenue
28
Turn straight
374 ft
·
12 sec
29
Turn straight onto CTH F
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
Use the none lane.
30
At end of road, turn left onto CTH F; CTH V
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
Town Line Road
31
Enter roundabout onto CTH F
74 ft
·
4 sec
·
West Main Street
32
Continue on CTH F
4.6 mi
·
9 min
·
West Main Street
Use the none lane.
33
Turn left onto WI 175
21 ft
·
0 sec
·
Appleton Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
WI 175
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour and 19-minute duration, aiming for an early morning departure is your best strategy to avoid fatigue. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel during the 325.6-mile trek. Because the longest segment spans 223.4 miles on I-94, try to time your break near the midpoint to break up the monotony of the interstate. Since the trip is manageable in one day, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longest highway stretch to ensure you stay within your $44 budget.
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 162.8 miles from Balsam Lake, WI, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 223.4 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 80 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 162.8 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Menomonee Falls, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Balsam Lake, 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 Balsam Lake, WI
This is one driving day of about 325.6 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Balsam Lake, 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 223.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 162.8 mi from Balsam Lake, WI · 3h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
163 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 162.8 miles from Balsam Lake, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 223.4 miles.
Arriving in Menomonee Falls, WI
The final approach into Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls, WI.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.46 one way
$98.91 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
114 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $54.52 | $109.04 |
| premium | $4.80 | $61.47 | $122.93 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $72.34 | $144.67 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.7 | 1 | $34.19 | $15.63 |
| Efficient EV | 81.4 | 0 | $28.49 | $13.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 130.2 | 1 | $45.58 | $20.84 |
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.
Destination
Menomonee Falls, WI
Afternoon in Menomonee Falls on Sunday
Local time
1:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°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
1 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 19m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Balsam Lake, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI covers 325.6 miles and takes about 6h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, US 53, 14th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 162.8 miles from Balsam Lake, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 325.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (WI 46; CTH I / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.1 miles (US 8; WI 46 / East 130th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 257.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Balsam Lake, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Menomonee Falls, WI
More from Balsam Lake, WI
More trips to Menomonee Falls, WI
Explore more options from Balsam Lake, WI or browse trips ending in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.
Explore maps for Balsam Lake, WI or Menomonee Falls, WI on MapSof.net.