Origin
Big Flats, WI
Evening in Big Flats on Wednesday
Local time
6:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Big Flats, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
134.7 mi
217 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Flats, WI
Noland Live
Menomonee Falls, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Big Flats to Menomonee Falls covers 134.7 miles of Wisconsin landscape, typically taking about 3 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Because this journey is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You should budget approximately $20 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating this route involves a mix of Highway 13, Highway 21, and various local roads through Portage. It is a practical, efficient way to transition from the central part of the state into the more developed areas near Menomonee Falls. Expect a functional trip that prioritizes local connections over high-speed interstate travel.
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
67.3 miles from Big Flats, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features zero highway miles, meaning you will be navigating surface roads for the entire 134.7-mile duration. The personality of the drive shifts as you transition between Highway 13, Highway 21, and the Portage area, requiring constant attention to changing speed limits and intersections. Because there are no long, uninterrupted stretches, you will find the pace is dictated by the local infrastructure. Prepare for a more hands-on driving day where the road surface and turns require your active focus.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 41 is the longest continuous segment at about 40.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and County Highway J. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 20.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 134.7 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 20.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 31.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
20.6 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Take the exit toward Portage
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward Portage
5
31.3 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit toward CTH E, CTH J: Westfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CTH E, CTH J: Westfield
5
31.6 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
66.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
|
WI 23; WI 49; CTH E / Blackburn Street
At end of road, turn right onto WI 23; WI 49; CTH E / Blackburn Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
7
133.1 mi into trip
|
~3h in
Take the exit toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 52
Toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Big Flats, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Portage, Cth E and Cth J: Westfield.
Portage
20.6 mi in
|
~28m
Cth E
31.3 mi in
|
~40m
Cth J: Westfield
31.3 mi in
|
~40m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 40.4 mi | 43m |
| County Highway J | 14.9 mi | 26m |
| State Highway 21 | 14.6 mi | 20m |
| West Division Street | 10.8 mi | 16m |
| I 39 | 10.4 mi | 11m |
| State Highway 23 & 73 | 9.5 mi | 13m |
| State Highway 23 | 7.5 mi | 11m |
| US 45 | 6.4 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 40.4 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Flats, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI.
1
Start on CTH C
19 ft
·
5 sec
·
CTH C
2
Turn left onto WI 13
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 13
3
Turn left onto WI 21
15 mi
·
20 min
·
State Highway 21
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward Portage
5
Merge onto I 39; US 51
10 mi
·
11 min
·
I 39; US 51
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward CTH E, CTH J: Westfield
7
Keep slight left at fork
134 ft
·
3 sec
8
Turn left onto CTH E; CTH J
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
East 2nd Street
9
Continue on CTH J
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
County Highway J
10
Continue on CTH J
11 mi
·
19 min
·
County Highway J
11
Continue on CTH J
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road J
12
Turn right onto WI 73; CTH J
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
13
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Fulton Street
14
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
9.5 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 23 & 73
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 23 & 49
16
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West Fond du Lac Street
17
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
West Fond du Lac Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto WI 23; WI 49; CTH E
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Blackburn Street
19
Turn left onto WI 23; WI 49; CTH E
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East Fond du Lac Street
20
Continue on WI 23
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 23
21
Continue on WI 23
11 mi
·
16 min
·
West Division Street
22
Take the ramp onto US 45
6.4 mi
·
7 min
·
US 45
23
Continue on I 41; US 41
40 mi
·
43 min
·
I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 52
Toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn right onto CTH Q
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
County Line Road
26
Turn slight left
386 ft
·
19 sec
27
Turn left onto River Crest Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
River Crest Drive
28
Turn left onto WI 175
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Appleton Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
WI 175
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 4-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. Aim to include at least one stop to break up the drive, as the turn-heavy nature of these roads can be more taxing than standard highway cruising. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge early in the trip, as local roads may offer fewer options than major corridors. Since the route relies heavily on state highways and local connectors, check your GPS frequently to ensure you stay on the correct path through Portage. Taking a steady, relaxed approach will make the transition between these two Wisconsin locations much more manageable.
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 67.3 miles from Big Flats, WI, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.4 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 30 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.3 miles or 1h 40m 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 35m
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 Big Flats, 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 Big Flats, WI
This is one driving day of about 134.7 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Big Flats, 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 41 for about 40.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.3 mi from Big Flats, WI · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 67.3 miles from Big Flats, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.06 one way
$42.12 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.12 | $46.24 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.92 | $51.84 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.74 | $59.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.4 | 0 | $14.14 | $6.47 |
| Efficient EV | 33.7 | 0 | $11.79 | $5.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.9 | 0 | $18.86 | $8.62 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Destination
Menomonee Falls, WI
Evening in Menomonee Falls on Wednesday
Local time
6:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
18 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 4m 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 Big Flats, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI covers 134.7 miles and takes about 3h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, County Highway J, State Highway 21. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.3 miles from Big Flats, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.06 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 134.7 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 31.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Big Flats, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Portage, Cth E and Cth J: Westfield.
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