The drive from Cedarburg, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 197.4 miles and takes about 4h 8m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 90, State Highway 16, State Highway 33 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 102.5 miles on I 90.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $30.86 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
98.7 miles from Cedarburg, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 197.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 8m highway drive covering 197.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and State Highway 16. The longest continuous stretch is about 102.5 miles on I 90.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 43 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 102.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 16. You will hit about 20 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 14.3 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 197.4 miles you will encounter 20 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 14.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
14.3 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the ramp toward I 41 North, US 41 North: Appleton, Fond du Lac
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 41 North, US 41 North: Appleton, Fond...
7
14.7 mi into trip|~26m in|I 41; US 41
Merge onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
8
22.2 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward WI 33, CTH W: Allenton, West Bend
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 72
Toward WI 33, CTH W: Allenton, West Bend
6
61.7 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Take the exit toward WI 16, WI 60: Columbus, Portage
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 118
Toward WI 16, WI 60: Columbus, Portage
7
153.6 mi into trip|~3h 19m in|I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 45
Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cedarburg, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Appleton, Cth W: Allenton, Bend, Portage and La Crosse.
Fond Du Lac
14.3 mi in|~25m
Appleton
14.7 mi in|~26m|via I 41; US 41
Cth W: Allenton
22.2 mi in|~34m
Bend
22.2 mi in|~34m
Portage
61.7 mi in|~1h 28m
La Crosse
153.6 mi in|~3h 19m|via I 90
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
102.5 mi
1h 50m
State Highway 16
22.7 mi
31m
State Highway 33
21.2 mi
30m
US 151
13.4 mi
15m
I 41
7.5 mi
8m
State Highway 60
6.4 mi
11m
WI 60
5.9 mi
8m
West Cook Street
3.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 102.5 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedarburg, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Washington Avenue
2.0 mi·5 min·Washington Avenue
2
Turn left onto WI 60
1.9 mi·2 min·WI 60
3
Enter roundabout onto WI 60
145 ft·2 sec·WI 60
4
Continue on WI 60
3.9 mi·5 min·WI 60
5
Enter roundabout onto WI 60
110 ft·1 sec·State Highway 60
6
Continue on WI 60
3.2 mi·6 min·State Highway 60
7
Enter roundabout onto WI 60
124 ft·6 sec·State Highway 60
8
Continue on WI 60
427 ft·9 sec·State Highway 60
9
Enter roundabout onto WI 60
96 ft·5 sec·State Highway 60
10
Continue on WI 60
0.1 mi·12 sec·State Highway 60
11
Enter roundabout onto WI 60
104 ft·5 sec·State Highway 60
12
Continue on WI 60
2.5 mi·3 min·State Highway 60
13
Enter roundabout onto State Highway 60
128 ft·2 sec·State Highway 60
14
Continue on State Highway 60
0.4 mi·37 sec·State Highway 60
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I 41 North, US 41 North: Appleton, Fond du Lac
16
Merge onto I 41; US 41
7.5 mi·8 min·I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, AppletonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 72Toward WI 33, CTH W: Allenton, West BendUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn left onto WI 33; CTH W
1.2 mi·1 min·Main Street
19
Continue on WI 33
4.8 mi·7 min·State Highway 33
20
Enter roundabout onto WI 33
119 ft·2 sec·State Highway 33
21
Continue on WI 33
8.4 mi·12 min·State Highway 33
22
Continue on Lake Street
1.2 mi·1 min·Lake Street
23
Turn left onto WI 33
0.1 mi·13 sec·Vine Street
24
Continue on WI 33
0.3 mi·28 sec·Barstow Street
25
Continue on WI 33
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
26
Turn right onto Washington Street
0.6 mi·57 sec·Washington Street
27
Continue on WI 33
8.0 mi·10 min·State Highway 33
28
Continue on WI 33
0.5 mi·55 sec·Park Avenue
29
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
30
Merge onto US 151
13 mi·15 min·US 151
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 118Toward WI 16, WI 60: Columbus, Portage
32
Keep slight right at fork
238 ft·5 sec
33
Turn straight onto WI 16; WI 60
0.2 mi·20 sec·James Street
34
Continue on WI 16
23 mi·31 min·State Highway 16
35
Turn straight onto US 51; WI 16
2.7 mi·4 min·US Highway 51 & State Highway 16
36
Continue on US 51; WI 16
1.6 mi·3 min·East Wisconsin Street
37
Turn left onto WI 33
3.7 mi·5 min·West Cook Street
38
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
39
Merge onto I 90; I 94
60 mi·1 hr 4 min·I 90; I 94
40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
42 mi·45 min·I 90
Exit 45Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
41
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi·37 sec·I 90; US 53
Exit 3Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
42
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi·3 min·Rose Street
43
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
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 98.7 miles from Cedarburg, WI, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.5 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 43 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.7 miles or 2h 20m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedarburg, 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 Cedarburg, WI
This is one driving day of about 197.4 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Cedarburg, 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 102.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 98.7 mi from Cedarburg, WI
· 2h 20m into the drive
The midpoint is around 98.7 miles from Cedarburg, 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 102.5 miles.
Arriving in North La Crosse, WI
The final approach into North 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 North La Crosse, 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.
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 122.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.86 one way
$61.72 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$33.88
$67.77
premium
$4.89
$37.99
$75.98
diesel
$5.61
$43.58
$87.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.2
0
$20.73
$9.48
Efficient EV
49.4
0
$17.27
$7.90
EV Truck/SUV
79
0
$27.64
$12.63
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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
Cedarburg, WI
Late night
in Cedarburg on Saturday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Late night
in North La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 8m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cedarburg, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 197.4 miles and takes about 4h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, State Highway 16, State Highway 33. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 98.7 miles from Cedarburg, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.86 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 197.4 miles you will encounter 20 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 14.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cedarburg, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Appleton, Cth W: Allenton, Bend, Portage and La Crosse.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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.
