The drive from Eau Claire, WI to Newark, WI covers 224.7 miles and takes about 4h 21m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 94, State Highway 104, South Park Street for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 167.8 miles on I 94.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $35.13 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
112.3 miles from Eau Claire, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 4m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 224.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 21m highway drive covering 224.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 94 and State Highway 104. The longest continuous stretch is about 167.8 miles on I 94.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 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 167.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 104. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 173.9 miles in near I 39; I 90.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 224.7 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 173.9 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
173.9 mi into trip|~3h 10m in|I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
6
177.6 mi into trip|~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
8
183.8 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, Oregon
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 261
Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, O...
9
184 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, Oregon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate S...
8
192.7 mi into trip|~3h 33m in
Take the exit toward WI 138: Oregon, Stoughton
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 140
Toward WI 138: Oregon, Stoughton
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Eau Claire, WI and Newark, WI, road signs point toward Oregon and Stoughton.
Oregon
183.8 mi in|~3h 23m
Stoughton
192.7 mi in|~3h 33m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
167.8 mi
2h 59m
State Highway 104
13.7 mi
19m
South Park Street
8.6 mi
9m
State Highway 81
6.1 mi
8m
South Beltline Highway
5.3 mi
7m
County Highway MM
3.8 mi
5m
I 39
3.8 mi
4m
County Highway T
3.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 167.8 mi, about 2h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eau Claire, WI and Newark, WI.
1
Start on East Grand Avenue
35 ft·5 sec·East Grand Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South Farwell Street
3
Turn left onto Washington Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·Washington Street
4
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Harding Avenue
5
Continue on Brackett Avenue
0.3 mi·38 sec·Brackett Avenue
6
Turn slight right
515 ft·18 sec
7
Turn straight onto US 53 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·Hastings Way
8
Take the ramp onto US 53 Business
2.3 mi·2 min·South Hastings Way
9
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
10
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft·5 sec·US 53
11
Continue on US 53
441 ft·8 sec·US 53
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
13
Merge onto I 94
168 mi·2 hr 59 min·I 94
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
3.8 mi·4 min·I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 142AToward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
16
Merge onto US 12; US 18
5.3 mi·7 min·South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 261Toward US 151 North, US 14 East: Park Street, OregonUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
140 ft·5 sec
Toward US 18 Alternate West, US 151 Alternate South, US 14 East: Fitchburg, OregonUse the left lane.
19
Turn left onto US 14
8.6 mi·9 min·South Park Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 140Toward WI 138: Oregon, StoughtonUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
22
Turn straight onto Janesville Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Janesville Street
23
Turn left onto CTH MM
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wolfe Street
24
Continue on CTH MM
3.8 mi·5 min·County Highway MM
25
Continue on CTH MM
0.9 mi·2 min·North Rutland Avenue
26
Continue on WI 104
7.5 mi·10 min·State Highway 104
27
Continue on WI 59; WI 104
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 59
28
Continue on WI 104
6.2 mi·9 min·State Highway 104
29
Continue on CTH T
3.8 mi·5 min·County Highway T
30
Turn left onto WI 81
6.1 mi·8 min·State Highway 81
31
Turn left onto West Beloit Newark Road
1.5 mi·2 min·West Beloit Newark Road
32
Turn left onto CTH K
188 ft·2 sec·County Road K
33
Arrive at destination
CTH K
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 112.3 miles from Eau Claire, WI, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.8 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 49 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.3 miles or 2h 4m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newark, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire, WI
This is one driving day of about 224.7 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Eau Claire, 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 167.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 112.3 mi from Eau Claire, WI
· 2h 4m into the drive
The midpoint is around 112.3 miles from Eau Claire, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 167.8 miles.
Arriving in Newark, WI
The final approach into Newark, 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 Newark, 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 116.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.13 one way
$70.26 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$38.57
$77.14
premium
$4.89
$43.24
$86.48
diesel
$5.61
$49.61
$99.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.6 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
67.4
0
$23.59
$10.79
Efficient EV
56.2
0
$19.66
$8.99
EV Truck/SUV
89.9
1
$31.46
$14.38
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 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 16, 2026
Origin
Eau Claire, WI
Morning
in Eau Claire on Friday
Local time
10:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
S 0 to 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Newark, WI
Morning
in Newark on Friday
Local time
10:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
26 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
4h 21m 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 Eau Claire, WI to Newark, WI covers 224.7 miles and takes about 4h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, State Highway 104, South Park Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 112.3 miles from Eau Claire, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.13 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 is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 224.7 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 173.9 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Eau Claire, WI and Newark, WI, road signs point toward Oregon and Stoughton.
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.
