Gillett, WI to La Crosse, WI is 218.4 miles and takes about 4h 54m via I 90, I 39, and State Highway 29, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive that's best suited for a single day, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B without much fuss. You'll find it to be a practical choice if you're looking for a no-frills journey.
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
109.2 miles from Gillett, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 54m. Total distance: 218.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the journey on major interstates. Expect long stretches of efficient travel, including a continuous segment of 38.1 miles on I 90. The character of the drive is largely defined by the speed and ease of interstate travel, though you will also navigate sections of State Highway 29. It offers a consistent pace for most of the trip, allowing you to cover ground quickly.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 39 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 38.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. You will hit about 22 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WI 22 / West Main Street.
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 218.4 miles you will encounter 22 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: near the start (WI 22 / West Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18.1 miles (East 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 18.3 miles (North Union Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|WI 22 / West Main Street
Turn sharp left onto WI 22 / West Main Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
18.1 mi into trip|~30m in|East 5th Street
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Navigation decision point
5
18.3 mi into trip|~31m in|North Union Street
Turn left onto North Union Street
Navigation decision point
6
172 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
6
210.9 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gillett, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Necedah and Albert Lea.
Necedah
118.2 mi in|~2h 41m
Albert Lea
172 mi in|~3h 56m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
38.1 mi
40m
I 39
33.9 mi
36m
State Highway 29
29.9 mi
34m
West Follett Drive
28.1 mi
39m
State Highway 22
15.9 mi
26m
State Highway 66
14.6 mi
25m
State Highway 49
13.2 mi
19m
State Highway 21
11.1 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 38.1 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gillett, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on South Mackenzie Street
43 ft·9 sec·South Mackenzie Street
2
Turn sharp left onto WI 22
0.6 mi·51 sec·West Main Street
3
Continue on WI 22
16 mi·26 min·State Highway 22
4
Continue on WI 22; WI 47; WI 55; WI 29 Business
1.5 mi·2 min·East Green Bay Street
5
Turn right onto North Ellis Street
323 ft·19 sec·North Ellis Street
6
Turn left onto East 5th Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·East 5th Street
7
Turn left onto North Union Street
328 ft·16 sec·North Union Street
8
Turn right onto WI 22; WI 47; WI 55; WI 29 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·East Green Bay Street
9
Continue on CTH MMM; WI 29 Business
2.5 mi·4 min·County Road MMM
10
Turn right onto WI 29
30 mi·34 min·State Highway 29
11
Take the exit
387 ft·10 sec
12
Turn slight left onto WI 49
170 ft·2 sec·Willow Drive
13
Continue on WI 49
2.4 mi·3 min·State Highway 49
14
Continue on WI 49
1.1 mi·1 min·Highland Avenue
15
Continue on WI 49
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 49
16
At end of road, turn right onto WI 66
2.3 mi·3 min·Grand Avenue East
17
Continue on WI 66
15 mi·25 min·State Highway 66
18
Continue on WI 66
0.2 mi·31 sec·Stanley Street
19
Turn left onto WI 66
1.4 mi·1 min·WI 66
20
Continue on I 39; US 51
34 mi·36 min·I 39; US 51
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward WI 21: Coloma, Necedah
22
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft·3 sec
23
Merge onto WI 21
28 mi·39 min·West Follett Drive
24
Continue on WI 21
11 mi·15 min·East 3rd Street
25
Continue on WI 21; CTH H
11 mi·15 min·State Highway 21
26
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi·12 sec·State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
29
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi·2 min·I 94
30
Take the exit
0.7 mi·51 sec
Exit 147Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
31
Merge onto I 90
38 mi·40 min·I 90
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 5Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
33
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi·8 min·WI 16
34
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi·1 min·Losey Boulevard North
35
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
36
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi·2 min·16th Street South
37
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Johnson Street
38
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft·11 sec·West Avenue South
39
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 54-minute duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to keep an eye on fuel levels, especially during the 38.1-mile stretch on I 90, as services can be spaced out. Wisconsin's weather can change, so checking the forecast before you leave is always a good idea.
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 109.2 miles from Gillett, WI, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.1 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 48 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.2 miles or 2h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 4m
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 Gillett, 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 Gillett, WI
This is one driving day of about 218.4 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Gillett, 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 38.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 109.2 mi from Gillett, WI
· 2h 31m into the drive
The midpoint is around 109.2 miles from Gillett, 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 120.5
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.14 one way
$68.29 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$37.49
$74.98
premium
$4.89
$42.03
$84.06
diesel
$5.61
$48.22
$96.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.5
0
$22.93
$10.48
Efficient EV
54.6
0
$19.11
$8.74
EV Truck/SUV
87.4
1
$30.58
$13.98
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Gillett, WI
Afternoon
in Gillett on Saturday
Local time
12:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
12:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Partly Sunny
NW 16 mph2% chanceLive forecast
44°F
Big Flats, WI
109 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
19 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 54m 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 Gillett, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 218.4 miles and takes about 4h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, I 39, State Highway 29. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 109.2 miles from Gillett, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.14 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 218.4 miles you will encounter 22 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: near the start (WI 22 / West Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18.1 miles (East 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 18.3 miles (North Union Street): Navigation decision point.
Between Gillett, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Necedah and Albert Lea.
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.
