Origin
Kenosha, WI
Evening in Kenosha on Thursday
Local time
5:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kenosha, WI to Silver Lake, WI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 15m
Distance
155 mi
249 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 4m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kenosha, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Silver Lake, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
This 155-mile drive from Kenosha, WI, to Silver Lake, WI, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. With 91% of the journey on highways, it's a focused drive primarily utilizing I-41 and State Highway 21. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $24. Given its straightforward nature and relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a quick getaway without needing an overnight stay, offering a convenient way to travel between these Wisconsin locations.
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
77.5 miles from Kenosha, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 15m. Total distance: 155 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 155-mile trip, with 91% of the route on interstates and major roads. You'll spend a significant portion on I-41, including a continuous stretch of 108.8 miles, making for a fast-paced journey. The drive incorporates State Highway 21 and Airport Freeway, which may offer a slight change in pace before reaching your destination. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than leisurely sightseeing.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 108.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and State Highway 21. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near CTH S / Washington Road.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 155 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 1 miles (CTH S / Washington Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
CTH S / Washington Road
Turn left onto CTH S / Washington Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
9
30.8 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
I 41; I 94; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Ma...
8
37 mi into trip
|
~49m in
|
I 41; I 894; US 41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US...
8
61.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m in
|
I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
121.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
Take the exit toward WI 21
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 119
Toward WI 21
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kenosha, WI and Silver Lake, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac and Appleton.
Fond Du Lac
30.8 mi in
|
~40m
|
via I 41; I 94; US 41
Appleton
61.6 mi in
|
~1h 20m
|
via I 41; US 41
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 108.8 mi | 2h 2m |
| State Highway 21 | 28.1 mi | 39m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Burlington Road | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| Washington Road | 3 mi | 6m |
| East Main Street | 2.2 mi | 5m |
| Bannerman Avenue | 1.6 mi | 4m |
| Sheridan Road | 1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 108.8 mi, about 2h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kenosha, WI and Silver Lake, WI.
1
Start on 56th Street
265 ft
·
11 sec
·
56th Street
2
Turn right onto WI 32
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Sheridan Road
3
Turn left onto CTH S
3.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Washington Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on Burlington Road
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Burlington Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 41 North, I 94 West
6
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 41; I 94; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
I 41; I 94; US 41
Exit 317
Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 41; US 41
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41
25 mi
·
30 min
·
I 41; I 894; US 41
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
60 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Use the slight left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 119
Toward WI 21
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
267 ft
·
6 sec
14
Enter roundabout onto WI 21
249 ft
·
6 sec
·
State Highway 21
15
Continue on WI 21
307 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Highway 21
16
Enter roundabout onto WI 21
124 ft
·
3 sec
·
Omro Road
17
Continue on WI 21
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Omro Road
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 21
131 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Highway 21
19
Continue on WI 21
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 21
20
Continue on WI 21
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
East Main Street
21
Turn right onto WI 21; WI 116; CTH F
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Spruce State Route
22
Turn left onto WI 21
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West River Drive
23
Continue on WI 21
16 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 21
24
Continue on WI 21
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bannerman Avenue
25
Continue on WI 21; CTH EE
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 21
26
Arrive at destination
WI 21
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 3 hours, this 155-mile trip from Kenosha to Silver Lake offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart anytime, but an early start will allow you to enjoy your destination without feeling rushed. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps midway through the 108.8-mile stretch on I-41. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $24, and highway driving can consume fuel steadily. A good tip for this route is to check traffic on I-41 before departing, as it's the primary artery for the majority of your travel.
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 77.5 miles from Kenosha, WI, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.8 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 34 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.5 miles or 1h 37m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Silver Lake, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kenosha, 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 Kenosha, WI
This is one driving day of about 155 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Kenosha, 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 108.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.5 mi from Kenosha, WI · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.5 miles from Kenosha, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 108.8 miles.
Arriving in Silver Lake, WI
The final approach into Silver Lake, 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 Silver Lake, 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
$24.23 one way
$48.46 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.61 | $53.21 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.22 | $68.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.5 | 0 | $16.28 | $7.44 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.56 | $6.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62 | 0 | $21.70 | $9.92 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Silver Lake, WI
Evening in Silver Lake on Thursday
Local time
5:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
46°F
Addison, WI
78 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
8 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
3h 15m 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 Kenosha, WI to Silver Lake, WI covers 155 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, State Highway 21, Airport Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.5 miles from Kenosha, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.23 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 is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 155 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 1 miles (CTH S / Washington Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Kenosha, WI and Silver Lake, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac and Appleton.
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