Origin
La Crosse, WI
Afternoon in La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
3:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from La Crosse, WI to Denmark, WI
Drive Time
4h 43m
Distance
217.5 mi
350 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 30m
★
6 AM
4h 43m
8 AM
5h 10m
10 AM
4h 53m
12 PM
4h 50m
3 PM
4h 54m
5 PM
5h 9m
8 PM
4h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
La Crosse, WI
Tom Fisk
Denmark, WI
Christian Himmel
Trip Overview
Connecting La Crosse to Denmark, this 217.5-mile journey across Wisconsin is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 4 hours and 43 minutes. Because the route is primarily highway-focused, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $33 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the heart of the Midwest, you will rely on a combination of I-90, I-41, and State Highway 82 to reach your destination. While the drive is efficient, the length makes it a significant commitment, so planning for at least one stop is a smart way to keep your energy up.
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
108.7 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by high-speed efficiency, as roughly 93% of your travel time will be spent on highways. The route features a mix of interstate transit and secondary road segments, with the longest uninterrupted stretch lasting 62.5 miles on I-90. You will feel the transition between the bustling interstate corridors and the state highway system, which adds a bit of variety to the overall experience. Because the road is heavily highway-focused, the pace is generally consistent and fast-moving. Be prepared for a functional, no-nonsense drive that prioritizes reaching Denmark quickly rather than meandering through backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 51 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 62.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 69.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 217.5 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 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.7 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 151.9 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
69.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 69
Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
6
151.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
Turn left toward I-41_North: Appleton
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
6
151.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
|
I 41; US 41
Merge onto I 41; US 41 toward Appleton
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Appleton
6
199.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 164B
Toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
6
200.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 164B
Toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
Towns Along This Route
Between La Crosse, WI and Denmark, WI, road signs point toward Oxford and Appleton.
Oxford
69.6 mi in
|
~1h 22m
Appleton
151.9 mi in
|
~3h 26m
|
via I 41; US 41
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 62.5 mi | 1h 7m |
| I 41 | 47.4 mi | 51m |
| State Highway 82 | 28.3 mi | 42m |
| State Highway 23 | 16 mi | 23m |
| State Highway 44 | 14.8 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 23 & 73 | 9.5 mi | 13m |
| I 43 | 9 mi | 9m |
| WI 172 | 5.4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 62.5 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse, WI and Denmark, WI.
1
Start on WI 35
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West Avenue South
2
Turn right
350 ft
·
12 sec
3
Turn straight onto CTH F
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
4
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
5
Continue on WI 16
4.5 mi
·
8 min
·
WI 16
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
7
Merge onto I 90
63 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 90
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 69
Toward WI 82: Mauston, Oxford
9
Turn left onto State Highway 82
130 ft
·
5 sec
·
State Highway 82
10
Continue on State Highway 82
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
State Highway 82
11
At end of road, turn left onto State Highway 82
29 ft
·
0 sec
·
State Highway 82
12
Continue on WI 82
25 mi
·
36 min
·
State Highway 82
13
Continue on WI 82
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Ormsby Street
14
Continue on WI 82
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 82
15
Continue on State Highway 23
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 23
16
Continue on WI 23
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Underwood Avenue
17
Continue on WI 23; CTH C
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
West Montello Street
18
Continue on WI 22; WI 23; CTH C
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Montello Street
19
Continue on WI 23
9.9 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 23
20
Continue on WI 23
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
South 2nd Street
21
Turn right onto WI 73; CTH J
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
22
Turn right onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Fulton Street
23
Continue on WI 23; WI 73
9.5 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 23 & 73
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 23 & 49
25
Continue on WI 23; WI 49
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Fond du Lac Street
26
Turn left onto CTH FF
403 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Union Street
27
Turn straight onto West Oshkosh Street
1.4 mi
·
4 min
·
West Oshkosh Street
28
Keep slight left at fork onto East Oshkosh Street
263 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Oshkosh Street
29
Continue on WI 44
15 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 44
30
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Ripon Rd
31
Continue on WI 44; WI 91
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
State Highway 44/91
32
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I-41_North: Appleton
33
Merge onto I 41; US 41
47 mi
·
51 min
·
I 41; US 41
Toward Appleton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 164B; 164A
Toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 164B
Toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
36
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 164B
Toward WI 172: Austin Straubel Airport
37
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward WI 172 East: East State Highway 172
38
Merge onto WI 172
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
WI 172
39
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 43 South: Milwaukee
40
Merge onto I 43
9.0 mi
·
9 min
·
I 43
41
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 171
Toward WI 96, CTH KB: Greenleaf, Denmark
42
Keep slight left at fork
164 ft
·
4 sec
43
Turn left onto WI 96
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
WI 96
44
Continue on CTH KB
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Depere Road
45
Enter roundabout onto CTH KB
130 ft
·
7 sec
·
Depere Road
46
Continue on CTH KB
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Depere Road
47
Continue on CTH KB
462 ft
·
17 sec
·
Main Street
48
Turn right
192 ft
·
17 sec
49
Turn left
218 ft
·
19 sec
50
Turn left
137 ft
·
10 sec
51
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a sub-five-hour trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best, though hitting the road early helps you avoid potential congestion on the main arteries. Plan for one dedicated stop to break up the drive, as this will help keep you alert during the longer interstate segments. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $33 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current local pricing. Make sure to account for the transition between I-90 and I-41, as shifting between these major systems is the most critical navigation point of your journey. Staying mindful of these highway shifts will ensure your trip remains smooth and stress-free.
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 108.7 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.5 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.7 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Denmark, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving La Crosse, 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 La Crosse, WI
This is one driving day of about 217.5 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from La Crosse, 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 62.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.7 mi from La Crosse, WI · 2h 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.7 miles from La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.5 miles.
Arriving in Denmark, WI
The final approach into Denmark, 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 Denmark, 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
$33.04 one way
$66.07 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $36.42 | $72.84 |
| premium | $4.80 | $41.06 | $82.12 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $48.32 | $96.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.84 | $10.44 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.03 | $8.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87 | 1 | $30.45 | $13.92 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Denmark, WI
Afternoon in Denmark on Sunday
Local time
3:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
3 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
4h 43m 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 La Crosse, WI to Denmark, WI covers 217.5 miles and takes about 4h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, I 41, State Highway 82. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.7 miles from La Crosse, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.04 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 24 significant decision points across 217.5 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 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.7 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 151.9 miles (I 41; US 41): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between La Crosse, WI and Denmark, WI, road signs point toward Oxford and Appleton.
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