La Crosse, WI to Morgan, WI is 211.3 miles and takes about 4h 53m via I 90 and State Highways, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin for its entirety. It's a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll likely spend most of your time on faster roads, making it a straightforward journey. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss, this route should fit the bill.
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
105.7 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 211.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
This drive is overwhelmingly focused on highways, with 91% of the journey on faster roads. You'll experience a good stretch on I 90, including one uninterrupted segment of 55.1 miles. Expect a consistent pace for much of the trip, allowing for steady progress. While primarily highway, the inclusion of State Highway 21 and State Highway 54 suggests you might encounter slightly more varied road conditions as you approach your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 48 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 55.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 21. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near Losey Boulevard North.
Driving Effort3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 53m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (Losey Boulevard North): Navigation decision point; at 62.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in|Losey Boulevard North
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
Navigation decision point
6
62.2 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward WI 80: Necedah, New Lisbon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 61
Toward WI 80: Necedah, New Lisbon
5
62.4 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
69.7 mi into trip|~1h 24m in|WI 80 / State Highway 80
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80 / State Highway 80
Navigation decision point
6
145.4 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Enter roundabout toward WI 22 North, WI 54 East
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WI 22 North, WI 54 East
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from La Crosse, WI to Morgan, WI, road signs begin pointing toward New Lisbon along the way.
New Lisbon
62.2 mi in|~1h 14m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
55.1 mi
59m
State Highway 21
41.3 mi
57m
State Highway 54
29 mi
42m
State Highway 22
24.6 mi
36m
State Highway 55
10.4 mi
14m
State Highway 80
9.6 mi
13m
State Highway 32
8.1 mi
12m
State Highway 22/54
6.6 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 55.1 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse, WI and Morgan, 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
55 mi·59 min·I 90
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 61Toward WI 80: Necedah, New Lisbon
9
Keep slight left at fork
91 ft·6 sec
10
Turn left onto WI 80
0.4 mi·40 sec·East Bridge Street
11
Continue on WI 80
6.8 mi·9 min·State Highway 80
12
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80
2.8 mi·4 min·State Highway 80
13
Continue on WI 80
1.2 mi·1 min·South Main Street
14
Turn right onto WI 21
1.0 mi·1 min·West 3rd Street
15
Continue on WI 21
29 mi·40 min·State Highway 21
16
Continue on WI 21
0.5 mi·49 sec·Wautoma Road
17
Continue on WI 21
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 21
18
Turn left onto WI 21; WI 22
0.5 mi·1 min·South Cambridge Street
19
Turn right onto WI 21; WI 22; WI 73
0.1 mi·32 sec·West Main Street
20
Turn left onto WI 22
24 mi·36 min·State Highway 22
21
Continue on WI 22; CTH K
0.4 mi·33 sec·Western Avenue South
22
Continue on WI 22; CTH K
0.3 mi·29 sec·State Highway 22
23
Continue on Lakeside Parkway
0.7 mi·1 min·Lakeside Parkway
24
Turn left onto South Main Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·South Main Street
25
Turn right onto Lake Street
0.4 mi·46 sec·Lake Street
26
Turn straight onto School Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·School Street
27
Continue on Royalton Street
1.9 mi·3 min·Royalton Street
28
Enter roundabout
118 ft·1 sec
Toward WI 22 North, WI 54 East
29
Continue
77 ft·2 sec
Toward WI 22 North, WI 54 East
30
Turn straight onto WI 22; WI 54
6.6 mi·9 min·State Highway 22/54
31
Continue on WI 54
9.9 mi·14 min·State Highway 54
32
Continue on WI 54
0.1 mi·11 sec·West Fairview Drive
33
Continue on WI 54
0.9 mi·1 min·East Fairview Drive
34
Continue on WI 54
7.9 mi·11 min·State Highway 54
35
Continue on WI 54
1.0 mi·1 min·Rexford Avenue
36
Continue on WI 54
5.4 mi·8 min·State Highway 54
37
Continue on WI 54
1.1 mi·1 min·West State Street
38
Continue on WI 54
5.8 mi·8 min·State Highway 54
39
Turn left onto WI 54
192 ft·8 sec·State Highway 54
40
At end of road, turn straight onto WI 55
2.0 mi·2 min·South Main Street
41
Continue on State Highway 55
10 mi·13 min·State Highway 55
42
Continue on WI 55
0.2 mi·24 sec·State Highway 55
43
Continue on WI 160
2.7 mi·4 min·State Highway 160
44
Continue on WI 160
0.5 mi·50 sec·West Pulaski Street
45
Turn left onto WI 32
0.4 mi·37 sec·North Saint Augustine Street
46
Continue on WI 32
8.1 mi·12 min·State Highway 32
47
Turn right onto CTH E
3.0 mi·5 min·County Highway E
48
Arrive at destination
CTH E
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 53m duration, this is a comfortable one-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. You'll encounter only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically. The longest stretch without a planned stop is over 55 miles on I 90, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition onto State Highway 21 and State Highway 54 near the end of your journey.
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 105.7 miles from La Crosse, WI, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.1 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 46 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.7 miles or 2h 16m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Morgan, 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 211.3 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 55.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 105.7 mi from La Crosse, WI
· 2h 16m into the drive
The midpoint is around 105.7 miles from La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Morgan, WI
The final approach into Morgan, 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 Morgan, 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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 102
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
$33.03 one way
$66.07 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$36.27
$72.54
premium
$4.89
$40.66
$81.33
diesel
$5.61
$46.65
$93.30
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: 73.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.4
0
$22.19
$10.14
Efficient EV
52.8
0
$18.49
$8.45
EV Truck/SUV
84.5
1
$29.58
$13.52
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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
La Crosse, WI
Evening
in La Crosse on Friday
Local time
6:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Morgan, WI
Evening
in Morgan on Friday
Local time
6:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
40°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 53m 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 Morgan, WI covers 211.3 miles and takes about 4h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, State Highway 21, State Highway 54. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 105.7 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 $33.03 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 straightforward 4h 53m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (Losey Boulevard North): Navigation decision point; at 62.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
On the drive from La Crosse, WI to Morgan, WI, road signs begin pointing toward New Lisbon along the way.
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.
