Origin
La Crosse, WI
Evening in La Crosse on Thursday
Local time
6:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 45m
Distance
180.3 mi
290 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Saint Peter, WI
Yevhenii Deshko
This 180.3-mile drive from La Crosse, Wisconsin to Saint Peter, Wisconsin is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 45 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-90 and WI-33. With a fuel cost estimated around $28, this route offers an economical option for travelers within the Midwest region. The drive is efficient, with 93% of it on highways, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours. Consider this a solid option if you're looking for a direct and manageable trip.
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
90.1 miles from La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 45m. Total distance: 180.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Straightforward navigation.
For the most part, you'll be on high-speed highways, with 93% of this trip dedicated to them. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.6 miles on I-90, offering a consistent pace. While the route is predominantly highway-focused, you will transition to WI-33 and US-151, which might introduce slightly different driving dynamics. This drive offers a steady progression, allowing for a comfortable cruising speed for most of the journey.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and WI 33. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near Losey Boulevard North.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 45m drive. You will face about 13 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 7.1 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
Navigation decision point
Merge onto I 90
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Take the exit toward US 151 North: Fond du Lac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from La Crosse, WI to Saint Peter, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Baraboo along the way.
Baraboo
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 99.6 mi | 1h 46m |
| WI 33 | 33.4 mi | 49m |
| US 151 | 30.5 mi | 37m |
| County Road C | 6 mi | 8m |
| WI 16 | 4.5 mi | 8m |
| County Highway WH | 2.6 mi | 6m |
| Main Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| West Avenue South | 0.7 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse, WI and Saint Peter, WI.
Start on WI 35
Turn right
Turn straight onto CTH F
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
Continue on WI 16
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 90
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto WI 33
Turn right onto CTH A; CTH C
Continue on CTH A; CTH C
Turn left onto CTH C
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 151
Take the exit
Turn left onto US 151
Turn straight onto US 151
Turn right onto CTH WH
Turn left onto CTH QQ
Arrive at destination
Given the manageable 3-hour and 45-minute duration, this route is ideal for a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 99.6-mile segment on I-90, as there's only one designated stop recommended. Planning your fuel and rest stops in advance will ensure a smooth experience. With a fuel cost around $28, it’s an affordable leg of any trip. Remember to check for any potential construction or traffic delays before you set off.
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.
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 40 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.1 miles or 1h 44m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Peter, WI than in the middle of the route.
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 180.3 miles and 3h 45m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 90.1 mi from La Crosse, WI · 1h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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.
A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 90.1 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 99.6 miles.
The final approach into Saint Peter, 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 Saint Peter, WI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$28.19 one way
$56.38 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.95 | $61.90 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.70 | $69.39 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.81 | $79.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.1 | 0 | $18.93 | $8.65 |
| Efficient EV | 45.1 | 0 | $15.78 | $7.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72.1 | 0 | $25.24 | $11.54 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in La Crosse on Thursday
Local time
6:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Destination
Evening in Saint Peter on Thursday
Local time
6:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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