Traveling from Lac du Flambeau to Franklin covers 271.1 miles of Wisconsin terrain. You should budget about 5 hours and 28 minutes of active drive time to complete this journey. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited as a single-day trip rather than an overnight excursion. Expect to spend approximately $41 on fuel for the trip, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating through the heart of the Midwest, you will rely on local routes like Waswagon Street, Old Abe Road, and Highway 47 rather than major interstates. It is a straightforward trip that rewards drivers who prefer local roads over high-speed travel.
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
135.6 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 271.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate commute, as this route has a highway share of 0%. The drive is defined by its turn-heavy, local road character, requiring your full attention as you transition between Waswagon Street, Old Abe Road, and Highway 47. Because you are avoiding major highways, the pace remains steady and consistent throughout the 271.1-mile journey. You will find yourself navigating smaller, more technical segments rather than long, monotonous stretches of asphalt. This profile makes for an engaging drive where the road layout itself keeps the experience from feeling repetitive.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 85.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Oneida Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 85 miles in near I 39; US 51.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 271.1 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 85 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.2 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.1 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
85 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|I 39; US 51
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
8
115.2 mi into trip|~2h 25m in|US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
166.1 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
8
266.1 mi into trip|~5h 18m in|US 45
Take the exit onto US 45 toward US 45, WI 100: 108th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 60
Toward US 45, WI 100: 108th Street
8
266.2 mi into trip|~5h 19m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward WI 100 South, US 45 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward WI 100 South, US 45 South
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lac du Flambeau, WI and Franklin, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
Madison
85 mi in|~1h 52m|via I 39; US 51
Waupaca
114.9 mi in|~2h 24m|via US 10; WI 66
Appleton
114.9 mi in|~2h 24m|via US 10; WI 66
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
85.6 mi
1h 35m
Oneida Street
71.1 mi
1h 29m
US 10
51.3 mi
1h 1m
I 39
29.8 mi
32m
US 45
18.2 mi
25m
State Highway 47
10.8 mi
16m
Elm Street
1.8 mi
4m
Old Abe Road
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 85.6 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lac du Flambeau, WI and Franklin, WI.
1
Start on Simpson Avenue
38 ft·2 sec·Simpson Avenue
2
Turn right onto CTH D
0.3 mi·38 sec·Waswagon Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto WI 47; CTH D
0.6 mi·50 sec·Old Abe Road
4
Continue on WI 47
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 47
5
Continue on WI 47
0.4 mi·41 sec·1st Avenue
6
Turn right onto US 51; WI 70
1.8 mi·4 min·Elm Street
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on US 51
71 mi·1 hr 29 min·Oneida Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
22 mi·24 min·I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
9
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
10
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi·57 sec·US 10; WI 66
Exit 158Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi·1 hr·US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, WaupacaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi·14 min·US 45
Exit 276Toward US 45 South: OshkoshUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
14
Merge onto I 41; US 41
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto US 45
0.8 mi·1 min·US 45
Exit 4Toward I 43 South, US 45 South: Beloit
16
Take the exit onto US 45
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 45
Exit 60Toward US 45, WI 100: 108th StreetUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
4.8 mi·9 min·US 45
Toward WI 100 South, US 45 SouthUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right
87 ft·8 sec
19
Turn right
160 ft·11 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour and 28 minute duration, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since this is a local road-intensive route, departing early in the day is your best strategy to navigate the various turns and intersections while visibility is high. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $41 estimate is a baseline; having a little extra padding in your budget is wise when navigating rural or local segments. Because the route lacks high-speed highway stretches, flexibility is your greatest advantage, allowing you to pull over safely whenever you need a break. Pay close attention to signage on Waswagon Street and Old Abe Road, as the turn-heavy nature of the trip requires frequent navigation adjustments.
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 135.6 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.6 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 60 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.6 miles or 2h 49m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lac du Flambeau, 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 Lac du Flambeau, WI
This is one driving day of about 271.1 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Lac du Flambeau, 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 85.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135.6 mi from Lac du Flambeau, WI
· 2h 49m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.38 one way
$84.77 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$46.54
$93.07
premium
$4.89
$52.17
$104.34
diesel
$5.61
$59.86
$119.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.3
1
$28.47
$13.01
Efficient EV
67.8
0
$23.72
$10.84
EV Truck/SUV
108.4
1
$37.95
$17.35
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Lac du Flambeau, WI
Night
in Lac du Flambeau on Friday
Local time
10:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 4:41AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 3:09AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Destination
Franklin, WI
Night
in Franklin on Friday
Local time
10:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Widespread Fog
SE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 4:41AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 3:09AM CDT until April 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 28m 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 Lac du Flambeau, WI to Franklin, WI covers 271.1 miles and takes about 5h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, Oneida Street, US 10. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.6 miles from Lac du Flambeau, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.38 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 14 significant decision points across 271.1 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 85 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.2 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.1 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Lac du Flambeau, WI and Franklin, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
