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Trip from Lake Wisconsin, WI to Racine, WI

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

125 mi

201 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 26m ★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 57m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

reservoir on the Wisconsin River in Sauk and Columbia counties in Wisconsin, United States

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 125-mile drive from Lake Wisconsin to Racine, Wisconsin, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 35 minutes. It's primarily a highway-focused experience, with 84% of the journey on major interstates like I-94 and the North-South Freeway. Budget around $20 for fuel, and with only one recommended stop, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region throughout your journey. This drive offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B in Wisconsin.

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

62.5 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 125-mile trip. With 84% of your travel on major roadways such as I-94, the North-South Freeway, and I-39, the pace will generally be swift. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 64.2 miles on I-94, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While it's a highway-centric route, the transition between these main roads is designed for efficiency, making for a predictable driving experience.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 64.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27.1 miles in near I 94.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 125 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 27.1 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 26 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
27.1 mi into trip | ~37m in | I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
91.2 mi into trip | ~1h 46m in

Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
91.8 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
101 mi into trip | ~2h in | I 41; US 41

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
114.2 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in

Take the exit toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Lake Wisconsin, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Cth K: Racine and Caledonia.

Fond Du Lac

91.2 mi in | ~1h 46m

Cth K: Racine

114.2 mi in | ~2h 16m

Caledonia

114.2 mi in | ~2h 16m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 64.2 mi 1h 9m
I 39 17.7 mi 18m
North-South Freeway 11.9 mi 13m
Northwestern Avenue 9 mi 15m
Airport Freeway 4.3 mi 5m
Zoo Freeway 4 mi 5m
County Highway V 3.5 mi 6m
Richards Road 1.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 64.2 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lake Wisconsin, WI and Racine, WI.

1

Start on Summerville Park Road

1.2 mi · 4 min · Summerville Park Road
2

Turn left onto CTH V

3.5 mi · 6 min · County Highway V
3

Continue on Richards Road

1.7 mi · 2 min · Richards Road
4

Turn right onto Kohn Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · Kohn Road
5

Turn left onto WI 60

1.4 mi · 1 min · State Highway 60
6

Enter roundabout

46 ft · 2 sec
7

Continue

0.3 mi · 34 sec
8

Merge onto I 39; I 90; I 94

18 mi · 18 min · I 39; I 90; I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 94
Exit 138A Toward I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 305A-B Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago Use the slight left lane.
12

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 30 sec · this road
Exit 305A Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
14

Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45

4.0 mi · 5 min · Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.3 mi · 5 min · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41
Exit 10B Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

12 mi · 13 min · North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 329 Toward CTH K: Racine, Caledonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn left onto CTH K

5.1 mi · 9 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
20

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

27 ft · 0 sec · Northwestern Avenue
21

Continue on WI 38

3.4 mi · 5 min · Northwestern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

91 ft · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue
23

Continue on WI 38

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Northwestern Avenue
24

Enter roundabout onto WI 38

72 ft · 4 sec · State Street
25

Continue on WI 38

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the straight lane.
26

Turn right onto WI 32

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
27

Turn right onto WI 20; WI 32

309 ft · 17 sec · 6th Street
28

Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue

284 ft · 14 sec · Wisconsin Avenue
29

Turn left onto WI 20; WI 32

245 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street
30

Arrive at destination

WI 20; WI 32

Trip Plan

Given this route's manageable 2-hour and 35-minute duration and 125-mile length, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider an early morning departure to enjoy cooler temperatures and less traffic, especially on I-94. With a fuel cost estimate of $20 and only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the longest stretch of 64.2 miles on I-94; planning a quick fill-up beforehand can prevent any unnecessary delays.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62.5 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.2 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 28 miles or 38m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 62.5 miles or 1h 15m 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 3m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Racine, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lake Wisconsin, 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 Lake Wisconsin, WI

This is one driving day of about 125 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Lake Wisconsin, 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 94 for about 64.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 62.5 mi from Lake Wisconsin, WI · 1h 15m into the drive

Downtown Big Bend, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Big Bend, WI

63 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

Monona, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oconomowoc, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 62.5 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.2 miles.

Arriving in Racine, WI

The final approach into Racine, 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 Racine, 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

$19.54 one way

$39.08 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.46 $42.91
premium $4.89 $24.06 $48.11
diesel $5.61 $27.60 $55.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.5 0 $13.13 $6.00
Efficient EV 31.3 0 $10.94 $5.00
EV Truck/SUV 50 0 $17.50 $8.00

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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

Lake Wisconsin, WI

Evening in Lake Wisconsin on Wednesday

Local time

7:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Racine, WI

Evening in Racine on Wednesday

Local time

7:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

19 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

2h 35m 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 Lake Wisconsin, WI to Racine, WI covers 125 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, I 39, North-South 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 62.5 miles from Lake Wisconsin, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.54 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 26 significant decision points across 125 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 27.1 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Lake Wisconsin, WI and Racine, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Cth K: Racine and Caledonia.

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