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Trip from Little Suamico, WI to Eau Claire, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 55m

Distance

192.9 mi

310 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 43m ★
6 AM
3h 55m
8 AM
4h 21m
10 AM
4h 4m
12 PM
4h 2m
3 PM
4h 6m
5 PM
4h 20m
8 PM
3h 48m

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

Downtown Little Suamico, WI, WI

Little Suamico, WI

Tom Fisk

city in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in Wisconsin, United States, that is the county seat of Eau Claire County

Eau Claire, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Little Suamico to Eau Claire is 192.9 miles and takes about 3h 55m via WI 29, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward drive primarily on highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. Expect a focused highway experience for most of the 192.9 miles. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B within the state, this route covers the distance without much fuss.

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

96.5 miles from Little Suamico, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 55m. Total distance: 192.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the journey on major roads. You'll experience predominantly high-speed travel for the bulk of the 192.9 miles. The longest continuous stretch on this route is 90.1 miles on WI 29, so be prepared for a significant period of uninterrupted driving. While the majority is highway, there are brief transitions onto other main roads like WI 55 and US 45, offering slight variations in scenery and pace. Overall, think of this as a consistent and fast-paced road trip.

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.
WI 29 is the longest continuous segment at about 90.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WI 29 and WI 55. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near CTH S / County Highway S.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 192.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (CTH S / County Highway S): Navigation decision point; at 11.9 miles (WI 32 / State Highway 32): Navigation decision point; at 14.9 miles (WI 160 / West Pulaski Street): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | CTH S / County Highway S

Turn left onto CTH S / County Highway S

Navigation decision point

4
11.9 mi into trip | ~21m in | WI 32 / State Highway 32

Turn left onto WI 32 / State Highway 32

Navigation decision point

4
14.9 mi into trip | ~25m in | WI 160 / West Pulaski Street

Turn right onto WI 160 / West Pulaski Street

Navigation decision point

7
93.4 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in | WI 29

Take the exit onto WI 29 toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls

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. Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls
7
190 mi into trip | ~3h 49m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.

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 Little Suamico, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Chippewa Falls along the way.

Chippewa Falls

93.4 mi in | ~1h 57m | via WI 29

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
WI 29 90.1 mi 1h 43m
WI 55 44.8 mi 52m
US 45 30.4 mi 35m
County Highway S 11.6 mi 20m
US 53 5.9 mi 6m
State Highway 160 2.7 mi 4m
State Highway 32 2.6 mi 3m
Birch Street 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: WI 29 — 90.1 mi, about 1h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Little Suamico, WI and Eau Claire, WI.

1

Start on CTH J

0.3 mi · 42 sec · County Road J
2

Turn left onto CTH S

12 mi · 20 min · County Highway S
3

Turn left onto WI 32

2.6 mi · 3 min · State Highway 32
4

Continue on WI 32

0.4 mi · 40 sec · North Saint Augustine Street
5

Turn right onto WI 160

0.5 mi · 44 sec · West Pulaski Street
6

Continue on WI 160

2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 160
7

Take the ramp onto WI 55

45 mi · 52 min · WI 55
8

Continue on US 45; WI 29

30 mi · 35 min · US 45; WI 29
9

Take the exit onto WI 29

90 mi · 1 hr 43 min · WI 29
Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward US 53 South: Eau Claire
11

Merge onto US 53

5.9 mi · 6 min · US 53
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward River Prairie Drive
13

Keep slight right at fork

207 ft · 6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn straight onto River Prairie Drive

0.6 mi · 1 min · River Prairie Drive
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on Birch Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · Birch Street
16

Continue on Germania Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Germania Street
17

Continue on East Madison Street

0.2 mi · 36 sec · East Madison Street
18

Turn left onto North Farwell Street

0.4 mi · 49 sec · North Farwell Street
19

Turn right onto East Grand Avenue

35 ft · 1 sec · East Grand Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

East Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3h 55m duration and 192.9-mile distance, this is easily a same-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays or quick breaks. The fuel cost is estimated at $30, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Little Suamico. With the longest stretch being over 90 miles, plan your fuel stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you see services indicated. You'll primarily be on WI 29 for a substantial portion, so keep an eye out for service areas along that highway.

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 96.5 miles from Little Suamico, WI, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.1 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 42 miles or 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.5 miles or 2h 1m 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 12m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Little Suamico, 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 Little Suamico, WI

This is one driving day of about 192.9 miles and 3h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Little Suamico, 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 WI 29 for about 90.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 96.5 mi from Little Suamico, WI · 2h 1m into the drive

village in Marathon County, Wisconsin

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Athens, WI

96 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

Clintonville, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rib Mountain, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.5 miles from Little Suamico, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before WI 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 90.1 miles.

Arriving in Eau Claire, WI

The final approach into Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire, 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

$30.16 one way

$60.32 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $33.11 $66.22
premium $4.89 $37.12 $74.24
diesel $5.61 $42.59 $85.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.9 0 $20.25 $9.26
Efficient EV 48.2 0 $16.88 $7.72
EV Truck/SUV 77.2 0 $27.01 $12.35

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

23 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

Little Suamico, WI

Afternoon in Little Suamico on Friday

Local time

1:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Eau Claire, WI

Afternoon in Eau Claire on Friday

Local time

1:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

64°F

Athens, WI

96 mi in

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

21 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

3h 55m 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 Little Suamico, WI to Eau Claire, WI covers 192.9 miles and takes about 3h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are WI 29, WI 55, US 45. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 96.5 miles from Little Suamico, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.16 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 192.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (CTH S / County Highway S): Navigation decision point; at 11.9 miles (WI 32 / State Highway 32): Navigation decision point; at 14.9 miles (WI 160 / West Pulaski Street): Navigation decision point.

On the drive from Little Suamico, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Chippewa Falls 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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