Origin
Medford, WI
Morning in Medford on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Medford, WI to La Crosse, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
129.1 mi
208 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 16m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Medford, WI
Tom Fisk
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Medford, WI to La Crosse, WI is 129.1 miles and takes about 3h 27m via State Highway 73, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, traversing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day journey. You'll find the route offers a practical way to get from point A to point B without significant detours, perfect for when you need to cover ground efficiently.
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
64.6 miles from Medford, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 129.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 81% of the journey utilizing main roads like State Highway 73, State Highway 108, and State Highway 54. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 27 miles on State Highway 73, offering a consistent pace for a good portion of the trip. Expect a driving experience that balances efficiency with the character of Wisconsin's state highways, rather than a monotonous interstate grind. The road generally maintains a steady flow, allowing you to cover the 129.1 miles with relative ease.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
State Highway 73 is the longest continuous segment at about 27 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 73 and State Highway 108. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near East Perkins Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 27m drive. You will face about 18 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (East Perkins Street): Navigation decision point; at 14.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 27.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
East Perkins Street
Turn left onto East Perkins Street
Navigation decision point
5
14.9 mi into trip
|
~24m in
Take the ramp toward WI 29 West: Chippewa Falls
Navigation decision point
Toward WI 29 West: Chippewa Falls
6
27.5 mi into trip
|
~39m in
Take the exit toward WI 73 South, CTH T: Withee, Neilsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 118
Toward WI 73 South, CTH T: Withee, Neilsville
4
27.8 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
WI 73 / State Highway 73
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 73 / State Highway 73
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
129.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
|
WI 35 / West Avenue South
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35 / West Avenue South
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Medford, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Cth T: Withee and Neilsville.
Cth T: Withee
27.5 mi in
|
~39m
Neilsville
27.5 mi in
|
~39m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Highway 73 | 27 mi | 46m |
| State Highway 108 | 16.5 mi | 24m |
| State Highway 54 | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| WI 29 | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 13 | 11.8 mi | 17m |
| WI 16 | 11 mi | 17m |
| State Highway 95 | 8.6 mi | 12m |
| County Highway E | 7.8 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
State Highway 73
— 27 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Medford, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on South 4th Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South 4th Street
2
Turn left onto East Perkins Street
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
East Perkins Street
3
Turn slight right
259 ft
·
9 sec
4
Turn straight onto WI 13
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
South 8th Street
5
Continue on WI 13
12 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 13
6
Continue on WI 13
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North 4th Street
7
Turn right onto WI 29 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Spruce Street
8
Continue on WI 29 Business
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Hiline Avenue
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward WI 29 West: Chippewa Falls
10
Merge onto WI 29
12 mi
·
14 min
·
WI 29
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 118
Toward WI 73 South, CTH T: Withee, Neilsville
12
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 73
11 mi
·
19 min
·
State Highway 73
13
Continue on WI 73
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
14
Continue on WI 73
13 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 73
15
Continue on WI 73
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Black River Road
16
Continue on WI 73
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Hewett Street
17
Turn right onto US 10; WI 73
517 ft
·
22 sec
·
West Division Street
18
Turn left onto WI 73
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 73
19
Turn straight onto WI 95
8.6 mi
·
12 min
·
State Highway 95
20
Turn left onto CTH J
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road J
21
Turn left onto CTH K
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
County Highway K
22
Turn right onto CTH E
7.8 mi
·
13 min
·
County Highway E
23
At end of road, turn left onto US 12; WI 27
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
US Highway 12
24
Continue on US 12; WI 27
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Water Street
25
Turn right onto WI 54
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
26
Turn left onto WI 54
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
South 10th Street
27
Turn right onto WI 54
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Melrose Street
28
Continue on WI 54
14 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 54
29
Continue on WI 54
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Washington Street
30
Turn straight onto WI 108
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Sparta Street
31
Continue on WI 108
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 108
32
Continue on WI 108
11 mi
·
16 min
·
State Highway 108
33
Turn slight right
212 ft
·
7 sec
34
Turn straight onto WI 16; CTH C
11 mi
·
17 min
·
WI 16; CTH C
35
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
36
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
37
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Street South
38
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnson Street
39
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Avenue South
40
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3h 27m duration, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, perhaps in the morning to allow for an afternoon arrival. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated around $20, planning is minimal. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before departing on the longest stretch of 27 miles on State Highway 73, as services can sometimes be spaced out on state highways. This trip is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so you can focus on enjoying the drive without feeling rushed.
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 64.6 miles from Medford, WI, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27 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 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.6 miles or 1h 43m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Medford, 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 Medford, WI
This is one driving day of about 129.1 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Medford, 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 State Highway 73 for about 27 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64.6 mi from Medford, WI · 1h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.6 miles from Medford, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in La Crosse, WI
The final approach into La Crosse, 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 La Crosse, 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
$20.18 one way
$40.37 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.16 | $44.32 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.84 | $49.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.50 | $57.01 |
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: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.7 | 0 | $13.56 | $6.20 |
| Efficient EV | 32.3 | 0 | $11.30 | $5.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.6 | 0 | $18.07 | $8.26 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Morning in La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
2 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 27m 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 Medford, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 129.1 miles and takes about 3h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are State Highway 73, State Highway 108, 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 64.6 miles from Medford, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.18 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 is a straightforward 3h 27m drive. You will face about 18 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (East Perkins Street): Navigation decision point; at 14.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 27.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Medford, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Cth T: Withee and Neilsville.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From La Crosse, WI
More trips to La Crosse, WI
Explore more options from Medford, WI or browse trips ending in La Crosse, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.