The drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Iron River, WI covers 352.9 miles and takes about 7h 24m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 41, State Highway 13, US Highway 10 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 68.8 miles on I 41.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $55.17 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
176.5 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 20m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 24m. Total distance: 352.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 24m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 7h 24m highway drive covering 352.9 miles, with most of the trip on I 41 and State Highway 13. The longest continuous stretch is about 68.8 miles on I 41.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 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 68.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and State Highway 13. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near I 41; US 41.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 352.9 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 8.6 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
8.6 mi into trip|~11m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
70.2 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
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 US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
7
70.4 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 45 North: New London
5
71.2 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 45
Merge onto US 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
335.3 mi into trip|~7h in|US 2 / Major Richard I. Bong Memorial Highway
At end of road, turn left onto US 2 / Major Richard I. Bong Memorial Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
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 Menomonee Falls, WI to Iron River, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Rhinelander along the way.
Rhinelander
210.7 mi in|~3h 59m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
68.8 mi
1h 13m
State Highway 13
65.2 mi
1h 29m
US Highway 10
46.6 mi
54m
US 51
46.5 mi
53m
US 8
32.2 mi
45m
I 39
23.3 mi
25m
Major Richard I. Bong Memorial Highway
17.6 mi
24m
US 45
15.2 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 68.8 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonee Falls, WI and Iron River, WI.
1
Start on WI 175
21 ft·4 sec·Appleton Avenue
2
Turn left onto Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Turn left onto Pilgrim Road
0.3 mi·44 sec·Pilgrim Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 41 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Appleton, West Bend
5
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
7.2 mi·7 min·I 41; US 41; US 45
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, AppletonUse the slight left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto US 45
15 mi·17 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
47 mi·54 min·US Highway 10
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
11
Continue on US 10
1.3 mi·2 min·Main Street
12
Take the exit onto US 10
6.6 mi·7 min·US 10
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North, US 10 West
13
Continue on I 39; US 51
23 mi·25 min·I 39; US 51
14
Merge onto US 51; WI 29
47 mi·53 min·US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward US 8: Prentice, Rhinelander
16
Keep slight left at fork
388 ft·12 sec
Toward US 8: Prentice
17
Merge onto US 8
32 mi·45 min·US 8
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right
0.2 mi·41 sec
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto WI 13
11 mi·14 min·State Highway 13
20
Continue on WI 13
2.4 mi·5 min·South Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on WI 13
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 13
22
Continue on WI 13
0.8 mi·1 min·Flambeau Avenue
23
Continue on WI 13
2.1 mi·2 min·State Highway 13
24
Continue on WI 13
372 ft·5 sec·4th Ave S
25
Continue on WI 13
3.0 mi·6 min·4th Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on WI 13
4.6 mi·6 min·State Highway 13
27
Continue on WI 13
1.1 mi·2 min·South 5th Street
28
Continue on WI 13
8.9 mi·12 min·State Highway 13
29
Continue on WI 13
0.6 mi·1 min·East Broadway
30
Continue on WI 13
14 mi·19 min·State Highway 13
31
Continue on WI 13; WI 77
1.6 mi·3 min·South Main Street
32
Continue on WI 13
12 mi·17 min·State Highway 13
33
Turn left onto WI 112
7.4 mi·10 min·State Highway 112
Use the left lane.
34
Turn left onto WI 118
6.9 mi·9 min·State Highway 118
35
Turn right onto US 63
2.6 mi·3 min·US 63
36
At end of road, turn left onto US 2
18 mi·24 min·Major Richard I. Bong Memorial Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
37
Turn left onto CTH H
73 ft·1 sec·Oneida Street
Use the left lane.
38
Arrive at destination
CTH H
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 176.5 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.8 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 78 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176.5 miles or 3h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Iron River, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Menomonee Falls, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Menomonee Falls, WI
This is one driving day of about 352.9 miles and 7h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 41 for about 68.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 176.5 mi from Menomonee Falls, WI
· 3h 20m into the drive
The midpoint is around 176.5 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.8 miles.
Arriving in Iron River, WI
The final approach into Iron River, 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 Iron River, WI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
North Country National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prai...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 316.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.17 one way
$110.34 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg124 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$60.58
$121.15
premium
$4.89
$67.91
$135.82
diesel
$5.61
$77.92
$155.83
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.9
1
$37.05
$16.94
Efficient EV
88.2
1
$30.88
$14.12
EV Truck/SUV
141.2
1
$49.41
$22.59
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Afternoon
in Menomonee Falls on Friday
Local time
1:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Iron River, WI
Afternoon
in Iron River on Friday
Local time
1:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
7h 24m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Iron River, WI covers 352.9 miles and takes about 7h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, State Highway 13, US Highway 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 176.5 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.17 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 20 significant decision points across 352.9 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 8.6 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Iron River, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Rhinelander 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
