Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 15m
Distance
55 mi
89 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menomonee Falls, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Kenosha, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Menomonee Falls to Kenosha is 55 miles and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via North-South Freeway and I-41, with a fuel budget near $9 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, moving you south through the Midwest region. It's a straightforward trip primarily on major highways, making it a quick and efficient journey. You'll find it's a very manageable distance, perfect for a day trip or a short leg of a longer adventure. Consider this route for its simplicity and speed.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 15m. Total distance: 55 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This route is a highway-focused drive, with 83% of it utilizing major freeways like the North-South Freeway and I-41. Expect a consistent pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.3 miles on the North-South Freeway. While the majority is highway, the approach to your destination might involve transitioning to local roads, so stay alert. It's a drive that prioritizes getting you there efficiently.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North-South Freeway and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near I 41; US 41; US 45.
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 55 miles you will encounter 14 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 1.2 miles (I 41; US 41; US 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.9 miles (I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41 / Airport Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.2 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41 / Airport Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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
Take the exit toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Menomonee Falls, WI and Kenosha, WI, road signs point toward Cth S: Kenosha, Burlington and Cth S East: Gateway Technical College.
Cth S: Kenosha
Burlington
Cth S East: Gateway Technical College
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North-South Freeway | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| I 41 | 18 mi | 24m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Burlington Road | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| Washington Road | 3.3 mi | 7m |
| Sheridan Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| 8th Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonee Falls, WI and Kenosha, WI.
Start on WI 175
Turn left onto Main Street
Turn left onto Pilgrim Road
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Turn left onto WI 142
Continue on CTH S
Turn right onto WI 32
Turn left onto 54th Street
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
Turn right onto 56th Street
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.5 mi from Menomonee Falls, WI · 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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.
A short stop after about 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 27.5 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Kenosha, WI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$8.60 one way
$17.20 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
| premium | $4.89 | $10.58 | $21.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $12.14 | $24.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.5 | 0 | $5.77 | $2.64 |
| Efficient EV | 13.8 | 0 | $4.81 | $2.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22 | 0 | $7.70 | $3.52 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (68% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Menomonee Falls on Friday
Local time
1:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Widespread Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Afternoon in Kenosha on Friday
Local time
1:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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 options from Menomonee Falls, WI or browse trips ending in Kenosha, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.
