Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Afternoon in Menomonee Falls on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Menomonee Falls, WI to Mercer, WI
Drive Time
5h 24m
Distance
268.3 mi
432 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 11m
★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 51m
10 AM
5h 34m
12 PM
5h 31m
3 PM
5h 35m
5 PM
5h 50m
8 PM
5h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menomonee Falls, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
If you are planning to head north from Menomonee Falls to Mercer, expect a 268.3-mile journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 24 minutes. This Wisconsin trip is perfectly suited as a one-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You will primarily navigate via I-41, US Highway 10, and US 51, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of the ride. Budget roughly $41 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, the transition is smooth, making this a straightforward trek for anyone looking to traverse the state efficiently.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
134.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of this route consists of high-speed travel. The character of the drive shifts as you progress, balancing interstate segments with longer stretches on US 51, where you will encounter your longest uninterrupted leg of 70.9 miles. While the route is designed for efficiency, the consistent road types keep the pace steady throughout the day. You will spend most of your time behind the wheel focused on the road ahead rather than navigating technical local turns. It is a functional, reliable drive that prioritizes getting you from point A to point B with minimal complexity.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 51 is the longest continuous segment at about 70.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near I 41; US 41; US 45.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 268.3 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 1.4 miles (I 41; US 41; US 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 41; US 41; US 45
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
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
7
86.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
US 10 / US Highway 10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 / US Highway 10 toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 51 | 70.9 mi | 1h 28m |
| I 41 | 68.8 mi | 1h 13m |
| US Highway 10 | 46.6 mi | 54m |
| Chippewa Street | 33.2 mi | 50m |
| I 39 | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| US 45 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| US 10 | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Main Street | 2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 70.9 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonee Falls, WI and Mercer, 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
Use the none lane.
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, Appleton
Use the slight left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New London
Use 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
Use the none lane.
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
48 mi
·
55 min
·
US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 51
23 mi
·
32 min
·
US 51
16
Turn slight right onto US 51
33 mi
·
50 min
·
Chippewa Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Arrive at destination
US 51
Trip Plan
To keep your energy levels high, plan to take at least one stop during your 5-hour and 24-minute transit. Leaving early in the day is your best bet to avoid potential traffic fluctuations on the busier highway sections. Since you are spending $41 on gas, monitor your fuel gauge once you hit the longer 70.9-mile stretch on US 51 to ensure you do not run low in more isolated areas. Because this is a manageable single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference. Keep your route map handy for the transitions between I-41, US Highway 10, and US 51 to stay on track.
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 134.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.9 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.1 miles or 2h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mercer, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Menomonee Falls, WI
This is one driving day of about 268.3 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Menomonee Falls, 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 US 51 for about 70.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 134.1 mi from Menomonee Falls, WI · 2h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 134.1 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.9 miles.
Arriving in Mercer, WI
The final approach into Mercer, 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 Mercer, 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
$40.75 one way
$81.50 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $44.92 | $89.85 |
| premium | $4.80 | $50.65 | $101.30 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $59.61 | $119.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.5 | 0 | $28.17 | $12.88 |
| Efficient EV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.48 | $10.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.3 | 1 | $37.56 | $17.17 |
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Mercer, WI
Afternoon in Mercer on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°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
7 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
5h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 Mercer, WI covers 268.3 miles and takes about 5h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 51, I 41, 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 134.1 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 $40.75 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 268.3 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 1.4 miles (I 41; US 41; US 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
The route from Menomonee Falls, WI to Mercer, WI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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