Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Evening in Menomonee Falls on Friday
Local time
5:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Menomonee Falls, WI to Wausau, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
170.4 mi
274 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menomonee Falls, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Wausau, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Wausau, WI covers 170.4 miles and takes about 3h 16m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 41, US Highway 10, I 39 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 $26.64 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
85.2 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 170.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 3h 16m highway drive covering 170.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 41 and US Highway 10. 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 27 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 US Highway 10. 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 Effort
10/10
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 170.4 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 pointsThese 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
170.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
|
North 1st Street
Turn left onto North 1st Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight 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 Wausau, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton along the way.
Appleton
8.6 mi in
|
~11m
|
via I 41; US 41
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 68.8 mi | 1h 13m |
| US Highway 10 | 46.6 mi | 54m |
| I 39 | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| US 45 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| US 10 | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| US 51 | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 2 mi | 4m |
| Stewart Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
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 Wausau, 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, 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
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
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
US 51; WI 29
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward WI 52: Stewart Avenue
16
Keep slight right at fork
305 ft
·
8 sec
17
Turn straight onto WI 52
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Highway 52 Parkway
18
Continue on WI 52
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Stewart Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on WI 52; US 51 Business
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
Slough Bridge
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Slough Bridge
167 ft
·
13 sec
·
Slough Bridge
21
Turn left onto North 1st Street
302 ft
·
12 sec
·
North 1st Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
161 ft
·
9 sec
·
Jefferson Street
23
Turn right
72 ft
·
10 sec
24
Turn left
59 ft
·
6 sec
25
Turn right
223 ft
·
18 sec
26
At end of road, turn right onto Washington Street
165 ft
·
7 sec
·
Washington Street
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
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 85.2 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 1h 34m 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 37 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.2 miles or 1h 34m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wausau, 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 170.4 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 I 41 for about 68.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.2 mi from Menomonee Falls, WI · 1h 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.2 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 I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.8 miles.
Arriving in Wausau, WI
The final approach into Wausau, 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 Wausau, 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
$26.64 one way
$53.28 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.25 | $58.50 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.79 | $65.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.62 | $75.24 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.1 | 0 | $17.89 | $8.18 |
| Efficient EV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.91 | $6.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.2 | 0 | $23.86 | $10.91 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Wausau, WI
Evening in Wausau on Friday
Local time
5:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°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
3 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 16m 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 Menomonee Falls, WI to Wausau, WI covers 170.4 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, US Highway 10, I 39. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.2 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 $26.64 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 demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 170.4 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 Wausau, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton 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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