Origin
Menomonie, WI
Night in Menomonie on Thursday
Local time
10:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Menomonie, WI to Milwaukee, WI
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
268.7 mi
432 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 5m
3 PM
5h 9m
5 PM
5h 23m
8 PM
4h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menomonie, WI
Tom Fisk
Milwaukee, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 268.7-mile drive from Menomonie to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a straightforward 4-hour and 57-minute journey perfect for a single-day road trip. Covering 96% highway, it offers a direct and efficient route through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, this trip is budget-friendly. The drive is primarily on I-94, making it a focused highway experience. You'll find this route is well-suited for a quick getaway or a necessary commute, with minimal need for overnight stays.
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
134.4 miles from Menomonie, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 268.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the vast majority of this 268.7-mile trip, with 96% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-94 and the East-West Freeway. The drive is characterized by long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 257.2-mile segment solely on I-94. This means you'll experience consistent speeds and a predictable driving environment for most of the journey. While primarily interstate, brief sections on Stout Road offer a slight variation before rejoining the main arteries.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 257.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and Stout Road. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 9.9 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 268.7 miles you will encounter 10 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 9.9 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 267.1 miles (I 794 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
9.9 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 94
Merge onto I 94
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
196.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
|
I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
9
267.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 54m in
|
I 794 / East-West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 794 / East-West Freeway toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 310C
Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
6
268 mi into trip
|
~4h 55m in
Take the exit toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1E
Toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
5
268.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Turn slight right toward Jackson Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward Jackson Street South
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 257.2 mi | 4h 38m |
| Stout Road | 9.1 mi | 13m |
| East-West Freeway | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Milwaukee Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 4th Avenue East | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 9th Street East | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Saint Paul Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Crescent Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 257.2 mi, about 4h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonie, WI and Milwaukee, WI.
1
Start on Wilson Avenue
50 ft
·
6 sec
·
Wilson Avenue
2
Turn right onto 9th Street East
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
9th Street East
3
Turn right onto US 12; WI 29
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Crescent Street
4
Continue on US 12; WI 29
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
4th Avenue East
5
Continue on US 12; WI 29
9.1 mi
·
13 min
·
Stout Road
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
7
Merge onto I 94
187 mi
·
3 hr 19 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
71 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
I 94
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 794
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East-West Freeway
Exit 310C
Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 1E
Toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
11
Turn slight right
309 ft
·
14 sec
Toward Jackson Street South
Use the right lane.
12
Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
East Saint Paul Avenue
13
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Milwaukee Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 18; WI 32
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 57-minute duration, starting your drive from Menomonie in the morning allows ample time to reach Milwaukee without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a significant road change is 257.2 miles on I-94. Planning your fuel stop before this extended highway segment is a practical consideration. The $42 fuel cost estimate makes it easy to budget for this trip.
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 134.4 miles from Menomonie, WI, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 257.2 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.4 miles or 2h 29m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Milwaukee, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Menomonie, 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 Menomonie, WI
This is one driving day of about 268.7 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Menomonie, 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 94 for about 257.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 134.4 mi from Menomonie, WI · 2h 29m 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 134.4 miles from Menomonie, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 257.2 miles.
Arriving in Milwaukee, WI
The final approach into Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.01 one way
$84.02 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $46.12 | $92.25 |
| premium | $4.89 | $51.71 | $103.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.33 | $118.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.6 | 0 | $28.21 | $12.90 |
| Efficient EV | 67.2 | 0 | $23.51 | $10.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.5 | 1 | $37.62 | $17.20 |
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
Milwaukee, WI
Night in Milwaukee on Thursday
Local time
10:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°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
23 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 57m 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 Menomonie, WI to Milwaukee, WI covers 268.7 miles and takes about 4h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, Stout Road, East-West Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 134.4 miles from Menomonie, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.01 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 268.7 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.9 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.4 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 267.1 miles (I 794 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Menomonie, WI to Milwaukee, WI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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