Trip from Mercer, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI

Drive Time

5h 24m

Distance

267.6 mi

431 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

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.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

Traveling from Mercer to Menomonee Falls covers 267.6 miles through the heart of the Midwest, typically taking about 5 hours and 24 minutes behind the wheel. Given the duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $41 for fuel to complete the journey. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-41 and US-10, making it a straightforward connection between Northern and Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether you are heading south for business or leisure, this highway-focused path provides a direct and efficient way to cross the state.

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

133.8 miles from Mercer, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a drive that is primarily focused on highway travel, with 72% of the journey spent on high-speed routes. The road demands your focus as you navigate the longest uninterrupted segment, a 71.1-mile stretch on Oneida Street. While the transition between local roads and major interstates like I-41 keeps the experience varied, you should be prepared for the steady pace required by this highway-dominant profile. You will find that the character of the road shifts as you move from the northern regions toward the more populated areas surrounding Menomonee Falls. It is a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Oneida Street is the longest continuous segment at about 71.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Oneida Street and I 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 103.9 miles in near I 39; US 51.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 267.6 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 103.9 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles (US 10; WI 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6

103.9 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in | I 39; US 51

Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...

6

133.8 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in | US 10; WI 66

Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66 toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 158 Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, W...

8

134.1 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | US 10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

8

185.1 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in | US 45

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

7

266 mi into trip | ~5h 20m in

Take the exit toward CTH Q: County Line Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 52 Toward CTH Q: County Line Road

Towns Along This Route

Between Mercer, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.

Madison

103.9 mi in | ~2h 18m | via I 39; US 51

Waupaca

133.8 mi in | ~2h 50m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

133.8 mi in | ~2h 50m | via US 10; WI 66

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Oneida Street	71.1 mi	1h 29m
I 41	67.4 mi	1h 12m
US 10	51.3 mi	1h 1m
US 51	32.8 mi	48m
I 39	29.8 mi	32m
US 45	12.3 mi	14m
Appleton Avenue	0.8 mi	2m
River Crest Drive	0.4 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Oneida Street — 71.1 mi, about 1h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mercer, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI.

1

Start on US 51

33 mi · 48 min · US 51

Use the straight lane.

2

Continue on US 51

71 mi · 1 hr 29 min · Oneida Street

Use the straight lane.

3

Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51

22 mi · 24 min · I 39; US 51

Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison

4

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51

5

Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 10; WI 66

Exit 158 Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton

6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

51 mi · 1 hr · US 10

Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca Use the none lane.

7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

12 mi · 14 min · US 45

Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

8

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee

9

Merge onto I 41; US 41

67 mi · 1 hr 12 min · I 41; US 41

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Exit 52 Toward CTH Q: County Line Road Use the slight right lane.

11

Turn right onto CTH Q

0.1 mi · 18 sec · County Line Road

12

Turn slight left

386 ft · 19 sec

13

Turn left onto River Crest Drive

0.4 mi · 1 min · River Crest Drive

14

Turn left onto WI 175

0.8 mi · 2 min · Appleton Avenue

15

Arrive at destination

WI 175

Trip Plan

Because this is a one-day trip, planning your departure time carefully will help you avoid peak traffic as you approach the Menomonee Falls area. With only one recommended stop planned, you have the flexibility to choose a location that suits your personal pace, though you should factor in refueling costs early to stay within your $41 budget. Keep a close watch on your speedometer during the 71.1-mile stretch on Oneida Street, as road conditions can change between rural and suburban settings. By keeping your pace steady and utilizing the major highway connections like US-10, you can make the most of your time on the road. Aim to start your morning early to ensure you arrive at your destination with plenty of daylight to spare.

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 133.8 miles from Mercer, WI, or about 2h 50m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.1 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 48m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 133.8 miles or 2h 50m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Menomonee Falls, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mercer, 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 Mercer, WI

This is one driving day of about 267.6 miles and 5h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Mercer, 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 Oneida Street for about 71.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 133.8 mi from Mercer, WI · 2h 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bonduel, WI

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.

Popular next leg

Bonduel, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI

120 mi · 2h 29m

Pacing Suggestions

Big Flats, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockford, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 133.8 miles from Mercer, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Oneida Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.1 miles.

Arriving in Menomonee Falls, WI

The final approach into Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls, 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

$40.65 one way

$81.29 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$44.81	$89.61
premium	$4.80	$50.52	$101.03
diesel	$5.64	$59.45	$118.90

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: 93.6 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	80.3	0	$28.10	$12.84
Efficient EV	66.9	0	$23.42	$10.70
EV Truck/SUV	107	1	$37.46	$17.13

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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Mercer, WI

Evening in Mercer on Sunday

Local time

7:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Menomonee Falls, WI

Evening in Menomonee Falls on Sunday

Local time

7:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

41°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 cooler 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 Mercer, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI covers 267.6 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 Oneida Street, I 41, US 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 133.8 miles from Mercer, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.65 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 9 significant decision points across 267.6 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 103.9 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles (US 10; WI 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Mercer, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.