Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Antigo, WI

Drive Time

3h 58m

Distance

176.1 mi

283 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 46m ★

6 AM

3h 58m

8 AM

4h 24m

10 AM

4h 8m

12 PM

4h 5m

3 PM

4h 9m

5 PM

4h 23m

8 PM

3h 51m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

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North La Crosse, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

Traveling from North La Crosse to Antigo covers 176.1 miles through the heart of Wisconsin. You should anticipate a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, making this an ideal one-day excursion. With a fuel budget of roughly $27, the route is both manageable and cost-effective. You will primarily utilize a combination of I-90, State Highway 173, and State Highway 52 to complete the journey. Since the entire trip takes place within the Midwest, you can expect familiar terrain as you transition between these two Wisconsin hubs.

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

88 miles from North La Crosse, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip features a highway-focused profile, with 87% of your travel occurring on major roads. Behind the wheel, you will experience a mix of fast-paced interstate segments and steady state highway cruising. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 34-mile run along State Highway 173, which provides a consistent rhythm to your drive. As you transition between the various road types, expect the character of the pavement to shift from high-traffic interstate lanes to the more localized feel of the state highways.

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

There are about 42 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

State Highway 173 is the longest continuous segment at about 34 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 173 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 176.1 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 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.6 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 26 key points

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

43.1 mi into trip | ~47m in

Take the exit toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul

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

Exit 45 Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul

46.8 mi into trip | ~51m in

Take the exit toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah

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

Exit 143 Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah

113.6 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | WI 34

Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point

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

Exit 208 Toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens...

135.8 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in

Take the exit toward WI 29 East: Weston, Green Bay

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

Exit 187 Toward WI 29 East: Weston, Green Bay

139.5 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between North La Crosse, WI and Antigo, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Necedah, Cth P, Cth Hh: Knowlton, Stevens Point and Green Bay - among others.

Saint Paul

43.1 mi in | ~47m

Necedah

46.8 mi in | ~51m

Cth P

113.6 mi in | ~2h 29m | via WI 34

Cth Hh: Knowlton

113.6 mi in | ~2h 29m | via WI 34

Stevens Point

113.6 mi in | ~2h 29m | via WI 34

Green Bay

135.8 mi in | ~2h 57m

Cth X: Weston

139.2 mi in | ~3h 1m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
State Highway 173	34 mi	49m
I 90	27.9 mi	29m
State Highway 52	20.9 mi	29m
WI 13	14.3 mi	20m
US 53	14 mi	15m
I 39	11.4 mi	12m
State Highway 34	9.9 mi	13m
South Superior Street	5.7 mi	9m

Longest stretch: State Highway 173 — 34 mi, about 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Antigo, WI.

Start on US 53; CTH B

1.2 mi · 2 min · Rose Street

Take the exit onto US 53

14 mi · 15 min · US 53

Continue on I 90

28 mi · 29 min · I 90

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 55 sec

Exit 45 Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul

Merge onto I 94

2.9 mi · 3 min · I 94

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Exit 143 Toward US 12, WI 21: Tomah, Necedah

Turn right onto WI 21

0.3 mi · 33 sec · East McCoy Boulevard

Continue on WI 21

4.0 mi · 5 min · State Highway 21

Turn left onto WI 173

24 mi · 33 min · State Highway 173

At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173

1.3 mi · 1 min · State Highway 173

Continue on WI 80; WI 173

410 ft · 8 sec · State Highway 80

Turn right onto WI 173

9.1 mi · 13 min · State Highway 173

Continue on CTH G

2.0 mi · 3 min · County Highway G

At end of road, turn right onto WI 54

2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 54

Continue on WI 54

1.4 mi · 2 min · Letendre Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto WI 54; WI 73

1.6 mi · 2 min · Wisconsin River Drive

Continue on WI 54; WI 73

1.3 mi · 1 min · 2nd Avenue South

Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73

64 ft · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue South

Continue on WI 54; WI 73

0.5 mi · 1 min · 2nd Avenue South

Turn left onto WI 13; WI 73

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Riverview Expressway

Continue on WI 13; WI 34

14 mi · 20 min · WI 13; WI 34

Take the ramp onto WI 34

0.3 mi · 42 sec · WI 34

Merge onto US 10; WI 34

3.8 mi · 4 min · US Highway 10

Take the exit onto WI 34

0.3 mi · 36 sec · WI 34

Exit 208 Toward WI 34, CTH P, CTH HH: Knowlton, Stevens Point

Turn left onto WI 34

0.1 mi · 21 sec · State Highway 134

Continue on WI 34

0.2 mi · 22 sec · WI 34

Continue on WI 34

9.5 mi · 13 min · State Highway 34

Enter roundabout onto WI 34

132 ft · 2 sec · State Highway 34

Continue on WI 34

0.3 mi · 39 sec · State Highway 34

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Merge onto I 39; US 51

11 mi · 12 min · I 39; US 51

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min

Exit 187 Toward WI 29 East: Weston, Green Bay

Merge onto WI 29

2.5 mi · 2 min · WI 29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward CTH X: Weston, Camp Phillips Road

Keep slight left at fork

177 ft · 6 sec

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto CTH X

3.6 mi · 7 min · Camp Phillips Road

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on CTH X

2.9 mi · 4 min · County Road X

At end of road, turn right onto WI 52

21 mi · 29 min · State Highway 52

At end of road, turn left onto US 45; WI 52

3.6 mi · 4 min · US 45; WI 52

Continue on US 45; WI 47; WI 52

5.7 mi · 9 min · South Superior Street

Continue on US 45; WI 47; WI 52

127 ft · 11 sec · Superior Street

Arrive at destination

US 45; WI 47; WI 52

Trip Plan

Given the four-hour duration, departing in the morning allows you to reach Antigo with plenty of daylight remaining. You are limited to one recommended stop, so plan your break strategically to maximize your time on the road. Because this route is relatively short, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on I-90. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when navigating the stretches of State Highway 52, as services may become less frequent compared to the interstate sections. This balanced itinerary ensures a straightforward trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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 88 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 52m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 88 miles or 1h 52m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 11m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving North La Crosse, 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 North La Crosse, WI

This is one driving day of about 176.1 miles and 3h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from North La Crosse, 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 State Highway 173 for about 34 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 88 mi from North La Crosse, WI · 1h 52m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockford, IL

88 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

Rockford, IL

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 88 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Antigo, WI

The final approach into Antigo, 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 Antigo, 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

$26.75 one way

$53.50 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$29.49	$58.97
premium	$4.80	$33.24	$66.49
diesel	$5.64	$39.12	$78.25

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: 61.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.8	$18.49	$8.45
Efficient EV	44	$15.41	$7.04
EV Truck/SUV	70.4	$24.65	$11.27

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

North La Crosse, WI

Evening in North La Crosse on Sunday

Local time

6:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Antigo, WI

Evening in Antigo on Sunday

Local time

6:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

39°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 58m 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 North La Crosse, WI to Antigo, WI covers 176.1 miles and takes about 3h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are State Highway 173, I 90, State Highway 52. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 88 miles from North La Crosse, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.75 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between North La Crosse, WI and Antigo, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Necedah, Cth P, Cth Hh: Knowlton, Stevens Point and Green Bay - among others.

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