Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Evening in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
6:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Monona, WI
Drive Time
2h 37m
Distance
141.7 mi
228 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 27m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 45m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 46m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North La Crosse, WI
Tom Fisk
Monona, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Connecting North La Crosse to Monona, this 141.7-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Wisconsin that typically takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes. Because the route is compact, it works perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $22 for fuel to cover the distance. Since both your start and end points are located within the Midwest, you can expect a familiar regional atmosphere throughout the travel experience. It is a highly practical drive for those looking to move efficiently between these two areas.
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
70.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 95% of your travel spent on fast-moving roads. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-90, which accounts for a significant 120.3-mile uninterrupted stretch. While the journey begins with a short transition onto US 53, the experience is defined by the consistent pace of the interstate until you eventually exit onto North Stoughton Road near Monona. Expect a functional, high-speed drive that prioritizes efficiency over technical winding roads. Behind the wheel, this means settling into a steady rhythm as you navigate the primary arterial road connecting these two Wisconsin hubs.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 120.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US 53. You will hit about 6 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 135.5 miles in near I 39; I 90.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 141.7 miles you will encounter 6 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 135.5 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 137 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
135.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
|
I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
7
135.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Take the exit toward WI 30: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138B
Toward WI 30: Madison
8
137 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward US 51, I 39 Alternate, I 94 Alternate: Stoughton Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1C
Toward US 51, I 39 Alternate, I 94 Alternate: S...
7
137.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
4
137.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
|
US 51 / North Stoughton Road
Turn left onto US 51 / North Stoughton Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 120.3 mi | 2h 8m |
| US 53 | 14 mi | 15m |
| North Stoughton Road | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| Rose Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| WI 30 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Pflaum Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Nichols Road | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| I 39 | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 120.3 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Monona, WI.
1
Start on US 53; CTH B
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Rose Street
2
Take the exit onto US 53
14 mi
·
15 min
·
US 53
3
Continue on I 90
120 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
I 90
Use the straight lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
0.1 mi
·
6 sec
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 138B
Toward WI 30: Madison
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on WI 30
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
WI 30
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 1C
Toward US 51, I 39 Alternate, I 94 Alternate: Stoughton Road
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
476 ft
·
13 sec
Use the none lane.
9
Turn left onto US 51
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
North Stoughton Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Turn right onto Pflaum Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Pflaum Road
11
Continue on Nichols Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Nichols Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
12
Arrive at destination
Nichols Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time, though planning for one strategic stop will keep you fresh behind the wheel. Given that the longest segment covers over 120 miles on I-90, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to avoid unnecessary detours. Monitor traffic reports as you approach the Monona area, as transitioning from the interstate to North Stoughton Road can occasionally experience congestion. Keep your $22 fuel budget in mind when planning your total trip expenses. By pacing your single stop halfway through the journey, you can easily manage the drive in under three hours without fatigue.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.3 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 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.9 miles or 1h 17m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monona, 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 141.7 miles and 2h 37m.
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 I 90 for about 120.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 70.9 mi from North La Crosse, WI · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 70.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 120.3 miles.
Arriving in Monona, WI
The final approach into Monona, 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 Monona, 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
$21.52 one way
$43.05 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $23.73 | $47.45 |
| premium | $4.80 | $26.75 | $53.50 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $31.48 | $62.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.5 | 0 | $14.88 | $6.80 |
| Efficient EV | 35.4 | 0 | $12.40 | $5.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.7 | 0 | $19.84 | $9.07 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Monona, WI
Evening in Monona on Sunday
Local time
6:48 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
2 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
2h 37m 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 Monona, WI covers 141.7 miles and takes about 2h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, US 53, North Stoughton Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 70.9 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 $21.52 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 141.7 miles you will encounter 6 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 135.5 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 137 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from North La Crosse, WI to Monona, WI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Monona, WI
More trips to Monona, WI
Explore more options from North La Crosse, WI or browse trips ending in Monona, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.
Explore maps for North La Crosse, WI or Monona, WI on MapSof.net.