Origin
Paddock Lake, WI
Afternoon in Paddock Lake on Saturday
Local time
12:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paddock Lake, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 2m
Distance
265 mi
427 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
24 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 49m
★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 29m
8 PM
4h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paddock Lake, WI
Tom Fisk
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Paddock Lake, WI to Eau Claire, WI covers 265 miles and takes about 5h 2m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 94, I 39, I 90 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 76.1 miles on I 94. At current regular gas prices, budget about $41.43 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
132.5 miles from Paddock Lake, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 76.1 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 39 | 65.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| US 14 | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| I 43 | 12.2 mi | 13m |
| State Highway 50 | 10 mi | 13m |
| 75th Street | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Geneva Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paddock Lake, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on 244th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
244th Avenue
2
Continue on 245th Avenue
389 ft
·
17 sec
·
245th Avenue
3
Turn slight right onto 69th Place
512 ft
·
22 sec
·
69th Place
4
Turn left onto 248th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
248th Avenue
5
At end of road, turn right onto WI 50
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
75th Street
6
Continue on WI 50; WI 83
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Geneva Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on WI 50
10.0 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 50
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
7.8 mi
·
8 min
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 321
Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
13
Merge onto I 43
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 43
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft
·
3 sec
16
Merge onto US 14
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
US 14
17
Turn left onto US 14; WI 11
11 mi
·
15 min
·
US 14; WI 11
18
Turn left onto WI 11
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Racine Street
19
Enter roundabout
10 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
20
Continue
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
21
Merge onto I 39; I 90
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
26
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
27
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
28
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
29
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
30
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
31
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
32
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
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 132.5 miles from Paddock Lake, WI, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 58 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.5 miles or 2h 36m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paddock Lake, 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 Paddock Lake, WI
This is one driving day of about 265 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Paddock Lake, 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 76.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 132.5 miles from Paddock Lake, 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 76.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 24.4 and 183.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
24.4 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
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 321
Toward I 43, CTH NN: Beloit, Milwaukee
6
24.5 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 43: Milwaukee, Beloit
7
25.2 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 43 South: Delavan, Beloit
8
37.7 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Take the exit toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
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 15
Toward US 14: Darien, Janesville
8
183.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.43 one way
$82.86 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $45.49 | $90.98 |
| premium | $4.89 | $51.00 | $101.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.51 | $117.02 |
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: 92.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
24 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Woodman's Market - Tesla Supercharger
Madison, WI
Tesla
12 DCFC
2500 Humes Rd
Janesville, WI
CHARGELAB
8 DCFC
Woodman's Food Market - Tesla Supercharger
Janesville, WI
Tesla
8 DCFC
Madison, WI - South Livingston - Tesla Supercharger
Madison, WI
Tesla
8 DCFC
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
Madison, WI
Tesla
8 DCFC
Grand Geneva Resort - Tesla Supercharger
Lake Geneva, WI
Tesla
6 DCFC
MGE Charging Hub
Madison, WI
EV Connect
6 DCFC
Gordie Boucher Ford of Janesville
Janesville, WI
SYNERGEV
4 DCFC
Tesla: 6
ChargePoint Network: 6
EV Connect: 4
SYNERGEV: 3
Blink Network: 2
CHARGELAB: 1
Electrify America: 1
Non-Networked: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.5 | 0 | $27.83 | $12.72 |
| Efficient EV | 66.3 | 0 | $23.19 | $10.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106 | 1 | $37.10 | $16.96 |
Gas CO2
93 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
Eau Claire, WI
Afternoon in Eau Claire on Saturday
Local time
12:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
17 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
5h 2m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, manage...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 146.2
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a 5h 2m highway drive covering 265 miles, with most of the trip on I 94 and I 39. The longest continuous stretch is about 76.1 miles on I 94.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 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 76.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.4 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 265 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 24.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Paddock Lake, WI and Eau Claire, WI, road signs point toward Cth Nn: Beloit, Milwaukee, Beloit, Janesville and Saint Paul.
Cth Nn: Beloit
24.4 mi in
|
~34m
Milwaukee
24.4 mi in
|
~34m
Beloit
24.5 mi in
|
~34m
Janesville
37.7 mi in
|
~49m
Saint Paul
183.5 mi in
|
~3h 31m
|
via I 94
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 265 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Paddock Lake, WI to Eau Claire, WI covers 265 miles and takes about 5h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, I 39, I 90. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 132.5 miles from Paddock Lake, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.43 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 22 significant decision points across 265 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 24.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Paddock Lake, WI and Eau Claire, WI, road signs point toward Cth Nn: Beloit, Milwaukee, Beloit, Janesville and Saint Paul.
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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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