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Trip from Porterfield, WI to North La Crosse, WI

Drive Time

5h 22m

Distance

254.5 mi

410 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 9m ★
6 AM
5h 23m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 32m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 48m
8 PM
5h 15m

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

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Downtown North La Crosse, WI, WI

North La Crosse, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

The drive from Porterfield, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 254.5 miles and takes about 5h 22m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 90, US 41 Business, I 41 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 65.8 miles on I 90. At current regular gas prices, budget about $38.66 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

127.3 miles from Porterfield, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Drive Character

This is a 5h 22m highway drive covering 254.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and US 41 Business. The longest continuous stretch is about 65.8 miles on I 90.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 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 65.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US 41 Business. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.6 miles in near WI 64; CTH E / State Highway 64.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 254.5 miles you will encounter 15 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 3.6 miles (WI 64; CTH E / State Highway 64): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (US 41 BUS / French Street): Navigation decision point; at 105.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

5
3.6 mi into trip | ~8m in | WI 64; CTH E / State Highway 64

At end of road, turn left onto WI 64; CTH E / State Highway 64

Navigation decision point

5
8.1 mi into trip | ~17m in | US 41 BUS / French Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 41 BUS / French Street

Navigation decision point

8
105.1 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in

Take the exit toward WI 44, WI 91

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 116 Toward WI 44, WI 91
7
210.6 mi into trip | ~4h 33m in | I 90

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse

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

Exit 45 Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
6
252.7 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in | I 90; US 53

Take the exit onto I 90; US 53 toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska

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

Exit 3 Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Porterfield, WI to North La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward La Crosse along the way.

La Crosse

210.6 mi in | ~4h 33m | via I 90

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 65.8 mi 1h 10m
US 41 Business 62.1 mi 1h 9m
I 41 34.2 mi 37m
State Highway 82 28.1 mi 41m
State Highway 23 25.2 mi 36m
State Highway 44 14.8 mi 21m
County Highway E 4.4 mi 10m
State Highway 23 & 49 3.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 65.8 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Rowe Road

234 ft · 15 sec · Rowe Road
2

Turn left onto CTH E

3.5 mi · 8 min · County Highway E
3

At end of road, turn left onto WI 64; CTH E

497 ft · 10 sec · State Highway 64
4

Turn right onto CTH E

0.9 mi · 1 min · County Highway E
5

Turn left onto CTH D

3.2 mi · 5 min · County Highway D
6

Continue on CTH D

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Lake Street
7

At end of road, turn right onto US 41 BUS

0.7 mi · 1 min · French Street
8

Take the ramp onto US 41 Business

62 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 41 Business
9

Continue on I 41; US 41

34 mi · 37 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight lane.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 116 Toward WI 44, WI 91 Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork

183 ft · 4 sec
12

Turn right onto WI 44; WI 91

0.8 mi · 1 min · Ripon Rd
13

Continue on WI 44

15 mi · 21 min · State Highway 44
14

Continue on East Oshkosh Street

1.5 mi · 4 min · East Oshkosh Street
15

Turn right onto WI 23; WI 49

1.4 mi · 2 min · West Fond du Lac Street
16

Continue on WI 23; WI 49

3.7 mi · 5 min · State Highway 23 & 49
17

Turn straight onto WI 23; CTH A

9.2 mi · 12 min · State Highway 23
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on WI 23; WI 73

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Fulton Street
19

Turn left onto WI 23; WI 73; CTH D; CTH J

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
20

Turn left

150 ft · 2 sec
21

Continue on WI 23

0.5 mi · 42 sec · South 2nd Street
22

Continue on State Highway 23

9.9 mi · 14 min · State Highway 23
23

Continue on WI 23; CTH C

0.6 mi · 57 sec · East Montello Street
24

Continue on WI 23; CTH C

0.1 mi · 10 sec · West Montello Street
25

Turn slight right onto WI 23; CTH C

1.8 mi · 2 min · Underwood Avenue
26

Continue on WI 23

6.1 mi · 8 min · State Highway 23
27

Continue on WI 82

3.5 mi · 5 min · State Highway 82
28

Continue on WI 82

1.1 mi · 1 min · East Ormsby Street
29

Continue on WI 82

25 mi · 36 min · State Highway 82
30

Keep slight right at fork

278 ft · 5 sec
31

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec
32

Merge onto I 90; I 94

24 mi · 25 min · I 90; I 94
33

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

42 mi · 45 min · I 90
Exit 45 Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
34

Take the exit onto I 90; US 53

0.2 mi · 37 sec · I 90; US 53
Exit 3 Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
35

Turn left onto US 53; WI 35

1.6 mi · 3 min · Rose Street
36

Arrive at destination

US 53; CTH B

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 127.3 miles from Porterfield, WI, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.8 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 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 127.3 miles or 2h 40m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Porterfield, 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 Porterfield, WI

This is one driving day of about 254.5 miles and 5h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Porterfield, 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 65.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 127.3 mi from Porterfield, WI · 2h 40m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockford, IL

127 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

Waukegan, 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 127.3 miles from Porterfield, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.8 miles.

Arriving in North La Crosse, WI

The final approach into North La Crosse, 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 North La Crosse, WI.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

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...

14 mi from route ~36 min detour Free near mile 158
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.66 one way

$77.31 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $42.61 $85.23
premium $4.80 $48.04 $96.09
diesel $5.64 $56.54 $113.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 89 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 76.4 0 $26.72 $12.22
Efficient EV 63.6 0 $22.27 $10.18
EV Truck/SUV 101.8 1 $35.63 $16.29

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% 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 2 hours ago

Origin

Porterfield, WI

Afternoon in Porterfield on Monday

Local time

2:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

NE 5 to 9 mph 20% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:23AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 13 at 11:16AM CDT until April 18 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Destination

North La Crosse, WI

Afternoon in North La Crosse on Monday

Local time

2:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 8 mph 48% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:23AM CDT until April 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 13 at 11:16AM CDT until April 18 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

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

9 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 22m 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 Porterfield, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 254.5 miles and takes about 5h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, US 41 Business, I 41. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 127.3 miles from Porterfield, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.66 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 254.5 miles you will encounter 15 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 3.6 miles (WI 64; CTH E / State Highway 64): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (US 41 BUS / French Street): Navigation decision point; at 105.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Porterfield, WI to North La Crosse, WI, road signs begin pointing toward La Crosse along the way.

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