Origin
Racine, WI
Late night in Racine on Friday
Local time
12:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
155.2 mi
250 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Racine, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Forestville, WI
Tom Fisk
This 155.2-mile journey from Racine, WI to Forestville, WI is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be accomplished in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 27 minutes on the road, navigating primarily via I-43 and State Highway 42. With a fuel cost estimated at $24, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route stays within the Midwest region, specifically within Wisconsin, making it a convenient local excursion. This drive is best suited for those who prefer efficient travel on main roads.
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
77.6 miles from Racine, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 155.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
The character of this drive is predominantly highway, with 78% of the route utilizing major freeways like I-43 and the North-South Freeway. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 55.3 miles on I-43, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip. While largely a freeway experience, the inclusion of State Highway 42 suggests a potential shift in scenery and speed as you approach your destination. This profile means you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained, high-speed roads, with only a portion dedicated to potentially more varied, albeit still significant, state highway driving.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 43 and State Highway 42. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20 miles in near I 94 / North-South Freeway.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 155.2 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 20 miles (I 94 / North-South Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106 miles (South 21st Street): Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / North-South Freeway toward I 43 North, I 94 West: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc, Fond du Lac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn left onto South 21st Street
Lane positioning matters here
Turn right onto US 10 / Waldo Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Turn right onto WI 42 / 22nd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Racine, WI and Forestville, WI, road signs point toward Lmct: Manitowoc and Fond Du Lac.
Lmct: Manitowoc
Fond Du Lac
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 43 | 55.3 mi | 59m |
| State Highway 42 | 32.7 mi | 48m |
| North-South Freeway | 32.6 mi | 41m |
| Douglas Avenue | 8.3 mi | 13m |
| Memorial Drive | 4.6 mi | 7m |
| West Ryan Road | 4 mi | 6m |
| Calumet Avenue | 2 mi | 3m |
| Lincoln Avenue | 2 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Racine, WI and Forestville, WI.
Start on WI 20; WI 32
Turn left onto WI 32
Turn left onto WI 32
Turn right onto WI 32
Continue on WI 32
Turn straight
Turn left onto WI 100
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
Continue on I 43; WI 57
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Turn left onto South 21st Street
Continue on Revere Drive
Continue on CTH Q
Turn right onto US 10
Enter roundabout onto Memorial Drive
Continue on Memorial Drive
Continue on WI 42
Turn right onto WI 42
Turn left onto WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 42
Turn left onto WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Continue on WI 42
Turn right onto CTH J
Arrive at destination
Given the manageable 3-hour and 27-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time. To maximize comfort, consider leaving Racine in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any brief stops you might need. The estimated fuel cost of $24 makes budgeting straightforward. A key tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from I-43 to State Highway 42, as this is where the driving experience will likely change most noticeably. While there's only one suggested stop, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch on I-43.
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.
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 34 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.6 miles or 1h 39m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forestville, WI than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Racine, 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 Racine, WI
This is one driving day of about 155.2 miles and 3h 27m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.6 mi from Racine, WI · 1h 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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.
A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 77.6 miles from Racine, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Forestville, 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 Forestville, WI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$24.26 one way
$48.53 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.64 | $53.28 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.87 | $59.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.27 | $68.53 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.30 | $7.45 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.58 | $6.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.1 | 0 | $21.73 | $9.93 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Racine on Friday
Local time
12:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Forestville on Friday
Local time
12:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Racine, WI or browse trips ending in Forestville, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.