Trip from Racine, WI to Wausau, WI

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

4h 17m

Distance

212.7 mi

342 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

4h 4m ★

6 AM

4h 17m

8 AM

4h 43m

10 AM

4h 26m

12 PM

4h 24m

3 PM

4h 28m

5 PM

4h 42m

8 PM

4h 9m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in and county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States

Racine, WI

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States

Wausau, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 212.7-mile drive from Racine, Wisconsin to Wausau, Wisconsin is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 17 minutes on the road, covering a significant portion on interstates with 91% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $33. It's a practical route, primarily utilizing I-41, US-10, and I-39, making it a no-fuss option for getting from point A to point B within Wisconsin. The single recommended stop suggests a smooth, uninterrupted travel experience.

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

106.3 miles from Racine, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Drive Character

The drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 91% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-41, US-10, and I-39. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 87.9 miles on I-41, indicating long periods of consistent, high-speed travel. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways. While not explicitly detailed as monotonous, the highway-focused nature means you'll likely be on well-maintained, multi-lane roads for most of your journey, with the road character remaining largely consistent throughout the 4-hour-plus drive.

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

There are about 35 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 41 is the longest continuous segment at about 87.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US Highway 10. 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 41; I 94; US 41.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 212.7 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 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.3 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

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

20 mi into trip | ~32m in | I 41; I 94; US 41

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 317 Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Ma...

26.3 mi into trip | ~40m in | I 41; I 894; US 41

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US...

50.8 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in | I 41; US 41

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton

112.4 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard

112.6 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 45 North: New London

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Racine, WI and Wausau, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac and Appleton.

Fond Du Lac

20 mi in | ~32m | via I 41; I 94; US 41

Appleton

50.8 mi in | ~1h 11m | via I 41; US 41

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 41	87.9 mi	1h 39m
US Highway 10	46.6 mi	54m
I 39	23.3 mi	25m
US 45	15.2 mi	17m
Douglas Avenue	8.3 mi	13m
US 10	6.6 mi	7m
Airport Freeway	4.6 mi	6m
North-South Freeway	4.5 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 41 — 87.9 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Racine, WI and Wausau, WI.

Start on WI 20; WI 32

69 ft · 10 sec · 7th Street

Turn left onto WI 32

0.7 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Turn left onto WI 32

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Hamilton Street

Turn right onto WI 32

8.3 mi · 13 min · Douglas Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on WI 32

1.8 mi · 3 min · South Chicago Road

Turn straight

0.1 mi · 22 sec

Turn left onto WI 100

4.0 mi · 6 min · West Ryan Road

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 41 North, I 94 West: Milwaukee

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

4.5 mi · 5 min · North-South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41

0.6 mi · 49 sec · I 41; I 94; US 41

Exit 317 Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 41; US 41

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.6 mi · 6 min · Airport Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41

25 mi · 30 min · I 41; I 894; US 41

Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41

62 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 41; US 41

Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 58 sec

Toward US 45 North: New London Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto US 45

15 mi · 17 min · US 45

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10

47 mi · 54 min · US Highway 10

Toward US 10 West: Stevens Point

Continue on US 10

1.3 mi · 2 min · Main Street

Take the exit onto US 10

6.6 mi · 7 min · US 10

Toward I 39 North, US 51 North, US 10 West

Continue on I 39; US 51

23 mi · 25 min · I 39; US 51

Merge onto US 51; WI 29

3.9 mi · 4 min · US 51; WI 29

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward WI 52: Stewart Avenue

Keep slight right at fork

305 ft · 8 sec

Turn straight onto WI 52

0.3 mi · 44 sec · Highway 52 Parkway

Continue on WI 52

0.9 mi · 2 min · Stewart Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on WI 52; US 51 Business

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Slough Bridge

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto Slough Bridge

167 ft · 13 sec · Slough Bridge

Turn left onto North 1st Street

302 ft · 12 sec · North 1st Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto Jefferson Street

161 ft · 9 sec · Jefferson Street

Turn right

72 ft · 10 sec

Turn left

59 ft · 6 sec

Turn right

223 ft · 18 sec

At end of road, turn right onto Washington Street

165 ft · 7 sec · Washington Street

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour, 17-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single-day adventure. Aim to depart Racine in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed arrival in Wausau. With only one recommended stop and a $33 fuel estimate, you can plan your stops strategically, perhaps for a mid-drive break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 87.9-mile stretch on I-41, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a convenient refueling point. This route's highway focus means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of changing traffic conditions as you approach larger towns.

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 106.3 miles from Racine, WI, or about 2h 10m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.9 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 47 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 106.3 miles or 2h 10m 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 29m

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

Before You Leave

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 212.7 miles and 4h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Racine, 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 41 for about 87.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 106.3 mi from Racine, WI · 2h 10m into the drive

civil town in Winnebago County, Wisconsin

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Black Wolf, WI

106 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

Menomonee Falls, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Black Wolf, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 106.3 miles from Racine, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.9 miles.

Arriving in Wausau, WI

The final approach into Wausau, 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 Wausau, 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

$33.25 one way

$66.51 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$36.51	$73.02
premium	$4.89	$40.93	$81.86
diesel	$5.61	$46.96	$93.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	63.8	0	$22.33	$10.21
Efficient EV	53.2	0	$18.61	$8.51
EV Truck/SUV	85.1	1	$29.78	$13.61

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Racine, WI

Night in Racine on Wednesday

Local time

11:01 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wausau, WI

Night in Wausau on Wednesday

Local time

11:01 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°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

19 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

4h 17m 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 Racine, WI to Wausau, WI covers 212.7 miles and takes about 4h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 41, US Highway 10, I 39. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 106.3 miles from Racine, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.25 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.