This 217.7-mile drive from Raymond, WI to North La Crosse, WI takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. You'll spend 94% of your time on major highways, primarily I-90 and I-94, along with the East-West Freeway. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is perfectly suited for a single day's travel. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $34. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region for the entirety of your trip, moving across Wisconsin.
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
108.8 miles from Raymond, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 217.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 217.7-mile journey, with 94% of the route utilizing interstates and freeways. The primary arteries you'll follow are I-90 and I-94, ensuring a consistent, high-speed driving environment. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is about 105.8 miles on I-90. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding backroads, allowing you to cover distance quickly. The road will largely maintain its interstate nature throughout the 4-hour duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 105.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and East-West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.2 miles in near US 45.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 217.7 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 12.2 miles (US 45): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
12.2 mi into trip|~23m in|US 45
Take the exit onto US 45 toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 61
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fon...
8
16.5 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, 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 1B-A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
16.7 mi into trip|~29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
81.2 mi into trip|~1h 40m in|I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
7
173.8 mi into trip|~3h 19m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Raymond, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse.
Madison
12.2 mi in|~23m|via US 45
Milwaukee
16.5 mi in|~29m
Eau Claire
81.2 mi in|~1h 40m|via I 94
La Crosse
173.8 mi in|~3h 19m|via I 90
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
105.8 mi
1h 53m
East-West Freeway
63.8 mi
1h 9m
I 94
29.1 mi
31m
South Lovers Lane Road
4.4 mi
8m
Zoo Freeway
3.7 mi
5m
County Highway U
3 mi
7m
South 76th Street
2 mi
3m
West Saint Martins Road
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 105.8 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raymond, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on West 5 Mile Road
67 ft·8 sec·West 5 Mile Road
2
Turn left onto CTH U
2.1 mi·4 min·County Highway U
3
Enter roundabout onto CTH U
92 ft·2 sec·County Highway U
4
Continue on CTH U
1.0 mi·2 min·County Highway U
5
Continue on CTH U
2.0 mi·3 min·South 76th Street
6
Turn left onto WI 100
0.6 mi·51 sec·West Ryan Road
7
Turn straight onto WI 100
1.6 mi·2 min·West Saint Martins Road
8
Continue on US 45; WI 100
4.4 mi·8 min·South Lovers Lane Road
9
Take the ramp onto US 45
0.4 mi·52 sec·US 45
Toward I 43 North, US 45 North
10
Merge onto I 43; US 45
0.2 mi·19 sec·Rock Freeway
11
Take the exit onto US 45
0.6 mi·55 sec·US 45
Exit 61Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
12
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
3.7 mi·5 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1B-AToward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·56 sec
Exit 1BToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
16
Merge onto I 94
10 mi·11 min·East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi·57 min·East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi·31 min·I 94
Exit 240Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau ClaireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
42 mi·45 min·I 90
Exit 45Toward I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
21
Take the exit onto I 90; US 53
0.2 mi·37 sec·I 90; US 53
Exit 3Toward US 53 South, WI 35: La Crosse, Onalaska
22
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi·3 min·Rose Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 217.7-mile drive, starting early in the morning is a good strategy to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially since it's a single-day trip. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a planned stop is over 100 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is a helpful budget point. Consider fueling up before you embark or at a well-placed exit along I-90, as it's the primary highway for a significant portion of your drive.
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 108.8 miles from Raymond, WI, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.8 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 48 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 9m 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 24m
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 Raymond, 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 Raymond, WI
This is one driving day of about 217.7 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Raymond, 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 105.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.8 mi from Raymond, WI
· 2h 9m into the drive
The midpoint is around 108.8 miles from Raymond, 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 105.8 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.
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.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Vendetta Coffee Bar
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$1 to $10
mile 15.5
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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 142.6
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.03 one way
$68.07 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$37.37
$74.74
premium
$4.89
$41.89
$83.79
diesel
$5.61
$48.07
$96.13
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.86
$10.45
Efficient EV
54.4
0
$19.05
$8.71
EV Truck/SUV
87.1
1
$30.48
$13.93
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Raymond, WI
Afternoon
in Raymond on Friday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Afternoon
in North La Crosse on Friday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Lodi, WI
109 mi in
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
20 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 8m 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 Raymond, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 217.7 miles and takes about 4h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, East-West Freeway, I 94. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.8 miles from Raymond, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.03 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 16 significant decision points across 217.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.2 miles (US 45): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Raymond, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
