Origin
Rice Lake, WI
Night in Rice Lake on Friday
Local time
11:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rice Lake, WI to Kenosha, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 18m
Distance
335.6 mi
540 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$52
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 6m
★
6 AM
6h 19m
8 AM
6h 44m
10 AM
6h 28m
12 PM
6h 25m
3 PM
6h 29m
5 PM
6h 43m
8 PM
6h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rice Lake, WI
Tom Fisk
Kenosha, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Rice Lake to Kenosha is 335.6 miles and takes about 6h 18m via I 94 and US 53, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a solid Midwest to Midwest trip, mostly within Wisconsin, that prioritizes efficient travel. Expect a highway-focused drive with a high percentage of interstate miles, making it a straightforward journey for those prioritizing getting from point A to point B. With a recommended single day for travel, this route is ideal for a quick transition or a part of a larger Midwest exploration.
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
167.8 miles from Rice Lake, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 18m. Total distance: 335.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 96% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion on I 94, including a continuous stretch of 232 miles, which means consistent speeds and limited opportunities for spontaneous detours. The route utilizes US 53 and the North-South Freeway as well, ensuring a well-maintained and direct path. Expect a driving personality that emphasizes forward momentum rather than winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 232 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 228.9 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 335.6 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 228.9 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 293 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
228.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
|
I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
293 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
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 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
8
293.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US...
9
302.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 34m in
|
I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
8
327.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 2m in
Take the exit toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
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 340
Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Rice Lake, WI to Kenosha, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
Fond Du Lac
293 mi in
|
~5h 20m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 232 mi | 4h 9m |
| US 53 | 58.8 mi | 1h 5m |
| North-South Freeway | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| Airport Freeway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Zoo Freeway | 4 mi | 5m |
| Burlington Road | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| Washington Road | 3.3 mi | 7m |
| I 41 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 232 mi, about 4h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rice Lake, WI and Kenosha, WI.
1
Start on West Evans Street
136 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Evans Street
2
Turn right onto Tainter Avenue
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
Tainter Avenue
3
At end of road, turn left onto CTH SS
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Knapp Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Enter roundabout onto WI 48
124 ft
·
1 sec
·
West Knapp Street
5
Continue on WI 48
503 ft
·
9 sec
·
West Knapp Street
6
Enter roundabout
237 ft
·
3 sec
7
Continue
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
8
Merge onto US 53
58 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
US 53
9
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
10
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 53
11
Continue on US 53
441 ft
·
8 sec
·
US 53
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
13
Merge onto I 94
168 mi
·
2 hr 59 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
64 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 94
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 305A-B
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
Use the slight left lane.
17
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
this road
Exit 305A
Toward I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
19
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 41; US 41
Exit 10B
Toward I 41 South, I 94 South: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41
23 mi
·
25 min
·
North-South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 340
Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
199 ft
·
6 sec
Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
25
Turn left onto WI 142
3.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Burlington Road
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on CTH S
3.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Washington Road
27
Turn right onto WI 32
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Sheridan Road
28
Turn left onto 54th Street
305 ft
·
14 sec
·
54th Street
29
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
8th Avenue
30
Turn right onto 56th Street
43 ft
·
1 sec
·
56th Street
31
Arrive at destination
56th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 18m estimated drive time, starting your journey in Rice Lake after breakfast will allow ample daylight to reach Kenosha comfortably. While the drive is manageable in one day, plan for at least one fuel stop and a break, especially during the longest 232-mile stretch on I 94. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the more rural sections of US 53. Since this is a primarily highway route, your biggest variable will be traffic, particularly as you get closer to the Kenosha area.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 167.8 miles from Rice Lake, WI, or about 3h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232 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 74 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.8 miles or 3h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kenosha, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rice 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 Rice Lake, WI
This is one driving day of about 335.6 miles and 6h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Rice 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 232 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 167.8 mi from Rice Lake, WI · 3h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
168 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 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 167.8 miles from Rice 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 232 miles.
Arriving in Kenosha, WI
The final approach into Kenosha, 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 Kenosha, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.47 one way
$104.93 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
117 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $57.61 | $115.21 |
| premium | $4.89 | $64.58 | $129.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $74.10 | $148.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 100.7 | 1 | $35.24 | $16.11 |
| Efficient EV | 83.9 | 0 | $29.37 | $13.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 134.2 | 1 | $46.98 | $21.48 |
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Kenosha, WI
Night in Kenosha on Friday
Local time
11:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Adams, WI
168 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
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
6h 18m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rice Lake, WI to Kenosha, WI covers 335.6 miles and takes about 6h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, US 53, North-South Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 167.8 miles from Rice Lake, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.47 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 24 significant decision points across 335.6 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 228.9 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 293 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Rice Lake, WI to Kenosha, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Fond Du Lac along the way.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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