Origin
Rothschild, WI
Night in Rothschild on Wednesday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rothschild, WI to La Crosse, WI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 9m
Distance
138.6 mi
223 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rothschild, WI
Christina & Peter
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Rothschild, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 138.6 miles and takes about 3h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 90, State Highway 173, Victory Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 38.1 miles on I 90. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.67 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
69.3 miles from Rothschild, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a 3h 9m highway drive covering 138.6 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and State Highway 173. The longest continuous stretch is about 38.1 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 41 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 38.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 173. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 138.6 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 2.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.2 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Turn left toward I 39, US 51
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39, US 51
6
11.9 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the exit toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 175
Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
6
26.2 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
WI 34
Take the exit onto WI 34 toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 204
Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapid...
6
92.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
6
131.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Take the exit toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rothschild, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Wisconsin Rapids, Albert Lea and Onalaska.
Wisconsin Rapids
11.9 mi in
|
~15m
Albert Lea
92.2 mi in
|
~2h 11m
Onalaska
131.1 mi in
|
~2h 53m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 38.1 mi | 40m |
| State Highway 173 | 34 mi | 49m |
| Victory Road | 15.2 mi | 22m |
| State Highway 34 | 9.9 mi | 13m |
| I 39 | 9.2 mi | 9m |
| WI 16 | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| State Highway 21 | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| US Highway 10 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 38.1 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rothschild, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on Leon Street
29 ft
·
6 sec
·
Leon Street
2
Turn left onto Weston Avenue
0.3 mi
·
57 sec
·
Weston Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 51 Business
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Grand Avenue
4
Continue on US 51 Business
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Business US 51
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 39, US 51
6
Merge onto I 39; US 51
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 39; US 51
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 175
Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
8
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft
·
6 sec
9
Turn straight onto WI 34
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
State Highway 34
10
Enter roundabout onto WI 34; CTH C
123 ft
·
2 sec
·
State Highway 34
11
Continue on WI 34; CTH C
9.7 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 34
12
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
WI 34
13
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US Highway 10
14
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
WI 34
Exit 204
Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
15
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 34
15 mi
·
22 min
·
Victory Road
16
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Avenue South
17
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
185 ft
·
3 sec
·
2nd Avenue South
18
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Avenue South
19
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wisconsin River Drive
20
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Letendre Avenue
21
Continue on WI 54
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 54
22
Turn left onto CTH G
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway G
23
Continue on State Highway 173
9.1 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 173
24
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
410 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Highway 80
25
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 173
26
Continue on WI 173
24 mi
·
33 min
·
State Highway 173
27
Turn right onto WI 21
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 21
28
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
31
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 94
32
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
33
Merge onto I 90
38 mi
·
40 min
·
I 90
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
35
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
WI 16
36
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
37
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
38
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Street South
39
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnson Street
40
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Avenue South
41
Arrive at destination
WI 35
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 69.3 miles from Rothschild, WI, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.1 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 30 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.3 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rothschild, 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 Rothschild, WI
This is one driving day of about 138.6 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Rothschild, 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 38.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.3 mi from Rothschild, WI · 1h 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.3 miles from Rothschild, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in La Crosse, WI
The final approach into 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 La Crosse, 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
$21.67 one way
$43.34 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.79 | $47.58 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.67 | $53.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.60 | $61.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.6 | 0 | $14.55 | $6.65 |
| Efficient EV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.13 | $5.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.4 | 0 | $19.40 | $8.87 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
La Crosse, WI
Night in La Crosse on Wednesday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
24 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
3h 9m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rothschild, WI to La Crosse, WI covers 138.6 miles and takes about 3h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, State Highway 173, Victory Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.3 miles from Rothschild, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.67 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 138.6 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 2.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.2 miles (WI 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Rothschild, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Wisconsin Rapids, Albert Lea and Onalaska.
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