The drive from Schofield, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 138.4 miles and takes about 3h 3m 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 41.3 miles on I 90.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.64 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
69.2 miles from Schofield, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 38m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 138.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 3h 3m highway drive covering 138.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and State Highway 173. The longest continuous stretch is about 41.3 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 37 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 41.3 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 early in the drive near Business US-51.
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 22 significant decision points across 138.4 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: near the start (Business US-51): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Business US-51
Turn left onto Business US-51
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
1 mi into trip|~2m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
14.4 mi into trip|~18m 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
28.7 mi into trip|~37m 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
94.8 mi into trip|~2h 14m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Schofield, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Wisconsin Rapids and Albert Lea.
Wisconsin Rapids
14.4 mi in|~18m
Albert Lea
94.8 mi in|~2h 14m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
41.3 mi
44m
State Highway 173
34 mi
49m
Victory Road
15.2 mi
22m
I 39
11.3 mi
12m
State Highway 34
9.9 mi
13m
State Highway 21
4.1 mi
5m
US Highway 10
3.8 mi
4m
I 94
2.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 41.3 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Schofield, WI and North La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on US 51 Business
9 ft·8 sec·Schofield Avenue
2
Turn left onto Business US-51
0.7 mi·1 min·Business US-51
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 51 Business
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Grand Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Merge onto WI 29
0.6 mi·41 sec·WI 29
6
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
7
Merge onto I 39; US 51
11 mi·12 min·I 39; US 51
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 175Toward WI 34: Knowlton, Wisconsin Rapids
9
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
10
Turn straight onto WI 34
0.2 mi·16 sec·State Highway 34
11
Enter roundabout onto WI 34; CTH C
123 ft·2 sec·State Highway 34
12
Continue on WI 34; CTH C
9.7 mi·13 min·State Highway 34
13
Take the ramp onto WI 34
0.2 mi·30 sec·WI 34
14
Merge onto US 10; WI 34
3.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 10
15
Take the exit onto WI 34
0.3 mi·49 sec·WI 34
Exit 204Toward WI 34 West, WI 13 South: Wisconsin Rapids
16
Turn left onto WI 13; WI 34
15 mi·22 min·Victory Road
17
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
0.5 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
18
Enter roundabout onto WI 54; WI 73
185 ft·3 sec·2nd Avenue South
19
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.3 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
20
Continue on WI 54; WI 73
1.6 mi·2 min·Wisconsin River Drive
21
Turn right onto WI 54; WI 73
1.4 mi·2 min·Letendre Avenue
22
Continue on WI 54
2.1 mi·3 min·State Highway 54
23
Turn left onto CTH G
2.0 mi·3 min·County Highway G
24
Continue on State Highway 173
9.1 mi·13 min·State Highway 173
25
At end of road, turn left onto WI 80; WI 173
410 ft·7 sec·State Highway 80
26
Continue on WI 80; WI 173
1.3 mi·1 min·State Highway 173
27
Continue on WI 173
24 mi·33 min·State Highway 173
28
Turn right onto WI 21
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 21
29
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi·33 sec·East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi·12 sec·State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
32
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi·2 min·I 94
33
Take the exit
0.7 mi·51 sec
Exit 147Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
34
Merge onto I 90
41 mi·43 min·I 90
35
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
36
Turn left onto US 53; WI 35
1.6 mi·3 min·Rose Street
37
Arrive at destination
US 53; CTH B
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 69.2 miles from Schofield, WI, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.3 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 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.2 miles or 1h 38m 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 34m
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 Schofield, 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 Schofield, WI
This is one driving day of about 138.4 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Schofield, 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 41.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.2 mi from Schofield, WI
· 1h 38m into the drive
The midpoint is around 69.2 miles from Schofield, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
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.
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 47.7
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
$21.64 one way
$43.27 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.76
$47.51
premium
$4.89
$26.63
$53.27
diesel
$5.61
$30.56
$61.11
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: 48.4 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
41.5
0
$14.53
$6.64
Efficient EV
34.6
0
$12.11
$5.54
EV Truck/SUV
55.4
0
$19.38
$8.86
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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Schofield, WI
Morning
in Schofield on Saturday
Local time
8:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North La Crosse, WI
Morning
in North La Crosse on Saturday
Local time
8:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Sunny
SW 2 mph0% chanceLive 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
9 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 3m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Schofield, WI to North La Crosse, WI covers 138.4 miles and takes about 3h 3m 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 69.2 miles from Schofield, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.64 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 22 significant decision points across 138.4 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: near the start (Business US-51): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Schofield, WI and North La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Wisconsin Rapids and Albert Lea.
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.
