Origin
Wausau, WI
Afternoon in Wausau on Thursday
Local time
12:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wausau, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
169.7 mi
273 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wausau, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Menomonee Falls, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 169.7-mile drive from Wausau to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is estimated to take about 3 hours and 16 minutes. With a fuel cost around $26, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day adventure. The route primarily utilizes local roads, suggesting a more intimate journey through the Midwest landscape rather than a high-speed highway dash. You'll navigate through Wisconsin towns and countryside, experiencing a more grounded travel style. Given the duration and distance, it’s perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule and plenty of time to reach your destination comfortably.
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
84.9 miles from Wausau, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 169.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this entire 169.7-mile journey, as the highway share is 0%. This means you'll be navigating through towns and along local streets for the majority of your trip, using roads like North 1st Street, Scott Street, and East Stewart Avenue. Without significant highway stretches, the longest uninterrupted drive might feel shorter as you'll encounter more intersections and potential slowdowns. This type of driving offers a more connected experience to the communities you pass through, allowing for a slower pace and a different perspective on the Wisconsin landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 67.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street.
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 11 significant decision points across 169.7 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 0.1 miles (WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.3 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street
Turn left onto WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
6.1 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 39; US 51
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
8
36.3 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
87.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
7
168.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
Take the exit toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 52
Toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wausau, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Waupaca and Appleton.
Waupaca
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 10; WI 66
Appleton
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 10; WI 66
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 67.4 mi | 1h 12m |
| US 10 | 51.3 mi | 1h 1m |
| I 39 | 29.8 mi | 32m |
| US 45 | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| US 51 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| East Stewart Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| Appleton Avenue | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| Highway 52 Parkway | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 67.4 mi, about 1h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wausau, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI.
1
Start on this road
78 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn straight onto North 1st Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
North 1st Street
3
Turn left onto WI 52; US 51 Business
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Scott Street
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on WI 52; US 51 Business
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Stewart Avenue
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on WI 52
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 52 Parkway
6
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto US 51
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
22 mi
·
24 min
·
I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
9
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi
·
7 min
·
I 39; US 10; US 51
10
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
US 10; WI 66
Exit 158
Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi
·
1 hr
·
US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 45
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
14
Merge onto I 41; US 41
67 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 52
Toward CTH Q: County Line Road
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto CTH Q
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
County Line Road
17
Turn slight left
386 ft
·
19 sec
18
Turn left onto River Crest Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
River Crest Drive
19
Turn left onto WI 175
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Appleton Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
WI 175
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour and 16-minute trip, consider departing in the morning to enjoy daylight driving and avoid potential rush hour congestion as you approach Menomonee Falls. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $26, you have a lot of flexibility. Since this is a local road-focused drive, be mindful of speed limits and watch for frequent turns indicated by your navigation. A good tip is to ensure your GPS is up-to-date, as local road changes can sometimes catch drivers off guard, and this route relies heavily on precise navigation through smaller thoroughfares.
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 84.9 miles from Wausau, WI, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.4 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.9 miles or 1h 41m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Menomonee Falls, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wausau, 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 Wausau, WI
This is one driving day of about 169.7 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Wausau, 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 67.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.9 mi from Wausau, WI · 1h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.9 miles from Wausau, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.4 miles.
Arriving in Menomonee Falls, WI
The final approach into Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls, 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
$26.53 one way
$53.06 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.13 | $58.26 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.66 | $65.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.47 | $74.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.82 | $8.15 |
| Efficient EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.85 | $6.79 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.9 | 0 | $23.76 | $10.86 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Menomonee Falls, WI
Afternoon in Menomonee Falls on Thursday
Local time
12:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 16m 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 Wausau, WI to Menomonee Falls, WI covers 169.7 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 41, US 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 84.9 miles from Wausau, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.53 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 11 significant decision points across 169.7 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 0.1 miles (WI 52; US 51 Business / Scott Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.3 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Wausau, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI, road signs point toward Waupaca and Appleton.
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