How far is Eau Claire, WI from Rice Lake, WI?
The driving distance from Eau Claire, WI to Rice Lake, WI is about 58.8 miles (94.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.4 miles (79.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 09m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eau Claire and Rice Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eau Claire and Rice Lake.
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1
Start on East Grand Avenue
11 m · 8 sec · East Grand Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Farwell Street
2012 ft · 49 sec · South Farwell Street
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3
Turn right onto East Madison Street
1102 ft · 31 sec · East Madison Street
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4
Continue on Germania Street
884 ft · 23 sec · Germania Street
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5
Continue on Birch Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Birch Street
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6
Continue on River Prairie Drive
1.1 km · 2 min · River Prairie Drive
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7
Turn left
1444 ft · 37 sec
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8
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 59 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward WI 48: Rice Lake, Cumberland
1912 ft · 46 sec
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Knapp Avenue
7 m · 1 sec · Knapp Avenue
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Knapp Avenue
1499 ft · 30 sec · Knapp Avenue
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12
Turn straight onto West Knapp Street
1.2 km · 2 min · West Knapp Street
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13
Turn right onto Tainter Avenue
987 ft · 49 sec · Tainter Avenue
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14
Turn left onto West Evans Street
42 m · 6 sec · West Evans Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Evans Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eau Claire and Rice Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
River Prairie Drive
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 00h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Eau Claire and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rice Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eau Claire to Rice Lake?
The road trip is about 58.8 miles (94.6 km) and usually takes 01h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
New Auburn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.4 miles from Eau Claire and 29.4 miles from Rice Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.4 miles (79.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.81 one way or $15.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Eau Claire and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rice Lake.
Stop Ideas Near New Auburn
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to New Auburn.
Chippewa Falls, WI
Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire, WI
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eau Claire and Rice Lake. Straight-line distance: 49.4 mi (79.5 km).
#1 Eau Claire
The most populous city in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 67,065 |
| Coordinates | 44.8113500, -91.4984900 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rice Lake
City in Barron County, Wisconsin, United States
| Population | 3,078 |
| Coordinates | 45.5060700, -91.7382300 |
| Altitude | 350 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rice Lake (-91.73823, 45.50607)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.81 | $15.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.80 | $17.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.63 | $19.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.98 | $21.96 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Wisconsin · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.