How far is La Crosse, WI from Lake Mills, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Lake Mills, WI is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.9 miles (204.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 02h 58m.
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 Juneau County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Lake Mills.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Lake Mills.
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1
Start on West Avenue South
1.1 km · 2 min · West Avenue South
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2
Turn right
107 m · 12 sec
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3
Turn straight onto Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · Main Street
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4
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
2555 ft · 1 min · Losey Boulevard North
-
5
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 8 min
-
6
Take the ramp slight right
2171 ft · 53 sec
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7
Merge slight left
131 mi · 2 hr 20 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
19.5 mi · 21 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward WI 89: Lake Mills, Waterloo
1198 ft · 29 sec
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10
Keep slight right
36 m · 3 sec
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11
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North Main Street
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12
Turn sharp right onto West Madison Street
10 m · 1 sec · West Madison Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and Lake Mills.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Losey Boulevard North
Merge slight left
131 mi · 02h 20m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving La Crosse and Mostly Sunny near Lake Mills.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Lake Mills?
The road trip is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Lyndon Station is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.2 miles from La Crosse and 79.4 miles from Lake Mills.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.9 miles (204.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.7 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.12 one way or $42.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around La Crosse and Mostly Sunny near Lake Mills.
Stop Ideas Near Lyndon Station
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 Lyndon Station.
Wisconsin Dells
Portage
Westfield, WI
Tomah
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Lake Mills. Straight-line distance: 126.93 mi (204.27 km).
#1 La Crosse
The most populous city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 51,163 |
| Coordinates | 43.8013600, -91.2395800 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 2,135 |
| Coordinates | 43.0813900, -88.9117700 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Mills (-88.91177, 43.08139)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.12 | $42.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.82 | $47.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.06 | $52.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.70 | $59.40 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.