How far is Lake Mills, WI from La Crosse, WI?
The driving distance from Lake Mills, WI to La Crosse, WI is about 159.7 miles (257 km), with a travel time of about 02h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.9 miles (204.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 05m 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 32m.
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
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Mills and La Crosse.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Mills and La Crosse.
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1
Start on West Madison Street
10 m · 8 sec · West Madison Street
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2
Turn sharp left onto North Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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3
Take the ramp right
1931 ft · 47 sec
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4
Merge slight left
18.8 mi · 20 min
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
29.1 mi · 31 min
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6
Keep slight left
63.5 mi · 1 hr 8 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
39.1 mi · 42 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
1636 ft · 42 sec
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9
At the end of the road, turn left
4.9 mi · 9 min
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10
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
2575 ft · 2 min · Losey Boulevard North
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11
Turn right onto Main Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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12
Turn left onto 16th Street South
1.3 km · 2 min · 16th Street South
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13
Turn right onto Johnson Street
1824 ft · 1 min · Johnson Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Avenue South
99 m · 11 sec · West Avenue South
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Mills and La Crosse.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 39 North
Keep slight left
63.5 mi · 01h 08m
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 Lake Mills and Mostly Sunny near La Crosse.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Mills to La Crosse?
The road trip is about 159.7 miles (257 km) and usually takes 02h 32m 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 79.6 miles from Lake Mills and 80.2 miles from La Crosse.
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 32.8 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.23 one way or $42.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Lake Mills and Mostly Sunny near La Crosse.
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 Lake Mills and La Crosse. Straight-line distance: 126.93 mi (204.27 km).
#1 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 2,135 |
| Coordinates | 43.0813900, -88.9117700 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Crosse
The most populous city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 51,163 |
| Coordinates | 43.8013600, -91.2395800 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Avenue South (-91.239623, 43.801338)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.23 | $42.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.94 | $47.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.86 | $59.72 |
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.