How far is Shell Lake, WI from La Crosse, WI?
The driving distance from Shell Lake, WI to La Crosse, WI is about 163.7 miles (263.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.1 miles (222.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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 54m.
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.
City in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shell Lake and La Crosse.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shell Lake and La Crosse.
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1
Start on the route
1.1 km · 54 sec
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2
Turn right onto County Road B
4.7 mi · 8 min · County Road B
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3
At the end of the road, turn right
73.5 mi · 1 hr 22 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward WI 93
1806 ft · 44 sec
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5
Continue on WI 93
1908 ft · 49 sec
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6
Continue on State Highway 93
15 mi · 21 min · State Highway 93
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7
Continue on Lake Park Drive
1683 ft · 44 sec · Lake Park Drive
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8
Continue on Main Street North
1789 ft · 53 sec · Main Street North
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9
Continue on State Highway 93
15.3 mi · 21 min · State Highway 93
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10
Continue on Osseo Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · Osseo Road
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11
Continue on Washington Street
1211 ft · 41 sec · Washington Street
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12
Continue on Burrows Road
1754 ft · 60 sec · Burrows Road
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13
Continue on Diagonal Street
720 ft · 19 sec · Diagonal Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 93
21.3 mi · 30 min · State Highway 93
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15
Continue on State Highway 93
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 93
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16
Continue straight
14.8 mi · 18 min
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17
Turn straight
3208 ft · 1 min
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18
Turn slight right
744 ft · 18 sec
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19
Turn straight
3.4 mi · 6 min
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20
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
2575 ft · 2 min · Losey Boulevard North
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21
Turn right onto Main Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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22
Turn left onto 16th Street South
1.3 km · 2 min · 16th Street South
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23
Turn right onto Johnson Street
1824 ft · 1 min · Johnson Street
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24
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Avenue South
99 m · 11 sec · West Avenue South
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shell Lake and La Crosse.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
At the end of the road, turn right
73.5 mi · 01h 22m
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 Shell Lake and Sunny near La Crosse.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shell Lake to La Crosse?
The road trip is about 163.7 miles (263.4 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?
Altoona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.7 miles from Shell Lake and 82 miles from La Crosse.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.1 miles (222.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.6 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.76 one way or $43.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Shell Lake and Sunny near La Crosse.
Stop Ideas Near Altoona
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 Altoona.
Eau Claire, WI
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Eau Claire, WI
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shell Lake and La Crosse. Straight-line distance: 138.06 mi (222.19 km).
#1 Shell Lake
City in and county seat of Washburn County, Wisconsin
| Population | 1,318 |
| Coordinates | 45.7393900, -91.9254500 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.76 | $43.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.54 | $49.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.85 | $53.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.60 | $61.21 |
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 · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.