Madison, WI → Sturgeon Bay, WI
158 mi · 3h 9m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Sturgeon Bay — consider delaying
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Madison
34°
Town of Waupun
38°
Town of Holland
38°
Sturgeon Bay
35°
Wind gusts up to 22 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 158 mi · 3h 10m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
38°F, wind 15 mph
Rest Stops
2
Truck svc
Cameras
7 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● TA
- ● Rest Area
Hazards Ahead
4 road closures may affect your route · 34 construction zones on route
34 Construction Zones on Route
John Nolen Drive northbound: Long-term: Roadwork - Local Road Left Lane Closed from E Olin Ave to Monona Terrace
US-151 northbound: Roadwork - Mainline Moving Lane Closure on US 151 NB from Old WIS-73 Rd (Bridge Crossing) to Dodge - Fond DU Lac CO Line. Daily from 11/09/2026 to 11/13/2026, 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM, M, T, W, Th, F
WI-44 northbound: Roadwork - Mainline Flagging Operation on WIS 44 NB from Bonnieview Rd to Ripon Place. Daily from 11/11/2026 to 10/29/2027, 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM, M, T, W, Th, F (excluding Sun, Sat)
WI-44 northbound: Roadwork - Mainline Flagging Operation on WIS 44 NB from Knott Rd to Clairville Rd. Daily from 11/11/2026 to 10/29/2027, 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM, M, T, W, Th, F (excluding Sun, Sat)
WI-44 northbound: Roadwork - Mainline Flagging Operation on WIS 44 NB from Ripon Place to Waukau Ave. Daily from 11/11/2026 to 10/29/2027, 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM, M, T, W, Th, F (excluding Sun, Sat)
WI-44 northbound: Long-term: Roadwork - Mainline Various Lanes Closed on WIS 44 NB from W 3rd Ave to Pearl Ave
+ 28 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Highway Message Signs
US 12/14 US 12/14 EB @ E of Whitney Way
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
US 12/14/18/151 US 12/14/18 EB @ W of Park St
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
US 12/18 US 12/18 WB @ W of Rimrock Rd
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
US 12/18 US 12/18 EB @ E of West Broadway (MM 264.2)
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-39 North → I-90 → ... → US-10 East → I-43 South
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-39/90 at County BB/Cottage Grove Rd
Dane, WI ·
I-39/90 at I-94
Dane, WI ·
I-39/90/94 at County T
Dane, WI ·
I-39/90/94 at US 151
Dane, WI ·
US 151 at American Pkwy
Dane, WI ·
US 151 at County C
Dane, WI ·
US 151 at County N
Dane, WI ·
I-41 at County Z
Winnebago, WI ·
I-41 at Nee-vin Rd
Winnebago, WI ·
I-41 @ Ballard Rd
Outagamie, WI ·
I-41 at Larry Ln
Brown, WI ·
I-43 at Webster Ave
Brown, WI ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
8 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 8
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 158-mile half-day drive from Madison to Sturgeon Bay stays within WI and takes about 3h 9m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 8 rest areas and 4 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
39° / 34°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
42° / 31°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
45° / 31°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 33°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
49° / 35°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
50° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
55° / 47°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌫️ Fog at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Madison, WI
34°F
Wind: 11 mph
Sturgeon Bay, WI
35°F
Wind: 22 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Madison, WI to Sturgeon Bay, WI
The 158-mile drive from Madison, Wisconsin to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin takes approximately 3h 9m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route stays within Wisconsin, connecting Madison and Sturgeon Bay. A drive of 158 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Madison to Sturgeon Bay
For shorter trips like this 158-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 158 miles, the Madison to Sturgeon Bay drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Madison to Sturgeon Bay?
The drive is approximately 158 miles and takes about 3h 9m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Madison to Sturgeon Bay today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Madison to Sturgeon Bay route?
Yes, there are 8 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-39 North, US-151, I-41, I-43 South. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 4 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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