Hopkins, MN → Milwaukee, WI

302 mi · 6h 2m (driving)

⚠️

Current Risk

Medium Risk

Fog expected

Driveable now

Driveable - use caution

Based on weather forecast

Add traffic to your estimate
☁️

Hopkins

72°

☁️

Town of Glencoe

73°

🌧️

Town of Dell Prairie

76°

🌫️

Milwaukee

69°

GOING
Thu, Aug 13

Trip Briefing

3 segments · 302 mi · 6h 2m

Weather

☁️ Overcast

73°F, wind 6 mph

Rest Stops

14

Restrooms, Truck svc

Cameras

4 live

Clear driving conditions expected

Rest stops in this segment:

  • Rest Area 🚻
  • Rest Area 🚻
  • Rest Area

Normal Traffic

No traffic incidents reported

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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.

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Choose your route:

Selected Route

Via I-394 East → I-94 East → I-794

MN 7MN 100I-394 EastI-94 EastI-794

Cameras shown are along this computed route

Need a custom route?
I-794
1 camera
I-794  - I-794 at James Lovell St
1

I-794 - I-794 at James Lovell St

WI ·

Other
11 cameras
I-94  - I-94 at WIS 35/2nd St
2

I-94 - I-94 at WIS 35/2nd St

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at 14th St
3

I-94 - I-94 at 14th St

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at County B
4

I-94 - I-94 at County B

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at WIS 29
5

I-94 - I-94 at WIS 29

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at County HH
6

I-94 - I-94 at County HH

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at US12/WIS 27
7

I-94 - I-94 at US12/WIS 27

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at County EW Warrens
8

I-94 - I-94 at County EW Warrens

WI ·

I-90/94  - I-90/94 at WIS 82
9

I-90/94 - I-90/94 at WIS 82

WI ·

I-90/94  - I-90/94 at County A
10

I-90/94 - I-90/94 at County A

WI ·

I-39/90/94  - I-39/90/94 at County V
11

I-39/90/94 - I-39/90/94 at County V

WI ·

I-94  - I-94 at WIS 89
12

I-94 - I-94 at WIS 89

WI ·

Rest Stops Along Your Route

35 stops available

Swipe to see more

Rest Area

Near start

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

Near start

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

6% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

St. Croix Rest Area

9% along route

Open
Restrooms

Saint Croix Weigh Station

10% along route

Open
Restrooms

TA

0192 • 12% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Flying J Travel Center

14% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

14% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

23% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

24% along route

Open
Restrooms

Menomonie Eastbound Rest Area 61

EB • 24% along route

Open
Restrooms

Love's Travel Stop

25% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

25% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

29% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

37% along route

Open
Restrooms

Flying J Travel Center

45% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

46% along route

Open
Restrooms

Black River Falls Rest Area 54

46% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

46% along route

Open
Restrooms

Millston Rest Area 53

47% along route

Open
Restrooms

Love's Travel Stop

345 • 54% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Road Ranger

54% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

60% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

60% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Pilot Travel Center

60% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Lyndon Station Rest Area 9

61% along route

Open
Restrooms

Mauston Rest Area 10

62% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

65% along route

Open
Restrooms

Petro Stopping Centers

0403 • 71% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Portage Rest Area 11

72% along route

Open
Restrooms

Poynette Rest Area 12

72% along route

Open
Restrooms

Love's Travel Stop

72% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

TA

0050 • 76% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Johnson Creek Rest Area 14

85% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

86% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food
🔔

Get Weather Alerts for This Route

We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.

Recent Weather Events on This Route

Premium users received alerts for these conditions:

  • 🌧️
    Aug 11: Heavy rain expected near Town of Dell Prairie - consider afternoon departure
  • 🌫️
    Aug 8: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile

Don't miss the next alert →

Driving from Hopkins, MN to Milwaukee, WI covers 302 miles in roughly 6h 2m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 35 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.

7-Day Driving Outlook

Today

Aug 13

☁️🌧️

83° / 72°

No precip

Safe

Tomorrow

Aug 14

🌧️🌦️

82° / 70°

No precip

Caution

Sat

Aug 15

🌧️🌦️

82° / 69°

No precip

Caution

Sun

Aug 16

☁️🌧️

81° / 70°

No precip

Safe

Mon

Aug 17

🌤️☁️

82° / 64°

No precip

Safe

Tue

Aug 18

☁️🌤️

84° / 67°

No precip

Safe

Wed

Aug 19

🌧️🌧️

80° / 67°

No precip

Risky

🗓️ Weekend Outlook

Saturday

Good to Go

🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination

Sunday

Good to Go

☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination

Plan This Route

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Current Conditions

Hopkins, MN

☁️

72°F

Wind: 5 mph

Milwaukee, WI

🌫️

69°F

Wind: 3 mph

Weather data updated in real-time

Driving from Hopkins, MN to Milwaukee, WI

The 302-mile drive from Hopkins, Minnesota to Milwaukee, Wisconsin takes approximately 6h 2m 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 long-distance route crosses state lines from Minnesota into Wisconsin, connecting Hopkins and Milwaukee. Covering 302 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe 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 Hopkins to Milwaukee

For medium-distance drives like this 302-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.

Driving Strategy

A 302-mile drive from Hopkins to Milwaukee takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.

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 Hopkins to Milwaukee?

The drive is approximately 302 miles and takes about 6h 2m 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, Aug 18 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions

Is it safe to drive from Hopkins to Milwaukee today?

Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.

Are there rest areas on the Hopkins to Milwaukee route?

Yes, there are 35 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-794, Other. 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?

No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.

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Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.

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