Road Trip from Ames, Iowa to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin: Calculate the Cost Based on Current Gas Prices

Do you love road trips as much as I do? Driving between two states can give you a chance to experience new adventures, see new landscapes, and create new memories. However, before you set out on your journey, it's important to estimate the cost of your trip to avoid any surprises. In this guide, I will help you calculate the cost of driving from Ames, Iowa to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The fastest route, according to Google Maps, is via I-90 E and has a distance of 307 miles. The trip takes about 5 hours and 6 minutes. If you have a car that consumes gas at an average rate, you can expect to spend around $45.82 on gas for a one-way trip. You will have to cross the state line from Iowa to Wisconsin on this route, but you won't have to pay any tolls.

Route 2: Taking Scenic Roads

If you have time to spare and enjoy taking scenic routes, you may want to take US-151 N and US-51 N, which is approximately 329 miles long and takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes. Although this option takes longer, you'll get to see the beautiful natural scenery that the Midwest has to offer. However, because this route is longer, you can expect to spend about $49.35 on gas for every one-way trip. Furthermore, you will have to pay a toll of $2.70 as you cross the border from Illinois to Wisconsin.

Route 3: Avoiding Tolls

If you're trying to save money and don't want to pay tolls, you can take a different route. Drive to US-151 N and take I-39 N / US-51 N via the Decorah Ridge and Cranberry Creek state wildlife areas. This route is approximately 312 miles long and takes about 5 hours and 19 minutes. You can save a bit of money by not paying a toll, but you'll still need to factor in the cost of gas, which is approximately $47.76 for a one-way trip.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Ames, Iowa to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin can be an enjoyable and memorable journey. However, it's essential to budget your trip correctly so that you don't find yourself running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. As we've just seen, the cost of driving depends on the route you choose, and you may want to consider the time it will take you, the scenic options available, and how much you are willing to spend on gas and tolls. Safe travels!