Branson, MO to Wausau, WI: The Ultimate Highway 13 Road Trip Guide

This route begins at the intersection of US 65 and MO 76 in Branson, Missouri, and ends at the junction of US 51 and WI 29 in Wausau, Wisconsin. The total driving distance is 718 miles, with an estimated driving time of 11 hours and 45 minutes without stops. The road largely follows US 13 from Sikeston, Missouri, through Illinois and into Wisconsin, offering a direct path through the heart of the Midwest.

One interesting fact: US 13 in Illinois was originally part of the historic Route 4, a early auto trail connecting Chicago to St. Louis. This route passes through the Shawnee National Forest, one of the largest federally managed forests in the Midwest, covering over 280,000 acres.

The route transitions from the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri to the flat farmlands of Illinois and finally into the rolling hills and forests of central Wisconsin. Key natural attractions include:

• Shawnee National Forest (IL): Drive the scenic Tunnel Hill Trail, a 45-mile rail-trail with a 500-foot tunnel. Access near Vienna, IL, via US 45.
• Garden of the Gods (IL): A free-access area with dramatic sandstone formations. Located off IL 345, 10 miles south of Harrisburg.
• Devil's Lake State Park (WI): Located 15 miles north of Baraboo, a 500-foot deep gorge with quartzite bluffs. Best visited in fall for foliage.

Local commerce along the route includes Amish markets in Arthur, IL, known for handmade furniture and baked goods. Also, the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide offers tools to locate farm stands and artisan shops.

Fuel stations are plentiful along US 13 and interstates, but less frequent in remote stretches like the Shawnee National Forest. Average gas prices in spring 2025 are around $3.15/gallon in Missouri and $3.30 in Illinois and Wisconsin.

• Plan fuel stops every 150-200 miles; existing towns: Sikeston, MO; Effingham, IL; Champaign, IL; Bloomington, IL; Rockford, IL.
• Rest areas with restrooms are located at mile markers 45 (MO), 120 (IL), and 250 (WI).
• Road tolls: Illinois has toll roads on I-39 and I-90; cash or I-Pass accepted. Total toll cost about $8 for the route.

Road quality is generally good, with paved two-lane highways in rural areas and well-maintained interstates. Watch for deer and livestock crossings, especially in central Illinois between Decatur and Bloomington.

• Family rest stops: City of Monuments in Effingham, IL, with a free splash pad and picnic area.
• For fatigue management, recommended stops every 2 hours: Ruby's Diner in Salem, IL (mile 200) for coffee and pie; Culver's in Rockford, IL (mile 400) for frozen custard.
• Pet-friendly rest areas: All Illinois rest stops have designated pet exercise areas. In Wisconsin, rest areas on I-39 near Janesville offer fenced dog runs.