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Wisconsin is much more than small towns and beautiful highways. Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, is steeped in history and culture. This city, which has gained notoriety thanks to its unique breweries and exciting baseball league, is constantly growing to meet the increasing number of attractions and visitors.
There’s a lot of charm waiting for you on some great road trips from Milwaukee and its urban core such as antiquing, hiking at a state park, or hanging out in a quaint café. While you may visit any of these places year-round, summer is the perfect time to leave the city for a more rural environment and taking on some of the great road trips from Milwaukee.
So, whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, you’ll find helpful information here on what to see and do on some pretty great road trips from Milwaukee. You may visit any of these places within an hour’s drive and still be back in the city in time for dinner.
WISCONSIN DELLS
Distance from Milwaukee: 123 miles, a two-hour drive (or train ride)
Wisconsin is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” More than twenty hotels provide waterparks, either indoors or outside. Wisconsin Dells offers more than just its famous water parks, though.
Take in the beautiful surroundings of the ocean. The opportunities for kayaking and other water tours are numerous. Plus, it would help if you took advantage of a boat tour to Witches Gulch. Wisconsin Deer Park is great for kids of all ages since it allows them to interact with wild deer by tossing corn from ice cream cones to the roving herd.
Go for a stroll in the woods or on the beach if the weather is pleasant and you feel like getting some fresh air. Wisconsin Dells is home to several tourist hotspots, such as the Timbavati Wildlife Park and the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
The Timbavati Wildlife Park features many exotic animals and informative displays. Wisconsin Dells is one of the best weekend road trips from Milwaukee due to the abundance of exciting things to do there.
DOOR COUNTY
Distance from Milwaukee: 153 miles, 2.25-hour drive
Door County is a popular Wisconsin vacation destination because of its miles of sandy beach, charming small towns, and breathtaking natural attractions. Whether a first-timer or an old pro, you can’t go wrong with any of Door County’s kayak tours. Outdoor enthusiasts will find heaven in Door County.
Among the outdoor activities available are horseback riding, hiking, paddling, and tenting. Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, and Ephraim are visited by many looking to experience the quaintness of small-town America. Visit different lighthouses throughout the Great Lakes and learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage.
This place is great for telling stories around an open fire while sipping Old Fashioneds. As there are many cherry orchards, there are also many fish boils and cherry sweets. Door County’s many shipwrecks make scuba diving an exciting activity. Diving among the wrecks is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
If you’re looking for great winter day road trips from Milwaukee and prefer ice fishing or snowshoeing, then Door County is a great option. Door County is an excellent option if you’re seeking the most incredible road excursions from Milwaukee.
GREEN BAY
Distance from Milwaukee: 121 miles, 1.75-hour drive
Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is the oldest community in the state.
Bay Beach, located not far from Green Bay, is an amusement park that seems like a blast from the past and is well worth a day of your time if you haven’t visited before.
You should attend a game at Lambeau Field during football season and cheer for the Packers if you’re ever in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During the offseason, the stadium is open for tours, where you can see what it looks like from a private suite.
While football is undeniably vital to the people of Green Bay, the city has much more to offer. The National Railroad Museum is the largest and oldest museum in the United States devoted to educating the public about railroads.
Families might rather spend their time at Bay Beach Amusement Park or the Children’s Museum of Green Bay, both of which have interactive displays. Since their opening in 1892, locals have had over 130 years of roller coasters.
You can spend a few hours letting your inner child run wild on the park’s many traditional rides and carnival activities. Heritage Hill State Historical Park is a one-of-a-kind outdoor living history museum and a must-see for history buffs.
LAKE GENEVA
Distance from Milwaukee: 58 minutes driving, 54 miles
The city of Lake Geneva in southwestern Wisconsin is stunning. A popular destination located on the beaches of Lake Geneva, the city offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Lake Geneva is a popular vacation destination with a ski resort and historic residences dating back to the 18th century.
The winter season is a great time to go ziplining if you’re an adventure seeker and want to see the snowy scenery from a unique perspective. Try out some lake kayaking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in the summer or winter.
The Geneva Lake Shore Path is an excellent hiking destination. Most people enjoy taking a stroll along this trail. There are also many other activities and sights to see in the region, such as golf courses, zipline canopy tours, and countless possibilities for water sports on the lake.
Stroll around the lake, stopping to admire the boats and beautiful scenery from a bench. Retail and dining options abound in the central business district. If you need a rainy-day activity, the Geneva Lake Museum is a great choice to view the lake and the city’s history.
There is something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line or seek excitement on the 26-mile walking trail. As a result, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is; there are many fun things on road trips from Milwaukee.
WASHINGTON ISLAND
Distance from Milwaukee: The direct drive from Milwaukee to Washington Island is 207 mi (333 km) and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 40 mins in regular traffic.
Washington Island, the biggest of five islands open to visitors off the coast of Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula, is home to some beautiful natural scenery and a variety of wildlife. Discover this beautiful place via bike, canoe, or Cherry Tram tour.
After disembarking the ferry, you can go sightseeing or eat. Vacationers go to Lake Michigan’s wild coast for its expansive beaches, sunset lookouts, and fisherman’s docks rather than its swimming pools and miniature golf courses.
Washington Island is the best place to take it easy and see where the day takes you with a plethora of winding paths that end at water, towering Cedar trees that groan in the wind through the woodland, and delicately sprinkled wildflowers scattered across grassy meadows.
PORT WASHINGTON
Distance from Milwaukee: 33 minutes, 30 miles
Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Port Washington’s convenient location on the shores of Lake Michigan. The lakeside art deco lighthouse is a notable structure. You can’t predict what surprises you’ll uncover when you stroll through the lakeside shopping district.
Port Washington feels like a little slice of New England in the middle of Wisconsin. Following some retail therapy at one of the many quaint, historic businesses, tourists can take a trip down to the harbor to see the town’s famous art deco lighthouse.
The massive castle-like structure of the Possibility Playground will be a hit with your children. Visit the marina, the art deco lighthouse, and the quaint downtown area. Located less than 30 miles from Milwaukee, Port Washington is close enough for a day excursion.
From Milwaukee, this is one of the best day trips you can take in Wisconsin; you shouldn’t miss it. Milwaukee is an excellent option for weekend trips when there’s an event you’d like to attend.
CHICAGO
Distance from Milwaukee: 92 miles, 1.5-hour drive (or train ride)
If you’re a tourist searching for a taste of creative culture or the excitement of the big city, there’s no better place to go than the metropolis. Each time someone visits Chicago, they are awestruck by the city’s immensity and the magnificent buildings they see.
The skyline backdrop of Chicago’s skyscrapers along the riverfront Riverwalk is stunning. It’s a great weekend getaway destination because there’s so much to see and do, like the Magnificent Mile, downtown Chicago, and Navy Pier.
The Windy City is famous not only for its delicious cuisine but also for impressive skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and architectural wonders. Therefore, Chicago is an excellent option if you’re seeking a change of scenery.
Museums line the lakeshore in plenty. The Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago are all examples. The ice rink at Millennium Park and the observation deck atop Willis Tower are two great options for winter day trips from Milwaukee.
In summer, enjoy lake watersports. Chicago hosts yearly events and festivals.
You’ll gain new knowledge. John Hancock Center, Skydeck Chicago, and Willis Tower have great city views.
Chicago is a great place to go shopping because it has everything from upscale boutiques to budget retailers. Get your bearings with a guided stroll, and then go shopping or sightseeing at your own pace. Regardless of the season, road trips from Milwaukee to Chicago is a must.
ELKHART LAKE
Distance from Milwaukee: 1 hour, 2 minutes, 60 miles
Elkhart Lake is one of the oldest and deepest resort lakes in the Midwest, and it’s only an hour from Milwaukee and two and a half hours from Chicago. Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine State Forest is where you’ll find a lake that spans 292 acres.
You may catch Bluegill, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in this clean and clear lake, which is also great for swimming, kayaking, and general recreation.
Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and riding snowmobiles on the ice of the lake are all popular winter activities. You can find Delicious food at various restaurants in the area, including the bistro-style Lake Street Café and the unique Paddock Club.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, has become a popular tourist destination thanks to the hundreds of visitors it receives in the summer months and throughout the racing season. The town is home to beautiful hotels, exciting attractions for people of all ages, and delicious restaurants. At Elkhart, your family can relive the golden era of lakeside vacations from the 1950s.
EAU CLAIRE
Distance from Milwaukee: 217 miles, 3.5 hours drive
Less than two hours north of La Crosse, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a great stop for those who wish to catch a glimpse of the natural splendor of western Wisconsin. Explore the sculptures and art galleries of Eau Claire to get a feel for the city’s visual art scene.
The Local Store and Tangled Up in Hue are local businesses where you can support the local arts community and witness our work in action. Banbury Place is the perfect place if you like outdoor art.
Eau Claire’s annual art crawl, during which artists from all over the country set up shop to sell and show their wares, takes place every year at Banbury Place. Sculpture Tour Eau Claire is the largest sculpture walk in the United States. Children of all ages may explore the human body at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s Body Smarts display.
The Beaver Creek Reserve has miles of hiking trails and a seasonal butterfly house. Several local brewers welcome guests, and there are many scenic spots to explore. Whatever you do in Eau Claire, you’ll certainly want to take more road trips from Milwaukee to this beautiful town.
GURNEE MILLS
Distance from Milwaukee: 49 miles, a 45-minute drive
This village in Illinois is a short trip from Milwaukee. From Milwaukee, you may quickly go to this Illinois town. From downtown Milwaukee, it’s merely a quick 49-minute trip via I-94 West, which covers most of the 81-kilometer distance.
Gurnee is known for Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills outlet mall. Gurnee Mills has 170 stores, including Forever 21, H&M, Guess Factory Store, Nike Clearance Store, and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
Visitors to the Gurnee Marcus Cinema can enjoy a meal at one of many excellent restaurants, such as the Rainforest Café or Buffalo Wild Wings.KeyLime Cove, a hotel and water park with a spa, shops, and six restaurants, has become the town’s primary attraction, drawing vacationers from the Midwest searching for rest.
STURGEON BAY
Located in the upper peninsula of Wisconsin’s Door County, Sturgeon Bay is a sleepy little community. This city has several parks and recreational spaces on the western shores of Lake Michigan.
The Door County Winery and Distillery is a popular destination same as the Cave Point County Park. Door County Maritime Museum must-see. It has a shipwreck and lighthouse. Glidden Lodge Restaurant has terrific meals. It’s one of Wisconsin’s best supper clubs and has a beautiful lake view.
Visit the Door County Maritime Museum and the Cana Island Lighthouse to learn more about the region’s shipbuilding history and Swedish roots. There are five state parks in Door County, all of which provide easy walks and breathtaking views of the lake.
LA CROSSE
One of the most underrated cities in the United States is La Crosse. Located on the Mississippi River, this charming town is awash with history and surrounded by stunning scenery. You’ll find some of the highest bluffs along the Wisconsin Great River Road in and near La Crosse.
Hotels, restaurants, shopping, museums, and landmarks abound. Many arts, outdoors, sports, and entertainment possibilities are easily accessible. The Driftless Area’s twisty, hilly roads are perfect for motorcyclists.
Several excellent kinds of cheese are in the Midwest, from Milwaukee to La Crosse. There are several methods to achieve the authentic Wisconsinite cheese-eating experience. Fried cheese curds and beer cheese soup are staples at most restaurants, and few things are as delightful (or as audible) as a curd straight from the cheesemaker.
Riverside Park is excellent for people looking to unwind or get some exercise, thanks to its walking pathways and peaceful atmosphere. Many events happen there, and it also has magnificent sculptures and a beautiful waterfront location.
You can also tour the lake aboard the La Crosse Queen paddleboat. A fall road trip through La Crosse, Wisconsin, could be the greatest you’ve ever had, thanks to the city’s gorgeous foliage and the abundance of local festivals and customs.
STATE PARKS
Some of the best state parks in Wisconsin are perfect for a day of relaxing outdoor activities with the kids. The best state parks provide breathtaking scenery, miles of trails, various outdoor pursuits, and cozy picnic places.
Each offers something unique regarding scenery, pleasure, and historical significance.
Wisconsin’s top parks and recreation locations include something for everyone, whether they want to spend their time paddling a kayak, climbing a mountain, or simply taking in some fresh air.
1. Devil’s Lake State Park
If you’re stuck trying to choose a state of Wisconsin park to visit, make it Devil’s Lake State Park. Devil’s Lake State Park, located on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, boasts breathtaking vistas from the park’s 500-foot quartzite bluffs, which gaze out over the park’s 360-acre lake. It’s around 185 kilometers (115 miles) from Milwaukee to Devil’s Lake State Park.
It’s the most visited park in Wisconsin and a popular destination for those who want to fish, swim, or take out a boat. Nearly thirty miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, bathing beaches, paddling opportunities, and naturalist programs are available to guests.
Devil’s Lake State Park, on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, is renowned for its breathtaking views from the park’s 500-foot quartzite bluffs, which gaze out over the park’s 360-acre lake.
Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the best campgrounds in Wisconsin Dells.
Hiking around Devil’s Lake is a fantastic wintertime pastime in Wisconsin Dells, but it’s enjoyable any time of year. It’s also a common place for Wisconsinites to go on spring break with their kids. The park has a lot of great spots for picnics.
If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll love that the Bamboo Hills are close by, providing excellent rock climbing and trekking opportunities. Walk along the lakeside, take one of the many routes up the bluff, and take the view from there. Go to the beach and build sandcastles if the weather is nice enough.
2. Whitefish Dunes State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County is a 2.5-hour drive from Milwaukee and features paths between Lake Michigan and the woodland. The long, stunning beach is perfect for strolling and seems to continue forever. In recent years, the rising tide has severely damaged the beach, leaving the road from the tourist center to the seaside completely impassable.
The state park’s hiking routes are excellent and bike-free, making for serene strolls. Walk along the shores of Lake Michigan or explore the vast dunes and forested areas of this day-use park. Programs, exhibitions, and displays are at a nature center at any time of the year.
If you want to get out into the bay, the best places to do so are the boat launches at Schauer Park and Whitefish Bay Dunes, both south of the pier. Before you go, ensure you know how hot or cold the water is and how big the waves will be.
In the winter, the park opens its paths for skiing, and visitors may even go for candlelit night skiers on select nights. If you want to go swimming in the lake, you’ll have to wait until July before the water is comfortable, but as long as the wind stays on the shore, the lake will be warm all summer.
Final Thoughts on Great Road Trips from Milwaukee
Nobody understands the importance of embracing the journey more than Wisconsinites and weekend road trips are popular among locals. Hands down, road trips from Milwaukee has a lot going for them, but occasionally a weekend away is preferable over staying home.
