Marvel at These 20 Fun-Filled Day Trips You Can Take From Milwaukee
Situated on the Lake Michigan shoreline, Milwaukee is a major Midwest city known for many things including its proud sports history, historic breweries, and unique museums.
But Milwaukee is also a gateway to adventure for travelers of all ages — the perfect starting point for travelers who want to explore more of Wisconsin and towns big and small throughout the Midwest. So if you’re up for adventure, consider these 20 day trips you can take within three hours of Brew City.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
About 1 hour away
Lake Geneva is a scenic year-round destination perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Visitors can soak up sunshine at the beach, interact with friendly animals at Safari Lake Geneva, stroll through Lake Geneva’s historic downtown, and even take hot air balloon rides over the city.
Road America
About 1 hour away
Nestled in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Road America is an absolute must-visit for motorsports enthusiasts. Known for its thrilling high-speed races, Road America draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and has hosted many major racing events in addition to local races. Its high speeds and challenging corners make it a favorite for spectators and drivers alike.
Madison, Wisconsin
About 1 hour, 20 minutes away
Wisconsin’s capital city is renowned as Wisconsin’s cultural hub, but it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Nestled between Mendota and Monona lakes, Madison offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, a thriving arts and music scene, unique eateries, tours of the Wisconsin State Capitol, and exciting annual events.
RELATED: Visit more of the best college towns in the Midwest.
Woodstock, Illinois
About 1 hour, 20 minutes away
You won’t experience deja vu in this small Illinois town where Groundhog Day was filmed — unless you’ve been here before. Curious travelers and fans of the movie can indulge in self-guided tours to different filming locations, including Gobbler’s Knob, the Cherry Tree Inn, and the Tip Top Cafe.
RELATED: Visit over 20 of the best hidden gems in Illinois.
National Mustard Museum
About 1 hour, 25 minutes away
Mustard fans will absolutely relish the chance to catch up (or ketchup?) on the fascinating history of mustard in Middleton, Wisconsin. Visitors will delight in perusing a collection of more than 4,000 jars, bottles, and tubes of mustard from dozens of countries along with mustard pots and unique gifts.
RELATED: Discover more of the most unique museums in the Midwest.
High Cliff State Park
About 1 hour, 40 minutes away
Travelers looking to escape into nature should make a beeline for Lake Winnebago in Sherwood, Wisconsin. Here, visitors can discover diverse landscapes and stunning views. Birdwatchers can search for rare species, fishermen can cast for lively catches, and history buffs can trek the Indian Mound Trail to ancient effigy mounds, providing a glimpse into the region’s Native American history.
RELATED: Discover more fascinating hidden gems in Wisconsin.
The History Museum at the Castle
About 1 hour, 40 minutes away
Housed inside a former Masonic Temple in Appleton, Wisconsin, this unique museum is most famous for its section dedicated to acclaimed magician Harry Houdini. Magic enthusiasts can see equipment, photos, and photos of Houdni and even try a few of his famous tricks for themselves.
RELATED: Visit the best small towns in Wisconsin.
Cave of the Mounds
About 1 hour, 40 minutes away
One of the most unique day trips from Milwaukee involves journeying underground into an ancient limestone world in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. It is here that travelers can take guided tours through narrow passageways adorned with delicate stalactites and shimmering stalagmites to gain a unique perspective of the wonders beneath the earth’s surface.
Mount Horeb Trollway
About 1 hour, 40 minutes away
Mount Horeb is a captivating small town in Wisconsin with Norwegian roots that’s known as the “Troll Capital of the World.” It’s earned that reputation thanks to nearly three dozen enchanting, unique, and colorful troll statues scattered throughout town — many of which are located on a road affectionately known as the Trollway.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
About 1 hour, 45 minutes away
Tucked just outside Madison, New Glarus offers a slice of Switzerland in the heart of Wisconsin, with Old World Charm, hospitality, and award-winning craft breweries. While the town’s craft brews are delicious, travelers can also stroll down quaint streets — lined with colorful Swiss chalet-style buildings — exploring an array of charming shops.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
About 1 hour, 50 minutes away
For fans of the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field in Green Bay is a football mecca. For non-football fans, Green Bay still provides plenty of day trip excitement. Bay Beach Amusement Park provides fun for all ages, including a vintage wooden rollercoaster. The Green Bay Botanical Garden is also a fun stop, offering scenic walking paths through beautiful gardens.
Wisconsin Dells
About 1 hour, 50 minutes away
With dozens of attractions and restaurants, multiple parks, and exquisite scenery, the Wisconsin Dells are the perfect family vacation spot. Kids can spend the day at an outdoor waterpark or playground, and families can see the wonders of the Dells on a double-decker boat tour of the Wisconsin River.
RELATED: For a thrilling adventure in the heart of the Dells, take a tour of Witches Gulch — a narrow, winding gorge that offers stunning beauty.
Chicago, Illinois
About 1 hour, 50 minutes away
The Windy City has so much to do that you may want to spend an extra day or two here. When you’re not digging into iconic Chicago foods, you can travel to The Bean, Willis Tower, the Art Institute, Wrigley Field, and other Chicago landmarks. Whether you want to see as much of the city as you can or relax at one of the city’s many parks or beaches, the possibilities are endless.
Taliesin Preservation
About 2 hours away
Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Prarie-style architecture can be found all over the Midwest and this hidden gem in Spring Green, Wisconsin isn’t to be missed. Curious travelers and architecture buffs alike can visit this testament to Wright’s vision and genius, seeing his work up close and finding intricate details and fun surprises everywhere they look.
Montello Granite Quarry
About 2 hours away
The Badger State is home to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls and four scenic (and artificial) waterfalls can be found in downtown Montello at Daggett Park. Set inside a historic granite quarry, the waterfalls make for a beautiful photo op as rushing water cascades off massive granite slabs.
Big Falls
About 2 hours, 20 minutes away
Since you’ve already visited waterfalls on your day trip travels, why not add one more to the list? This one — just east of Eau Claire, Wisconsin — is perfect on a hot summer day, offering a chance to swim or tube down the multiple levels of the falls and cool off in the summer heat.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
About 2 hours, 20 minutes away
This picturesque town on the Lake Michigan shore is a perfect escape for travelers longing for the serenity of the lakeshore. Visitors can enjoy time on and by the water, watch boats coming and going from local marinas, or enjoy local events like the Steel Bridge Songfest, which has traditionally been a venue for acclaimed performances from well-known artists.
Dubuque, Iowa
About 2 hours, 40 minutes away
This hopping hub on the Mississippi River has perfect day trip destinations for every traveler. The Fenelon Place Elevator — the world’s shortest railway — allows scenic views of three states at once; the Mines of Spain Recreation Area offers a chance to see the famous Horseshoe Bluffs and a trip to Crystal Lake Cave offers a chance for an unforgettable underground adventure.
Indiana Dunes State Park
About 2 hours, 45 minutes away
This scenic part of Northern Indiana is an annual rite of summer for many Midwesterners. Visitors can enjoy over three miles of Lake Michigan lakeshore, scenic dunes, nine different beaches, forests, and marshes — a true outdoor paradise where every visitor can carve out a slice of lakeside paradise.
Galena, Illinois
About 2 hours, 50 minutes away
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Galena is “The Town That Time Forgot” and worthy of a day trip. Visitors can explore stunning homes like the Belvedere Mansion and the Ulysses S. Grant home, visit unique museums, or explore downtown Galena for a fascinating look into the past.
Take Off From Milwaukee on a Memorable Day Trip
If you’re the type of traveler who loves exploring new places, Milwaukee is the perfect launching point for more Midwest adventures. From quaint small towns and scenic waterfalls to capital cities and major Midwest hubs, there’s a memorable adventure awaiting you, so hop in your car and hit the open road. Happy exploring!