Top 12 Day Trips From Madison, Wisconsin

day trips from madison wi
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The state capital of Wisconsin and a culture-rich university town, Madison is a captivating city, which offers different attractions for each kind of traveler alongside stunning hotels with a water park for accommodation. One of the highlights is its capitol building, which resembles the one in Washington, D.C. Wisconsin State Capitol and Capitol Square reflect the architecture and artistic prowess of the city, which you can see in its granite and marble structure. Another must-visit is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which is named after its founder, Michael Olbrich. Located on a 16-acre (6.5-hectare) property, it features numerous outdoor gardens with picturesque landscapes that contain Midwest-hardy plants. If you’re done with all the tours in Madison, Wisconsin, while putting up at one of the best hotels to stay, it is time to move on to the nearby places. Scroll through our list of the top day trips from Madison, Wisconsin.

1. Elkhart Lake, WI

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Travel Tip 4: Keep Elkhart Blue The lake — It’s the gem of our village, and when we all treat it like one then we all...

Posted by Elkhart Lake, WI on Friday, April 21, 2023

Your trip to Madison is not complete without a visit to the serene Elkhart Lake which is a charming destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and small-town allure. The town is centered around its pristine namesake lake, creating a haven for water enthusiasts, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing on the sandy shores.

The area is also known for its motorsports heritage, with the famous Road America race track attracting racing enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond the lake and racing, Elkhart Lake boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries serving delicious cuisine. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque hiking and biking trails to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.

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2. Sun Prairie, WI

Sun Prairie Cornfest Midway - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Corey Coyle used under CC BY 3.0

Sun Prairie is a charming city that perfectly blends small-town charm and modern amenities. Explore the historic downtown area with quaint shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending one of the many community events and festivals held throughout the year, such as the annual Sweet Corn Festival.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful parks and trails that Sun Prairie has to offer, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. For those seeking entertainment, catch a live performance at the Sun Prairie Performing Arts Center or enjoy a round of golf at one of the scenic golf courses.

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3. Wisconsin Dells, WI

Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA - panoramio (15)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user bogdanstepniak used under CC BY 3.0

This day trip in Southern Wisconsin is in a region that has an abundance of glacier-carved sandstone formations. This beautiful city boasts numerous theme parks and entertainment centers that are ideal for the whole family, including Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and Noah’s Ark Water Park.

Another must-visit here is Mirror Lake State Park, which is a forested refuge that circles Wisconsin Lake and features many hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic nature views. Additionally, the city is just an hour away, or 57.5 miles (92.5 km) away from Madison.

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4. Chippewa Falls, WI

Chippewa Falls Area Chamber Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Amcc0619 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With a population of 13,661, according to the 2010 census, Chippewa Falls is a city located along the Chippewa River in the county of the same name. One of the notable people who lived here is Seymour Cray, who is the legend behind supercomputing. Another highlight is the Heyde Center for the Arts, with its neoclassical architectural style. It is an important venue for performing arts.

If you’re into festivals, you’ll surely enjoy the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, as well as Country Fest and Rock Fest, which are just a 15-minute drive away from the city.

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5. Spring Green, WI

Residence; Taliesin; Spring Green, Wisconsin; June 5, 2012
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stephen Matthew M... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A lovely village in Sauk County, Spring Green is located within the township of the same name. It has a population of 1,628 based on the 2010 census.

One of the things you can do here is to visit Taliesin, which is the former agricultural estate of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. One of the highlights of the estate is the Taliesin Residence that he designed, built, and modified for more or less 62 years, from 1897 to 1959, and which is now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Along with the residence are other buildings also built by the architect, which include the Juliet Windmill, Hillside School, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, among others.

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6. Baraboo, WI

Trinity Episcopal Church Baraboo, WI - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Corey Coyle used under CC BY 3.0

Just 52 minutes or 42 miles (67.6 km) from Madison, Baraboo is the largest city in Sauk County, with a population of 12,048 based on the last census. The city is known for its colorful circus history and for being the home of the Gollmar Brothers. If you want to know more about its history, you better visit Circus World, which is a museum complex containing exhibits and collections about the town’s circus history. Other attractions here include Devil’s Lake State Park and Pewits Nest.

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7. Cambridge, WI

Koshkonong Creek in Cambridge, WI
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Axhi12 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located between Dane and Jefferson County, Cambridge is a lovely village that has so much to offer its visitors. This village was settled by Norwegian and Scottish immigrants, giving the village a rich history. One of its highlights is its Victorian-era downtown, which is lined with numerous shops, boutiques, and cafes. Apart from the downtown area, you should also visit the countryside, where you’ll find many art studios, seasonal markets, museums, wineries, and a lot more.

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8. Mineral Point, WI

Mineral Point, WI

Located in Iowa County, Mineral Point is a beautiful city that features streets that will remind you of a Cornish village. The first settlers here were miners from Cornwall, England, who made their houses and businesses from stone. These structures have been restored, but date back to the day the city was founded.

To learn more about these immigrants, you should visit the historic site of Pendarvis. You’ll find here many 19th-century cabins owned by Cornish immigrants. Another attraction is the Mineral Point Railroad Museum that was built in 1856 from locally sourced materials. It is the oldest depot in the state of Wisconsin and features a museum that tells the stories of the people who once worked on the railroad.

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9. Mount Horeb, WI

Mt. Horeb Opera Block
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jaknelaps used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A fascinating village with Scandinavian heritage in Dane County, Mount Horeb is known to many as the “Mustard Capital of the World” because it was once the location of the National Mustard Museum before it was transferred to Middleton. It is also known as the “Troll Capital of the World” because of its many troll statues and businesses with the same theme.

One of the areas you should visit here is its Main Street, which is decorated with the famous Scandinavian folklore creature, the troll. You’ll also find here lots of antique shops, brewpubs, and specialty stores.

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10. Beaver Creek Nature Reserve

Naturalist Note: The barred owls were hooting today on the south trails below the nature center. Remember you can learn...

Posted by Beaver Creek Reserve on Monday, 26 February 2018

If you’re into nature, you don’t want to miss visiting the Beaver Creek Nature Reserve, for you’ll learn so much about the environment here. It is nestled in a 400-acre (161.9-hectare) natural habitat that contains various kinds of living things. It has three features, the Wise Nature Center, where you’ll find interactive exhibits, Hobbs Observatory, where you can view celestial bodies during the nighttime, and the Butterfly House, which will give you the experience of being up close with various species of butterflies.

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11. Monroe, WI

Monroe WI
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SD Dirk used under CC BY 2.0

Also known as the “Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA”, Monroe is a small city rich in heritage, history, and culture, as well as cheese, beer, and wine. Its cheesemaking industry is one of the reasons why the city has thrived for over 100 years, which you’ll know more about when you visit the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Another must-visit here is the Minhas Craft Brewery, which is the longest-running brewery in the Midwest and second oldest in America.

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12. New Glarus, WI

Gift shop, New Glarus Brewery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TheCatalyst31 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Just 35 minutes away from Madison, New Glarus is another beautiful village in Green County with a population of 2,172 based on the last census in 2010. If you’re into history and culture, you surely need to visit the Swiss Historical Village & Museum and learn about the Swiss immigrants that once inhabited the city. You’ll also learn about the founding of the city, as well as see artifacts relating to the city’s colorful history.

Other must-visits here include New Glarus Woods State Park, the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce, and the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum.

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Travel around Wisconsin

There’s no better place to start your journey in Wisconsin than its capital, Madison. It boasts of culture, history, and sights, like the Henry Vilas Zoo and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, which attract many tourists all year round. Check out this list of the top day trips and places to visit near Madison, Wisconsin, as your guide.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Madison

1. What are some family-friendly locations for day trips from Madison?

If you are looking forward to spending fun times with the family and little ones during one of the day trips from Madison, some of the great locations for families to hang out and enjoy are Baraboo, WI or New Glarus, WI.

2. Which day trip destinations near Madison are ideal for a romantic tour?

If you are looking forward to spending quality time with your partner during a day trip from Madison, some of the best places for couples looking for a romantic escapade are Elkhart Lake, WI or Cambridge, WI.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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