Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Milwaukee. The region has a rich history and culture. Famous for its fascinating breweries and exciting baseball league, this growing city expands daily to accommodate the increasing number of attractions and of course, visitors. Businesses, cultural centers, and even relaxing spa hotels and unique themed hotels are springing up throughout the city. With remarkable architectural buildings, museums, beer baron homes, incredible breweries, gorgeous gardens and parks, and exciting summer festivals, this magnificent city is a place you want to be. As much as there is a lot to do and see in this location, sometimes you may want a change in scenery. Luckily, there are amazing places and things to see within a few hours of driving from Milwaukee. Continue reading to find out about the best road trips from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1. Green Bay, WI
With a distance of 120 miles (193.12 kilometers) from Milwaukee, Green Bay offers a delightful journey through Wisconsin’s picturesque landscapes and an excellent opportunity for exploration. The city is known for its passionate football culture centered around the Green Bay Packers and also boasts a range of attractions beyond the gridiron.
Visitors can delve into the rich maritime history at the National Railroad Museum, explore the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum, and immerse themselves in art and culture at the Neville Public Museum. For sports enthusiasts, catching a Packers game at the legendary Lambeau Field is a must-do experience. The city’s scenic waterfront, encompassing the Fox River Trail and Voyager Park, offers a relaxing escape for outdoor activities and relaxation.
From indulging in local cuisine and craft beer to enjoying the vibrant local arts scene, Green Bay provides a blend of experiences that cater to a wide array of interests.
2. Baraboo, WI
The 115-mile (185.07-kilometer) drive on a day trip from Milwaukee to Baraboo is well worth it once you set foot in the city. A visit to Circus World allows you to step into the captivating world of the Ringling Brothers’ circus history, complete with live performances and interactive exhibits. Nature enthusiasts can explore the wonders of Devil’s Lake State Park, where hiking trails lead to stunning vistas and swimming opportunities in the clear waters of the lake. The International Crane Foundation provides a unique chance to learn about and witness rare crane species up close.
The Al. Ringling Theatre is a historic gem that hosts live performances in a beautifully restored setting. Baraboo’s downtown area is replete with charming boutiques, galleries, and eateries, offering a leisurely stroll through the city’s charm.
3. Somerset, KY
Milwaukee presents its visitors with some of the most unique things to do. If you, however, want a change of scenery, head to Somerset on a day trip from Milwaukee. Home to the fourth-largest recreational lake in the country, Somerset is a relatively popular destination among visitors. Located in Kentucky, the city is a calm yet lively place to spend some time relaxing with friends and family. With sunny and inviting weather, the location boasts a lush forested landscape, family parks, a family fun center, several movie theaters, and other entertainment areas. Somerset sits at a distance of 518.9 miles (835 kilometers) from Milwaukee, with an estimated drive time of 8 hours and 12 minutes.
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4. Franklin, TN
A driving trip from Milwaukee to Franklin promises a lot of fun. Located about 588 miles (946 kilometers) from Milwaukee, Franklin is an exciting place to see. The city is calm and historical, with a lot of things to experience. Franklin has fun activities, and some fantastic features of the place include its beautiful vineyards where you can go wine tasting, fancy restaurants, music festivals, a year-round farmers’ market, a historic ancient trail drive, a theater, and so much more. It takes just over eight hours to get to Franklin from Milwaukee.
5. Jasper, AR
If you’re looking for long drives and a weekend trip from Milwaukee, then the picturesque and scenic Jasper, AR, might be right up your alley. This exceptional town is surrounded by natural beauty. The little town of Jasper has received several accolades for its serene and beautiful atmosphere. Aside from a lot of exciting spots for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding, the region also has pristine points for water activities like canoeing, fishing, etc. if you drive into the town at the right time, you’d get a chance to join in the festivities of Buffalo River Elk Festival. Note that Jasper is 676 miles (1,087 kilometers) from Milwaukee.
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6. El Dorado, AR
Traveling to El Dorado in Arkansas on a road trip from Wisconsin on your spring break sounds like a lot of fun. A town known for its oil boom back in the 1920s, El Dorado is a beautiful place to explore. The drive from Milwaukee to El Dorado covers about 857 miles (1,379 kilometers) and takes just over 12 hours. What’s stunning about the town is its beautifully built 1930s-style buildings and its bubbling downtown area filled with stores and restaurants. With more than enough cultural centers and galleries, this destination is no doubt worth the trip!
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7. Hodgenville, KY
Hodgenville, located in central Kentucky, is another exciting place you can’t get enough of. This unique city sits along the North Fork of Nolin River, about 448 miles (720 kilometers) from Milwaukee, and it’s famous for being the birthplace of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The location offers an eclectic mix of rich history, cultural heritage, several different events and fairs, trendy shops, and cool restaurants and bars. The charming place takes just over six hours to get to from Milwaukee.
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8. Gatlinburg, TN
If you love outdoor fun but would like a change of pace from outdoor activities in Milwaukee, then Gatlinburg has got you covered. Situated in Tennessee, about 676 miles (1,087 kilometers) from Milwaukee, a road trip to this city takes about 10 hours. Aside from giving you ample time to bond with friends or family during the journey, a road trip to Gatlinburg will make it worth your while. Enjoy exciting outdoor adventure opportunities as well as several other exciting side attractions, including shopping in chic boutiques for unique items such as woodcrafts and artworks, admiring art galleries, joining moonshine tastings, and so much more.
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9. Van Buren, AR
Historic and remarkable, Van Buren is a haven for tourists looking to get their hands on difficult-to-find collectibles, unique gifts, local Ozark crafts, authentic local art, and so much more. Although it takes almost half a day of driving to get there, this destination makes up for the long drive by offering you many fascinating historical attractions, antique shops, art galleries, and of course, remarkable places to enjoy exclusive dining. At approximately 781 miles (1,256 kilometers) from Milwaukee, it is a great place to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
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10. Bardstown, KY
Having once been described as the Most Beautiful Small Town in America, Bardstown, Kentucky, offers so many interesting things to do. With a six-hour road trip covering the 433 miles (696 kilometers) between Milwaukee and Bardstown, you get to enjoy a variety of exquisite experiences along the way. As the second-oldest city in Kentucky, Bardstown is loaded with historical places to visit, as well as trendy shops, fascinating distilleries, scenic landscapes, and a unique Southern charm to relish and enjoy.
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11. Siloam Springs, AR
Popular for its natural beauty and pristine, lush landscape, Siloam Springs is an attractive place. The city sits at a distance of 722 miles (1,161 kilometers) from Milwaukee and has a lot of parks, walking tours, and several places to relax in. With playgrounds for kids, picnic areas, an aquatic park, boutiques, antique shops, fine restaurants, coffee shops, golf courses, and historic buildings, Siloam Springs is an excellent place to visit and spend quality time with friends or family members.
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12. Cleveland, TN
Cleaveland is the perfect place to take time off from the big city and enjoy some relaxing small-town activities. It is situated at about 717 miles (1,154 kilometers) or a 10-hour drive from Milwaukee. Venture on this road trip to enjoy Cleaveland’s authentic experiences. Cleveland offers several outdoor activities, including cave exploration, whitewater rafting, ziplining, wine tasting, and a lot of other fun watersports. With its beautiful vineyards, great restaurants, delicious street-food stands, and lots of museums, you will surely enjoy your getaway to this destination.
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13. Gurnee, IL
This village in Illinois is the shortest road trip from Milwaukee. The drive only takes about 49 min and is about 50.6 mi or (81km) via I-94 W from the heart of Milwaukee. Gurnee has amazing attractions perfect for everyone - families, friends, couples, and solo travelers will surely have an enjoyable trip here. With attractions like Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Six Flags, and Hinkston Park - an indoor, state-of-the-art sports facility - you’ll definitely have a full day of adventure ahead of you.
14. Kohler, WI
This small-town village situated just 54 minutes north of Milwaukee is about 55.5 miles (89 km) away. Kohler, WI, is perfect for golf enthusiasts as it has two top-notch golf courses, namely Whistling Straits Golf Course, Blackwolf Run, and a golf simulation center, Kohler Swing Studio & Golf Shop. Whether you enjoy actual golf outdoors or would like to try your hand at virtual golf, Kohler is the place to be. Other attractions like The Waelderhaus, a historic architectural building, and The Blind Horse Winery are also in the area.
15. Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL is one of the best cities to drive to from Milwaukee, in fact, it only takes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. Just 93.1 mi or 150 km via I-94 W from Milwaukee, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US. There are lots to do here, from discovering the downtown Chicago area, Magnificent Mile, or visiting Navy Pier, this city is an ideal weekend getaway for everyone. The Windy City is known for its rich history, skyscrapers, and architecture, as well as amazing food options. So if you want a change of scenery, then Chicago is definitely a top choice.
16. Madison, AL
If you’re looking for a long drive then this road trip is for you. Take a week off work and discover the joys of interstate road trips. From Wisconsin to Alabama, it takes about a 14-hour drive, and you’d pass by 4 states, with so much to see and discover. From Wisconsin, you drive past Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee before you reach Alabama. Madison, in particular, is a beautiful city with a small-town vibe where you’ll experience the best southern hospitality and some of the top family-friendly activities. Visit hiking areas like Rainbow Nature Reserve and beautiful parks like Dublin Park - these places are perfect for kids and parents alike. Madison is a quaint city that’s a perfect destination for a road trip.
17. Oshkosh, NE
Nearly a 13-hour drive, Oshkosh, Nebraska is west of Wisconsin and is a vibrant city with much to offer, especially to those who want to escape city life. Its rural charm is definitely worth a visit, and if you’d like to go for a road trip you won’t regret, then visit Oshkosh. Enjoy fishing or hunting in Blue Creek Lodge, or stay in an RV and camp in Oregon Trail Campsite. You can also visit the historic Garden County Historical Society. Don’t miss these top attractions, escape the busyness of the city, take that road trip from Milwaukee to see the wonderful countryside of Oshkosh, NE, for that much-needed retreat.
Visit the most amazing places on your road trip from Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a lot of beautiful places to see, places to eat, and things to do for everyone. However, one of the fun things to do when visiting is to take a road trip to the exciting neighboring cities on a weekend getaway from Milwaukee. And with this list of the best road trips from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you’re ensured a wonderful time.
Frequently asked questions about road trips from Milwaukee
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