Top 10 Road Trips From Wisconsin, USA

road trips from wisconsin
Collins
Collins 
Published
| 5 min read

Wisconsin is bordered by two lakes—Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Thus, it offers a delightful diverse landscape. The countryside is incredible for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Aside from nature, it offers several cultural attractions and friendly, close-knit communities. There are also loads of activities and events to enjoy—from Summerfest to Oshkosh Airshow. While Wisconsin offers plenty of attractions, sometimes a road trip is just what you and the family need to have a great time and feel refreshed. There is something about a road trip that brings out the beauty and uniqueness of Wisconsin. A change of environment can work wonders for your health and mood. Here are some of the top road trips from Wisconsin, USA.

1. Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis on Mississippi River
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jdkoenig used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Planning a road trip from Wisconsin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The total driving time from Wisconsin to Minneapolis is four hours and some minutes. The city offers a wide variety of things you can do that won’t hurt your wallet. It is a perfect road-trip destination. Some of the attractions you will find include Split Rock Lighthouse, which offers plenty of things to do and see. On your journey, you can visit Schell’s Brewery, which is a favorite spot of many Minnesotans. The Duluth area is also a popular getaway as it is home to several of the best state parks in the state. If you feel like traveling back in time, you can drive to Lanesboro, a quaint little town in Minnesota, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

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2. Detroit, MI

Detroit, MI
Source: Pixabay

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is famous for several things, including its large automobile-manufacturing industry. It takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes to travel by road to Detroit. It is an excellent road-trip destination for you and the entire family. As you travel to Detroit, there are several places you can visit to have a memorable time. One such remarkable spot is Corktown. Discover this town’s Irish heritage and explore the oldest neighborhoods in the region.

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3. Tulsa, OK

Tulsa Skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Caleb Long used under CC BY-SA 2.5

A road trip to Tulsa from Wisconsin takes around 11 hours; however, the extended travel time is worth it in the end. Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and is full of attractions to keep you excited and busy. It is renowned for its lively districts, love of the arts, and more. Enjoy a road trip to this magnificent region by immersing yourself completely in its rich cultural legacy. Visit Gathering Place in Tulsa and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, which are suited for all ages. Visit Blue Dome Entertainment District, which is one of the bustling spots in the city—with stylish food, live music, drinks, and more.

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4. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH
Source: Pixabay

If you are driving from Wisconsin to Cincinnati, you will spend up to six hours on the road. Cincinnati is situated in a beautiful, lush location on the north bank of Ohio River. It is an industrial city, but it still retains its cultural and recreational spirit. The destination booms with entertainment, historical, cultural, and culinary opportunities. You can visit Cincinnati Zoo, which is the second-oldest zoo in the country and home to more than 2,000 animals. You can also have an excellent time at Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Observatory, and other exciting sites in the city.

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5. Toledo, OH

Water Front Walkway South
Source: Photo by user Counselman Collec... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Less than six hours from Wisconsin lies Toledo. It is a city that has a rich cultural history and exudes a fun, exciting vibe. Embark on a road trip to this location and enjoy a tour of world-class museums, recreation, and entertainment right by the waterside. As it sits on the banks of Maumee River, it is a magnificent city with a rich canal system. Until today, the local culture and architecture still reflect this rich history. Visit Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo, and Historic West End—which boasts one of the largest concentrations of 19th-century Victorian-era buildings in the country.

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6. Iowa City, IA

Old Capitol Iowa City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billwhittaker used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Iowa lies less than four hours away from Wisconsin and is one of the most exciting spots to enjoy a road trip. Experience the eclectic, collegiate spirit of Iowa city as it is home to the prestigious University of Iowa. It offers excellent restaurants, its beautiful and rich culture and history, and loads of exciting activities. Visit Old Capitol Building that lies above Iowa River, or head over to Johnson County Courthouse if you want to enjoy Romanesque architecture. You can also enjoy a “prehistoric” walk by exploring Devonian Fossil Gorge, where various fossils can be found.

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7. Kansas City, KS

St. Augustine Hall, Kansas City, KS
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 25or6to4 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kansas City in Kansas should not be mistaken with Kansas City in Missouri. This one lies eight hours from Wisconsin and is replete with several attractions that will excite everyone in the family, but especially the younger ones. You can visit Great Wolf Lodge, widely regarded as one of the best waterparks in Kansas City. If you are an art lover, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Kansas Avenue of Murals, which lies in the historic downtown area of the city.

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8. Nashville, TN

Art found in Nashville, TN
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Karakorhummel used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The total driving time from Wisconsin to Nashville is around 10 hours—hence, get prepared for a tiring trip. However, once you arrive in Nashville, the exciting things to see and do will wash away the fatigue and stress of travel. The main attraction of this city is its music. There is live music around the region at any time of the day. Furthermore, it boasts some of the best fried chicken meals you will ever taste. You can make a stopover at Nashville’s Centennial Park, which is home to several things, including Nashville’s very own Parthenon.

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9. Lincoln, NE

Lincoln NE - State Capitol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Julia used under CC BY 2.0

Lincoln is one of the great capitals of the American plains. It lies eight and a half hours from Wisconsin and is home to a plethora of museums and cultural attractions. There is almost no shortage of things to see and do in this capital of Nebraska. Take a trip to the city center and enjoy the sights and sounds of Historic Haymarket District. The city is home to the University of Nebraska campus. Also, experience a splendid view of the area from Nebraska State Capitol.

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10. Atlanta, GA

Midtown HDR Atlanta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mike used under CC BY 2.0

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, and a road trip there from Wisconsin will take you up to 12 hours. Originally a military outpost, it rapidly developed into a booming commercial town. It served as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War, and relics from that past are still visible today. At present, there are several attractions you and the family can enjoy. If you travel with kids, they will love Georgia Aquarium that features over 10,000 creatures. The destination is also home to several historical sites, including Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and loads of other exciting places.

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Have an excellent road trip from Wisconsin

One of the most enjoyable things to do in summer or when great weather arrives is embarking on a road trip. There are several destinations from Wisconsin that you can take, so why stop at just one? These excellent road trips from Wisconsin, USA, offer a unique, unforgettable experience for you and the whole family. So what are you waiting for? Hit the road as soon as possible and have a memorable adventure!

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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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Colins is a quiet individual who always tries to find the meaning and beauty of things around his environment. This passion has led him to begin his journey in photography and hiking nature...Read more

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