10 Best Weekend Trips From Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1. Lake Geneva

The ever-gorgeous Lake Geneva is about 50 mi (80.km) from Milwaukee, and you won’t need more than an hour to reach it. Lake Geneva is primarily a resort community and it is littered with beautiful mansions that date back to the 18th century. Apart from the history and the refreshing stroll around the lake, there is a wealth of other attractions in Lake Geneva with the top ones being zip-line canopy tours, boating, sailing, fishing, and golfing. These activities will surely treat you to a weekend of full of fun.

2. Door County

The gorgeous Door County sits gently between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, about 154 mi (249 km) or 2 hours away by road from Milwaukee. More than 300 mi (482 km) of shoreline and over 15 vibrant communities await your exploration here. This is also the home to Potawatomi State Park where you will find amazing outdoor opportunities such as hiking as well as paddling along the limestone bluffs. While here, you must spare some time to tour around plenty of wineries and breweries and sample some of the finest drinks produced by the country. Also, don’t forget to make time for the historic lighthouses along the shoreline.

3. Madison

Madison is less than 80 mi (128 km) from Milwaukee so you need to spend less than 2 hours on the road to reach the capital. There is plenty to explore in this beautiful city, starting with the spectacular domed capital building. The farmers market, beautiful lakes, and vast cycling trails ensure that you have enough to see and do if you happen to visit during summer. If you come in winter, however, you will still love the cross-country ski, ice fishing, and skating.

4. Spring Green

Spring Green is about 80 mi (128.8 km) or a 2-hour drive from Milwaukee. It is a relatively smaller village but filled with plenty of attractions and activities enjoyed both by locals and tourists. If you love architecture, then you should check out Frank Lloyd’s amazing Taliesin and Alex Jordan’s House on the Rock. Also, there is a nature preserve for you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, an amphitheater to watch a play, a historical state park to go camping with friends, and excellent dining opportunities to let yourself enjoy a unique gastronomical experience.

5. Harrington Beach

You will need less than one hour to reach Harrington Beach by road since it is about 38 mi (61.1 km) from Milwaukee. This is a perfect destination if you desire to spend some time during the weekend outdoors. You will find about a mile-long beach, plenty of hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and also an observatory. If you love fishing, then you will be pleased to learn that Puckett’s Pond and Quarry Lake are filled with crappie, trout, and bluegills.

6. Sheboygan

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sheboygan is a thriving city on the shores of Lake Michigan, and it is less than one hour away from Milwaukee. It is one of your best options if you are looking for a short destination on your day trip. Some of the top attractions that travelers can visit in this city include sandy beaches, luxurious spas, and art galleries. They can also engage in activities such as fishing, sailing, and surfing.

7. Ozaukee Interurban Trail

Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a great choice if you are looking for a nice day trip with lots of fun activities that don’t involve getting wet. The trail is about 40 mi (64.3 km) long and is mostly frequented by those who would love to go cycling or take a leisurely stroll. It features beautiful sights and scenes on both sides of the trail which you will find to be exceedingly refreshing during your tour. There is also less traffic here, implying that you will have all the peace you need to enjoy your business without any distractions.

8. Big Manitou Falls

Big Manitou Falls is about 386 mi (621 km) from Milwaukee. It’s a destination that will require you to be on the road for about six hours. However, the relatively long drive will be worth your time since it is one of the top attractions in the state of Wisconsin. The fall is the highest waterfall in the state with a drop of over 160 ft (49 m). The view here is nothing short of breathtaking while the hike to the fall is equally refreshing due to the lush greenery around. The journey to this site is a moderate hike so be sure to come prepared with your hiking gear.

9. Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park is about 115 mi (185 km) from Milwaukee. It is the largest state park in the state of Wisconsin, and it is a very popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating enthusiasts. The park boasts plenty of picnic areas as well as a plethora of sites for Instagram-worthy photos. If you are the adventurous type, then you will love the presence of Bamboo Hills where you can enjoy some hiking and rock climbing.

10. Apostle Island National Lakeshore

Apostle Island National Lakeshore is perhaps one of the most adored attractions in Wisconsin by locals and tourists alike. It features a total of 21 islands along the shores with plenty of fun opportunities for you to enjoy. You may choose to soak in the breathtaking views, watch the various species of birds in the sky, rent the romantic cabins with your partner for a weekend of fun, go on a kayak tour of the island, or enjoy scuba diving or fishing sessions in the lake. There’s simply plenty of activities bound to treat you to an awesome weekend in this destination. It is about 300 mi (482 km) from Milwaukee.

Exciting fun awaits you outside Milwaukee

Though Milwaukee is a great destination with plenty of exciting attraction, there is also a lot more than you can sample if you are willing to spend a few hours on the road. Use this list of the best weekend trips from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to have some truly memorable weekends during your visit.