10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In Wisconsin, USA - Updated 2024

weekend getaways in wisconsin
Megan
Megan 
Updated
| 5 min read

Experiences that await in Wisconsin are just about as diverse as the state’s stunning landscape. The forest, farmland, lowland plains, and one-of-a-kind sandstone formations that make up its distinct topography, as well as its 15,000 lakes and position along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, make it abound with outdoor opportunities. More interested in culture? Wisconsin brims with art hubs, festivals, and lively, progressive cities. As for the dining scene, there’s so much more to Wisconsin than being “the dairy state”. Discover all this on a Wisconsin holiday. Ready to spend a few days exploring one of the many destinations in Wisconsin? Check out the top-rated weekend getaways in Wisconsin, USA, below.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 06, 2024.

1. Bayfield - Lake Superior (from USD 165)

Bayfield from the Bay - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Corey Coyle used under CC BY 3.0

While Bayfield makes an ideal base to explore the gorgeous Apostle Islands set in Lake Superior, it’s not known as one of America’s best small coastal towns for nothing. Within the town proper, there are distinct shopping and dining spots, beautiful bed and breakfasts, and mom-and-pop motels and establishments that give it a quaint and laid-back charm. Its unique microclimate has given rise to many berry orchards and farms. In fact, it is recognized as Wisconsin’s Berry Capital. Visitors are surely in for a treat during berry season. Bayfield is about 146 km (91 mi) from the center of town to Duluth International Airport in Duluth, Wisconsin.

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Pinehurst Inn Bed & Breakfast

Wifi Available

Address: 83645 State Highway 13
371.87 km (231.1 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Free parking

2. Baileys Harbor (from USD 171)

Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joshua Mayer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Situated in Wisconsin’s Door County, Baileys Harbor is a haven for outdoor adventures, particularly because it is the gateway to Lake Michigan. The sole town on the shores of the peninsula, you can indulge in a plethora of activities here, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and even ziplining. Discover amazing wilderness preserves and trails, such as Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve, if you seek to spend time in nature. Else, take home a craft beer from one of the town’s top breweries, relax on the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, and retreat to a comfortable lake house. The center of town is approximately 106.2 km (66 mi) from Green Bay, Wisconsin, where you can get off at Austin Straubel International Airport.

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Beachfront Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 8040 Highway 57
271.2 km (168.6 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Pets allowed Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Family rooms

3. Cedarburg (from USD 149)

Woolen Mill Cedarburg May09
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Freekee used under CC BY-SA 3.0

About 32 km (20 mi) from Milwaukee lies the cozy town of Cedarburg. This town, on Cedar Creek, is where old meets new - historic inns, limestone buildings, and a covered bridge from the 1800s co-exist with fantastic wineries, boutique shops, and interesting museums. Stop by Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts to learn a thing or two about quilting and enjoy a meal at Stilt House, a gastropub in a building raised on stilts.

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Washington House Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: W62N573 Washington Avenue
146.68 km (91.2 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Non-smoking rooms Business centre Facilities for disabled guests Breakfast in the room

4. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (from USD 227)

Sea kayaking along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tim Wilson used under CC BY 2.0

Start your Apostle Islands excursion from the visitors center located in Bayfield. The 21 islands that make up the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, along with the expansive mainland coast, can be discovered in a number of ways. Hike Lakeshore Trail from Myers Beach, see the peculiar sea caves, explore the nine historic lighthouses, go scuba diving to find shipwrecks, and so much more. A boat cruise is a great way to spend a day weaving through the islands. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Devil’s Island and its magnificent sandstone caves formed by Lake Superior.

Stayed at this property?
Bayfield, Wisconsin, United States
377.44 km (234.6 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells
99 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire chalet 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view is great and the cabin is cozy
the bathroom amenities were nice and towels were really fluffy always a plus
Cleanliness:
the chalet was incredibly clean
the inside of the cabin is extremely clean and modern
beautiful sparkling clean cabin in a great location
Host:
staff was very helpful
windseeker staff jenna was quick to respond and very kind to all my emails
the hosts were responsive and had perfect recommendations for what to do on our visit
excellent space communication with the host was easy and responses were quick
bayfield is a very nice small town people are super friendly and there's madeline island
Location:
the location for us was perfect
the location was perfect and so was the cabin
such a cozy place to spend a quiet weekend with a cute town nearby
the location is perfect for quick visits to bayfield and other surrounding areas
the perfect place for a quiet weekend get away
Read more reviews

5. Lake Geneva (from USD 209)

Gfp-wisconsin-lake-geneva-shoreline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yinan Chen used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If you’re looking to spend a weekend at a resort environment, this resort city is a year-round preferred getaway, especially for residents of nearby communities such as Milwaukee (less than an hour away), Madison (an hour and a half away), and Chicago (also an hour and a half away). Your itinerary is sure to be filled with delightful options, such as going on a scooter tour around the area and checking out the vibrant downtown’s shops and dining spots. Experience a safari ride at Safari Lake Geneva.

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Maxwell Mansion Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 304 South Wells Street
151.28 km (94.0 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests

6. Vilas County (from USD 239)

Day Lake in Vilas County 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Markheffron2 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Vilas County, located about four hours north of Madison, boasts natural attractions in vast numbers - over a thousand lakes, nearly a hundred different forest trails, dozens of streams and rivers, and Wisconsin’s largest state forest, Northern Highland/American Legion State Forest. Experience the best of outdoor activities along this area’s scenic trails and waterways. Go fishing, kayaking, or hiking. Ride on horseback or drive an ATV on the route system that connects the county’s communities. You might want to go camping for a full-fledged nature experience, but if not, plenty of other lodging options await. In the winter, enjoy snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

Stayed at this property?
Presque Isle, Wisconsin, United States
297.85 km (185.1 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells
67 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cabin 7 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean cozy and comfortable
cabin was clean and well stocked
cabin was very clean and well-stocked
charming clean and modern cottage in a wilderness like setting
it was also clean and offered a nice view of the lake and woods
Host:
bob was such a great host replied quickly
great cabin and great host
beautiful property and excellent host
robert was a fantastic host and was quick to respond to any questions or concerns
robert is an excellent host that responds quickly and makes sure that you are enjoying your stay
Location:
this is a beautiful rental in an unspoiled northwoods location
this is an amazing cabin in a perfect location
this little cabin has a great private location and was perfect for getting away from everyday life
so this really is a great place to relax and get away from it all
secluded great cabin amenities and a great location to enjoy the lakes and the woods
Read more reviews

7. Wisconsin Dells (from USD 84)

Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA - panoramio (5)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user bogdanstepniak used under CC BY 3.0

Expect year-round enjoyment at Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world. Located in the Heartland of Wisconsin, it is 88.5 km (55 mi) north of Madison and 198 km (123 mi) northwest of Milwaukee. Family fun is guaranteed at the city’s many world-class waterparks, including Noah’s Ark, which happens to be America’s largest. But there’s much to experience beyond water fun. Wisconsin Dells is also home to a range of amusement and wildlife parks. Check out Wisconsin Deer Park or Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center. Plus, there’s no better way to see Wisconsin Dells than on a Duck tour. This fascinating amphibious vehicle will ensure a smooth ride through the area’s scenic beauty.

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Bakers Sunset Bay Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 921 Canyon Road
7.52 km (4.7 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Sauna Non-smoking rooms Fishing Laundry Facilities for disabled guests

8. Milwaukee (from USD 221)

Downtown Milwaukee from Pier Wisconsin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yk Yk Yk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Wisconsin’s biggest city, Milwaukee, is set along Lake Michigan and is 145 km (90 mi) from the city of Chicago and 530 km (330 mi) from Minneapolis. Take a tour of the city’s breweries and the iconic Pabst Mansion to discover how Milwaukee came to be known as “Brew City”. Head to the Westown (west of Milwaukee River) neighborhood for all things happening - catch a performance at Miller High Life Theatre, see the home of the Milwaukee Bucks, and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife at Old World Third Street. Try the many water activities on Lake Michigan, hike through Milwaukee’s urban outdoors, or take relaxing strolls along the city streets to photograph amazing public art.

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The Pfister Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 424 East Wisconsin Avenue
160.84 km (100.0 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

9. Sister Bay (from USD 159)

Sister Bay Harbor - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Timothy Shields used under CC BY 3.0

Sister Bay is a friendly community in Door County, just about an hour and a half from Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is a quaint destination that attracts locals and tourists for its beautiful 579-m (1,900-ft) public waterfront, one-of-a-kind dining options, and goats (yes, you read that right!). Get to know more about - and maybe even see for yourself - this well-loved Sister Bay tradition that began as a prank in 1973 at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. Every spring, the sod-strewn roof of the restaurant plays host to a handful of goats. Though the food at the Swedish eatery also comes highly recommended, the goats have become a famous attraction. There’s even a Roofing of the Goats festival held in June. After your fill of Swedish pancakes, there’s a bevy of al fresco dining options at the waterfront you can explore. Else, hang out at the beach or ride the spectacular backroads of this lovely coastal town on a bike.

Stayed at this property?

Pheasant Park Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 2236 Mill Road.
280.64 km (174.4 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Sauna Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre

10. Madison (from USD 239)

Madison
Source: PxFuel

The exquisite capital city of Madison lies 120 km (75 mi) from Milwaukee and is surrounded by lakes Monona, Kegonsa, Mendota,Wingra, and Waubesa, that provide visitors with a plethora of water activities to take part in. This sprawling city has an abundance of natural beauty; there are about 260 parks and plenty of botanical gardens. Check out Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy in Madison. Go on a tasting tour to sample the area’s best bourbon, beer, and cheese. Hunt for the best fish fry in the city. Catch sight of the domed Wisconsin State Capitol on an exciting lake tour.

Stayed at this property?

The Edgewater

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1001 Wisconsin Place
58.9 km (36.6 mi) from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

Explore the wonders of Wisconsin

Between the stunning Apostle Islands and the rooftop goat wanderers of Sister Bay, experiences in the state of Wisconsin are amazingly diverse. If you wish to explore the wonders of Wisconsin, these destinations are perfect for your next weekend getaway!

Stayed at this property?
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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Megan is a writer, editor, and Asian food stan based in Laguna, the Philippines. She hopes to experience the world one kind of street food at a time.

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