Five Amazing Day Trips: Wisconsin

The upper midwestern state of Wisconsin provides visitors with four seasons of sights and adventures, from the charming villages in Door County to the museums and attractions, historic sites, and award-winning culinary scenes in the largest cities of Madison and Milwaukee. During the winter months, the focus turns to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing in every region. The summer months offer farmers’ markets, music festivals, waterparks, and an almost endless list of outdoor activities within the extensive state park system. A road trip through Wisconsin presents unique gems like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin East, House on a Rock, and Circus World. Explore the rich history and culture of the area with a trip through the small cities and towns dotted across the state, with surprises around every corner and beautiful landscapes to enjoy during every month of the year. Our day trips start in Milwaukee and showcase many of the great destinations along Lake Michigan and into the central region.

Here are five great day trips across The Badger State:

Photo courtesy of Grindstone Media Group

Green Bay (Tours & Experiences)

A visit to Lambeau Field is a must-do for any sports fan, if not to watch a football game, to explore the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and take a Lambeau Field Stadium Tour. The 15,000-square-foot Hall of Fame museum, located in Lambeau Field Atrium, has two floors of interactive exhibits and displays, including thirteen world championship and four Lombardi trophies. The tour begins with a brief history of the franchise dating back to 1919 with Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Calhoun. The stadium tours take you to the field level and explain some of the cool points-of-interest around the stadium. Even though you don’t get to walk on the field, you’ll be telling people about your Lambeau experience for years to come. Continue this day trip in downtown Green Bay to the Packers Heritage Trail, where you will find informational plaques as well as local restaurants, boutique stores, and the Riverwalk.

Horicon (Parks & Recreation)

Located about 60 miles northwest of Milwaukee, the Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and home to over 300 species of birds and many small animals. The diverse habitat consists of marsh, prairie, and wooded forests, and has been designated a National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a State Wildlife Area by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Start this day trip in Mayville at the Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center and Explorium. For a great introduction, the short film titled “The Horicon Marsh Story” plays in the auditorium. The Explorium on the lower-level features short videos and interactive exhibits about the transformation of the marsh, and the Children’s Discovery Area has fun activities for the entire family. With an abundance of information about the marsh and outside recreation opportunities, it’s time to hike, paddle, fish, cross-country ski, or just enjoy a casual walk along the paths and across the many bridges in the refuge. Check with the information desk for guided tours that are regularly available, especially during the summer months.

Lake Geneva (Parks & Recreation)

Less than an hour’s drive southwest of Milwaukee is the charming resort city of Lake Geneva where four seasons of adventure await visitors from across the country. During the summer months, a walk along the 26-mile shore path offers amazing views of the historic estates and stunning gardens that surround the lake. To get a better appreciation for the homes, take a tour of Black Point Estate and Gardens, a lakefront home that was built in 1887 and was formerly owned by the Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp. Tickets are sold through the Wisconsin Historical Society and include both the narrated boat ride and a guided tour of the 13-bedroom Queen Anne-style Victorian home with original plumbing, furniture, oriental rugs, and drapes – a true architectural masterpiece. After your tour, spend the remainder of the day exploring the charming downtown area, packed with boutique stores, candy shops, and restaurants with breathtaking views of the lake. If you are interested in circumnavigating the lake on the shore path, wear some comfortable shoes and expect an 8–10-hour casual walk.

Oshkosh (Museums & Attractions)

Located on the western shores of Lake Winnebago, the city of Oshkosh is popular for year-round outdoor recreation and home to the world-class EAA Aviation Museum. The museum’s collection originally focused on homebuilt aircraft and today includes more than 200 historic airplanes displayed throughout the many unique galleries and exhibits. From antiques and classics to models designed and flown by the early pioneers, the collection covers the history of aviation, including a full-size replica of SpaceShipOne. Bring the kids on this day trip— the second floor of the museum features the popular KidVenture. The area has interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and the S.C. Johnson Tower of Flight, offering aerial views of the Aviation Center and AirVenture Grounds. Check the calendar of events before you visit— the museum hosts many special events and programs throughout the year, including the world’s largest air show: EAA AirVenture 2021, taking place from July 26, 2021 – August 1, 2021.

Sheboygan (Parks & Recreation)

Less than an hour’s drive north of Milwaukee, the Kohler-Andrae State Park is home to miles of magnificent sand dunes nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. A nature lover’s paradise, this picturesque state park has over 400 plant species, more than 150 bird species, and many mammals, including white-tailed deer, red fox, and ground squirrels. Start your day trip at the Sanderling Nature Center; inside the center you can watch an introductory film, explore the exhibits, use interactive kiosks, participate in educational programs, and check out the views from the rooftop observation deck. From the center, take a walk along the Creeping Juniper Nature Trail and Dunes Cordwalk Trail, both start nearby. Other popular activities are biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking. For a longer getaway, reserve one of the 137 campsites to extend your stay at this outdoor recreational paradise.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!