9 Best Road Trips to Take in Wisconsin

In the heart of the country's breadbasket is the state of Wisconsin. Known as America’s Dairyland, it is a place that is filled to the brim with charm, beauty, and history. Wisconsin has many kinds of scenery and terrain, including Lake Superior's beaches and the rolling hills of the south. You can travel across the state and see so many varying landscapes that it feels like you have seen more of the country. Whether you want to see the serene beauty of the great outdoors or experience life in some of the quaintest small towns in America, Wisconsin promises many adventures for your next road trip.

Door County

If you want a relaxing road trip with new experiences, Door County will not disappoint. The coastal scenery will be center stage, with Lake Michigan on one side of you and Green Bay on the other. Door County is known for its charm, with cherry orchards lining the roads and little villages waiting to offer fresh samples of pie and pastries. Art enthusiasts will love the galleries in towns like Ephraim, and nature lovers will be captivated by the hiking trails and local fishing hotspots in places like Peninsula State Park. You will not experience the Midwest until you visit Door County.

House on the Rock

If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman’s novel, “American Gods,” then you have heard of House on the Rock. This house is full of wild architecture and is perched on a rocky hill in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Designed by the eccentric Alex Jordan Jr, it is filled with collections and curiosities that feel like they were pulled from a dream. You will find yourself in an endless maze of rooms full of impressive displays and artwork that will not be found elsewhere. The largest indoor carousel in the world and a room filled with automated musical instruments await you when you take your road trip to one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive locations.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

If you are looking for a chance to spend some time outdoors on your road trip, you should consider the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 21 islands make up this gem of Wisconsin, all with unique offerings for your trip. Whether you want to spend time camping, hiking, fishing, or kayaking, you will find the perfect place to do them all here. There are also plenty of caves, green forests, and lighthouses to explore. In the winter, a unique opportunity to see ice caves will be available. But any time of year, there is plenty of fun here.

Bayfield

While you are in the area of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, add a destination to your road trip and visit Bayfield. This charming lakeside village will top off your day of outdoor fun by giving you a place to flex your artistic senses with its many art galleries full of works inspired by Native American culture. You may want to visit in October so you can take part in the annual Apple Fest, when you will be able to experience a lot of the food, music, and art the area has to offer. Bayfield is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that you will want to experience.

Devil’s Lake State Park

You do not want to miss Devil’s Lake State Park. Traveling to Baraboo Hills will unveil a lot of recreation opportunities, including rock climbing and hiking. The trails will lead you through ancient cliffs made of quartzite rock that formed over millions of years. If that is not on your agenda, you can always take some time off and relax on the beach or explore one of the nature centers to learn more about Wisconsin's unique wildlife and geology. Regardless of what kind of outdoors lover you are, Devil’s Lake State Park needs to be part of your road trip.

Mineral Point

If you like visiting small-town America, you should put Mineral Point on your list of destinations. This quaint village is located in the Driftless Area. This town is full of beauty and history. You will have an opportunity to see some of the oldest buildings in the state, such as Jerusalem Springs, where the town’s first church services were held. You can stay at the Walker House, a bed and breakfast that has served patrons since 1836. Take a stroll down High Street and meet shop owners who can tell you more about the area's amazing history, and visit Pendarvis, where you can see how Cornish immigrants lived in the 19th century. Mineral Point promises to give history buffs just what they want, along with some small-town charm.

Taliesin

Just south of Spring Green lies one of the architectural prides of America. Frank Lloyd Wright designed Taliesin as a home studio at the turn of the 20th century. Its existence has been full of intrigue and mystery rivaling the best crime novels. Over the years, at least three fires have claimed some of the original living quarters of the house and at least seven people. You can take a guided tour of the studio and the grounds, giving you a glimpse of the landscapes that inspired Wright. If you are a history or art lover, visiting this piece of history should be on your to-do list for your road trip.

Lake Geneva

A mixture of beautiful scenery and small-town culture await you when you make Lake Geneva part of your road trip. This area offers many activities that keep visitors returning all year. There is fishing, boating, or water skiing in the summer. Ice fishing or snowboarding are available in the winter. All can be found at Lake Geneva. Top that with the picturesque lakeside scenery and a town with something for everyone. Boutique shops and eateries that cater to almost any taste. Lake Geneva is an American small town that everyone should visit.

Cave of the Mounds

Caves are one of the most incredible things we can witness, and they can draw anyone into a sense of amazement regardless of how old they are. Cave of the Mounds is a limestone cave near Blue Mounds and is considered one of the most significant in the Midwest. Take a tour through the nearly 1700 feet of caverns and see geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites of many shapes and sizes. It is an experience full of education and amazement that you want to add to your road trip. Afterward, head up to the surface to enjoy beautiful walking trails and have a picnic amid some lush scenery.

Embark on Your Wisconsin Adventure

A tapestry of experiences waits to be explored when you embark on your Wisconsin road trip. If you are looking for fun in the sun, head over to the Apostle Islands, and if you want to experience something artful, you may enjoy Taliesin or House on the Rock. Wisconsin has a diverse set of opportunities that cater to almost any interest. Pack your bag, grab some snacks for the road, and set out on a journey across America’s Dairyland to see as many of the beautiful and sometimes eccentric marvels as the state has to offer.