Best Day Trips From Milwaukee To Take This Summer
Milwaukee, located along the western shore of Lake Michigan in the midwestern state of Wisconsin, is a city full of great attractions. In addition to its rightful claim as the “Beer Capital of the World,” Milwaukee has splendid museums and excellent parks. But, if you live in or are just visiting Milwaukee and feel like getting out of the city for a fun day trip, there are also plenty of great destinations within a 90-minute drive. If you want to visit a charming lakefront town, experience early Wisconsin history, or check out the state capital, check out our list of seven great Milwaukee day trips.
Cedarburg
A 30-mile drive north of Milwaukee in Ozaukee County, Cedarburg has a population of about 12,000, many of whom commute to Milwaukee for work. However, calling it just a commuter suburb ignores the distinctive history and charms of Cedarburg. Founded by German immigrants in the 1840s, Cedarburg was a wool mill town for over a century, but its economy now focuses on wineries and tourism. The Cedar Creek winery is located in an old wool mill, and several historic buildings in the downtown area now house a range of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Cedarburg hosts multiple museums and annual festivals, including Oktoberfest, that celebrate the town’s German-American heritage.
Eagle (Old World Wisconsin)
Situated in the southwestern corner of Waukesha County, roughly a 50-minute drive southwest of downtown Milwaukee, Eagle is a pleasant little town with a population of about 3,500. Eagle stands apart as a day trip destination, however, because it is the home of Old World Wisconsin, an open-air living history museum that depicts Wisconsin settler life in the mid-1800s. Covering more than 600 acres with more than 60 relocated historic structures, Old World Wisconsin depicts elements of German, Scandinavian, and African American life. Run by the Wisconsin Historical Society and operating annually from May to September, a family of four can enjoy an educational and fun day at the park for under $100.
Elkhart Lake
Just over a 1-hour drive north of downtown Milwaukee, the charming small town of Elkhart Lake (population 1,000) sits along the body of water of the same name in Sheboygan County, about 20 miles northwest of Sheboygan. The town itself has some excellent eateries and shops, but the surrounding area is the biggest draw for day-trippers. The crystal clear, deepwater lake is great for summertime boating, fishing, and swimming, and Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Ice Age Trail are also nearby for outdoor enthusiasts. Road America, a European-style racetrack, is also just outside town and offers ATV and go-kart driving for visitors.
Kohler
Situated just to the west of the city of Sheboygan and roughly a 1-hour drive from central Milwaukee, the 2,000-resident town of Kohler has developed into one of the region’s most renowned luxury retreats. Founded as a company town in the early 1900s for workers at the Kohler plumbing ware factory, the company still significantly influences the architecture and operations of the community. That said, the town of Kohler is now home to top-notch golf courses, cutting-edge restaurants and wineries, and distinctive boutiques and shops. The luxurious Kohler Waters Spa is rated at five stars, a designation held by fewer than 70 resorts worldwide. The Kohler Design Center is also a must-see for fans of interior design.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, the name of both the town (population 8,000) and the body of water located in Walworth County near the Illinois border, is a classic resort town. Situated about a 1-hour drive south of Milwaukee and a 2-hour drive north of Chicago, Lake Geneva has welcomed day trippers and vacationers from both cities for well over a century. In addition to the historic lakefront mansions, some of which have been converted into bed-and-breakfasts, visitors looking for a taste of luxury can check out the Grand Geneva Resort Spa. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can hike along the Lake Geneva Shore Path or explore Big Foot Beach State Park.
Madison
If you feel like taking a day trip from Wisconsin’s largest city to its second largest, Madison is only a 75-minute drive west from Milwaukee. Madison, the state capital, has a picturesque location—part of the city forms an isthmus between Lakes Monona and Mendota. The population is growing, adding 100,000 residents since 1980 (to 270,000 in 2020), and Madison has become a leading tech hub and arts and culture capital. When you add in the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin, home to nearly 50,000 students, you get a lively metropolis full of youthful energy, with bustling commercial and cultural districts and ample entertainment and outdoor recreation options.
Sheboygan
About a 1-hour drive north of Milwaukee along the coast of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan is a small city of about 50,000 residents and the seat of Sheboygan County. It has many of the same lakefront beauty and German-influenced cultural amenities as Milwaukee but also a somewhat slower, less congested vibe, making it a unique experience well worth a day trip. For example, immigration in recent decades of some 5,000 members of Southeast Asia’s Hmong community has added a new layer of culture and cuisine to Sheboygan. Sheboygan is also about halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay for those travelers interested in a two-in-one-day trip!
Milwaukee is a great city to explore, and visitors can easily spend several days or a week there without running out of exciting things to do. But, when the time comes for a quick day trip out of the city, Milwaukee is surrounded by numerous towns and cities that are also great to explore. So, when you book your next trip to Milwaukee, set aside a day to take a quick visit to one of the area’s day trip destinations!
