Wisconsin Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Wisconsin with this 1898 km road trip! Starting in Milwaukee and ending in Milwaukee, this 12-day adventure will take you through the towns of Portage, Prairie du Chien, La Crosse, Duluth and Woodruff. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning lake views, Wisconsin is the perfect backdrop for a memorable road trip. The best time of year to drive is during the summer months, when the roads are in great condition and the days are long and sunny. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy the beauty and adventure that Wisconsin has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, this Wisconsin road trip is sure to provide you with lasting memories.
12
number of days
1,898 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Milwaukee
Distance 1,898 km
Driving time 23.5 h
Pace: fast
569.5 kWh
Airports
MKE
[detailsContainer]
Milwaukee is an ideal starting point for the Wisconsin Road Trip. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a vibrant and diverse city full of attractions. The Milwaukee Art Museum is an impressive architectural landmark, and the Miller Brewery Tour is a great way to experience the city’s brewing heritage. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from the Milwaukee County Zoo to the lakefront beaches. Additionally, the city has a variety of shopping and entertainment options, such as the Historic Third Ward and the Milwaukee Public Market.
For travelers arriving by air, Milwaukee International Airport (MKE) is the closest international airport. The airport also offers car rentals from a number of car rental companies, making it easy to begin the road trip.
Milwaukee is the perfect starting point for the Wisconsin Road Trip. From here, travelers can explore the diverse sights and attractions that the city has to offer, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Start your Wisconsin Road Trip in Milwaukee today!
1
Milwaukee
- Portage
Distance 179 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
53.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Milwaukee - Madison - Portage road trip stage! This 111 miles journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the attractions and sights along the way.
Start your journey in Milwaukee, the largest city in the state of Wisconsin. There you can visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee County Zoo, or take a stroll along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Next, you'll head to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. Here you can explore the State Capitol building, take a tour of the University of Wisconsin campus, or visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Finally, you'll end your journey in Portage. Here you can visit the Wisconsin River Nature Trail, the Columbia County Historical Society Museum, or the Portage Historical Society Museum.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Portage - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
2
Portage
- Prairie du Chien
Distance 182 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
54.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
The road trip stage from Portage to Prairie du Chien is a 113mi drive that takes fewer than 3 hours. It takes you through the Wisconsin River Drive, a scenic route that offers stunning views of the Wisconsin River. Start your journey in Portage and take the time to explore the city’s historic downtown area and the nearby Columbia County Historical Society Museum. Then, make your way along the Wisconsin River Drive and enjoy the majestic views of the river. Stop at the Wyalusing State Park and take a hike to the observation tower, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding area. As you continue your journey, make sure to stop at the Neshkoro Park, a great spot for a picnic. Finally, arrive in Prairie du Chien and explore its historic downtown area, the Villa Louis Historic Site and the Fort Crawford Museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Prairie du Chien - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
3
Prairie du Chien
- La Crosse
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
29.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an exciting road trip stage from Prairie du Chien to La Crosse? This 60mi journey will take you less than two hours, so make sure to bring your camera, as you will have plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way.
Start your journey in Prairie du Chien and make sure to visit the Villa Louis Historic Site, where you can explore the Victorian mansion and learn about the history of the area. You can also visit the nearby Wyalusing State Park and take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
Continue your adventure in La Crosse and explore the area’s many attractions. Visit the La Crosse Queen, a paddlewheel riverboat, and take a cruise on the Mississippi River. Or explore the Riverside Park, where you can find a variety of activities such as fishing, biking, and walking trails.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
La Crosse - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
4
La Crosse
- Minneapolis
Distance 245 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: fast
73.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from La Crosse to Minneapolis! This 152-mile journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will get to experience some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and take in the beauty of the Mississippi River which runs through the city. After that, you can visit the Riverside Park, a great spot for a picnic with its lush green lawns and amazing views of the river.
Continue your journey to the city of Winona, where you can explore the historic buildings, churches, and monuments. Make sure to visit the Winona County Historical Society and learn about the city's past.
Next, you will find yourself in the city of Rochester, where you can visit the famous Mayo Clinic, the world-renowned medical center. While in Rochester, you can also explore the Quarry Hill Nature Center and the Plummer House, the former home of Dr. Charles Mayo.
Finally, you will reach Minneapolis, a city known for its vibrant art and culture. Here, you can visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Mill City Museum.
This is just a brief overview of your journey from La Crosse to Minneapolis. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Minneapolis - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
❯
❮
5
Minneapolis
- Duluth
Distance 299 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: fast
89.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Minneapolis to Duluth road trip! This amazing stage of your journey will take you from the vibrant city of Minneapolis to the beautiful city of Duluth, a distance of 186 miles, in less than 4 hours.
Start your trip in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, and explore its many attractions. Take a stroll along the Mississippi River, visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, or take a tour of the city's unique neighborhoods.
Next, take the drive to Duluth, a city located on the shores of Lake Superior. Here, you can explore the Canal Park, with its many shops, restaurants, and attractions. Or, take a walk along the Lakewalk, a scenic path that stretches along the lakefront.
In Duluth, you can visit the Glensheen Mansion, a historic estate built in the early 1900s. Or, take a hike to the top of Enger Tower, which offers spectacular views of the city.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your Minneapolis to Duluth road trip!
Duluth - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
6
Duluth
- Ashland
Distance 174 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
52.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Duluth, United States and head to the Apostle Islands. This 108mi long journey will take you no more than 3 hours and will be filled with amazing sights.
First, you will be able to visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This place is known for its 21 islands, each with its own unique beauty. There you will find historic lighthouses, sea caves, and sandstone cliffs.
Continue your journey to the Bayfield Peninsula, a place of stunning beauty. Here you can go kayaking, hiking, and explore the numerous islands.
Finally, the journey ends in Ashland, a small city with a lot to offer. Here you can visit the Bayfront Park, which offers a beautiful view of the lake. You can also take a boat tour to the nearby islands.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey through the Apostle Islands!
Ashland - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
7
Ashland
- Woodruff
Distance 158 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
47.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Ashland - Woodruff road trip! This is one of the stages of an amazing journey through the United States, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience. The route is 98 miles long and you can complete it in less than 3 hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the beauties of the two cities.
Starting in Ashland, make sure to visit the Ashland Historical Society & Museum, which will give you a glimpse into the city's past. Also, the Ashland State Park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
The next stop on your journey is Woodruff, a charming city with a lot of attractions to offer. Make sure to visit the Woodruff Town Hall, which is a historical building, and the Woodruff Nature Preserve, which is a great place to go for a walk or a picnic.
We hope you have a wonderful time on this stage of your journey, and don't forget to check out the "Itinerary" section for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Woodruff - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
8
Woodruff
- Green Bay
Distance 260 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
78.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Woodruff-Green Bay road trip! This stage of your journey is a 162mi drive that will take you less than 3 hours. Starting in Woodruff, this route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the United States.
In Woodruff, you can visit the Northwoods Wildlife Center, a great place to learn about the local wildlife and take some amazing pictures. In Rhinelander, you can explore the Oneida County Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the region.
Continuing your journey, you can take a break at the Hodag Park, which offers many outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking. In Wausau, you can visit the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Granite Peak Ski Area.
Finally, you will reach Green Bay, where you can explore the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the National Railroad Museum.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Green Bay - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
9
Green Bay
- Kewaskum
Distance 207 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
62.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your road trip in Green Bay, United States and take the scenic Kettle Moraine Drive for a 128mi journey that will take you fewer than 3 hours. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" for more information.
As you drive, take a break at Kettle Moraine State Forest, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and swimming. You can also explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the Parnell Tower Observation Site.
Continue your journey to the charming town of Kewaskum, where you can visit the historic Kewaskum Mill and the nearby Mill Pond Park. If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also take a guided tour of the Kewaskum Underground Railroad Museum.
Make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Kewaskum - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
10
Kewaskum
- Milwaukee
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
29.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Kewaskum-Milwaukee road trip! This stage of your journey is 60 mi long and should take you no more than two hours of driving.
In Kewaskum, you can explore the Kettle Moraine State Forest and its beautiful trails, lakes, and forests. Don't miss the Old Mill Dam, a great spot for fishing and taking pictures.
On the way to Milwaukee, you can stop at the charming town of West Bend. Here you can visit the Washington County Museum, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, and the Old Courthouse Museum.
Once in Milwaukee, you can enjoy the city's vibrant art scene, amazing restaurants, and its iconic breweries. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Harley-Davidson Museum.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Milwaukee
[detailsContainer]
Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the perfect ending point for the Wisconsin Road Trip. This vibrant city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and has a wide range of attractions to explore. From its world-renowned breweries to its stunning views of the harbor, Milwaukee has something for everyone.
For those traveling by car, Milwaukee is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Madison and Chicago. There are plenty of parking options in the downtown area, making it easy to explore the city.
Milwaukee is home to some of the best breweries in the country. The city’s most famous brewery, MillerCoors, offers tours of its brewery and has a wide selection of beers and ales. Other popular breweries to visit include Lakefront Brewery and Sprecher Brewing Company.
The city also features a wide range of cultural attractions. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-see, as is the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Pabst Mansion. For outdoor activities, visitors can take a walk along the Milwaukee Riverwalk or explore the Milwaukee County Zoo.
For visitors from outside the US, the closest international airport is General Mitchell International Airport (MKE). From here, visitors can easily reach the city center by car, taxi, or public transportation.
Milwaukee is the perfect ending point for the Wisconsin Road Trip. With its world-class breweries, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Wisconsin Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Milwaukee
-
End:
Milwaukee
-
Distance:
1,898 km
-
Stay:
12 days
-
Getting there:
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
-
When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
The above Wisconsin Road Trip will become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting stopovers of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Wisconsin, you’re probably interested in things to bear in mind while on the road.
These tips will also become useful for tourists who opt for renting a vehicle or renting a camper in Wisconsin.
It is important to keep in mind the local road regulations when on a tour around Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic drinks at any expense.
Tourists ought to remember that the legal alcohol limit for drivers is low and amounts to only 0.5‰.
In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed when travelling around the build-up areas.
In rural areas, there is a possibility to travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h.
You can travel at the allowed speed of 129km/h on motorways.
Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
But what are the costs of the whole trip.
The amount of money that you have to spend during the whole undertaking depends on budget option that you choose.
A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
In the cheapest offer, you need to spend the maximum of 263 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 1,898km while travelling around Wisconsin.
Economy accommodation options may cost travellers around 946 EUR.
The travel expenses related to food and restaurants within this option can cost up to more or less 864 EUR.
Travellers will have to pay around 540 EUR if they are interested in the budget car rental offer as well.
Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 2,073 EUR to around 2,613 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 263 EUR to cover the planned stages of the trip.
If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to more or less 1,430 EUR.
Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 1,296 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of roughly 648 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 3,712 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend about 3,064 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 5,647 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 3,064 EUR for those who do not want to rent.
Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental car should expect a cost of roughly 1,080 EUR.
In the top standard option of the trip, you will pay more or less 463 EUR for gasoline.
Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay about 2,376 EUR for accommodation options and approximately 1,728 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our tour can be easily adjusted to the requirements of all camper lovers.
If you choose this transport option, you will pay up to roughly 2,700 EUR.
If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole itinerary, they will amount to more or less 513 EUR.
Holidayers who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay around 660 EUR for accommodation and about 864 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
The period between May and October is perfect to explore the part of Wisconsin showed in our Wisconsin Road Trip.
If you like Wisconsin Road Trip, there is abundance of beautiful road adventures on our website.
The wide spectrum of ideas will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.