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
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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
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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
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2
Portage
- Prairie du Chien
Distance 182 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
54.6 kWh
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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
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3
Prairie du Chien
- La Crosse
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
29.1 kWh
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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
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4
La Crosse
- Minneapolis
Distance 245 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: fast
73.5 kWh
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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
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5
Minneapolis
- Duluth
Distance 299 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: fast
89.7 kWh
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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
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6
Duluth
- Ashland
Distance 174 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
52.2 kWh
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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
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7
Ashland
- Woodruff
Distance 158 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
47.3 kWh
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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
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8
Woodruff
- Green Bay
Distance 260 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
78.1 kWh
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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
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9
Green Bay
- Kewaskum
Distance 207 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
62.0 kWh
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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
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10
Kewaskum
- Milwaukee
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
29.1 kWh
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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
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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
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Start:
Milwaukee
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End:
Milwaukee
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Distance:
1,898 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating Wisconsin Road Trip that covers approximately 1,898 km (1,179 miles) and forms a scenic loop starting and ending in the vibrant city of Milwaukee. This 12-day journey offers an immersive experience through Wisconsin's picturesque towns, stunning natural landscapes, and tranquil lakeside views, revealing the state's rich heritage and Midwestern charm.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Milwaukee: This bustling city is famed for its rich brewing history and vibrant cultural scene. Don't miss the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, which boasts a striking moveable, wing-like brise-soleil designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The Harley-Davidson Museum is another highlight, celebrating the history of the classic American motorcycle.
- Portage: Dive into early American history at the Indian Agency House, a site that reflects Native American and U.S. government relations, and the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, showcasing frontier military life in the 19th century.
- Prairie du Chien: Explore the elegant Villa Louis, a restored Victorian mansion, and marvel at the stunning views of the Mississippi River from the heights of Pikes Peak State Park.
- La Crosse: Enjoy the beauty of Riverside Park along the Mississippi and visit the Dahl Auto Museum, which features a collection of classic cars and automotive history.
- Duluth: Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is a gateway to maritime adventures. Attractions include the educational Great Lakes Aquarium and the Aerial Lift Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects the city to Park Point.
- Woodruff: Discover the quirky World’s Largest Penny and venture into the nearby Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest for outdoor activities amidst serene woodlands.
Best Time to Go:
The summer months are the most conducive for this Road Trip, offering optimal Road conditions, extended daylight hours, and a plethora of tourist activities, including festivals and outdoor concerts. Fall is also a beautiful season to witness the spectacular foliage.
Potential Risks:
Winter driving can pose challenges due to snowfall and icy conditions. Drivers should also be cautious of wildlife on the Roads, particularly during dawn and dusk, and prepare for sudden weather shifts that are common in the region.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- A moderate budget should be adequate for this Trip, as Wisconsin offers a range of accommodations and dining options to suit various preferences.
- No visit to Wisconsin is complete without savoring its famous cheese offerings and indulging in local food specialties like bratwurst and beer.
- The proximity to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan not only offers stunning views but also a host of water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
A good choice for:
This comprehensive Road Trip through Wisconsin is a delightful blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and appreciation of natural wonders. It's a journey well-suited for those looking to find balance between the excitement of urban life and the tranquility of the great outdoors.
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