The Best Day Trips From Milwaukee

Getting out of the city is sometimes exactly what you need, and Wisconsin is a great state to explore. We’ve assembled some of the best day trips from Milwaukee out there, so you can be sure to find one you’ll love. It still counts as a vacation if you’re only away for one day.

1. Milwaukee Mile

Stadium, Sports Center

Known as America’s legendary oval, this speedway holds on to a past of glamour and history and is the world’s oldest motor speedway that’s still in use. Still independently owned, if you love racing and the history thereof, you’ll love the Milwaukee Mile. A 1mi (1.6km) flat oval track, it has been driven on since 1903 and has played host to several Nascar events and IndyCar Series races. While you’re in the area, you can also visit the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis.

2. Old World Wisconsin

Museum

At the Fossebrekke Farm, Norwegian Area, Old World Wisconsin, which is an historic pioneer village.

Ever been curious about pioneer-era America? This 567-acre (229ha) open-air museum is home to 65 historic, pioneer-era buildings that the first settlers in this area lived in. Incredibly entertaining, the museum employs staff who wear costumes and reenact the lives of Wisconsin’s first settlers from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Germany. With frequent events around the holidays, it’s a quaint place to visit.

3. Chicago

Park, School

This day trip almost doesn’t need an introduction. This famous city is home to attractions including the Bean, Willis Tower and Millennium Park, and best of all, it’s only 100mi (161km) away from Milwaukee. Whether you want to shop until you drop, take in some culture at the Art Institute of Chicago or catch a Bears, White Sox or Cubs game, Chicago will deliver. Who knows, maybe you’ll even end up staying more than one day.

5. Ten Chimneys

Architectural Landmark

Poolhouse at Ten Chimneys Foundation at Genesee Depot WI USA. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

Just 25mi (40km) west of Milwaukee is the holiday house of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in a small and old-fashioned community called Genesee Depot. Ten Chimneys was a hotspot for parties and a celebrity favorite. Visitors of the couple who stayed here include Katharine Hepburn, Carol Channing and Helen Hayes. As it’s now a historic landmark, you can take tours and learn about the history and culture of the people who used to stay here.

6. Lake Geneva

Natural Feature

WISCONSIN Fontana Beach in small town on Lake Geneva popular vacation destination

If you’re in Wisconsin, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to lakes. While many are within the city of Milwaukee itself, sometimes a day trip to a truly beautiful spot is necessary. At Lake Geneva, there’s something for everyone. With a 26mi (42km) walking path and opportunities for boating and swimming, it’s a true getaway from the city. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops nearby, as well as the 272-acre (110ha) Big Foot Beach State Park, so the fun never has to end.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.