Road Trips from Eau Claire, WI
Heading out from Eau Claire, you've got a solid set of options for a day trip or a slightly longer excursion. Most of these routes stick to mostly flat terrain and are under a four-hour drive, making them easy to manage. Plus, every single one puts you near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, so nature is never far away. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a longer drive to a lake, there's a route here that fits.
Total Routes
126
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
96
Under 2 hours
7 total in this range
Full-day getaway
53 total in this range
Cross Plains, WI
3h 16m167.6 mi one way
This trip to Cross Plains is one of the shorter options, at 167.6 miles and 3.3 hours. It offers a straightforward, mostly highway drive with a good drive score of 8. You'll be near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and the terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy journey.
Monona, WI
3h 20m180.1 mi one way
Monona is a slightly longer drive at 180.1 miles and 3.3 hours, but still keeps you on mostly highway with a drive score of 8. Like many routes from Eau Claire, it offers access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and features mostly flat terrain.
Poynette, WI
2h 54m156.3 mi one way
At 156.3 miles and 2.9 hours, Poynette is one of the closest destinations. It's a quick trip on mostly highway with a drive score of 8, and you'll have access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The terrain is mostly flat, making for a relaxed drive.
Chase, WI
3h 41m184 mi one way
Dayton, WI
3h 55m194.2 mi one way
If you're looking for a slightly longer day trip, Dayton is 194.2 miles away and takes about 3.9 hours. The drive score is a solid 8, and it follows mostly highway routes. You'll have access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and the terrain is mostly flat.
Weekend trip
66 total in this range
Milwaukee, WI
4h 32m246.2 mi one way
Bohners Lake, WI
4h 54m256.6 mi one way
Bohners Lake is one of the longer drives, at 256.6 miles and 4.9 hours, but it’s still a mostly highway route with a drive score of 8. This option provides access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and features mostly flat terrain, making it a feasible longer day trip.
Hebron, WI
4h 4m213.2 mi one way
Hebron is a substantial drive at 213.2 miles and 4.1 hours. It’s a mostly highway route with a drive score of 8, and you’ll be near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The terrain is mostly flat, so despite the distance, the drive itself is not demanding.
Menomonee Falls, WI
4h 33m242 mi one way
Pell Lake, WI
4h 47m254.4 mi one way
Pell Lake offers a longer excursion, covering 254.4 miles and taking 4.8 hours. This mostly highway drive has a drive score of 8 and provides access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The mostly flat terrain makes the longer distance manageable.
Browse by Mood
Milwaukee, WI
4h 32m246.2 mi one way
Cross Plains, WI
3h 16m167.6 mi one way
Bohners Lake, WI
4h 54m256.6 mi one way
Monona, WI
3h 20m180.1 mi one way
Milwaukee, WI
4h 32m246.2 mi one way
Newburg, WI
4h 42m228.3 mi one way
Lake Geneva, WI
4h 38m244.5 mi one way
West Bend, WI
4h 30m221.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The mostly flat terrain and proximity to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail make these destinations appealing for spring walks and easier driving conditions.
Summer
With mostly flat terrain and access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, these routes are great for summer day trips and outdoor exploration.
Fall
Enjoy the mostly flat terrain and easy highway drives, with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail offering scenic spots for fall color viewing.
Winter
The mostly flat terrain and straightforward highway routes make these destinations accessible even in winter, with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail available for a brisk walk.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Eau Claire, WI city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.