Road Trips from Franklin, WI
Franklin, WI, is a great starting point for drives of varying lengths. You've got quick, under-an-hour hops to places like Brown Deer and Ottawa, perfect for a short escape. Then there are options that stretch into the 1.5 to 2.5-hour range, like Janesville or Mount Horeb, often taking mostly highway routes. For a longer haul, consider Sparta, Shelby, or Lake Hallie, all over 3.5 hours away and featuring the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This mix means you can tailor your weekend based on how much time you have and if you want to incorporate park access.
Total Routes
6
Shortest
3.7h
With Parks Nearby
6
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
New Richmond, WI
5h 53m316.1 mi one way
Shelby, WI
4h 13m216.4 mi one way
Shelby is one of the longest drives at 4.2 hours and 216.4 miles, predominantly highway. Its main appeal is the access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making it a prime destination for dedicated hikers.
Chippewa Falls, WI
4h 48m258.1 mi one way
Prescott, WI
6h 7m328.5 mi one way
Lake Hallie, WI
4h 43m252.5 mi one way
At 4.7 hours and 252.5 miles, Lake Hallie is the furthest option. This mostly highway route also provides access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making it the ultimate choice for an extended road trip focused on exploring the trail.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives can incorporate the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, accessible from Sparta, Shelby, and Lake Hallie. Shorter highway trips offer a quick change of scenery.
Summer
Summer is ideal for the longer drives to Sparta, Shelby, or Lake Hallie, maximizing time spent exploring the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Fall
The 1.5 to 2.5-hour highway drives to places like Janesville or Mount Horeb are great for fall color viewing.
Winter
Winter trips can focus on the shorter, mixed-surface drives to Brown Deer or Ottawa for a brief escape from the city.
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 Franklin, WI city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.