Road Trips from Kenosha, WI
Heading out from Kenosha, you've got a lot of Wisconsin to explore. There are some quick, easy hops to nearby towns if you're just looking to get out for a few hours, plus options that stretch into longer, more involved drives. You'll find most routes are relatively flat, but there are a few that offer a bit more contour. Several destinations also put you close to parks or natural areas, like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which is a nice bonus if you're looking to stretch your legs.
Total Routes
34
Shortest
0.6h
With Parks Nearby
24
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
12 total in this range
Lodi, WI
2h 33m129 mi one way
If you want a longer drive but still want to be back the same day, Lodi is a solid choice at 2.6 hours. It's primarily a highway drive, rated an 8 for its score, and the terrain stays flat. You'll have access to parks, though none are specifically noted as being right next door.
Poynette, WI
2h 38m129.2 mi one way
Similar to Lodi in terms of distance and drive time at 2.6 hours, Poynette offers another highway-focused option. The drive score is an 8, and the terrain remains mostly flat. Like Lodi, it has park access but no specific nearby park mentions.
Pardeeville, WI
2h 49m136.9 mi one way
Elroy, WI
3h 41m185.9 mi one way
For a longer day trip or a potential overnight, Elroy is 3.7 hours away. This route is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. The terrain is flat, and notably, it's one of the few destinations close to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering good outdoor opportunities.
Silver Lake, WI
3h 15m155 mi one way
This drive to Silver Lake is 3.3 hours, primarily on the highway with a good drive score of 8. The terrain is flat, and like Elroy, it offers proximity to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail for those who enjoy hiking.
Weekend trip
21 total in this range
Buena Vista, WI
4h 1m168.3 mi one way
Buena Vista is a substantial drive at 4 hours, primarily on the highway with an excellent drive score of 9. The terrain is gently rolling, providing a bit more variation than the flatter destinations. It's a good option if you're looking for a longer trip.
Conover, WI
6h 25m288.4 mi one way
If you're looking for a longer weekend drive, Conover is about 6.4 hours away. This route uses mostly highway, earning a high drive score of 9. The terrain here is gently rolling, offering a slight change from the flatter options closer by.
Balsam Lake, WI
7h 2m363.9 mi one way
This is the longest drive on the list, over 7 hours, mainly on the highway with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. It's also noted as being near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making it a destination for those seeking longer drives and outdoor access.
Wilton, WI
4h 4m201.6 mi one way
Chetek, WI
5h 56m318.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Buena Vista, WI
4h 1m168.3 mi one way
Conover, WI
6h 25m288.4 mi one way
Lodi, WI
2h 33m129 mi one way
Balsam Lake, WI
7h 2m363.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat and gently rolling terrain, spring drives offer clear roads. Proximity to parks and trails like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail makes it good for enjoying the thaw.
Summer
The summer months are ideal for the longer highway drives, especially those near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, allowing for extended outdoor activities.
Fall
Gently rolling terrain and highway routes make fall drives pleasant. Proximity to parks and trails offers opportunities to see autumn foliage.
Winter
While not explicitly detailed, the predominantly flat terrain suggests manageable winter driving, though park access might be limited.
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 Kenosha, WI city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.