Road Trips from Milwaukee, WI
Looking for a quick escape from Milwaukee? You've got options for day trips and slightly longer drives. Most routes stick to mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, with a few hitting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail within reach. There are no overnight recommendations in this list, so these are perfect for a single day's adventure. You can head out for a couple of hours or dedicate most of your day to exploring.
Total Routes
91
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
64
Under 2 hours
31 total in this range
Full-day getaway
30 total in this range
Brice Prairie, WI
3h 58m212.6 mi one way
This 4-hour drive takes you 212.6 miles into mostly flat terrain. It's a longer option that passes by the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering a good chance to stretch your legs in nature. The drive score is high at 8, indicating a solid highway experience.
North La Crosse, WI
3h 49m207.9 mi one way
Westby, WI
3h 53m206.7 mi one way
This 3.9-hour drive covers 206.7 miles and features gently rolling terrain, a nice change from the flatter options. It also offers access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, perfect if you want some hiking. The drive score is a reliable 8.
Port Edwards, WI
3h 26m177.7 mi one way
Springville, WI
3h 56m178.8 mi one way
Weekend trip
30 total in this range
Balsam Lake, WI
6h 17m329.5 mi one way
The longest drive on this list, Balsam Lake is 329.5 miles and takes about 6.3 hours. It features gently rolling terrain and passes near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering a great natural escape. The drive score is 8.
Red Cedar, WI
5h 5m269.6 mi one way
Covering 269.6 miles and taking 5.1 hours, Red Cedar is a longer drive. The terrain is mostly flat, and you'll have access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It maintains a strong drive score of 8.
Crescent, WI
5h 2m260.8 mi one way
This 5-hour drive is 260.8 miles long and involves mostly flat terrain. It's a good option if you want a longer highway cruise with a drive score of 8. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is accessible from this route.
Athens, WI
4h 8m212.8 mi one way
Athens is 212.8 miles away and takes about 4.1 hours. This route features gently rolling terrain, offering a bit more visual interest than the entirely flat options. The drive score is a solid 8, but no parks are listed nearby.
Chippewa Falls, WI
4h 41m255.3 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Brice Prairie, WI
3h 58m212.6 mi one way
Balsam Lake, WI
6h 17m329.5 mi one way
North La Crosse, WI
3h 49m207.9 mi one way
Red Cedar, WI
5h 5m269.6 mi one way
Chippewa Falls, WI
4h 41m255.3 mi one way
Superior, WI
7h 22m392.4 mi one way
Tomah, WI
3h 7m168.2 mi one way
Prescott, WI
6h 1m325.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat or gently rolling terrain and access to trails like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, spring offers good opportunities for moderate outdoor activity.
Summer
The consistently high drive scores on these routes make them ideal for summer day trips, with opportunities to visit parks like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Fall
Gently rolling terrain on some routes could offer nice autumn views, and the drive score remains high for easy access to parks.
Winter
These routes predominantly feature flat or gently rolling terrain, making them accessible for 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 Milwaukee, WI city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.