Road Trips from Milwaukee, WI
Looking for a quick escape from Milwaukee? You've got options ranging from super short hops to nearby towns, to longer drives that get you further out. Many of these routes stick to highways, making for efficient travel, but there are a few that offer gently rolling terrain for a more varied experience. If you want to incorporate nature, several destinations are near parks, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, though none of these specific trips recommend an overnight stay.
Total Routes
31
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
14
Under 2 hours
15 total in this range
New Berlin, WI
23m13.2 mi one way
This is one of the closest options, just 13.2 miles and under 30 minutes away. It's a mixed drive with a score of 8, making it a straightforward and quick trip if you're looking to stay very close to home.
Brookfield, WI
20m12.6 mi one way
At 12.6 miles and 0.3 hours, this is the shortest drive available. It's primarily a highway route with a drive score of 8, ideal for a very brief outing with minimal travel time.
Yorkville, WI
37m27.8 mi one way
Monona, WI
1h 31m77.9 mi one way
This route covers 77.9 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, featuring a highway-focused drive with a score of 7. It's a solid middle-ground option if you want to get out of the immediate Milwaukee area without a long commitment.
Lodi, WI
1h 48m94.5 mi one way
A 94.5-mile drive that will take you 1.8 hours, this highway-focused trip has a drive score of 7. It's a good step up in distance from the closer suburban options.
Full-day getaway
11 total in this range
La Crosse, WI
3h 58m210.7 mi one way
At 210.7 miles and 4 hours, this is one of the longer options. The drive is mostly highway with a score of 8, and it's notable for having parks nearby, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Brice Prairie, WI
3h 58m212.6 mi one way
This destination is 212.6 miles away and takes 4 hours to reach. It's a mostly highway route with a drive score of 8 and access to parks like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making it a good choice for nature enthusiasts.
North La Crosse, WI
3h 49m207.9 mi one way
This route spans 207.9 miles and takes 3.8 hours. It's a mostly highway drive with a score of 8, and it provides access to parks, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Baraboo, WI
2h 17m116.9 mi one way
Markesan, WI
2h 5m88.4 mi one way
Weekend trip
Balsam Lake, WI
6h 17m329.5 mi one way
At 329.5 miles and 6.3 hours, this is the longest drive. It’s a highway-focused route with a score of 8 and features gently rolling terrain, plus proximity to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Red Cedar, WI
5h 5m269.6 mi one way
This destination is 269.6 miles away and takes 5.1 hours. It's a mostly highway drive with a score of 8 and provides access to parks, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Crescent, WI
5h 2m260.8 mi one way
Athens, WI
4h 8m212.8 mi one way
Saint Germain, WI
5h 21m266.7 mi one way
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
With park access available on some longer routes, spring could be a good time to explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail before peak summer crowds.
Summer
The longer drives, especially those with access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, are well-suited for summer exploration.
Fall
Routes with gently rolling terrain, like the drive to Garfield, could offer scenic fall foliage views.
Winter
Shorter, highway-focused drives to nearby towns are the most practical options during winter months.
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.