Road Trips from Milwaukee, WI
Planning a weekend escape from Milwaukee? You've got options ranging from quick half-day drives to longer excursions. Most routes stick to mostly flat terrain, making for straightforward travel. You'll find several destinations are close enough for a day trip, and many offer access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail if you want to stretch your legs among natural features. Consider how much time you have and if you want park access when choosing your route.
Total Routes
26
Shortest
2.5h
With Parks Nearby
19
Full-day getaway
10 total in this range
Brice Prairie, WI
3h 58m212.6 mi one way
This 4-hour, 212.6-mile drive gets you to Brice Prairie, WI. It's a solid highway option with a drive score of 8. If you're looking for outdoor recreation, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is nearby. The terrain is mostly flat.
Westby, WI
3h 53m206.7 mi one way
Head west for 3.9 hours and 206.7 miles to Westby, WI. This route, like many, is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. You'll encounter gently rolling terrain. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is accessible from this area.
Port Edwards, WI
3h 26m177.7 mi one way
A quick 3.4-hour, 177.7-mile drive brings you to Port Edwards, WI. This route is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a nearby attraction.
Nekoosa, WI
3h 22m175.1 mi one way
Dodgeville, WI
2h 28m125.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
16 total in this range
Balsam Lake, WI
6h 17m329.5 mi one way
This is the longest trip on the list, covering 329.5 miles and taking 6.3 hours to reach Balsam Lake, WI. It's a mostly highway route with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is accessible.
Saint Germain, WI
5h 21m266.7 mi one way
Red Cedar, WI
5h 5m269.6 mi one way
Drive 5.1 hours and 269.6 miles to Red Cedar, WI. This route is predominantly highway with a drive score of 8. You'll find mostly flat terrain. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is available for exploration.
Crescent, WI
5h 2m260.8 mi one way
Crescent, WI is 5 hours and 260.8 miles away. Expect mostly highway driving with a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is accessible from this region.
Athens, WI
4h 8m212.8 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Brice Prairie, WI
3h 58m212.6 mi one way
Balsam Lake, WI
6h 17m329.5 mi one way
Saint Germain, WI
5h 21m266.7 mi one way
Red Cedar, WI
5h 5m269.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild temperatures for exploring the mostly flat terrain and nearby Ice Age National Scenic Trail access points.
Summer
Summer is ideal for enjoying the parks and trails, with most destinations featuring mostly flat terrain and good highway access.
Fall
The fall foliage can be enjoyed along the gently rolling and flat terrains, with access to parks like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Winter
Winter drives are straightforward on these mostly highway routes with flat terrain, though park access may 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.