This is a part two to my first blog listing 5 Day Trips from Milwaukee (read it here). Each of these places is within a 2-hour drive time which makes them all great options for a quick getaway from the city.
Whitewater
I love Whitewater. It is absolutely one of my favorite places in Wisconsin. Whitewater is located about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Milwaukee. Their food/drink scene is superb with places such as Barista Cats Café, Staller Estates Winery, Jessica’s Diner, and Sweet Spot Café. There is an ample amount of places to shop with some of my favorites being The Fuzzy Pig (GREAT place for seasonal décor and gifts!) and Dale’s Bootery - because what woman doesn’t want a new pair of shoes?
There are also so many outdoor activities in Whitewater! I love hiking and there are multiple sections of the Ice Age Trail located in Whitewater. There are also lots of lakes that are perfect for beach days, boating, and water sports. So much to do!
Fort Atkinson
Not too far from Whitewater is another amazing Wisconsin town: Fort Atkinson. Fort Atkinson is located about 1-hour northwest of Milwaukee. Fort Atkinson is such a tight knit community and has so many things to offer. The Fireside Dinner Theatre is located here and if you have never been, you must visit! The dinner food is amazing and the theatre productions are highly entertaining.
Aside from that, Fort Atkinson is filled with great places to eat like Paddy’s Irish Pub (get the cheese curds), Beauty and the Bean, The Island Bar and Grill (great if you are looking for lakeside views), and Frostie Freeze for dessert. You can also make a stop at Jones’ Market for some local artisan goods and a quick sandwich.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is southwest from Milwaukee and you can get there in just under an hour. Lake Geneva is known for being a tourist destination for Chicago-ians (is that a word?) but don’t let that steer you away. The town is absolutely beautiful and has so much to offer.
If you are a golfer, Lake Geneva is a great place to go. If you enjoy being on the water, you can do that in Lake Geneva, too. Additionally, they have several great places to eat including two of my favorites: Flat Iron Tap and Oakfire Pizza. If you are a coffee aficionado, be sure to visit Inspired Coffee. The best people work there! There are tons of boutique stores in the downtown area that are great for browsing around. Shop til you drop, baby!
Baraboo
Baraboo is a little further of a drive than the aforementioned destinations but it is worth the miles. If you are thinking about Wisconsin Dells right now – think again. Baraboo is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Milwaukee and located OUTSIDE of Wisconsin Dells. They are a town that deserves to be recognized.
There are so many great places for a foodie but one of my favorites is Tumbled Rock Brewery. They have a gigantic outdoor patio and grass area with an outside bar and live music. They serve awesome pizza and delicious craft beer. It’s an experience, not just a restaurant.
Speaking of craft beer, another great thing to do in Baraboo is visit the Al Ringling Mansion and Brewery. You can take a tour of the brewery and learn all about the history of the Ringling Brothers. Pop on over to the Circus World Museum, too, and check out one of the live performances!
Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac is just over an hour north of Milwaukee and it is such a cute city! Parts of the city are right on Lake Winnebago which is an awesome lake to spend your summer days. Lakeside Park alone has so many things to offer such as a petting zoo, carousel rides, and more.
Downtown Fond du Lac is filled with great restaurants and small shops. One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Fond du Lac is The Salty Pig. If you haven’t had brunch here yet, make the trip just for that. When you are finished with brunch, stop at Ledgerock Distillery for a tasty cocktail and sampling. But before you leave town, make a stop at Kelley’s Country Creamery – some of the best ice cream in Wisconsin.
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