Road Trip Routes for Wisconsin Weekend Getaways
May 10, 2019
We’ve been cooped up for what feels like the longest winter, ever … but, finally it’s time to get out and play as the Tundra thaws! What will you do as the weather warms up? We suggest grabbing your favorite co-pilot and taking to Wisconsin’s winding roads—here are our favorite Wisconsin weekend road trip routes originating in the Fox Valley.*
Swim South: Road Trip Route #1
Did you know? The southern part of the state is 1-2 degrees warmer than the Valley, on average. Because every degree counts (and because southern Wisconsin has some great city sights and sounds), consider taking a road trip route for those who love sun and sand.
Pit Stop 1: Two Rivers
Two Rivers, Wisconsin is a small town with some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. Neshotah Park and Point Beach are both situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Neshotah hosts music and other events in the summer, and Point Beach is home to the Point Beach Ridges, a National Natural Landmark. Visit one or both—you can’t go wrong.
Neshotah and Point Beach. Photos via TwoRivers.Org and Good Free Photos.
Pit Stop 2: Sheboygan
Sheboygan gives most other Midwestern cities a run for their money when it comes to beaches. Home to three gorgeous public beaches, Sheboygan is a great weekend stop for anyone from the Fox Valley. We suggest heading to Kohler-Andrae State Park for a picnic (did we mention it’s 988 acres and has sand dunes?), then hitting up General King Park on the south side for a long walk. Remember, you’ll need a park sticker!
Kohler-Andrae State Park via Wisconsin DNR.
General King Park Beach via a Yelp user.
Final Destination: Milwaukee
Milwaukee residents flock to Bradford Beach in the spring and summer for amazing views, sun, sand, water, and easy access to local attractions and restaurants. Top walkable restaurants include BelAir Cantina, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, Colectivo, and many, many more. We suggest lodging at the nearby historic Pfister Hotel or trendy Iron Horse Hotel.
Bradford Beach views via Flickr.
Taco-eating digs at BelAir Cantina Downer, via VISIT Milwaukee.
Romantic al fresco dining at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, via their Facebook page.
Love Wisconsin parks and beaches, but don’t want to venture far outside the Fox Valley? Check out our picks for local parks and trails.
Best of the West: Road Trip Route #2
Did you know? According to Livability, Eau Claire is #81 on the 2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. We’re not super surprised, considering Eau Claire has grown into a culture hub full of music, art, food, and recreation options. Don’t forget your golf clubs!
Pit Stop 1: Appleton
Your first stop is SAP on Casaloma for from-scratch grub in retro digs. Their seasonal menu currently includes mouth-watering dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, roasted squash bruschetta, à la carte duck eggs, and brûléed grapefruit.
Everything Salmon Gnocchi, via SAP’s Facebook page.
Pit Stop 2: Stevens Point
On your way west, hit the award-winning golf course at SentryWorld. As they say, “Throughout its 18 holes and 200 acres, SentryWorld offers rolling green fairways, pristine blue waters, impeccable white sands, and a one-of-a-kind course that encourages creativity and rewards resourcefulness for players of all ages and skill levels.”
View of the course in preparation for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, via their Instagram.
Final Destination: Eau Claire
What kind of vibe are you looking for in your westward road trip’s final destination? If you’re feeling a boutique experience, stay at the Oxbow Hotel downtown, which boasts farm-to-table food, live jazz, and a circa-1961 mid-century building called The Flats, which will bring out your inner Don Draper.
Getting caught up on the ‘Gram at the Oxbow, via their website.
Want a more action-packed lodging option? Check out the Metropolis Resort, which offers a water park and trampoline park experience … all in one complex.
Kiddos getting splashy at Chaos Water Park, within Metropolis.
Wine & Dine Your Way North: Road Trip Route #3
Whether you’re a wine lover or a foodie (or both), you know Wisconsin is a great place to live. Now’s a great time to try out new and classic spots on the way up Wisconsin’s thumb, from Green to Sister Bay.
Pit Stop 1: Green Bay
On our first leg of the Wisconsin food-trip, we suggest starting in Titletown at Republic Chophouse downtown, Bleu in neighboring De Pere, or Chives in Suamico.
Heavenly scallops at Bleu, via their website.
Pit Stop 2: Fish Creek
Website Culture Trip lists Fish Creek’s White Gull Inn as one of Wisconsin’s best restaurants for its unique outdoor fish boil. It’s truly incredible and a real “Wisconsin thing,” but their incredible cherry French toast is a close second to the fish boil.
The result of the fish boil Food Network calls a “local, communal and gourmet-worthy dinner.”
Final Destination: Sister Bay
The fan-favorite Double S Lodge, you’ll find rustic, luxury accommodations and a local seasonal menu to die for.
Lodge Conservatory at Double S, via TripAdvisor.
Every Road Trip Starts with the Right Ride
Whichever route you choose, you’ll need the right vehicle. We’ve got some cool minivan alternatives to consider on our blog, and when you’re ready to hit the lot, we offer awesome vehicle loans and financing options.
Get goin’ by talking to one of our dedicated Member Advisors at whichever Unison branch is most convenient for you—we’re in Kaukauna, (North and South), Little Chute, Grand Chute, Wrightstown, and De Pere (dangerously close to Bleu). Happy road tripping!