Be Delighted by These 5 Surprising Weekend Getaways Across Wisconsin

These hidden havens in Wisconsin are calling your name! Transform an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable vacation for you and your crew by taking a trip to these unexpected cities around the state.

Sheboygan: Sailing, Surfing and More

Craving a coastal getaway that won’t break the bank? Head to Sheboygan to fulfill all your beachy dreams. Here, you and your friends can enjoy Lake Michigan by swimming at Kohler-Andrae State Park, taking a surfing lesson or going out on a fishing charter adventure. 

Back on land, explore the impressive (and free!) John Michael Kohler Arts Center and the museum’s Art Preserve to be amazed by both visiting and permanent exhibits. To combine art and nature, families love Bookworm Gardens, where classic children’s books come to life in over 80 different botanical spaces. And golf fans will be in paradise with the award-winning Whistling Straits course, which is sculpted into the Wisconsin coastline and has hosted the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open and the Palmer Cup. It was also named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in the nation.

Great food is abundant in Sheboygan, from the lively summer farmers’ market (from June to October) to the popular Il Ritrovo pizzeria to Field to Fork for brunch. And no beach day is complete without a towering cone of ice cream from Blast Soft Serve (open seasonally). 

Choose from a family-friendly stay at Blue Harbor Resort, which features an indoor water park, a lavish getaway at the American Club Resort and Kohler Waters Spa or a charming escape at one of the many local bed and breakfasts. Whichever vacation vibe you choose, you and your group are sure to enjoy all the hidden gems in this surprising Wisconsin city.

Spring Green: Discover An Artsy Retreat

Just west of Madison, uncover a small community filled with artistic charm. The small town of Spring Green has a population of less than two thousand, but the beauty of its Driftless Region location has inspired many artists, including perhaps its most famous resident: architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Be sure to take a tour of Wright’s Taliesin, the artist’s iconic home on 800 acres and a National Historic Landmark. 

Those interested in a quirky attraction should visit the House on the Rock. An exotic and eclectic creation of collections, displays, and galleries, House on the Rock is a dazzling retreat built in 1960 by Alex Jordan atop a chimney of natural rock. Featuring the world’s largest carousel, a glass infinity room and a 200-foot hanging sea creature, you’d never believe such a small town would be home to something so out-of-this-world.

Another hidden gem you’ll find here is American Players Theatre, the country’s second-largest outdoor theater devoted to the classics. Take a seat at the magical outdoor amphitheater and be amazed by any of the nine plays produced each season under the stars. Bring a picnic along to share with friends beforehand in the enchanting woods and meadows of the property for an unforgettable outing.

Tailor your getaway by choosing to stay at a resort on the river, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired inn or a quirky bed and breakfast.

La Crosse: Great Views & Delicious Sips

Head even further into the Driftless Region along the Great River Road for a special weekend adventure in La Crosse. Experience the city from the water on a La Crosse Queen Cruise, where you’re bound to see an eagle or two and learn about the city from an authentic paddlewheel riverboat. Or, get an even loftier view of the local landscape from Grandad Bluff which features five miles of hiking trails and an unforgettable vista of the Mississippi River Valley. 

La Crosse is also a must-visit for lovers of craft beer culture. Plan your visit in the fall to attend Oktoberfest USA, a rip-roaring celebration that includes parades, polka music, local food vendors and of course, plenty of tasty brews. Visit any time of year to enjoy local flavors from 608 Brewing Co., Pearl Street Brewery, Turtle Stack Brewery and more. And don’t forget to stop for a photo-op at the World’s Largest Six Pack!

When you and your group get hungry, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. For upscale fare, Lovechild and Le Chateau offer elevated flavors in atmospheric spaces. Dine with a view of the water at Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern, or enjoy the view from the rooftop patio at the Charmant Hotel. The Charmant is also a great place to stay during your getaway, with an onsite cafe and stylish rooms renovated from a historic candy factory.

Minocqua: Outdoor Adventures Up North

Get a taste of Wisconsin’s iconic Northwoods on a weekend trip to Minocqua. Soak up the natural beauty of the area no matter which season you visit, with fresh air activities including fishing, horseback riding, hiking, water skiing, ATVing, snowmobiling and more. Not sure where to start? Take the whole family to get a birds-eye view of the trees and trails with Northwoods Zipline Adventure Tours, an unforgettable experience perfect for spending quality time together.

To get the full “up north” experience, stay in a family-friendly resort or cozy cabin. From the serene Beacons of Minocqua to the intimate Pointe Resort & Club, the choices for great stays are almost endless. 

And no trip to the Northwoods is complete without a visit to a classic Wisconsin supper club. Feast on fish frys and Old Fashioneds at Norwood Pines, The Boathouse or Sheri's Pub N' Grub.

Washington Island: Explore Lake Michigan Marvels

It’s easy to enjoy a weekend island getaway in Wisconsin! Your trip begins with a scenic journey through Door County before hopping on the ferry to idyllic Washington Island. Once there, explore charming shops and galleries, visit a picturesque lavender farm and discover historic museums to learn more about the island. Take a Cherry Train Tour to start your adventure with a knowledgeable tour guide and surprise stops along the way.

Schoolhouse Beach is a must-visit here. A geological marvel made of smooth limestone rocks, the beach is one of only five of its kind in the world. Bring a picnic to enjoy the crystal clear water of Lake Michigan together and go for a dip if the weather permits.

Washington Island offers many delicious food options, from freshly caught fish at K. K. Fiske to the legendary Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub & Restaurant, the largest purveyor of Angostura Bitters in the world and home to the famous Bitters Club. You also don’t want to miss dining outside at the Albatross Drive-In and Tiki Bar for classic hand-pattied burgers, soft-serve ice cream or Door County beer, wine and cider at the tiki bar (open seasonally). 

Stay at the Hotel Washington, a peaceful getaway with an impressive farm-to-table restaurant, or book a private cottage for you and your crew. For the more adventurous, plan a camping adventure by taking another ferry to Rock Island, where no cars are permitted and there are miles of pristine shoreline, hiking trails, walk-in campsites and a swimming beach ready for you and your crew to explore. 

Looking for more awesome outings? Discover more weekend microadventures in Wisconsin.