Milwaukee Magazine Your Getaway

Your Getaway Guide

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon out, a day trip or a weekend away, you’ll find your next vacation destination here.

The La Crosse Region

On the shore of the mighty Mississippi, La Crosse is a scenic destination for a weekend trip. The 600-foot high Grandad Bluff offers a genuinely unbeatable view of the river valley – you can see Minnesota and even Iowa from up there. Head down to La Crosse Queen Cruises to take advantage of its daily trips down the river on a modern-day replica of the paddleboats that once traversed the water. The nearby Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern is a great stop for farm-to-table fare. There’s also plenty to do outside of La Crosse proper. The Great River Road runs 250 miles through 33 towns, each with its own unique collection of shops, dining and more. Consider picking up souvenirs at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, stopping for a delicious respite at Stockholm Pie and General Store, or sipping a vintage pour at Elmaro Vineyard in Trempealeau. explorelacrosse.com

Mount Horeb

This village west of Madison is known as the “Troll Capital of the World,” due to its plethora of statues of the small Scandinavian creatures. Learn more about the history behind the name and shop for some trolls to take home at Driftless Historium Museum and Gift Shop or Open House Imports. Mount Horeb also has plenty to offer beyond its beloved whimsical trolls – the nine-hole Norsk Golf Club makes for a great afternoon on the links, and the nearby Cave of the Mounds never fails to astonish with its striking stalactites. Local company Gerber Leisure Products manufactures playground equipment and is currently building a new splashpad for the area. When it comes to dining and drinks, your options are plentiful. The fittingly named Grumpy Troll Brew Pub is the place to go for craft beer; Buck & Honey’s serves hearty American cuisine; and you can pick up a sweet treat at Driftless Chocolates. For shopping, consider Sift and Winnow’s artisan jewelry, or the wide variety of loose-leaf teas at Telsaan Tea. trollway.com

Great River State Trail north of La Crosse

Greater Richland Area

The Driftless Area is one of Wisconsin’s most scenic regions. Hills, valleys and vistas abound in a rural setting distinct from the rest of our state. Richland Center is a scenic headquarters from which to enjoy all the Driftless has to offer. Hike the Ash Creek Community Forest, kayak down the Pine River, camp at Pier Natural Bridge Park, explore the historic effigy mounds at Frank’s Hill, and much more. You might also enjoy a visit to the A.D. German Warehouse, a unique design by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright; or time your trip for a concert at Driftless Music Gardens, a vast outdoor concert space where you can enjoy live music in the rolling hills of the Driftless. greaterrichlandtourism.com

DOOR COUNTY ROCK AND GEM

Find a unique gift at this Door County destination. With locations in North Ephraim and Fish Creek, Door County Rock and Gem offers jewelry, crystals, geodes, fossils and more. You can pick out a beautiful jewel for a loved one, or maybe a statement piece for your home. The expert staff will help you make the right selection for you. doorcountyrockandgem.com

Local Day Trip - The North Shore

Your next trip doesn’t have to be far from home. Consider a jaunt up to Milwaukee’s North Shore, where you’ll find charming downtowns, dining destinations, cultural landmarks and of course, the beautiful lakeshore. For shopping, Bayshore in Glendale can’t be beat – the vast outdoor mall has dozens of stores and restaurants, and it hosts frequent events, such as the Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival on June 1. The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside has miles of trails through forests, wetlands, prairies and lakefront, plus an observation tower offering wide views. The Lynden Sculpture Garden in River Hills is another gem, with 40 acres peppered with 50 unique outdoor sculptures that are worth spending an entire day exploring. If you have little ones, a tour of Sprecher Brewery in Glendale is tons of fun – and includes unlimited soda samples. Of course, the North Shore is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, like the “finer dining” of Buttermint in Shorewood, the sprawling beer garden and German specialties of Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale; or the big, buttery burgers at Solly’s Grille, also in Glendale. discoverthenorthshoremke.com

Stay Like You

Live Here

When your favorite concert or heated rivalry brings you downtown, the charm and comfort of the Plaza Hotel Milwaukee is your home base and a getaway all at once. Our convenient parking, apartment-style rooms, and central East Side location make us the perfect landing spot after a night of Milwaukee entertainment. And don’t forget to stay for breakfast!

Sheboygan

Sheboygan needs no introduction – the “Malibu of the Midwest” is a beloved vacation spot for Wisconsinites near and far, and the quick drive from Milwaukee situates it perfectly for a weekend getaway. In the warm-weather months, the city opens up for boating, kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding and much more on its sprawling public lakefront. On the south end of town, check out Terry Andrae State Park, where you can take in the lakeside sand dunes and tall pines. And don’t forget to take advantage of Shebyogan’s vibrant dining scene. Enjoy delicious, authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria Stefano, shareable small plates at BoMallies, or cozy English cuisine at The Duke of Devon. And consider a nightcap at Sheboygan’s craft beer powerhouse, 3 Sheeps Brewing visitsheboygan.com

Wausau

Wausau means far away in the Ojibwe language – but it’s less than a three-hour drive from Milwaukee to reach the tranquil Wisconsin destination. One of its biggest draws is the stunning landscape and plethora of outdoor activities. The Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area offers over 4,900 acres to explore, with trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding. Art lovers will enjoy Wausau’s Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, a free museum with an acclaimed sculpture garden and an always rotating series of exhibitions. That’s not the only artsy spot in town – the Center for the Visual Arts hosts galleries and sells artist-made goods. For shopping, check out Object, which offers an array of sustainable home goods; Janke Book Store , the oldest bookstore in Wisconsin; and Evolutions in Design, where you’ll find plants, gifts and antiques. For dining, consider a trip to the newly opened Velveteen Plum, serving Latin cuisine with a fantastic view of nearby Rib Mountain. visitwausau.com

Whitewater

Staycations

You don’t have to leave Milwaukee to have great time!

POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL

Nestled in the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, you can find four lakes, four segments of the Ice Age Trail, and over 20 parks to explore in Whitewater. Natureland County Park offers five trails through different terrain next to Whitewater Lake, and the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve provides five loops through 100 acres of prairie. Head to beautiful Cravath Lakefront Park for the Whitewater City Market on Tuesday evenings and the Concerts in the Park series on Thursday evenings. You’ll find numerous dining and drinking destinations downtown, including Sweet Spot Café, where you can get your caffeine fix. For dinner, try Fanatico’s authentic Italian cuisine. When you’re ready for a drink, Whitewater has two breweries, Second Salem Brewing Co. and 841 Brewhouse, and a winery, Staller Estate Winery discoverwhitewater.org

The iconic Milwaukee casino and hotel is a destination, whether you just want a day of gaming or a full weekend stay. On the tail end of a monumental renovation, the space now hosts new restaurants and cafes, an updated gaming floor and a sportsbook. paysbig.com

THE PLAZA HOTEL

Only minutes from Cathedral Square, the Marcus Center, the Art Museum and other Downtown destinations, this art deco hotel is an ideal headquarters for a weekend exploring the city. plazahotelmilwaukee.com

Resort

Destinations

LAKE LAWN RESORT

This resort on the shore of Delavan Lake combines over 140 years of history with modern amenities. Escape for a day or two with a stay in one of their luxurious guest rooms. lakelawnresort.com

THE GENEVA INN

A short drive to the southwest will transport you to this peaceful waterfront escape. The Geneva Inn offers stunning views of the lake and fine dining at its Grandview Restaurant. genevainn.com

Velveteen Plum; Below: Object

Explore Nebraska

This year, consider a road trip vacation to Nebraska, where you’ll find beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure and much more. Here are a few of the scenic byways the state has to offer. Learn more at visitnebraska.com

OUTLAW TRAIL

This 231-mile byway along the northern edge of Nebraska passes through Smith Falls State Park, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall; Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, home to 270 species of birds, 59 species of mammals and 22 species of reptiles and amphibians; and Ohiya Resort and Casino, a luxurious place to stay and game.

LEWIS & CLARK

Between Sioux City and Fort Calhoun, this route follows the trail of the explorers it’s named after. You’ll pass the Missouri River; the Winnebago Indian Reservation and its buffalo herd; the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; and Omaha, Nebraska’s biggest city.

HERITAGE HIGHWAY

History buffs will enjoy this byway. It passes the Homestead National Monument of America, which marks the mighty homesteading movement of the 1860s; Red Cloud Opera House, a grand 19th century concert hall that inspired a young Willa Cather; and Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, a 350-acre park that marks a long stretch of the Oregon Trail. ◆

Start building your original experience today at FoxCities.org

From dining on the lake to scenic paddles across the river, water views are always complimentary when you visit the Fox Cities.