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If you are a resident of Wisconsin, or even if you are just a visitor, there are plenty of day trips within your reach. The natural beauty of the Wisconsin area is boundless – there are forty-seven parks, thirteen forests, and thirty-four trails. Here are a few of the top trips and activities to enjoy alone, with a special someone, with a group of friends, or with your family.
If you’re celebrating Fall in the Midwest this year, be sure to take the best day trips from Wisconsin to see some of the country’s most beautiful vistas, scenic landscapes, and ‘change of the leaves’ ceremonies.
The fall season in Wisconsin is the perfect time to take trips to the apple orchards, enjoy a day at the corn maze, or just drive out to the country for breathtaking views of nature’s bounty. From the hills in Baraboo to the shores of Lake Michigan in Door County.
Amnicon Falls State Park
Location: 4279 County Rd U, South Range, Wisconsin
Amnicon Falls State Park in Superior, Wisconsin will provide you will a wonderfully scenic view of breathtaking waterfalls and rapids. You can walk along the Amnicon River on trails or from a covered footbridge.
The footbridge, also referred to as Horton Bride, is fifty-five feet long and it runs along the river at the Lower Falls. It was named after Charles M. Horton in the late 1800s when Horton designed this and many other bowstring-style bridges.
The foot trails are rocky, so make sure you have proper footwear, and if you are accident-prone, take the historic bridge instead. You can also picnic at this beautiful site, and you can learn about the Douglas Fault, which is the geographical formation that created the falls.
The Douglas Fault was a string of earthquakes that happened about a half billion years ago, and when you visit Amnicon Park, you will be able to see first-hand the evidence of the quakes – solidified lava, the formation of sandstone, etc.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Location: 3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Another fabulous Wisconsin attraction is Whitefish Dunes State Park, located in Sturgeon Bay. This park, which was established in 1967, is on the Door County Peninsula. This is the most visited park in all of Wisconsin. Whitefish Dunes State Park boasts a lovely view of Lake Michigan, which you can walk alongside.
They also feature guided tours with different focuses, including history, geology, and ecology. The forested dunes are stunning, and in the winter, there is space for skiing. This is one of the great day trips in Wisconsin, no matter what the season.
Hot-Air Balloon Rides
Hot-air balloon rides are a great activity to enjoy in Wisconsin. This can be a romantic experience, as well as a fun family outing. WindDancer Balloon Promotions is a company located in Waukesha, and they operate all year round. Balloon flights last about an hour.
Elusive Dream Balloons is another hot-air balloon company, and this one is located in Oxford, Wisconsin. If you want a more lavish ride in the sky, try the Lake Geneva Balloon Company. They offer champagne-catered flights over the scenic Lake Geneva countryside, and the sunset flights are especially romantic.
Spelunking Day Trip In Wisconsin
A spelunking day trip in Wisconsin is a great idea. Spelunking, or caving, is not something that you should try to learn independently. Rather, you should opt for a guided learning tour. Ledge View Nature Center, located in Chilton, is one of the best places to visit for a guided cave tour.
You can choose between a two-hour walking tour which is not very physically challenging, or you can opt for the adventurous tour, which will give you a more hands-on look into the hobby of spelunking. Ledge View is only open for tours on the weekends.
Door County
Known for its cherries and festive atmosphere year-round, Door County sits on the northeast edge of Wisconsin to draw sailboats and travelers to its charming residences. Fall season calls for pumpkin festivals, farmer’s markets, and plenty of country-style cooking to enjoy a hearty meal during your stay. Some of Wisconsin’s best bed and breakfasts can be found here, and it’s a favored spot for romantic types any time of year.
Baraboo
It’s been termed ‘God’s land’ by the locals and continues to offer some of the most breathtaking vistas and views in the Midwest. Baraboo and the Wisconsin Dells area are Wisconsin’s resort towns, but you don’t have to drive too far from the tourist spots to find some amazing landscapes and scenery of nature’s finest. Pack a picnic and head out to the Wisconsin river for an unforgettable experience!
Pier Wisconsin
Location: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s lakefront is filled with events year-round, and Fall is a great time to take in the local attractions and enjoy live music, entertainment, and some unforgettable dining opportunities in this buzzing city. The pier itself is home to the Discovery World museum, giving you a chance to enjoy world-class exhibits or just take a trip off the docks on a schooner or ferry for a complete city experience.
Egg Harbor
Just beyond Sturgeon Bay near Door County, Egg Harbor is the spot to learn about Door County history from the locals, then take a ferry to Washington Island for a scenic trip on Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect excuse for a miniature getaway before winter makes it difficult to travel across the lake, and you’ll find plenty of picturesque views to snap a few photos on the way.
Mississippi River in Fountain City
Located almost 40 miles north of La Crosse, the historic town of Fountain City is one of the State’s top picks for travel lodges and B&Bs.; Head over to Main Street to soak in the classic charm and tourist attractions such as The Monarch Tavern, then take in the views of the old river from a variety of eateries, landmarks, and park areas throughout the town.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Wisconsin
From the unforgettable landscapes in Baraboo to the pumpkin festivals in Door County, there’s plenty to see and do during the Fall season in Wisconsin. A trip to the Midwest isn’t complete without an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast; make the most of the season’s harvest by enjoying a meal or two at some of Wisconsin’s finest in any of the cities and towns above.
Wisconsin has a lot to offer to those who enjoy fishing, or even to novice fishermen. Lake Tahoe is a terrific fishing choice, but fishing is only allowed during odd-numbered years, so plan accordingly. The fish that you are most likely to catch are rainbow trout.
Wherever you go fishing, check the regulations, as they change somewhat frequently. The authorities in Wisconsin do their best to preserve the natural life and beauty of the state, and that is why there are often so many regulations to follow – it’s for the good of the environment.
