25 Best Family Vacations in Wisconsin

© Bay Shore Inn

Bay Shore Inn is a historic property located next to Sturgeon Bay offering suites with a view of the water.

Guests can take a stroll on the beautifully landscaped grounds or get out and explore Door County, often called the Cape Cod of the Midwest.

The inn offers vacation packages for every season that can be booked in advance of arrival.

The inn’s staff is always ready with a recommendation of local dining, festivals and outdoor activities to help guests get the most out of their trip to Door County.

4205 Bay Shore Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-9704, 920-743-4551

© Lakewoods Resort

Lakewoods Resort, located on the 3,400-acre scenic Lake Namakagon, is the perfect base for exploring the majestic Wisconsin Northwoods.

With a variety of accommodations such as cozy rooms in a lodge, luxurious apartments overlooking the lake, spacious golf villas on the fairways of Forest Ridges Golf Course or charming or rustic private homes, you will find what you need.

Between the lake and the surrounding 850,000 acre Chequamegon National Forest, the area has activities throughout the year.

You can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tennis, volleyball or sitting on the banks of the lake with a book or camera. The choice is up to you, so relax and enjoy.

21540 Co Hwy M, Cable, WI 54821, 715-794-2561

© Osthoff Resort

Osthoff Resort is an elegant, luxurious Old World resort that has been entertaining discerning guest since 1886, when the rich and famous from Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee used to come by train for some summer fun.

Today, Osthoff Resort offers luxury suites with the latest contemporary amenities, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, spa, world class cuisine, tennis, volleyball, mini golf and even a paintball court.

Enjoy sailing or paddling on the magnificent cool lake, relax on the fine sandy beach or hit the surrounding trails of the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest.

After a long day of activities, you can relax in your spacious suite with a fully equipped kitchen, luxury bath, fireplace or balcony, before heading out for a gourmet meal by the lake, on the resort deck or in one of the elegant dining rooms.

101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020, 855-671-6870

More ideas: Best Wisconsin Lakes & Beaches

© Cliffside Resort

Sitting on top of a sandstone cliff overlooking beautiful Lake Delton in Wisconsin Dells, Cliffside Resort offers a perfect combination of charm, comfort and modern amenities for the whole family. Luxury suites and guest rooms feature fridges, microwaves, cable TVs, wifi, luxury bathrooms and beautiful views of the lake or the forest.

Enjoy endless fun in the pool, catch some fish in the lake, go for a boat ride or roast some marshmallows on the bonfire in front of the hotel in the evening. Kids will love the 60 foot water slide, a floating bear or all the fun in that the adjacent game room has to offer. For more entertainment, head across the lake for the famous Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show.

351 Canyon Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, 608-254-8521

 

Located on the scenic banks of Lake Delavan, Delavan Lake Resort is a modern, comfortable, family-friendly resort with 58 roomy suites with one or two bedrooms and baths. All suites have fully equipped kitchens, nice living and dining areas, pull-out sofas for additional sleeping, a romantic fireplace and beautiful views from a private patio or balcony.

Guests enjoy free wifi, cable TV and indoor and outdoor pool. The hotel’s luxurious Cloud Nine Spa offers some very special pampering and all kinds of massages to take your stress away. Lake Delavan is a great place to fish, so try your hand at catching some bass or pike, or just take a nice paddling trip around the lake with a loved one. Let the kids splash on the sandy lake banks or take them hiking in the surrounding forest to spend some of that youthful energy.

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 800-558-3417

© Black Hawk Motel

Black Hawk Motel is a great option for Wisconsin Dells visitors traveling on a budget, located just four blocks from the region's bustling, attraction-filled downtown district. The lovely family-owned motel has been in operation since 1945 and has received a AAA Diamond Award rating for its beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites. All rooms offer modern amenities like Sealy Encore plush beds, microwaves, cable televisions, and complimentary wireless internet, with upgraded rooms adding whirlpools, kitchenettes, and adjoining family space for extended stays. All guests can enjoy complimentary passes to nearby Noah's Ark Water Park with their stay, making the hotel a great choice for families traveling during the summer months. Indoor and outdoor pools offer whirlpools and slides, while a game room features arcade and pinball games and a billiards table.

720 Race St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, Phone: 608-254-7770

© Grand Geneva Resort and Spa

Regardless of the season, the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is waiting to delight the whole family with a veritable smorgasbord of vacation activities. To begin with, there are two exciting golf courses for you to play – unlimited golf packages are available for avid golfers. Other warm-weather activities include horseback riding, cycling, having fun in the Timber Ridge indoor water park, relaxing around the outdoor pool or going on a scooter tour. In winter the emphasis changes to snow sports – the rolling hills are ideal for families and you can all enjoy skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating and much more. Parents can enjoy relaxing at the spa and there are several options for on-site dining.

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262 248 8811

 

Surrounded by acres of dense forests of Norway pine, oak, birch and maple, on the shore of the lovely Sand Lake, just a short drive from Eagle River, Pitlik’s Beach Resort is the place to escape from it all, in style. While all around you is wild nature, your accommodations in the rustic, but very comfortable cabins, is first class; no roughing it at Pitlik’s.

Cabins range in size and views, but all have private bathrooms, kitchens with all you need for a meal and some have screen porches. Head out for some great fishing on the Sand Lake, explore the forests on horseback or bike, take a slow hike through the untamed nature or, in the winter, go cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. When you come back from your exploration, come to the main Lodge for a warm meal at Rena’s Place or if you’re in the mood for a great cocktails or a brew, Joe’s Taproom has you covered.

4833 Sand Beach Dr, Eagle River, WI 54521, 715-479-4955

 

Whether you are coming to Warrens for the world's biggest cranberry festival or treating the kids with a trip to the famous Jellystone Camp-Resort, make sure to treat yourself with the cozy, upscale accommodations at Warrens Lodging, a campground like no other. Log-style Villas have original décor and floor plans with amenities such as cable TVs, fireplaces, luxury bathrooms, high ceilings, full kitchens and some even have garden tubs.

Kids will love all the Jellystone activities, from waterparks, pools and mini golf to themed activities and campfires. If you want to learn more about Wisconsin’s most important fruit, visit Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center. For a nice meal, just stroll through Warrens and you will find some great options.

711 Skatepark Court, Warrens, WI 54666, 877-894-0105

 

The American Club is a 5-star, 5-diamond luxury resort in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Housed in a brick tudor-style inn in the charming village of Koehler, the lodge contains gorgeously decorated luxury rooms with many amenities such as soft down comforters, complimentary bathrobes and slippers as well as free morning coffee and afternoon tea.

With nine separate restaurants, fine dining is always on the menu at the American Club. Guests can also relax at the 5-star Koehler Waters Spa, test their skills on one of the property’s four championship golf courses or explore the 800 acres of woodland property at the River Wildlife Wilderness Preserve.

419 Highland Dr, Kohler, WI 53044, 800-344-2838

© Landmark Resort

Located on 40 forested acres on Wood County Peninsula, surrounded by magnificent Lake Michigan, the Landmark Resort is in the heart of all the action your family is looking forward to when coming to this beautiful part of Wisconsin. The all-suite resort has your home away from home with all amenities you need, from wireless Internet, cable TV, fully-equipped kitchen and dining space.

The resort has four swimming pools, steam rooms, whirlpools, a gym, a basketball and tennis court and so much more. Whether it is snowing or the sun is shining, resort guests will never be bored. If you do not feel for cooking, head to the resort’s own Carrington Pub & Grill or stroll to Egg Harbor where there are plenty of options to choose from.

4929 Landmark Drive, Egg Harbor, WI 54209, 920-868-3205

 

The Minocqua region of northern Wisconsin is an absolute paradise for those who love outdoors. With 3,200 lakes, ponds, parks, state forests, reservoirs and streams, there is fabulous fishing, water-skiing, hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, wild animal watching and much more.

The Waters of Minocqua offers all types of accommodation to fit your needs, from spacious lofts to luxury suites with whirlpools, fireplaces, balconies or decks. All rooms have cable TV, free wireless Internet, microwave, fridge and charming rustic décor with hand-made log furniture. Kids will love the hotel’s pools and waterpark with slides, and parents will enjoy the pub, café and complimentary breakfast.

South, 8116 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548, 715-358-4000

 

The White Birch Village Resort is snuggled in the heart of the magnificent Northern Highland State Forest, surrounded by picturesque lakes that can invite either quiet contemplation or adrenaline-pumping action, depending on what you need. Choose the accommodation that fits your needs in one of the two-story suites in the main lodge, or in one of the 16 vacation homes with one to four bedrooms. The homes and suites offer everything you need for your home away from home, including a fireplace and even a 14’ row boat.

There are so many activities that even the most hyperactive kids will get tired. Start with a nice hike along the nature trail with bird watching stations, get a paddleboard, canoe or kayak, play some basketball or volleyball, jump into the lake, go fishing or sit by the fireplace and read a book. Doing nothing is also allowed, you are in charge.

© Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park

Located just a quick trolley ride from the Grand Geneva Resort, the Timber Ridge Lodge offers families loads of fun activities. The Indoor Water Park is probably the most popular amenity at this resort, providing year-round fun for the whole family. In addition, the resort offers a games arcade, children’s Activity Room and mini golf. You are also just a short distance from the 2 fabulous golf courses at Grand Geneva Resort and the winter sport fun on The Mountain Top. The all-suite lodge has comfortable and fully equipped 2-bedroom suites ideal for families. There are 2 on-site restaurants and guests can also visit the restaurants at the Grand Geneva Resort.

Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park, 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262 249 3400

© Dillman’s Bay Resort

Dillman’s Bay Resort isn’t just a lakeside retreat with cabins, condos and lakehouse accommodations, it offers more than the usual outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, volleyball and tennis. Dillman’s also prides itself on promoting the arts and each year, they offer a variety of workshops in various kinds of painting and photography taught by internationally renowned instructors.

Enjoy a drink at the resort’s full-service bar, The Sand Bar, or drive a few miles away to enjoy local restaurants and cafés. Guests can use the resorts canoes, kayaks and paddleboats at no charge, or rent a boat from the marina for a day on the water.

13277 Dillman's Way, (For GPS use: 3305 Sand Lake Lodge Lane. For postal mail use: Post Office Box 98), Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin 54538, 715-588-3143

© Tundra Lodge

Tundra Lodge in Green Bay is designed to impress with large wooden beams, a huge stone fireplace and all-suite rooms. The property contains an indoor and outdoor water park with 30,000 square feet of water slides and tunnels, a relaxing lazy river and an outdoor hot tub. Guests can also shop at the Trading Post Gift Shop or grab a sweet treat at Klondike Kate’s Candy Store.

Tired travelers can finish off the day with a bite at one of the resort’s two restaurants or can order room service if they would prefer to dine-in.

865 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54304, 920-405-8700 or 877-886-3725

© Pheasant Park

Explore gorgeous Door County, Wisconsin while lodging at the beautiful Pheasant Park resort in Sister Bay. Guests can choose from spacious two and three bedroom suites with comfy beds, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The resort also contains an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna, an arcade, library, business center and free wifi.

Pheasant Park has the largest public waterfront in northern Door County and provides guests easy access to the shopping, dining and outdoor activities of this Northwood destination. Whether guests need an activity recommendation, a dinner reservation or just some extra towels in their room, the Pheasant Park staff is eager to please.

2236 Mill Road, PO Box 230, Sister Bay, WI 54234, 920-854-7287 | Toll Free 800-392-3921

© Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort

Located a mile from town, Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort offers quiet relaxation while still being close to all that Door County has to offer. The resort offers 27 acres of beautiful wilderness along the shore of Lake Michigan to explore.

Guests can stay in with complimentary coffee and tea and a movie rental from the club’s DVD library, or they can head out for fishing, boating, biking or a picnic on the club’s expertly landscaped grounds. Door County has year-round activities, including shopping, causal or fine dining, summer theater, music festivals and a drive-in movie theater.

8151 Ridges Road, Baileys Harbor, Door County, WI 54202, 800-927-2492

© Blue Harbor Resort

Nestled on the western shore of the spectacular Lake Michigan, Blue Harbor Resort offers 180 guest rooms and 64 villas with décor that ranges from aquarium to boathouse with magnificent views of the Sheboygan River or vast Lake Michigan and features such as fireplaces, whirlpools, patios, balconies and bunkbeds for the kids.

With five dining options and the 54,000 square foot Breaker Bay's Sheboygan Waterpark on-site, you don’t even have to leave the resort to have a gourmet meal, an excellent cocktail or a day of fun. While the kids are splashing away, mom can enjoy the resort spa or join dad at the golf links. In the evening, when the family is together again, take a nice stroll along the lake.

725 Blue Harbor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081, 920-452-2900

© Serenity Bay Resort

The Serenity Bay Resort is the place to be for both summer and winter outdoor activities. Fishing, biking, hiking, golf, shopping, dining and summer festivals can all be found within a few miles of the property.

The resort is located on the shores of Little St. Germain Lake and includes 9 lakeside cabins and 4 lakeview townhomes. Cabin or townhome amenities include lake views, furnished kitchens, cozy living rooms, decks and screened-in porches. There are volleyball, tennis, basketball, and shuffleboard courts, as well as both fishing and pontoon boat rentals available.

1276 Halberstadt Road, St. Germain, Wisconsin 54558, 715-479-8866

More ideas: camping in WI

© Wave Pointe Marina and Resort

At Wave Pointe Marina and Resort, it’s all about the aquatic life. The resort contains a 124-slip marina with a full-service fuel station and dock hands to assist boaters. There are transient slips for those who just want to pull up for a quick bite to eat, but you don’t have to be a boater to enjoy Wave Pointe.

Resort amenities include one and two bedroom suites, an indoor hot tub and sauna, an outdoor pool as well as pontoon, kayak and bicycle rentals. In the summer, guests can enjoy live music while dining outdoors on the tiki bar at Gilmo’s, the resort’s on-site restaurant.

3600 Co Rd CC, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, 920-824-5440

© Bridgeport Resort

Bringing the family to the scenic Door County for a weekend, you can expect a lot of action fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding or skiing and snowboarding in the winter. With the sore muscles and tired bones that come from a day of outdoor adventures, you will need the luxury suites of the Bridgeport Resort to unwind and relax. Located on the water’s edge, in the heart of the quaint Sturgeon Bay, Bridgeport Resort suites are a class in themselves.

Each suite has a fireplace, whirlpool tub, cable TV, wireless Internet and fully equipped kitchen. Guests can enjoy heated swimming pools, a sauna, a whirlpool and a fitness center, while kids will love the Bridgeport Splash Park with a 5 foot slide, a 14 foot lighthouse, floor squirters and floppy fire hoses.

50 W Larch St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, 800-671-9190

© Stout’s Island Lodge

Since 1903, Stout’s Island Lodge has been a refuge from daily stress and busy lives, a place to regroup and recharge in the cozy luxury of the historic stone building surrounded by the magnificent garden. Located in Red Cedar Lake near Rice Lake, this unique historic resort has 11 rustic cabin with luxurious, beautifully decorated rooms.

The number of rooms and features of each cabin vary but include amenities such as fireplaces, full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, full kitchens and screen porches. Views are magnificent on all sides, with each cabin either overlooking the lake or the surrounding gardens. The main lodge has a spacious common room with a pool table and games, a cozy dining room offering gourmet locally sourced Midwest regional cuisine and a nice outdoor terrace. Enjoy a scenic hike around the perimeter of the island, paddle a kayak across the lake, have a swim, play a round of golf, tennis, lacrosse, badminton, bocce and so much more.

2799 27th St, Birchwood, WI 54817, 715-354-3646

© Shallows Resort

Shallows Resort is all about families, reconnecting and bonding in the magnificent environment of the Door Peninsula on the shore of Green Bay, in the picturesque Egg Harbor. Secluded, but close to a number of parks, Shallows Resort can be your base for exploring the area whether it’s hiking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing or just sitting on the dock watching the sunset.

The lodging options range from standard guest rooms and cottages to townhouses and private homes, all on the very edge of the water, with mesmerizing views of the shimmering lake or the surrounding garden with colorful flower beds or stately maples. Walk to the resort deck and throw your rod into the water, go for a swim in the lake or in the heated swimming pool, try your hand at the tennis courts, hike or bike meandering Horseshoe Bay Road lined with rolling farmland and limestone bluffs .

7353 Horseshoe Bay Rd, Egg Harbor, WI 54209, 920-868-3458