25 Best Family Vacations in Wisconsin

Check into one of these Wisconsin resorts, lodges and inns for a fun family getaway filled with swimming in the lakes, hiking, massages, golf and great dining. From affordable lakeside getaways to luxury resorts, there is plenty to choose from in Wisconsin. Whether your family is looking forward to exploring state parks or relaxing by the pool, these unique properties offer the perfect base for a family vacation. Photo: Wirepec/Fotolia

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 Photo:

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 Photo: Lakewoods 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 Photo: Osthoff Resort

More: Spring getaways for family, Train Rides USA, Caribbean family vacation, Family vacations, train rides for kids, Family Weekend getaways, Family friendly hotels

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. Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells

351 Canyon Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, 608-254-8521 Photo: Cliffside Resort

More: Things to Do in OKlahoma City, Alabama caves, Things to Do in Northern Virginia, Jim Thorpe, Things to do in North Carolina, Fun Things to Do in Michigan, Day trips from Nashville, Montana vacations, Miami weekend getaways, Things to Do in Monterey, Romantic weekend getaways in Oklahoma

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 Photo:

More: Best winter vacations for families, Labor Day, NYC museums, Best resorts for kids, Ranch Vacations

Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva is a five story, 108 room hotel in downtown Lake Geneva, overlooking the peaceful lake waters and surrounding forests. This hotel offers contemporary, beautifully decorated rooms featuring all modern amenities such as cable TVs, fridges, microwaves, wifi and private, luxurious bathrooms.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, indoor and outdoor pool, a gym, office center and direct access to the lake shore. For a bite to eat or a nice cocktail, try hotel’s Gino’s East Restaurant and Bar. Take a slow stroll along the shimmering lake, explore the town’s charming streets, take a boat across the lake, go fishing on the pier, swim on the beach or sit in one of the outdoor cafes and watch the world pass by.

300 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-248-9181 Photo: Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva

More: Italian restaurants NYC, Manhattan wedding venues, Things to Do in Chelsea, Best time to visit New York, Things to Do in Queens NY, Day trips from NYC

The Olympia Resort is located in the heart of the Wisconsin Lake Country. Surrounded by the picturesque Kettle Moraines and shimmering lakes, this resort is right in the center of the charming town of Oconomowoc. Olympia Resort is very popular for weddings, conferences and retreats, but excellent accommodation, great amenities and numerous outdoor activities in the area make it perfect for a family weekend as well.

The resort has 190 modern, spacious rooms and suites, some with their own private whirlpool. All rooms have private bathrooms, wifi, cable TVs and many other amenities. With an indoor and outdoor pool, gourmet food at Rick's Restaurant, great cocktails and entertainment at Club Indigo and Crickets Lounge, Indoor Virtual Golf Simulator and the soothing O-Spa, no family member will be bored. When you venture outside, regardless of the season, walks around the lake, kayaking trips or hiking through the surrounding mountains will get your heart racing.

1350 Royale Mile Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, 262-369-4999 Photo:

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 Photo:

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 Photo:

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. Read more

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

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 Photo: Landmark Resort

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 Photo:

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. Photo:

Located along beautiful Green Lake, the Heidel House Resort and Spa offers adventure and relaxation to its guests. Accommodations include spacious rooms and full guest houses for large groups.

The resort has a full-service spa and five options for indoor and outdoor dining. There is no shortage of things to do in the charming community of Green Lake, including golfing, hiking, fishing and chartered yacht cruises.

Guests can even sample local home brewed beer at the annual Beer Fest, or enjoy local wines on a special wine cruise around the lake.

643 Illinois Ave., Green Lake, WI 54941, 800-444-2812 Photo:

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 Photo:

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 Photo:

A true Northwoods retreat, the Black Bear Lodge offers rustic accommodations and year-round activities for pleasure travel or business retreats. Classic or modern cabin rentals come stocked with basic kitchenware and linens and complimentary wifi. Guests are given access to the lodge’s paved walking paths, two sand beaches, playgrounds, sandbox and volleyball courts.

Rentals also include complimentary canoe, kayak, paddle boat and hydro-bike rentals in the summer, and ice skate or snow shoe rentals in the winter. The Bear’s Den Bar and Grille offers pub-style cuisine year-round. The lodge also contains abundant event space for business meetings, corporate retreats or weddings.

1330 Halberstadt Road , St. Germain, WI 54558, 715-479-5778 | Toll Free 800-563-4340 Photo:

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 Photo:

Located a mile from town, Bailey’s Harbor Yacht Club 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 Photo:

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, Jacuzzis, 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 Photo:

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 Photo:

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 Photo:

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 Photo:

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, Jacuzzi 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 Photo:

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 Photo: