Day Trips from Wisconsin

1. Racine

Racine is a charming city on the shores of Lake Michigan near the mouth of the Root River, located less than half an hour south of Milwaukee. The highly-cultural city is acclaimed for its preserved architectural works by renowned 20th-century artist Frank Lloyd Wright, including the Johnson Wax Headquarters and the Keland House.

Visitors can tour the S.C. Johnson corporate campus, explore the impressive contemporary craft collections of the Racine Art Museum, or take in theatrical performances by the Racine Theater Guild, which presents musicals, dramas, and children's theater productions.

Beautiful North Beach spans 50 acres and offers beach volleyball courts, lifeguard staff, and a nautical-themed children's playground.

2. Beloit

Once home to a thriving cigar-making industry, Beloit is a charming town in Rock County, Wisconsin. The town was founded in 1836 and has plenty of attractions for visitors, which makes it an ideal destination for a family getaway.

Historic sites include the Beckman Mill (1868), the Bushnell Wheeler House (1857) and Beloit College (1846).

Art lovers can spend some time at the Beloit Art Center admiring the works of art on display.

If you prefer to be outdoors, there is great hiking, biking and wildlife watching at several nature centers or preserves including Cleophas Reserve, Androne Woods and Spring Creek Preserve.

3. Eau Claire

Eau Claire is renowned as the "Indie Capital of the Midwest," located just an hour and a half east of Minneapolis at the confluence of the beautiful Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. The city, which is named for the French term for "clear waters," is home to a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, including the Children's Museum of Eau Claire, the lively Chaos Water Park, and the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum.

Culture lovers can check out performances at the Pablo Center, the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, the National Register of Historic Places-listed Sarge Boyd Bandshell, or the city's many bars and clubs that host local independent music acts.

The delightful Chippewa River State Trail is open to bikers, while Riverview Park and Carson Park offer opportunities for swimming and boating.

The city is also renowned for its craft beer scene, home to hip breweries like K-Point Brewing, the Brewing Projekt, and Lazy Monk.

4. Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls is a charming city in Chippewa County, named in honor of the Ojibwa indigenous tribe that once populated the Michigan region.

The town, which is located on the banks of the Chippewa River, is best known as the home of famed Leinenkugel Brewing Company, which offers a delicious tasting room sampling its craft microbrews and guided tours of its brewery operations throughout the year.

The Heyde Center for the Arts presents live theatrical performances and art gallery exhibitions throughout the year, while the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology documents the life and career of Seymour Cray, known as the father of modern supercomputing.

Family-friendly attractions include the 318-acre Irvine Park Zoo. Each year, the city hosts major special events such as the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and the annual Country Fest music festival.

5. Dubuque

Dubuque is a delightful Iowa city located along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, originally established in the 18th century as a lead mining town.

Today, Dubuque has become a major center for the arts, culture, and outdoor recreation, home to renowned attractions like the family-friendly National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which explores human and animal life on the river over the years.

The 1,439-acre Mines of Spain Recreation Area is home to 12 miles of hiking trails and four miles of skiing trails, as well as rare animal species like bald eagles and flying squirrels.

Nearby, the gorgeous Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are home to rose and Japanese garden areas, while the 19th-century Mathias Ham House preserves an opulent mansion and historic log cabin.

Visitors can also catch performances by the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, explore the collections of the Dubuque Museum of Art, or ride the world's steepest and shortest scenic railway at the Fenelon Place Elevator.

6. Aztalan State Park

Aztalan State Park is a National Historic Landmark that preserves one of the most important archaeological sites in the state of Wisconsin.

The park, which is located in the city of Jefferson, preserves an ancient Middle Mississippian indigenous village that was heavily populated between the years of 1000 and 1300 A.D.

Its name refers to an historic belief that the village may have been connected to the ancient Aztec residence of Aztalan.

Pyramid-shaped mounds are preserved at the site, which are believed to have served both defensive and ceremonial purposes for the culture.

Visitors can also explore the park's 172 lovely preserved acres of oak woods habitat, which are home to excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, and catfish and walleye fishing on the Crawfish River.

N6200 County Rd Q, Jefferson, WI 53549, Phone: 920-648-8774

7. Fond du Lac

Fond du Lac is a charming city located at the southern end of Lake Winnebago, named after the French term for "bottom of the lake."

The city is known for its four historic downtown districts, which are home to more than 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spacious Lakeside Park, which spans more than 400 acres, is home to the 1933 Lakeside Park Lighthouse, which can be explored as part of summer guided tours.

The park also boasts a miniature train, antique carousel, petting zoo, and annual holiday dancing lights display. Each year, the city hosts the annual Foot of the Lake Synchronized Skating Classic event.

8. Galena

Galena is one of the most picturesque small towns in Illinois, known for its splendid 19th-century architecture and attractions connected to former United States President Ulysses S. Grant.

Visitors can tour the beautiful Italianate-style Ulysses S. Grant Home, which is open today as a living history museum. Many of the city's beautiful National Register of Historic Places buildings have been preserved as part of the Galena Historic District, earning the city a reputation as one of America's most beautiful small towns.

The city's all-American Main Street district is home to delightful shopping and dining destinations. Nearby, Horseshoe Mound preserves an historic indigenous ceremonial mound site.

9. Gurnee

Gurnee is a delightful Illinois city located within the northern end of the Chicago metropolitan region, best known as the home of the acclaimed Six Flags Great America theme park, which draws more than three million annual visitors.

The park, which was opened in 1976, is considered to be one of the top 20 amusement parks in the world, home to major thrill rides such as the wooden hybrid roller coaster Goliath, the wing coaster X-Flight, and the record-breaking multi-launch coaster Maxx Force.

The park's Hurricane Harbor water park operates seasonally, offering a plethora of family-friendly water attractions.

Visitors can also explore more than 200 manufacturer and retail outlet stores at Gurnee Mills, or hit the links at the 18-hole Bittersweet Golf Course.

10. La Crosse

La Crosse is a lovely Mississippi River city in western Wisconsin, known throughout the state as a major technology, medical, and commercial hub with many unique attractions.

Its delightful Riverside Park is home to the beautiful International Friendship Gardens, which showcase landscaping styles from locations around the world.

Visitors can embark on riverboat excursions aboard the American Queen or Julia Belle Swain at the park's harbor, or view exhibits of restored classic cars at Dahl Auto Museum.

More than 30 arts organizations present performances throughout the year, including the Pump House Regional Arts Center, the La Crosse Symphony, and the award-winning La Crosse Community Theater.