10 Best Short Road Trips from Kenosha, Wisconsin for Weekend Getaways

on

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Kenosha, Wisconsin

If you’re based in Kenosha, WI and itching to explore beyond your own backyard, you’re in the perfect spot. Kenosha sits right between Milwaukee and Chicago and just across the lake from western Michigan, which makes it an awesome base for short road trips. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short out-of-county road trips from Kenosha that take you into nearby spots in:
  • Racine County, WI
  • Walworth County, WI
  • Lake County, IL
  • McHenry County, IL
  • Allegan County, MI
Each one is an easy day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway. No Kenosha County stops—just the best nearby places to explore.

1. Racine, Wisconsin – Lakefront Charm Just Up the Road

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 20–30 minutes north into Racine County If you want something close but still “out of town,” Racine is an easy win. It’s just far enough away to feel like a change of scenery, but close enough that you can head home the same evening. Things to do in Racine:
  • Racine North Beach – A wide, sandy public beach on Lake Michigan. Great for swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the shore. Parking is usually simple, and the vibe is very laid-back.
  • Wind Point Lighthouse – One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. You can stroll around the grounds, take photos, and on certain dates, climb the lighthouse for a killer view.
  • Kringle tasting – Racine is famous for Danish kringle, a flaky, ring-shaped pastry. Pop into a local bakery and grab a few flavors. (Almond and raspberry are hard to beat.)
If you love Kenosha’s lakefront, Racine gives you more of that same peaceful Lake Michigan energy—just with a slightly different personality.

2. Burlington, Wisconsin – Chocolate, Rivers, and Small-Town Comfort

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 35–45 minutes west into Racine County Burlington calls itself “Chocolate City USA,” and it leans into that identity in a fun way. It’s a cozy little town surrounded by rolling countryside. What to check out:
  • Chocolate-themed stops – Local shops and seasonal events celebrate Burlington’s sweet tooth. It’s a fun excuse for a chocolate-focused mini road trip.
  • Riverfront walks – The town sits along the Fox River, with parks and paths that are great for a slow afternoon walk.
  • Historic downtown – Small shops, diners, and older buildings give the area a relaxed, old-school feel.
If you’re traveling with kids—or just have a sweet tooth yourself—Burlington makes a simple, easy road trip from Kenosha.

3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – Classic Midwest Lake Town

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 40–50 minutes west into Walworth County Lake Geneva is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Kenosha. It feels like a summer vacation town, but it’s fun all year. Top things to do in Lake Geneva:
  • Lake Geneva Shore Path – A unique public footpath that circles the lake and goes behind historic mansions and estates. You don’t need to walk the entire thing; even a mile or two gives you great views.
  • Boat tours – Take a guided boat ride to hear stories about the famous houses and families that built them. It’s a classic Lake Geneva experience.
  • Downtown shopping and dining – Boutiques, ice cream stands, and casual restaurants give you that vacation-town feel even on a day trip.
If you’ve ever wanted that “up north lake cabin” vibe without driving 4–5 hours, Lake Geneva is a solid answer.

4. Williams Bay & Fontana – Quieter Corners of Geneva Lake

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 45–60 minutes into Walworth County If Lake Geneva itself feels a bit busy, try the smaller communities around the same lake: Williams Bay and Fontana. They share the same stunning water views with a more relaxed pace. Why go:
  • Williams Bay beach and park – A friendly public beach area that’s often less crowded than Lake Geneva’s main spots.
  • Fontana’s lakefront – Great for picnics, sunset watching, and low-key lakeside strolls.
  • Outdoor fun – In every season, you’ll find hiking, cross-country skiing, or just scenic drives around the lake.
This is a nice choice if you’re craving calm water views, fewer people, and a slower day.

5. Lake County Forest Preserves, Illinois – Trails, Lakes, and Prairie Views

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 30–60 minutes south into Lake County, IL Crossing the border into Illinois opens up a whole network of Lake County Forest Preserves. If you like hiking, biking, bird-watching, or simply being outside, this is your playground. Some standout preserves:
  • Independence Grove (Libertyville) – A big lake, rentable kayaks and paddleboards in season, and tons of walking and biking trails. There’s even a café by the water in summer.
  • Old School Forest Preserve – Rolling terrain, ponds, and big trees. Great in fall when the leaves change.
  • Des Plaines River Trail – A long, mostly flat trail that runs through several preserves. Perfect for longer bike rides or quiet walks.
When Kenosha’s parks start to feel too familiar, heading down to Illinois gives you a whole new set of trails and lakes to explore.

6. Gurnee, Illinois – Theme Parks and Shopping Sprees

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 30–40 minutes south into Lake County, IL Looking for something more high-energy? Gurnee is all about thrills and big outings. Highlights in Gurnee:
  • Six Flags Great America – A major amusement park with roller coasters, family rides, and seasonal events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
  • Gurnee Mills – A huge outlet and retail mall with a mix of brands, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Good choice on a rainy or cold day.
If you’re traveling with teens, a group of friends, or you just love fast rides and heavy shopping, Gurnee is an easy go-to from Kenosha.

7. Chain O’Lakes Area – Water-Lover’s Playground

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 45–70 minutes southwest into Lake & McHenry Counties, IL The Chain O’Lakes area is a cluster of connected lakes along the Illinois–Wisconsin border. It’s one of the best spots near Kenosha for full-on water fun. What you can do:
  • Boating and jet skiing – Rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski from a local marina during the warmer months.
  • Fishing – The lakes are popular for fishing from shore or by boat.
  • Picnicking and people-watching – Even if you’re not into watersports, sitting by the water and watching boats come and go is surprisingly relaxing.
If you’ve ever driven past all those “Chain O’Lakes” signs on the highway and wondered what’s out there, it’s worth dedicating a sunny weekend day to find out.

8. McHenry & Crystal Lake, Illinois – Small Towns with Big Lake Energy

Approx. drive from Kenosha: 1–1.25 hours southwest into McHenry County, IL Move a little deeper into Illinois and you’ll find towns like McHenry and Crystal Lake. They offer a nice mix of suburban comfort, local charm, and easy outdoor access. Ideas for your visit:
  • Crystal Lake’s lakefront park – Beaches, playgrounds, and picnic spots make this great for families.
  • Downtown McHenry – Cafés, local restaurants, and a riverfront area that’s pleasant for slow strolls.
  • Nearby nature – McHenry County has its own conservation areas with trails and open spaces.
If you want a day that’s part “walk in the park” and part “shop and snack,” this area fits the bill.

9. Saugatuck & Douglas, Michigan – Artsy Beach Towns Across the Lake

Approx. travel from Kenosha: Usually 2.5–3.5 hours by car via Chicago and I-94 into Allegan County, MI (If you’re already in Michigan for a longer trip, these two towns are a must.) On the eastern side of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck and Douglas feel like classic lake towns with an artsy twist. They sit in Allegan County and make a wonderful weekend escape from southeast Wisconsin. Don’t miss:
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park – A network of trails through tall dunes and forest that lead you to a wild, wide-open Lake Michigan beach. The hike isn’t long, but walking on sand feels like a mini workout.
  • Downtown Saugatuck – Art galleries, quirky shops, and plenty of ice cream and coffee spots. It’s fun just to wander and window shop.
  • Douglas beach and galleries – A slightly quieter partner town to Saugatuck with its own charm and lake access.
Think of this as your “mini-coast” getaway: real dunes, big water, and that breezy vacation feeling.

10. Holland, Michigan – Tulips, Windmills, and Lake Views

Approx. travel from Kenosha: Around 3 hours by car into Allegan County, MI Just north of Saugatuck, the Holland area is famous for its Dutch roots, spring flowers, and beaches. If you’re already planning to head across the lake, it pairs perfectly with Saugatuck/Douglas. What to do around Holland:
  • Windmill Island Gardens – A real working Dutch windmill surrounded by gardens. It feels a bit like stepping into a postcard.
  • Tulip Time (seasonal) – In spring, the whole town bursts with tulips and Dutch-themed celebrations. It’s one of the best-known festivals in Michigan.
  • Lake Michigan beaches – Wide sandy beaches, big sunsets, and that fresh lake breeze you already know from Kenosha—just from a different angle.
If you’re craving a slightly bigger adventure, Holland makes a fun, colorful road trip that still feels doable from southeast Wisconsin.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Kenosha

To keep your day trips from Kenosha fun and low-stress, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Watch the weather – Lakefront and outdoor spots can feel totally different on a windy day, so check the forecast before you go.
  • Avoid peak traffic – Heading toward Illinois? Try to skip rush-hour times around Chicago’s northern suburbs.
  • Pack a small “go bag” – Toss in sunscreen, a light jacket, a refillable water bottle, and maybe a picnic blanket. It’s amazing how often those come in handy.
  • Call or check online first – Seasonal hours, festivals, or construction can change things. A quick look at official sites can save you a headache.
Once you do a few of these, you may find yourself planning a “road trip Saturday” once or twice a month—it becomes a really nice routine.

Share Your Favorite Kenosha-Area Road Trip

Those are 10 of the best short out-of-county road trips from Kenosha, stretching into Racine County, Walworth County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Allegan County. From lakefront lighthouses to sand dunes, chocolate towns to thrill rides, there’s a little something for every mood. Have you done any of these drives? Do you have a hidden gem near Kenosha that you love to visit? Drop your favorite spots, tips, or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family in the Kenosha area who are always asking, “So…what should we do this weekend?”
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment