10 Easy Road Trips From Racine, WI: Fun Things To Do Just Outside the County
If you live in or near
Racine, Wisconsin, you probably already know the local spots. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and go find something new.
The good news? Within about an hour or so, you’ve got beaches, breweries, charming small towns, lakeside views, and even safari animals (yes, really) waiting for you.
Below are
10 short, out-of-county road trips from Racine, all in nearby counties like
Kenosha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Waukesha in Wisconsin, and
Ottawa and
Allegan in Michigan. None of these are in Racine County itself, so you’ll really feel like you “got away” for the day.
1. Kenosha’s Lakefront & Downtown Fun (Kenosha County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: 20–30 minutes south
Perfect for: Easy half-day trip, families, budget-friendly exploring
Kenosha is close enough to feel familiar but different enough to feel like a true mini-getaway.
Don’t miss:
- Lakefront Trolley (seasonal): A cute, old-fashioned streetcar that loops around downtown and the lakefront. Kids love it, and it’s an easy way to see the area.
- Simmons Island Beach: Soft sand, wide shoreline, and that classic Lake Michigan breeze. On a warm day, bring a blanket and a cooler.
- Kenosha Public Museum & Civil War Museum: Both are right by the harbor, easy to walk between, and great for a rainy day.
I like to park near the harbor, stroll the paths along the water, and end the afternoon with ice cream downtown. It’s simple, but that’s kind of the point.
SEO tip for you as a traveler: When you search for “things to do near Racine,” make sure you include Kenosha in your list—you’ll be surprised how much is packed into this small lakefront city.
2. Milwaukee’s Third Ward & Riverwalk (Milwaukee County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: 35–45 minutes north
Perfect for: Foodies, couples, city vibes without a long drive
Looking for more of an urban feel?
Downtown Milwaukee is an easy road trip from Racine and has a totally different energy.
Try this simple walking route:
- Start in the Historic Third Ward – old brick warehouses turned into trendy restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
- Walk along the Milwaukee Riverwalk – watch the boats, look for public art, and stop for a drink or coffee.
- Grab a bite at the Milwaukee Public Market – lots of local vendors, from tacos and seafood to fresh baked goods.
If you time it right, you can catch a festival, farmers market, or live music without even planning ahead. Milwaukee’s calendar is packed from spring through fall.
3. Milwaukee Lakefront & Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: 40–50 minutes north
Perfect for: Scenic views, art lovers, relaxed walkers
If you want some of the
best Lake Michigan views within an hour of Racine, this is it.
Top spots along the lakefront:
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is stunning. Its “wings” open and close like a giant bird.
- Veterans Park & McKinley Marina: Wide open green space, walking and biking paths, and sailboats dotting the water.
- Bradford Beach: When the weather warms up, the beach comes alive with volleyball, sunbathers, and food stands.
This is one of those drives where the journey feels as good as the destination: highway, then city skyline, then open water. If you’re from Racine, you already know Lake Michigan is special—but the Milwaukee lakefront lets you see it in a whole new way.
4. Safari Lake Geneva (Walworth County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: About 1 hour southwest
Perfect for: Families, animal lovers, something totally different
Yes, you can go on a
drive-through safari in Wisconsin.
At
Safari Lake Geneva, you drive your own car through the park or hop on a guided wagon tour. You’ll see animals like:
You can buy feed and
the animals will walk right up to the car. If you’ve got kids, this will be the part they talk about for weeks. Just be ready to roll up the windows if a very eager llama wants one more snack.
It’s a great road trip from Racine if you want something that feels far away, but you’re still back home by dinner.
5. Classic Lake Geneva Getaway (Walworth County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: 55–70 minutes
Perfect for: Day date, friend groups, summer fun, fall colors
Lake Geneva is one of the most popular
day trips from southeastern Wisconsin for a reason. It feels like a mini resort town wrapped around a clear, deep lake.
Favorite Lake Geneva activities:
- Lake cruise: Take a narrated boat tour and see the historic mansions along the shoreline.
- Shore Path hike: A public walking path that circles the lake, passing right behind many grand homes.
- Downtown browsing: Souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, and plenty of places to grab burgers, pizza, or a nice dinner.
If you can go on a weekday instead of a Saturday in July, you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds while still catching that “summer vacation” feeling.
6. Waukesha’s Riverfront & Historic Downtown (Waukesha County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: About 1 hour northwest
Perfect for: Low-key day out, casual strolling, food & coffee
Waukesha flies under the radar, but it’s worth the drive from Racine if you like walkable downtowns with character.
Highlights in Waukesha:
- Riverwalk: A peaceful path along the Fox River with small bridges and spots to sit and watch the water.
- Downtown streets: Colorful buildings, murals, local shops, and plenty of café and bar options.
- Public art: Look for quirky sculptures and painted guitars that nod to the city’s music history.
I like to compare Waukesha to a “mini city” that still feels friendly and relaxed. You can easily spend a few hours just wandering, snacking, and taking photos.
7. Milwaukee Brewery Hopping (Milwaukee County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: 35–50 minutes, depending on neighborhood
Perfect for: Adults, craft beer fans, groups of friends
If you’re from Racine and enjoy local beer, Milwaukee is basically your playground.
Some well-known areas for brewery-hopping:
- Walker’s Point – Trendy and industrial, with multiple breweries in walking distance.
- East Side – Lively college-town feel, bars and breweries mixed in with restaurants.
- Downtown & Third Ward – Easy to pair with dining and the Riverwalk.
Plan a simple route with 2–3 stops, grab an early dinner, and you’ve got a full evening that still lets you drive back to Racine the same night. If you’re tasting lots of brews, consider a designated driver or rideshare once you get into the city.
8. Port Washington’s Harbor & Lighthouse (Ozaukee County, WI)
Approx. drive from Racine: About 1 hour 10–20 minutes north
Perfect for: Small-town charm, lake views, casual walking
Driving north past Milwaukee brings you to
Port Washington, a cozy harbor town with big views of Lake Michigan.
What to do:
- Walk out toward the lighthouse and watch the waves crash along the breakwater.
- Stroll the marina and check out the fishing boats and sailboats.
- Pop into downtown shops for coffee, pastries, or local gifts.
Port Washington has that “New England harbor” kind of feel, but it’s right here in Wisconsin. On a clear day, the color of the lake is seriously photo-worthy.
9. Saugatuck & Douglas: Artsy Beach Towns (Allegan County, MI)
Approx. drive from Racine: Around 3 hours (includes crossing into Michigan)
Perfect for: Weekend getaway, romantic trip, art & beach lovers
Ready for a slightly longer road trip from Racine? Cross Lake Michigan by driving around the southern end and head to
Saugatuck and Douglas, two neighboring towns with a laid-back, artsy vibe.
Highlights:
- Oval Beach: Often called one of the best beaches in the Midwest. Wide sand, dunes, and amazing sunsets.
- Art galleries and studios: Saugatuck is known for its creative scene, with lots of local artists.
- Dune rides and hikes: Explore the rolling sand dunes by foot or on a guided ride.
This one works best as an overnight or weekend trip, but it’s a great way to turn your “things to do near Racine” search into a mini vacation across state lines.
10. Holland, Michigan: Windmills & Tulips (Ottawa County, MI)
Approx. drive from Racine: About 3 hours 15–30 minutes
Perfect for: Spring flowers, families, unique photo spots
Holland, MI is famous for its Dutch heritage and especially for tulips in the spring.
What to check out:
- Windmill Island Gardens: A real Dutch windmill, gardens, canals, and walking paths.
- Tulip Time Festival (early May): Streets lined with tulips, parades, dancing, and a very cheerful small-town feel.
- Downtown Holland: Shops, restaurants, and a clean, walkable main street.
Even outside tulip season, Holland makes a fun road trip from Racine if you’re up for a full-day adventure or a weekend. Think of it as a European-style village… without ever getting on a plane.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Racine
To make the most of these
short road trips near Racine:
- Check drive times before you go – traffic around Milwaukee or Chicago can add a bit.
- Pack a small “car kit” – water, snacks, phone chargers, and a light jacket (Lake Michigan breezes can be chilly).
- Look up local events – festivals, farmers markets, and concerts can really upgrade a simple day trip.
- Start early – especially on summer weekends for spots like Lake Geneva or Saugatuck.
Think of Racine as your home base. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ve got beaches, harbors, art, breweries, and small towns that feel a world away from your everyday routine.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Racine
Have you taken any of these
out-of-county road trips from Racine?
Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Waukesha, Ottawa, or Allegan County?
Tell me about it in the comments!
- Which destination would you try first?
- Any hidden gems along the way—like a diner, coffee shop, or scenic overlook?
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Racine. A simple share can be the start of someone’s next great little adventure.
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