10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Madison, Wisconsin (Under 90 Minutes Away)
Looking for fun
day trips from Madison, WI without driving all day? You’re in luck. Madison sits in a sweet spot, surrounded by small towns, rolling farms, lakes, bluffs, and quirky attractions in every direction.
The only rule for this list:
no stops in Dane County. Everything here is in neighboring counties like Sauk, Columbia, Rock, Jefferson, Dodge, Green, or Iowa County. That means you really are “getting away,” even if it’s just for the afternoon.
Most of these road trips are around 30–90 minutes from Madison, which makes them perfect for:
- Sunday drives
- Last-minute date ideas
- Family adventures
- Solo reset days
1. Devil’s Lake State Park – Classic Wisconsin Day Trip (Sauk County)
If you only do one road trip from Madison, make it
Devil’s Lake State Park near
Baraboo.
It’s about a 45–60 minute drive north of Madison, and it feels like you’ve gone to another state. Huge bluffs, clear water, and rocky trails make this place one of the most iconic spots in Wisconsin.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Stunning bluff hikes with views over the lake
- Two big sandy beaches for swimming and picnicking
- Great spot for beginner and experienced hikers
Don’t miss:
Tip: Parking fills up fast on sunny weekends. Get there before 10 a.m. if you can.
2. Wisconsin Dells – Waterparks and Beyond (Sauk & Columbia Counties)
About an hour northwest of Madison,
Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” But even if you’re not a waterpark person, it’s still a fun road trip.
Things to do besides waterparks:
- Take a scenic boat tour on the Wisconsin River to see the sandstone cliffs
- Hop on a Duck boat tour that goes on both land and water
- Wander the main strip for fudge, mini golf, and people-watching
If you have kids, this is an easy win. If you don’t, lean into the classic touristy fun. Sometimes a cheesy t-shirt and a cone of soft serve is exactly what you need.
3. Lake Koshkonong & Milton – Lakeside Chill (Rock & Jefferson Counties)
South of Madison, about 40–50 minutes away, you’ll find
Lake Koshkonong, one of the largest lakes in Wisconsin by surface area. It’s shallow, laid-back, and perfect for a low-pressure day by the water.
Nearby, the small town of
Milton adds a bit of history and charm.
What to do:
- Grab a lakeside drink or meal at one of the waterfront bars or supper clubs
- Walk around Milton and visit the historic Milton House Museum
- Bring camp chairs and just sit by the water for a while
This is a great “no big plan” kind of day trip. Drive down, see what looks good, and go with it.
4. New Glarus – “America’s Little Switzerland” (Green County)
About 35–45 minutes southwest of Madison,
New Glarus feels like a tiny Swiss village dropped in the middle of Wisconsin farmland.
You’ll see chalet-style buildings, flower boxes, and lots of Swiss flags. Even if you’ve driven through before, it’s worth a proper visit.
Highlights:
- Walk the cute downtown and pop into shops and bakeries
- Enjoy Swiss-style meals like fondue or roesti
- Relax at local beer gardens or nearby countryside spots
Tip: Try to visit during one of their festivals (like Swiss-themed events or local celebrations); the whole town comes alive with music and food.
5. Monroe – Cheese, Beer, and the Historic Square (Green County)
Drive about an hour south of Madison, and you hit
Monroe, one of the best small towns in Wisconsin for cheese lovers.
The downtown square is anchored by a beautiful old courthouse and surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants.
Why go:
- Green County is famous for its cheese – you’ll find plenty of it
- Enjoy one of the oldest brewery scenes in the state
- Stroll the square and soak up classic small-town Midwest vibes
If you love pairing cheese, beer, and a slow walk around town, Monroe is your kind of place.
6. Spring Green – Art, Architecture, and River Views (Iowa County)
Around 50–60 minutes west of Madison,
Spring Green feels artistic, quiet, and a bit magical.
The town sits along the Wisconsin River and is known for its creative and cultural spots.
Things to check out:
- Beautiful countryside drives with rolling hills
- Local galleries, shops, and scenic river views
- Quiet spots for picnics and sunset watching
This is a great road trip if you want something a little slower and more thoughtful. It’s easy to spend a full day just wandering, driving the backroads, and stopping wherever looks interesting.
7. Horicon Marsh – Birdwatching and Boardwalk Strolls (Dodge County)
About an hour northeast of Madison,
Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country.
Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, it’s peaceful, wide open, and different from the usual forest or lake scenery.
What you can do:
- Walk the boardwalks and short trails
- Watch for ducks, geese, cranes, eagles, and more
- Bring binoculars if you have them
If you’re feeling stressed, this is the kind of place where your shoulders slowly drop and your breathing gets deeper.
8. Fort Atkinson & the Rock River – Small-Town Escape (Jefferson County)
About 45–55 minutes east of Madison,
Fort Atkinson sits along the
Rock River and has a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk along the river and enjoy the views
- Browse small downtown shops and local diners
- Catch a local event or just enjoy a slow lunch
This destination is great when you want something simple: a drive, a walk, a meal, and a chance to see a different side of Wisconsin life.
9. Prairie du Sac & Sauk City – Scenic River Drive (Sauk County)
Head about 35–45 minutes northwest, and you’ll hit
Prairie du Sac and
Sauk City, twin towns along the Wisconsin River.
The drive alone is lovely, especially if you follow the water.
Why you’ll like it:
- Beautiful river views and easy roadside pull-offs
- Walkable main streets with cafes and local spots
- Great sunsets over the water
Tip: This is a top pick for a last-minute evening drive. Leave Madison late afternoon, grab dinner by the river, and be home before too late.
10. Janesville – Parks, Gardens, and a True Day-Trip Town (Rock County)
About 45 minutes south of Madison,
Janesville is bigger than many of the towns on this list, but it still makes a relaxed day trip.
What to look for:
- Well-kept parks and gardens that are great for walking
- Historic neighborhoods and older homes to admire
- Plenty of food options, from classic diners to newer spots
Janesville is a solid choice when you want options but don’t want big-city traffic.
Tips for Planning Your Madison Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Madison even better, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are 30–90 minutes from Madison, but traffic and road work can slow things down.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a blanket go a long way.
- Start earlier: You’ll have more time to explore and less stress with parking and crowds.
- Be flexible: Some of the best moments happen when you turn down a road “just to see what’s there.”
If you live in Madison, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation. These nearby counties are full of lakes, hills, small towns, and little surprises you only find when you get out and drive.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Madison
Have you done any of these
out-of-county road trips from Madison?
Did I miss one of your go-to spots in Sauk, Columbia, Rock, Jefferson, Dodge, Green, or Iowa County?
I’d love to hear from you.
- Drop a comment with your favorite hidden-gem drive or small town.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “We should get out of Madison more.”
The more ideas we share, the easier it gets to turn a free afternoon into a mini adventure.
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