10 Fun Out-of-County Road Trips Near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
If you live in or around
Fond du Lac, WI, you probably know all the usual spots in town. But what about those easy, out-of-county road trips that are less than an hour or so away?
Today, we’re heading beyond Fond du Lac County and exploring nearby
Calumet, Dodge, Green Lake, Sheboygan, Washington, and Winnebago Counties. These short drives are perfect for a Saturday adventure, a lazy Sunday drive, or a quick mini getaway when you just need to see something new.
1. Explore the Shores of Lake Winnebago in Neenah & Menasha (Winnebago County)
Neenah and Menasha sit on the northwest tip of
Lake Winnebago, and they make for a relaxed, low-stress day trip from Fond du Lac.
You can:
- Walk the lakefront at Neenah’s Riverside Park
- Wander through the historic downtown area with its brick buildings and local shops
- Grab a coffee and just sit by the water watching boats drift by
On a warm day, the breeze off the lake feels like a mini vacation, even though you’ve only driven about 40–45 minutes. It’s a great option if you love small-city charm but still want easy parking and a calm vibe.
2. Step Back in Time at Old World Wisconsin (Waukesha County – via Washington County)
While not on your direct county list, many Fond du Lac locals head south through
Washington County to visit
Old World Wisconsin in Eagle. It’s one of the most popular historic attractions in the state and makes a full-day road trip.
You’ll find:
- Historic farms and buildings from the 1800s
- Costumed interpreters showing old-time cooking, crafts, and farming
- Miles of walking paths through pretty countryside
If you enjoy history or you have kids who like hands-on activities, this place is a hit. It feels like stepping onto a movie set—except you can touch almost everything.
3. Chill Out in Historic Downtown Cedarburg (Washington County)
If you’re looking for a
classic small-town day trip, put
Cedarburg on your list. Yes, it’s a bit farther (about an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on your route), but it’s worth the drive.
Downtown Cedarburg offers:
- Stone and brick buildings from the 1800s
- Local boutiques, candy shops, and cafes
- Seasonal festivals, wine walks, and outdoor markets
Stroll the streets, stop at a bakery, and poke your head into antique shops. It’s the kind of place where you tell yourself, “We’ll just walk around for an hour,” and suddenly half the day is gone—in a good way.
4. Hit the Beach in Sheboygan: The “Malibu of the Midwest” (Sheboygan County)
When you think of Wisconsin, you probably don’t think “surf town.” But
Sheboygan sits on
Lake Michigan and is sometimes called the “Malibu of the Midwest” because of its strong surf culture.
Here you can:
- Walk the sandy shoreline at Deland Park
- Watch surfers and kiteboarders if the waves are up
- Wander the harbor area and grab fresh local food
On a sunny day, the lake looks almost ocean-like. Bring a sweatshirt, though—Lake Michigan breezes can feel cool even in summer.
5. Hike the Cliffs at Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County – easy from Washington & Sheboygan)
Just south of Sheboygan,
Harrington Beach State Park feels surprisingly wild and peaceful. Many people from Fond du Lac pair this with a quick stop in Sheboygan or Port Washington.
Highlights include:
- Miles of lakeshore trails along Lake Michigan
- Old quarry lake with calm, scenic views
- Picnic spots just a short walk from the parking area
If you enjoy hiking but don’t want anything too intense, this is perfect. The trails are mostly flat, and you can choose how far you want to go. Bring a light jacket, good walking shoes, and maybe a simple picnic lunch.
6. Discover Green Lake: Deepest Lake in Wisconsin (Green Lake County)
About 45–60 minutes from Fond du Lac,
Green Lake is a laid-back lake town built around, well, Green Lake—the deepest natural inland lake in the state.
You can:
- Walk the waterfront in the town of Green Lake
- Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats in summer
- Fish from shore or from a pier (it’s a popular fishing spot)
Green Lake has a slower pace that’s perfect when you don’t want crowds. It’s an easy day trip when you just want views of water, some fresh air, and maybe an ice cream cone along the way.
7. Elkhart Lake & Road America: Cars, Curves, and Lake Life (Sheboygan County)
If you like cars, racing, or just a lively lake town, head to
Elkhart Lake.
The big draw here is
Road America, a famous racetrack that hosts:
- Professional races
- Vintage car events
- Motorcycle races and track days
Even if you’re not a hardcore racing fan, the sound and energy of race day are exciting. When there’s no event, the village of Elkhart Lake still charms with its:
- Resort-style lakefront
- Restaurants and patios
- Walkable streets and relaxed atmosphere
It’s a fun mix of adrenaline and relaxation—watch fast cars in the morning, then wind down by the water in the afternoon.
8. Discover the Niagara Escarpment at High Cliff State Park (Calumet County)
High Cliff State Park, sitting on the northeast shore of Lake Winnebago, is one of the best short road trips from Fond du Lac. Many locals think of it as their “go-to” hike spot outside the county.
What makes it special:
- Limestone cliffs that are part of the famous Niagara Escarpment (the same rock formation as Niagara Falls)
- Overlooks with sweeping views of Lake Winnebago
- Easy-to-moderate hiking trails through the woods
On a clear day, you can see for miles. If you’re not big on hiking, that’s okay—the main overlook is close to parking, so you still get the views without a long trek.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Kettle Moraine (Dodge & Washington Counties)
If you enjoy quiet roads and rolling hills, the
Kettle Moraine region is perfect. While parts of it touch Fond du Lac County, you can explore sections in nearby
Dodge and
Washington Counties for a true out-of-county trip.
Things to do:
- Follow scenic back roads with glacial hills and farms
- Stop at trailheads for short hikes or bike rides
- Pack a cooler with snacks and find a roadside pull-off with a view
This is one of those drives where the journey really is the destination. If you just need to clear your head, rolling the windows down and cruising here can do wonders.
10. Spend a Relaxed Day in Watertown or Beaver Dam (Dodge County)
For a mellow small-city experience, look toward
Dodge County, especially
Beaver Dam or
Watertown.
In Beaver Dam, you can:
- Walk along the lakefront
- Browse local shops and diners
- Enjoy seasonal events, markets, or lakeside concerts
Watertown offers:
- A charming downtown area with historic buildings
- Riverside parks perfect for a stroll or simple picnic
- That “small city, big heart” feeling
These towns are great when you don’t want a big tourist scene but still want somewhere new to eat, wander, and explore.
Tips for Planning Your Fond du Lac Road Trips
To make the most of these short road trips from Fond du Lac, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are 30–75 minutes away. Look at a map, plan your route, and allow time for stops.
- Watch the weather: Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago can feel cooler than inland areas. Pack a light jacket, even in summer.
- Bring basics: Water, snacks, a phone charger, and comfy walking shoes go a long way.
- Have a loose plan: Pick 1–2 main stops, then stay flexible. Some of the best finds are the places you didn’t expect—like a roadside farm stand or tiny coffee shop.
Ready to Explore Beyond Fond du Lac?
Living near
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin puts you in an ideal spot for quick adventures. In under an hour or so, you can reach cliffs, beaches, race tracks, historic towns, and peaceful lakes—all in nearby counties like
Calumet, Dodge, Green Lake, Sheboygan, Washington, and Winnebago.
So the next time you’re wondering, “What is there to do near Fond du Lac this weekend?” try picking one of these out-of-county road trips, fill up the gas tank, and just go.
Which of these 10 road trip ideas would you try first? Have your own favorite spot outside Fond du Lac County?
Please share your thoughts in the comments and pass this post along to friends or family who are always looking for new things to do near Fond du Lac!
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