10 Easy Road Trips From Neenah, WI: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Winnebago County
Living in or visiting
Neenah, Wisconsin and itching to explore a little more of the state? The good news: you don’t have to drive far to find great day trips and weekend adventures.
All of the ideas below are
outside Winnebago County, but still close enough for an easy drive. We’ll hop into nearby
Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Waushara Counties for hiking, lake views, small-town charm, and classic Wisconsin food.
Most of these spots are within about 30–75 minutes of Neenah, making them perfect short road trips.
1. Explore the Cliffs and Caves at High Cliff State Park (Calumet County)
If you only do one road trip from Neenah, make it
High Cliff State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago (Calumet County).
From downtown Neenah, it’s usually around a 30–40 minute drive, depending on your route.
What makes it special?
- Limestone cliffs with sweeping views over Lake Winnebago
- Easy to moderate hiking trails (including some kid‑friendly options)
- A scenic observation tower (worth the climb for sunset)
- Historic lime kiln ruins that give the park a bit of an old-world feel
On a clear day, the view from the top feels way bigger than a simple day trip. Pack a picnic, take your time on the trails, and watch boats move across the lake.
If you like photography, bring a zoom lens—bald eagles are common in this area.
2. Brunch and Boardwalks in Chilton & Calumet County Backroads
Want a slower-paced ride? Head to
Chilton, a small city in Calumet County, about 40–45 minutes from Neenah.
This is a nice road trip if you enjoy:
- Low-traffic country roads
- Diners and local cafes that feel like “real Wisconsin”
- Little parks and riverside strolls
A simple plan:
- Grab a hearty breakfast or brunch at a local Chilton cafe.
- Walk through town, ducking into small shops and bakeries.
- Drive the backroads between Chilton and Lake Winnebago for rolling farm views and old barns.
It’s a mellow, easy-going trip—great for a relaxed Sunday morning drive from Neenah.
3. Lakeside Vibes in Fond du Lac (Fond du Lac County)
About 45–55 minutes south of Neenah, you’ll find
Fond du Lac, a classic
“small city on a big lake” sitting at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago.
This is a flexible road trip, whether you’re going solo, with friends, or with kids.
Things to do:
- Stroll along the lakeshore and watch sailboats and fishing boats.
- Check out local ice cream stands and burger joints (perfect summer stop).
- Walk around the downtown area for coffee, shopping, and people-watching.
Fond du Lac is also known for its winter activities on the lake, but even in warmer months it has that classic Wisconsin waterfront feel. If you grew up visiting small lake towns, this one might feel familiar in the best way.
4. Green Lake: Small-Town Luxury on a Big, Deep Lake (Green Lake County)
If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip (about 1 to 1.25 hours from Neenah), head west to
Green Lake in Green Lake County.
Green Lake is known as one of the
deepest natural lakes in Wisconsin. The vibe here is a mix of relaxed and upscale.
What to enjoy:
- Lakeside walks and parks with gorgeous views
- Charming downtown shops (home décor, clothing, gifts)
- Cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating when the weather cooperates
If you like being near the water but don’t want a wild party scene, Green Lake feels calm, polished, and peaceful. It’s a great “mini-vacation” spot that still works as a day trip from Neenah.
5. Fishing, Paddling & Peace in Princeton and Surrounding Green Lake County
Just a little west of Green Lake sits
Princeton, another Green Lake County gem, usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Neenah depending on your route.
Why go?
- Quiet rivers and wetlands perfect for paddling and bird-watching
- A classic small-town Wisconsin main street
- Seasonal flea markets and local events that draw folks from all over the region
This is the kind of place where you can slow down, wander, and not feel rushed. If you’re used to busy weeks in the Fox Cities, a calm day in Princeton can feel like a reset button.
6. Appleton Adventure Day (Outagamie County)
Just north of Neenah, but across the county line, is
Appleton in Outagamie County—usually around a 15–20 minute drive. Even though it’s close, it’s still a fun “road trip” if you spend the full day.
Why it’s worth the short drive:
- Walk along the Fox River and check out the locks and bridges.
- Explore the downtown district with restaurants, pubs, and unique shops.
- Catch a local event, farmers’ market, or live music (especially in warmer months).
One simple idea: Start your day with coffee and breakfast downtown, walk the river trail, then enjoy lunch and browsing the shops. You’ll be back in Neenah by evening without feeling like you’ve been stuck in the car all day.
7. Rustic Trails and River Views in Outagamie County’s Countryside
Beyond Appleton,
Outagamie County has plenty of small-town and countryside charm. This is a perfect short road trip if you enjoy
scenic drives more than big attractions.
Suggestions:
- Follow less-traveled county roads through farmland and wooded areas.
- Look for public boat landings or river access points along the Fox River and smaller streams.
- Stop at small-town bars, supper clubs, or diners for a classic Wisconsin meal.
This kind of trip works especially well in fall, when the leaves turn and every curve in the road looks like a postcard.
8. Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes: Classic Northwoods Feel (Waupaca County)
About 1 hour west of Neenah, you’ll find
Waupaca and the famous
Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca County. It’s one of the most loved getaways in central Wisconsin—and for good reason.
What you can do:
- Enjoy clear lakes that look almost tropical on sunny days.
- Rent a kayak, canoe, or pontoon in season and explore the connected lakes.
- Visit lakeside bars, grills, and ice cream stands.
- Hike local trails or find a quiet spot to read by the water.
If you grew up going “up north,” Waupaca has that same cozy, family-friendly feeling—without a long drive. It’s an easy day trip from Neenah, but many people end up wanting to stay the whole weekend.
9. Rustic Roads, Forests & Quiet Lakes in Waupaca County
Beyond the Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca County is full of
rustic roads, rolling hills, and little lakes tucked into the woods.
Try this style of trip:
- Pick a few county highways and rustic roads you haven’t driven before.
- Stop wherever you see a public boat landing or small park.
- Take short walks, snap photos, and explore at your own pace.
It’s low-cost, low-stress, and surprisingly refreshing. Sometimes the best “attraction” is simply a quiet bench by the water where you can hear the wind in the trees.
10. Nature Therapy in Waushara County: Woods, Lakes & Quiet Towns
Head about 1 to 1.25 hours southwest of Neenah and you’ll reach
Waushara County, known for its
forests, small lakes, and sandy soil that gives the area a slightly “up north” feel.
What to expect:
- Pine forests and quiet country lanes
- Small lakes ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing
- Little towns with diners and taverns where everyone seems to know each other
If you’re feeling burned out, this is a great area to simply wander. Pack snacks, throw a camping chair in the trunk, and see where the day takes you. You’ll find plenty of spots to pull off, stretch your legs, and breathe in some pine-scented air.
Tips for Short Road Trips From Neenah
To make these
Neenah day trips even better, keep a small “road trip kit” ready to go:
- Reusable water bottles and basic snacks
- A light jacket or hoodie (Wisconsin weather loves surprises)
- Printed or saved maps in case cell service drops in rural areas
- Cash for small-town eateries that may not always take cards
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick drive, some good music, and a new place to explore can turn an ordinary day into a mini vacation.
Where Will You Go Next From Neenah?
You don’t have to leave Wisconsin—or even go very far from Neenah—to find
lake views, quiet forests, small-town diners, and scenic drives.
From the cliffs at High Cliff State Park to the clear waters of Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes, each of these short road trips offers its own flavor of adventure.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Which of these road trip ideas sounds best to you?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Waupaca, or Waushara County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let other travelers know what they shouldn’t miss.
And if you know someone in the Neenah or Fox Cities area who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
send them this post—you might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
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