10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from New Berlin, Wisconsin
If you live in or near
New Berlin, Wisconsin, you already know how convenient it is for getting around southeast Wisconsin. The best part? In under an hour, you can reach a bunch of fun places in neighboring counties without needing to plan a full vacation.
Today, let’s look at
10 short road trips from New Berlin to nearby counties like Dodge, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, and Washington. All of these are out of Waukesha County, and each one makes a great half-day or full-day escape.
1. Spend a Day at Milwaukee’s Lakefront (Milwaukee County)
When people think of
things to do near New Berlin, the
Milwaukee lakefront is usually at the top of the list. And for good reason—it’s only about a 25–30 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Walk along the shores of
Lake Michigan, watch sailboats glide by, or just sit on a bench and soak in the view. Even on busy weekends, it’s easy to find a quiet spot if you walk a little farther down the path.
Some lakefront highlights you can check out:
- Lakeshore State Park – A peaceful urban state park with walking and biking paths.
- Milwaukee Art Museum (outside + inside) – Even if you don’t go in, the building itself is worth seeing.
- Discovery World – Great if you’re bringing kids or just love science and tech exhibits.
Want a simple idea? Grab a coffee downtown, park near the lake, and take a long stroll. It’s an easy, low-stress escape from everyday life in New Berlin.
2. Explore Historic Downtown Cedarburg (Ozaukee County)
Looking for a charming small town feel without driving for hours? Head about 40–45 minutes northeast to
Cedarburg in Ozaukee County.
The historic downtown looks like something off a postcard, with stone buildings, cozy shops, and a river running through town. It’s an ideal place for a relaxed Saturday or date day.
Things to do in Cedarburg:
- Browse local boutiques and antique stores along Washington Avenue.
- Walk the Cedar Creek area and snap some photos near the old mill.
- Stop in a café for coffee, snacks, or ice cream.
If you enjoy festivals, Cedarburg hosts events throughout the year—wine & harvest, strawberry festivals, and holiday markets. It’s one of those places where you can just wander without a strict plan and still have a great time.
3. Relax at Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County)
While you’re thinking about Ozaukee County, here’s another gem:
Harrington Beach State Park, about an hour north of New Berlin. It’s quieter than some of the busier parks, which makes it great if you’d rather avoid big crowds.
At Harrington Beach, you’ll find:
- A long stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline
- Easy hiking trails and a former quarry lake
- Good spots for picnics and nature photography
Bring a cooler, some chairs, and a light jacket (it can get breezy by the water), and you’re set for the day. It’s a peaceful escape that still feels close to home.
4. Take the Kids (or Yourself) to the Racine Zoo (Racine County)
About 40–45 minutes southeast of New Berlin, you’ll find the
Racine Zoo, right along the lakefront in Racine County. It’s smaller than some big-city zoos, which actually makes it pretty manageable for families with younger kids.
Why it’s a fun road trip:
- Easy to see most of the zoo in a few hours.
- Nice views of Lake Michigan from some parts of the grounds.
- Seasonal events like lights displays and special animal programs.
You can also pair your visit with a quick stop at the nearby beach or downtown Racine for lunch. It ends up being a full day of simple, low-key fun without having to drive all day.
5. Stroll Along the Racine Lakefront & Downtown (Racine County)
If you’ve ever wanted a “mini” lake town experience without going all the way to Door County,
Racine is an easy choice.
Just a bit farther past the zoo, you can:
- Walk the Racine North Beach area, a wide sandy beach with plenty of space.
- Explore downtown shops, local restaurants, and bakeries.
- Try the famous local treat: a Danish kringle from one of Racine’s bakeries.
Racine combines urban, lakefront, and small-city vibes in one spot. For a casual day trip from New Berlin, you can park once and walk to most of what you want to see.
6. Discover Lake Geneva’s Classic Resort Town Vibe (Walworth County)
If you ask around New Berlin for favorite weekend getaways,
Lake Geneva usually comes up fast. Located in Walworth County, it’s about a 50–60 minute drive, perfect for a short road trip.
Lake Geneva is known for:
- A lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots.
- Boat tours that give you a look at the historic lakeside mansions.
- The famous Lake Geneva Shore Path, where you can walk right along the water.
You don’t have to plan a big luxury weekend to enjoy it, either. Even a simple day of walking the shore path, window shopping, and grabbing a burger or pizza can feel like a mini-vacation.
7. Go Hiking and Camping at Big Foot Beach State Park (Walworth County)
Just a couple minutes down the road from downtown Lake Geneva, still in Walworth County, is
Big Foot Beach State Park. This is a nice spot if you like a bit more nature on your road trips.
At Big Foot Beach, you can:
- Hike several miles of wooded trails.
- Enjoy picnic areas near the lake.
- Camp overnight if you want to extend your getaway.
The park sits right off the lake, so you get that classic Wisconsin “woods and water” combo. It works great as a half-day stop along with a visit to Lake Geneva’s downtown.
8. Visit Horicon Marsh: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise (Dodge County)
Driving roughly an hour northwest of New Berlin takes you to Dodge County and the world-famous
Horicon Marsh. You don’t have to be a hardcore birder to appreciate this place—it’s just a unique, peaceful setting.
Why Horicon Marsh is worth the drive:
- One of the largest freshwater cattail marshes in the country.
- Well-marked trails and boardwalks for easy walking.
- Great chances to spot birds, especially during migration seasons.
If you’ve ever wanted to slow down, unplug, and just listen to nature, this is your spot. Bring binoculars if you have them, but even without any gear, it’s a memorable trip.
9. Stroll the Riverwalk in Watertown (Jefferson County)
For a quieter small-town experience, head about 45–50 minutes west to
Watertown in Jefferson County.
This town has a nice mix of history and simple outdoor relaxation:
- Walk the Riverwalk along the Rock River.
- Check out the historic buildings downtown.
- Stop by local diners or coffee shops for a laid-back meal.
Watertown isn’t flashy, but that’s its charm. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander a bit, and still feel like you did something special with your day off.
10. Hike and Explore at Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine (Washington County)
Just under an hour northwest from New Berlin, you’ll find the
Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Washington County.
If you enjoy hiking, this area is a must:
- Several miles of trails with rolling hills and woodlands.
- Scenic views of Pike Lake from an observation tower.
- Areas for swimming, picnics, and paddling.
The landscape here was shaped by glaciers long ago, so the hills and ridges feel different from typical flat farmland. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and get a solid hike in without making a huge drive.
Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trips from New Berlin
To make the most of these
day trips near New Berlin, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are about 30–60 minutes away.
- Look at the weather – It can feel cooler by the lake, so layer up.
- Pack a small bag – Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a portable phone charger.
- State park sticker – If you plan to hit several Wisconsin state parks, a yearly pass can be worth it.
You don’t need a huge budget or a long weekend to enjoy these places. Sometimes a few hours on a Sunday afternoon is all it takes to feel refreshed.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from New Berlin?
These are just a few of the best
out-of-county road trips near New Berlin, Wisconsin, but there are plenty more small towns, trails, and lakefront spots waiting to be explored.
Have you been to any of these places—Milwaukee’s lakefront, Cedarburg, Lake Geneva, Horicon Marsh, or Pike Lake?
Which one is your go-to escape when you need a quick break from everyday life?
Share your favorite spots, tips, and stories in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered within an hour or so of New Berlin.
And if you know someone who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
send them this post or share it on your social media.
You might just inspire their next easy Wisconsin road trip.
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