10 Easy Road Trips From Oak Creek, Wisconsin (All Outside Milwaukee County)
If you live in Oak Creek, WI and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, a short road trip can make the weekend feel brand new.
The best part? You don’t have to go far.
All of these ideas are
outside Milwaukee County, in nearby places like Racine, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, and even across Lake Michigan in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties in Michigan. They’re perfect for a
day trip or a simple
weekend getaway from Oak Creek.
Most drives are under 1.5–2 hours, so you can wake up, grab a coffee, and hit the road without feeling like you’re on a cross-country trek.
1. Racine’s Lakefront & Lighthouse Walk (Racine County, WI)
Racine sits just a short drive south of Oak Creek, and it makes a great first stop when you’re looking for things to do outside your usual Milwaukee-area routine.
Head down I-94 and in about 25–30 minutes, you’re there.
What to do in Racine:
- North Beach – A wide, sandy public beach on Lake Michigan. On a sunny day, it honestly feels a bit like you snuck away to the East Coast.
- Racine North Breakwater Lighthouse – Take a walk out along the pier, feel the wind off the lake, and snap a few pictures.
- Downtown Racine – Wander into local shops, grab coffee, or try a famous Racine kringle. If you’ve never had one, this alone is worth the drive.
If you like simple pleasures—walking along the lake, people-watching, and finding a new snack spot—Racine is an easy win for a half-day road trip from Oak Creek.
2. Wind Point Lighthouse & Coastal Drive (Racine County, WI)
Just a bit north of downtown Racine sits one of Wisconsin’s most scenic lighthouse areas:
Wind Point.
You can pair this with the Racine stop above, or make it its own outing.
Highlights at Wind Point:
- Wind Point Lighthouse – One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The grounds are peaceful and the view is wide open.
- Lakeside Parks – Pack a picnic and enjoy the calm, open shoreline. It’s a great spot if you need to just sit, breathe, and listen to the water.
On still mornings, the lake feels like glass. On windy days, you get waves and drama. Either way, it’s a simple but memorable escape from everyday life in Oak Creek.
3. Historic Cedarburg Stroll (Ozaukee County, WI)
If you like small towns with character,
Cedarburg is made for you.
It’s about a 35–45 minute drive from Oak Creek, mostly highway, and suddenly you’re walking on stone bridges and past historic brick storefronts.
Things to do in Cedarburg:
- Downtown Main Street – Cute shops, cozy cafés, antique stores, and galleries. This is one of those downtowns that actually feels like a movie set.
- Cedar Creek – Walk along the creek, peek into local wineries or shops in the restored mill buildings, and enjoy the slow pace.
- Seasonal Festivals – From Strawberry Fest to Wine & Harvest Fest, there always seems to be something going on when the weather is nice.
This makes a perfect date day or a relaxed friends’ outing. Park the car, wander, snack, repeat.
4. Port Washington Harbor & Marina Day (Ozaukee County, WI)
Keep heading north along Lake Michigan and you’ll find
Port Washington, another great spot for a short road trip from Oak Creek.
From Oak Creek, it’s usually under an hour.
Why visit Port Washington?
- Scenic Harbor – Colorful boats, a pretty marina, and a view that feels more “New England fishing town” than southeast Wisconsin.
- Lighthouse Walk – Take the pier out toward the lighthouse for a breezy, relaxing walk.
- Local Eats – Grab fresh fish, burgers, or ice cream just steps from the waterfront.
If you’re into simple Lake Michigan day trips, Port Washington and Cedarburg make a nice one-two combo weekend.
5. Hiking & Views at Lapham Peak (Waukesha County, WI)
Want to stretch your legs and get out into nature?
Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Waukesha County is a great choice.
From Oak Creek, plan on roughly a 40–50 minute drive west.
What you’ll find at Lapham Peak:
- Hiking Trails – Miles of wooded trails ranging from easy to more challenging. Great for families, couples, or solo walkers.
- Observation Tower – Climb the tower for sweeping views of the rolling kettle moraine landscape, especially pretty in fall.
- Picnic Spots – Pack a cooler and eat outdoors after your hike.
If you sit at a desk all week in Oak Creek, a few hours of forest air and a good hike can reset your whole mood.
6. Downtown Waukesha & the Riverwalk (Waukesha County, WI)
Waukesha’s historic downtown makes a fun small-city road trip that’s different from Milwaukee but still lively.
From Oak Creek, it’s around 35–45 minutes.
Don’t miss in Waukesha:
- Riverwalk – A peaceful, paved path along the Fox River. Easy for all ages and great for a casual stroll.
- Art & Murals – Look for colorful murals, sculptures, and the city’s music-themed touches.
- Local Restaurants & Coffee Shops – Whatever you’re craving—tacos, pizza, or pastries—you’ll likely find something downtown.
If you like the idea of a “mini city” day trip with less traffic but plenty to do, Waukesha is a solid choice.
7. Holy Hill Scenic Sanctuary (Washington County, WI)
When people in southeast Wisconsin talk about beautiful views,
Holy Hill almost always comes up.
It sits up on a hilltop in Washington County, about an hour or less from Oak Creek depending on traffic.
Why Holy Hill is worth the drive:
- Stunning Views – Climb the tower (when open) for a wide view over the forests and farmland. In October, the fall colors are unreal.
- Quiet Grounds – Even if you’re not religious, the grounds offer peaceful walking paths and a calm, reflective atmosphere.
- Scenic Country Roads – The drive there, winding through countryside, is half the fun.
If you’re looking for a calming day trip from Oak Creek to slow down and clear your head, this is it.
8. Washington County’s Kettle Moraine Drives (Washington County, WI)
Beyond Holy Hill, Washington County is full of gentle hills, glacial landforms, and small towns—perfect for a low-stress drive when you don’t want a full “planned” itinerary.
Ideas for a simple scenic drive:
- Head toward West Bend and explore local parks and downtown streets.
- Follow back roads between farms, woods, and rolling hills.
- Stop at roadside stands in season for sweet corn, pumpkins, or apples.
This is one of those trips where you don’t need much of a checklist. Just gas up, pick a direction, and wander a bit.
9. Muskegon, Michigan Beach Getaway (Muskegon County, MI)
Want to go a little farther and make it feel like a real getaway from Oak Creek? Head to the other side of Lake Michigan:
Muskegon, Michigan.
You can either:
- Drive south around Chicago and up through Michigan, or
- Use the Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon (remember, the ferry leaves from Milwaukee County, but your destination is Muskegon County).
Once you’re there, you’ll find:
Beach & outdoor fun in Muskegon:
- Pere Marquette Beach – Wide, sandy, and great for swimming or sunbathing in the summer.
- Muskegon State Park – Dunes, hiking trails, and beautiful shoreline views.
- Lake Michigan Sunsets – Stay into the evening for the kind of sunset that makes the whole day worth it.
If you’ve lived in Oak Creek your whole life and never seen the “other side” of Lake Michigan, this is a fun milestone trip.
10. Holland & the Lake Towns of Ottawa County, MI
Just south of Muskegon, along the Lake Michigan shoreline, is
Ottawa County, Michigan, home to places like Holland and Grand Haven. These towns feel like classic beach communities with a Midwest twist.
From Oak Creek, you can combine this with a Muskegon trip or make it its own weekend adventure.
Top spots in Ottawa County:
- Holland State Park – Big sandy beach and a great view of the iconic red lighthouse.
- Downtown Holland – Brick-lined streets, cute shops, and restaurants. During tulip season in spring, it’s especially colorful.
- Grand Haven – Famous pier, lighthouse, and a lively beach town vibe.
Spending a couple of days between Muskegon and Holland can make you feel like you took a full vacation, even though you started right in Oak Creek.
Quick Tips for Road Trips from Oak Creek
To keep your out-of-county adventures fun and stress-free, a few simple habits help:
- Check drive times before you go so you know when to leave and how long you’ll be on the road.
- Pack a small bag with water, snacks, phone chargers, and maybe a light jacket—lake breezes can be cooler than you expect.
- Look up parking tips for each town (especially beach areas in summer).
- Have a “backup plan” stop nearby in case your first choice is too crowded or the weather changes.
A little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re traveling with kids or friends who get hungry fast.
Where Will You Go Next From Oak Creek?
Living in Oak Creek, Wisconsin puts you in a surprisingly good spot for
short, easy road trips. Within about an hour or two, you can:
- Walk historic downtowns in Cedarburg and Waukesha.
- Relax at lakefront spots in Racine and Port Washington.
- Hike hills and forests in Waukesha and Washington Counties.
- Escape to Lake Michigan beaches in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, Michigan.
Which of these road trips are you most excited to try first?
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Oak Creek
Do you have a go-to day trip outside Milwaukee County that you love? Maybe a hidden park, a small-town diner, or a quiet stretch of beach?
Drop your favorite spots in the comments so other Oak Creek locals can discover them too.
And if you found this list helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. You might just inspire someone’s next spontaneous weekend adventure.
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