10 Easy Road Trips Near Stevens Point, Wisconsin (All Outside Portage County)
If you live in or around
Stevens Point, WI, you already know it’s a great place to call home. But what about those days when you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new?
The good news: you don’t have to drive far.
All of the ideas below are short
out-of-county road trips from Stevens Point, heading into nearby counties like
Adams, Marathon, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood. Each one makes for a fun day trip (or easy overnight) with plenty of things to do, see, and eat.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Splash and Hike at Petenwell & Castle Rock Lakes (Adams County)
If you’re craving water and open sky, head south to
Adams County, home to
Petenwell Lake and
Castle Rock Lake, two of the largest lakes in Wisconsin.
These lakes are perfect for:
- Boating – Bring your own or rent from local marinas.
- Fishing – Walleye, panfish, and bass are popular catches.
- Beach time – Pack a cooler, snacks, and a beach blanket.
- Picnics – Several parks offer picnic tables and grills.
One weekend, we drove down with folding chairs, a cheap inflatable tube, and a bag of subs. We spent the afternoon just floating near shore and people-watching boats cruise by. No big plan, no schedule—just water, sun, and a slow day.
It’s about an hour or so from Stevens Point, depending on which side of the lakes you visit, which makes it a very easy
day trip from Stevens Point.
2. Rib Mountain State Park & Granite Peak Ski Area (Marathon County)
To the north in
Marathon County, you’ll spot one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable hills:
Rib Mountain, just outside Wausau.
In warmer months,
Rib Mountain State Park offers:
- Scenic hiking trails with beautiful overlooks.
- Picnic spots with sweeping views of the Wisconsin River valley.
- A fun observation tower (check current status before you go).
In winter,
Granite Peak Ski Area turns the mountain into a busy ski and snowboard hub with multiple runs and lifts. If you like snow but don’t ski, you can still enjoy the lodge vibe and watch everyone shuffling around in their gear.
From Stevens Point, you’re looking at roughly a 45–60 minute drive, mostly highway. It’s one of the most popular
short road trips from Stevens Point any time of year.
3. Downtown Wausau: Museums, Coffee, and the Riverwalk (Marathon County)
While you’re up in
Marathon County, don’t skip
downtown Wausau.
Some easy things to do on a Wausau day trip:
- Stroll the Riverwalk along the Wisconsin River.
- Check out local shops and boutiques in the downtown area.
- Warm up with a coffee or craft beer at a local spot.
- Visit a museum or art center for a low-key afternoon.
One rainy fall day, we wandered in and out of shops, grabbed a hot latte, and ended the afternoon sitting by the river under a covered spot, watching the water roll by. Sometimes it’s the simple stuff that makes a road trip memorable.
If you’re looking for
things to do near Stevens Point that feel a bit more “city,” Wausau is your best bet without driving too far.
4. Rustic Adventure at Hartman Creek State Park (Waupaca County)
Head east into
Waupaca County and you’ll find
Hartman Creek State Park, a quiet, wooded getaway that feels far more remote than it really is.
At Hartman Creek you can:
- Hike miles of forest trails.
- Bike along paved and gravel routes.
- Paddle or kayak on small, calm lakes.
- Relax at a simple swimming beach.
We once took a small grill, some brats, and a hammock and spent half the day just rotating between hiking, eating, and napping. It’s that kind of place—nothing fancy, just pure Wisconsin woods and water.
It’s a comfortable 40–60 minute drive from Stevens Point, depending on your route.
5. Classic Lake Fun in the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes (Waupaca County)
Just a bit beyond Hartman Creek sits the famous
Chain O’ Lakes near Waupaca. This area is a favorite for summer
day trips from Stevens Point.
You’ll find:
- Boat rentals (pontoons and small fishing boats).
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on clear, spring-fed lakes.
- Waterfront bars and restaurants with casual vibes.
- Little sandbars and coves where people pull in and hang out.
If you don’t own a boat, consider renting one for a few hours. Split the cost with friends, toss a cooler onboard, and cruise from lake to lake. It’s like a mini-vacation without the long drive.
This is one of the best
summer road trips near Stevens Point, WI for anyone who loves being on the water.
6. Kayaking and Tubing on the Crystal River (Waupaca County)
Still in
Waupaca County, the
Crystal River offers a more relaxed kind of adventure.
Popular activities include:
- Kayaking – The river is generally gentle, with a few fun riffles.
- Tubing – Perfect for a hot summer day with friends.
- Scenic drives along the backroads near the river.
Picture this: you’re floating down a narrow river, trees arching overhead, feet hanging in the water. Time slows down in the best way. Bring a dry bag for your keys and phone, and maybe an extra towel—you’ll likely get at least a little wet.
If you’ve been searching for
“kayaking near Stevens Point” or
“tubing near Stevens Point”, the Crystal River is an easy answer.
7. ATV, UTV & Snowmobile Trails in Adams and Waushara Counties
If you like your road trips with a bit more grit and mud, look south toward
Adams County and
Waushara County, where you’ll find plenty of
ATV, UTV, and snowmobile trails.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Ride ATV/UTV trails through woods and farmland.
- Explore marked snowmobile routes in winter.
- Stop in small-town bars and diners along the way.
We once tagged along with friends who had a UTV and spent a full day exploring trails, capping it off with burgers at a tiny local bar where everyone seemed to know each other. It felt like stepping into a different, very friendly world.
Always check:
- Trail status and conditions.
- Local rules and permits.
- Safety gear requirements.
For outdoor motorsports, these counties are some of the best
weekend getaways near Stevens Point.
8. Family Fun at Wisconsin Rapids & the Wisconsin River (Wood County)
To the west of Stevens Point lies
Wood County and the city of
Wisconsin Rapids. It’s an easy, quick drive and offers a mix of parks, river views, and family-friendly activities.
Things to do include:
- Walk or bike along the Wisconsin River.
- Visit local parks and playgrounds with the kids.
- Grab ice cream and enjoy a simple riverfront stroll.
- Check the calendar for fairs, markets, or seasonal events.
One warm spring afternoon, we parked near the river, took a long walk, and ended up at a small local ice cream shop. Nothing on the agenda, just some fresh air and a chance to stretch our legs after a week of sitting at desks.
If you want something close but still “away,” Wisconsin Rapids is one of the easiest
road trip ideas from Stevens Point.
9. Quiet Nature Escapes in Rural Wood County
Beyond Wisconsin Rapids,
rural Wood County offers a patchwork of forests, farms, and wetlands that are great for slow drives and quiet walks.
Consider:
- Checking out lesser-known county parks and natural areas.
- Bringing your camera for some birdwatching and wildlife shots.
- Taking a “get lost on purpose” drive on country roads (with your GPS handy, of course).
If you’ve been feeling stuck in a routine, a simple backroads drive can work wonders. Windows down, radio on, watching the scenery change—cornfields, pine stands, old barns—it’s a very Wisconsin kind of therapy.
This is a great option if you want
low-cost, low-stress things to do near Stevens Point.
10. Outdoor Fun and Culture in Shawano Country (Shawano County)
To the northeast,
Shawano County (sometimes called
Shawano Country) blends lakes, forests, and local culture into a fun day or weekend trip.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Head to Shawano Lake for fishing, boating, or just lake views.
- Explore hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area.
- Check out local events, markets, or community festivals.
- Take a scenic drive through rolling farmland and forests.
It’s far enough from Stevens Point to feel like a true getaway, but still close enough that you can be home the same night. If you’re looking to add a new area to your “I’ve been there” list, Shawano County is a solid pick for a
short road trip from central Wisconsin.
Tips for Planning Your Stevens Point Road Trips
To keep your day trips simple and fun, here are a few quick tips:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 45–90 minutes of Stevens Point.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket go a long way.
- Look up hours and fees: State parks and rentals may have entrance fees or limited hours.
- Bring cash: Some small-town spots don’t love cards—or their machines go down.
- Have a backup plan: If a trail is closed or the weather shifts, know a Plan B nearby.
The nice thing about living near Stevens Point is how many different directions you can go—north for hills, south for big lakes, east for clear-water chains, west for river views and small towns.
Ready to Hit the Road?
From lakes and rivers to hills, trails, and small-town streets, these
10 out-of-county road trips near Stevens Point, Wisconsin give you plenty of ways to spend a free Saturday—or a random Tuesday off.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these road trip ideas would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Adams, Marathon, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, or Wood County?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments—your tip might inspire someone else’s next mini-adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy
things to do near Stevens Point. The more we explore our own backyard, the more we realize how much Wisconsin really has to offer.
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