10 Easy Road Trips From Sun Prairie, Wisconsin: Day Getaways Beyond Dane County
If you live in or around
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, you know how nice it is to be close to Madison. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, turn up the music, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of Sun Prairie, you’ll find small towns, rolling farmland, river views, breweries, parks, caves, and classic Wisconsin supper clubs. And you don’t even have to stay in Dane County—this list focuses on
fun things to do in nearby counties like Columbia, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Sun Prairie that are perfect for a day trip or easy weekend escape.
1. Wisconsin Dells – Waterparks, Ducks & River Bluffs (Columbia & Sauk Counties)
When people think of Wisconsin fun, they often think of
Wisconsin Dells. And for good reason—it’s less than about an hour northwest of Sun Prairie and feels like a whole different world.
You don’t have to be a kid to love it here. Sure, there are huge waterparks, but there are also scenic boat rides and surprisingly beautiful sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River.
Things to do in Wisconsin Dells:
- Take a boat tour on the Upper or Lower Dells to see dramatic rock formations.
- Ride on the famous Ducks—those amphibious vehicles that go from land into water.
- Visit a classic indoor or outdoor waterpark for slides and lazy rivers.
- Stroll through downtown Dells for fudge, ice cream, and souvenir shops.
If you leave Sun Prairie in the morning, you can be splashing, hiking, or snacking on fudge by late morning. It’s an easy, fun
“vacation in a day” kind of trip.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park – Iconic Hikes & Lake Views (Sauk County)
About an hour from Sun Prairie sits one of the most loved parks in the state:
Devil’s Lake State Park. If you’re craving pine-scented air and rocky overlooks, this is your place.
The first time I climbed up the East Bluff Trail and looked down at the lake, it honestly felt like I’d left Wisconsin and landed in a national park out West.
Highlights at Devil’s Lake:
- Hike the East Bluff or West Bluff trails for sweeping views.
- Relax on the beach or rent a kayak to paddle across the lake.
- Pack a picnic and find a shady spot near the shore.
- Look for famous rock formations like Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway.
Tip: Parking lots fill up on sunny weekends. Try to arrive early or consider a weekday visit for a quieter experience.
3. Baraboo – Circus History & Charming Downtown (Sauk County)
Just south of Devil’s Lake is
Baraboo, a small city with a lot of character. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already heading toward Sauk County, or a nice standalone trip if you like history and small-town charm.
Things to check out in Baraboo:
- Visit the Al. Ringling Theatre or take a tour if available.
- Explore circus heritage at local museums that celebrate Baraboo’s past as a circus headquarters.
- Walk around the historic downtown square with its shops, cafes, and bakeries.
- Head to nearby Balanced Rock Winery or other local spots for a relaxed afternoon.
If you enjoy old buildings, small-town squares, and a bit of nostalgia, Baraboo is a simple but rewarding drive from Sun Prairie.
4. Fort Atkinson – River Walks & Small-Town Wisconsin (Jefferson County)
Looking for a quieter getaway? Head southeast to
Fort Atkinson, a laid-back town along the Rock River in Jefferson County.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend an unhurried day just walking, browsing, and enjoying a classic Wisconsin meal.
Ideas for your Fort Atkinson road trip:
- Stroll the riverwalk and watch the water flow past downtown.
- Browse antique shops and small local businesses.
- Catch a show or concert if your timing lines up with local events.
- Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant or supper club in the area.
This is a great choice if you want an easy drive, less traffic, and a slower pace.
5. Lake Geneva Area – Resorts, Shopping & Shore Path (Walworth County, via Jefferson/Rock)
While not one of the counties listed, you’ll likely pass through parts of
Jefferson or
Rock County heading to this well-known vacation spot. From Sun Prairie, you can reach the
Lake Geneva area in about 1.5 hours, making it a doable long day trip.
It feels a bit like a classic Midwestern resort town—fancy homes, lakeside paths, and lots of visitors in the summer.
What to do around Lake Geneva:
- Walk a stretch of the Geneva Lake Shore Path and admire the grand old houses.
- Take a boat tour to hear stories about the lakeside mansions.
- Shop or grab lunch in the busy downtown area.
- Visit nearby beaches or parks to relax by the water.
It’s a bit farther than the others, but if you’re craving that “lake town vacation” vibe without a full weekend commitment, it’s worth the drive.
6. Mineral Point – Artsy Streets & Stone Buildings (Iowa County)
Head west toward
Iowa County and you’ll find
Mineral Point, a small town with deep roots and a strong arts scene. It’s one of those places that feels older than most towns around it—and in a good way.
Many of the stone buildings were built by Cornish miners back in the 1800s, giving the town a unique look you don’t see everywhere in Wisconsin.
How to enjoy a day in Mineral Point:
- Wander the historic downtown streets and peek into galleries and studios.
- Try a Cornish pasty at a local café for a taste of the town’s heritage.
- Visit local art studios and talk with the artists if they’re open.
- Drive the surrounding back roads for rolling countryside views.
If you like art, history, and smaller crowds, Mineral Point makes a calm, inspiring getaway.
7. New Glarus – “America’s Little Switzerland” (Green County)
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a Swiss-style building in Wisconsin, chances are it was taken in
New Glarus. This
Green County village is about an hour southwest of Sun Prairie and feels like a mini trip to Europe.
What to do in New Glarus:
- Walk through the Swiss-themed downtown lined with murals and detailed architecture.
- Visit a local brewery or beer garden for a cold pint and some fresh air.
- Sample Swiss dishes like roesti, fondue, or traditional sausages at local restaurants.
- Head to nearby parks and trails for a short hike or bike ride.
On a sunny day, sitting outside with a plate of food and a drink, listening to people chat around you, you might almost forget you’re still in Wisconsin.
8. Monroe – Cheese, Curds & More Cheese (Green County)
If New Glarus is Swiss,
Monroe is pure
cheese country. Also in Green County, Monroe proudly calls itself the
“Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.” If you’re a cheese lover—or you just appreciate a good grilled cheese sandwich—this trip should be on your list.
Monroe day trip ideas:
- Visit local cheese shops and sample aged cheddar, Swiss, and fresh curds.
- Walk the historic downtown square with its striking courthouse.
- Grab lunch at a local tavern or restaurant with classic Midwest comfort food.
- Plan your trip around one of the town’s cheese or harvest festivals if you like crowds and events.
Bring a cooler in your trunk—you’ll probably come home with more cheese than you planned.
9. Horicon Marsh – Wildlife Watching & Wide-Open Skies (Dodge County)
If you’re looking for something peaceful and a bit different, head northeast to
Horicon Marsh in
Dodge County. This massive wetland is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country.
It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys bird watching, nature photography, or just getting away from city noise.
How to experience Horicon Marsh:
- Walk one of the nature trails and listen to the birds.
- Bring binoculars and look for cranes, ducks, geese, and other wildlife.
- Stop at a visitor center (check hours in advance) to learn about the marsh’s history and ecology.
- Take a leisurely drive around the area to enjoy open fields and wetlands.
Sunrise and sunset can be especially beautiful here, with huge skies and plenty of space to breathe.
10. Janesville & Beloit – Riverfront Strolls & Parks (Rock County)
To the south of Sun Prairie, in
Rock County, you’ll find
Janesville and
Beloit, two cities along the Rock River that are easy to visit in a single day.
They’re great if you want plenty of food options, parks, and river views without driving too far.
In Janesville:
- Walk or bike along riverfront trails.
- Explore local parks and gardens during the warmer months.
- Check out downtown shops and coffee spots.
In Beloit:
- Stroll through the revitalized downtown near the river.
- Look for local markets or events, especially on weekends.
- Enjoy a relaxed meal at a riverside restaurant or pub.
This combo makes a low-stress road trip with plenty of flexibility—perfect when you just want to get out of the house without a ton of planning.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From Sun Prairie
Before you head out on any of these short getaways, a little planning can make the day smoother:
- Check drive times: Most of these are about 45–90 minutes from Sun Prairie, depending on traffic and which side of the destination you’re aiming for.
- Look up hours: Visitor centers, tours, and some restaurants have seasonal or limited hours.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a small cooler if you’ll be buying cheese, beer, or picnic food.
- Plan for parking: Popular places like Devil’s Lake and Wisconsin Dells can get busy on weekends.
If you’re traveling with kids, friends, or a partner, you can also make the drive part of the fun—play road trip games, make a shared playlist, or stop at roadside stands along the way.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living near
Sun Prairie means you’re surrounded by great
day trip ideas in Columbia, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties. Whether you’re in the mood for lakes, cheese, hiking, small-town streets, or just a quiet drive through the countryside, there’s something close by.
Have you visited any of these spots yet? Or do you have a favorite hidden gem outside Dane County that deserves a shout-out?
Share your favorite Wisconsin road trip from Sun Prairie in the comments, and pass this guide along to a friend or family member who’s always saying, “We should go somewhere this weekend.”
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