10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near West Allis, WI
If you live in or around
West Allis, Wisconsin and feel like you’ve already done *all* the
Milwaukee County things, it might be time for a mini escape. The good news? You don’t have to drive far to find fresh scenery, cute downtowns, and plenty of fun.
All of these ideas are outside Milwaukee County, in nearby places like
Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, Waukesha, and even across the lake in
Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan. Most of these are under an hour away, and a couple make for a perfect quick weekend road trip.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Cedarburg, WI – Old‑Fashioned Charm Just Up the Road (Ozaukee County)
Cedarburg feels like a small-town movie set, and it’s only about a 30–40 minute drive from West Allis.
Stroll down
Washington Avenue and you’ll see stone mills, historic buildings, and cozy shops. It’s a great day trip if you like browsing, snacking, and just wandering without a big schedule.
- Things to do: Check out the old woolen mill shops, grab a coffee, visit wineries, and walk along the creek.
- Why it’s fun: Everything is close together, so you can park once and explore all day.
- Road trip tip: Visit in fall for colorful leaves and cider, or around the holidays when the town goes big on lights and decorations.
Looking for an easy first road trip near West Allis? Cedarburg is hard to beat.
2. Harrington Beach State Park – Quiet Lake Michigan Escape (Ozaukee County)
If you’re craving fresh air and waves, head about 45–60 minutes north to
Harrington Beach State Park. It’s quieter than some of the better-known beaches and has a wild, peaceful feel.
- What to do:
- Walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline
- Pack a picnic and relax near the water
- Explore the quarry lake trail and old limestone ruins
- Why go: It’s close enough for a half‑day trip, but far enough from the city that you really feel like you’ve “gotten away.”
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need to see some big water and open sky,” this is your spot.
3. Port Washington, WI – Harbor Town Vibes (Ozaukee County)
Port Washington gives you a little taste of a New England harbor town, but you only have to drive around 40–50 minutes from West Allis.
- Highlights:
- Walk out along the harbor and lighthouse
- Stop at a local fish market or ice cream shop
- Check out the marina and watch the boats
- Why it’s worth it: The downtown is compact and walkable, and the bluff views over Lake Michigan are great for photos.
If you like Cedarburg, you’ll probably like Port Washington too. Many locals pair the two towns in a single day trip.
4. Racine, WI – Beaches, Kringle, and a Cool Lighthouse (Racine County)
Head about 40–50 minutes south along the lake and you’ll hit
Racine, a city with a mix of lakefront fun and unique food.
- Don’t miss:
- North Beach – Long sandy beach, great for a summer swim or a walk any time of year.
- Wind Point Lighthouse – One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, with beautiful grounds.
- Danish kringle – Racine is famous for it; pick up a ring (or two) from a local bakery.
- Why go: It’s an easy family trip with beach time, treats, and views all rolled into one.
Ask yourself: have you really explored southeast Wisconsin if you haven’t tried Racine kringle fresh from the source?
5. Holy Hill – Scenic Views and Fall Colors (Washington County)
About 40–50 minutes northwest of West Allis,
Holy Hill sits on one of the highest spots in southeastern Wisconsin. Even if you’re not there for religious reasons, the views are incredible.
- What to expect:
- A historic basilica perched on a hill
- Optional climb up the tower (lots of stairs, but the 360° view is worth it)
- Peaceful walking paths and quiet spots to sit
- Best time to go: Early to mid‑October for peak fall colors. The drive itself feels like a postcard.
If you only pick one scenic overlook near West Allis, make it this one.
6. Pike Lake & the Kettle Moraine Area – Easy Hiking Close to Home (Washington County)
Just a bit past Holy Hill you’ll find the
Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest. It’s a great stop if you want a short hike and some gentle “up and down” terrain without a big workout.
- Fun ideas:
- Take an easy loop trail through the forest
- Relax by the lake or bring a picnic
- Climb the observation tower for views of the rolling landscape
- Why it’s great: The glacial hills give the area a different feel than the flat city. It’s an ideal half‑day nature break.
If you’ve been meaning to “get into hiking,” this is a gentle place to start.
7. Downtown Waukesha & the Fox River – Artsy Little City (Waukesha County)
Drive 20–30 minutes west from West Allis and you’ll hit
Waukesha, a small city with a growing arts scene and a walkable riverfront.
- What to do:
- Walk the Fox River trail through the heart of town
- Check out local murals and art pieces
- Browse antiques, boutiques, and cafes downtown
- Why road trip here: When you want something more relaxed than downtown Milwaukee but still lively, Waukesha hits that middle ground.
On a nice day, grab coffee, stroll along the river, and just see where the sidewalks take you.
8. Frame Park & Riverwalk – Easy Nature Fix (Waukesha County)
While you’re in Waukesha, spend a little extra time at
Frame Park along the Fox River.
- Highlights:
- Curved walking and biking paths right along the river
- Formal gardens and open grassy areas for a blanket and a book
- Simple, easy parking and clean rest areas
- Why it’s nice: It’s low‑key, kid‑friendly, and perfect if you want an outdoorsy break without a long hike or big crowds.
This is one of those spots that feels like “your new regular place” once you discover it.
9. Muskegon, MI – Big‑Beach Weekend Across the Lake (Muskegon County)
Ready to go a little farther? Head north and then east around Lake Michigan (or take the ferry from Milwaukee in season) to
Muskegon, Michigan. It’s a bigger trip, but worth it for a classic Great Lakes beach town feel.
- Top things to do:
- Pere Marquette Beach – Wide sandy beach, volleyball, long walks along the shoreline.
- Explore the historic USS LST 393 or other local museums.
- Check out the harborfront and grab a lakeside meal.
- Why go: If you want a mini “ocean but not really ocean” getaway, Muskegon gives you that big‑water, beach‑town feeling without flying.
This one works best as a full weekend road trip from West Allis, especially in the summer.
10. Holland & Grand Haven Area – Classic Lake Michigan Getaway (Ottawa County, MI)
Also over in Michigan’s
Ottawa County, the
Holland and
Grand Haven area is another great weekend road trip from southeastern Wisconsin.
- Must‑see spots:
- Holland State Park – Long sandy beach and views of the “Big Red” lighthouse.
- Charming downtown Holland with shops and cafes.
- Grand Haven – Famous pier and lighthouse, plus a fun musical fountain in summer.
- Why it’s special: Think sunsets over Lake Michigan, strolls on the pier, and that relaxed “vacation town” energy.
If you’ve ever wanted to do a Great Lakes road trip from Wisconsin, Ottawa County is a perfect starting point.
Planning Your West Allis Road Trips
To make these
out‑of‑county road trips from West Allis smoother, a few simple habits help a lot:
- Check drive times and traffic before you leave.
- Pack a small “day trip” bag: water bottles, snacks, phone charger, light jacket.
- Look up parking rules or park passes (especially for state parks).
- Have a loose plan, but leave room to wander and explore.
Sometimes the best moments happen when you take a side street, follow a local’s suggestion, or stop at a place that just looks interesting.
Share Your Favorite Spots Near West Allis
Have you tried any of these road trips from West Allis, or do you have your own favorite
things to do near West Allis, WI outside Milwaukee County?
- Drop a comment and share your go‑to towns, parks, or hidden gems.
- Tell us which spot you want to visit next: Cedarburg? Racine? Holy Hill? Muskegon?
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Your ideas help other travelers discover new places—so don’t be shy. Where should we road trip to next?
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