10 Easy Road Trips From De Pere, Wisconsin (That Take You Out of Brown County)
If you live in or near
De Pere, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a cozy spot on the Fox River. But what if you’re itching to get out of Brown County for the day?
You’re in luck. Within about 30–90 minutes of De Pere, you’ll find small-town charm, Lake Michigan views, quirky museums, and peaceful woods. These
short road trips from De Pere are perfect for a Saturday drive, a mini date day, or a family adventure.
All of the ideas below are outside Brown County in nearby areas like
Door County,
Calumet County,
Kewaunee County,
Manitowoc County,
Oconto County,
Outagamie County, and
Shawano County.
1. Sturgeon Bay, Door County – Harbors, Bridges, and Boats
Door County is a classic Wisconsin getaway, and
Sturgeon Bay is often the first stop as you head up the peninsula.
From De Pere, it’s roughly a 45–50 minute drive, depending on traffic and your route.
Once you roll into town, you’ll find:
- Working waterfront views with big ships and fishing boats
- The Door County Maritime Museum (great on a rainy day)
- Walks along the harbor and waterfront parks
- Plenty of local restaurants and pubs
If you like wandering, park your car and just stroll. The mix of old shipyards, bridges, and shops makes Sturgeon Bay feel like a small coastal town.
Tip: Stay for sunset if you can. Watching the sky change colors over the bay is worth the later drive home.
2. Peninsula State Park & Fish Creek – Classic Door County Day Trip
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther past Sturgeon Bay, make a full day of it in
Peninsula State Park near
Fish Creek. It’s about 1 hour 20 minutes from De Pere, but you’ll probably end up wishing you had more time.
Inside the park you can:
- Hike or bike miles of wooded trails
- Climb Eagle Tower for a huge view of Green Bay
- Relax on the small beach area in summer
- Drive the scenic shoreline road and stop at overlooks
Fish Creek itself has:
- Cute shops and cafes
- Ice cream stops (a must after hiking)
- Waterfront views and boat traffic
If you want a “Door County sampler” in one day, this is it.
3. Algoma – Lake Michigan, Art, and a Slower Pace
Looking for a quieter spot on the water? Head to
Algoma in
Kewaunee County, about 45 minutes east of De Pere.
Algoma has a mellow, small-town feel. Plan to:
- Walk the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse area and watch the waves
- Stroll Crescent Beach boardwalk along Lake Michigan
- Check out local art galleries and murals
- Grab a fish fry or a burger at a local bar and grill
On windy days, Lake Michigan puts on a show. The waves crash against the shore, and you’ll be glad you brought a jacket, even in summer.
4. Kewaunee – Harbor Town With Big Lake Views
Just a bit south of Algoma is
Kewaunee, another
Kewaunee County gem that works nicely as part of the same road trip.
From De Pere, it’s around 40–45 minutes to Kewaunee.
Things to do include:
- Walk out to the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse
- Take in the view from Harbor Park
- Check out the restored railroad depot and small-town streets
- Visit local shops for antiques or Wisconsin-made gifts
If you’re up for it, you can drive down the coast and hit both Algoma and Kewaunee on the same loop, then head back inland to De Pere.
5. Manitowoc – Ships, Submarines, and Lake Michigan
About 1 hour south of De Pere, you’ll find
Manitowoc in
Manitowoc County, right on Lake Michigan.
This is a great choice if you want a mix of city and shoreline without going too far.
Highlights include:
- Mariners Trail – a paved trail along the lake, perfect for walking or biking
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum – with a World War II submarine you can tour
- Downtown coffee shops and restaurants
- Public art and murals scattered around town
If you have bikes, toss them in the car. Riding along the water on a warm day feels like being on a mini Great Lakes vacation.
6. High Cliff State Park & Lake Winnebago – Bluffs and Views
To the southwest of De Pere, about 45–55 minutes away, sits
High Cliff State Park in
Calumet County, on the northeastern shore of
Lake Winnebago.
This park is known for:
- Limestone cliffs with great overlooks
- Short hiking loops that are family-friendly
- A lookout tower with wide views over Lake Winnebago
- Picnic spots under tall trees
On a clear day, you can see sailboats and fishing boats out on the lake. If you pack a picnic and a light jacket, you’re set for an easy escape into nature.
7. Appleton – Urban Vibes Close to Home
If you’re looking for something more urban but still close,
Appleton in
Outagamie County is only about 30–35 minutes from De Pere.
This makes it a great choice for a quick evening trip or a low-effort Saturday.
In Appleton, you can:
- Walk along the Fox River and check out the locks
- Explore downtown College Avenue shops, bars, and restaurants
- Visit local museums or indoor attractions when the weather is bad
- Catch a show, concert, or game depending on the season
It’s an easy way to get a different feel from De Pere without spending much time on the road.
8. Oconto – Quiet Waterfront and History
Head north from De Pere for about 40–45 minutes and you’ll reach
Oconto in
Oconto County.
This small city has a relaxed, almost timeless feel. Some ideas:
- Visit Oconto Harbor and enjoy the views of Green Bay
- Walk the trails and boardwalks at nearby nature areas
- Check out local historic sites and small museums
- Stop at a classic Wisconsin supper club on the way home
If you like quieter places with fewer crowds, Oconto is a nice change of pace from busier tourist spots.
9. Shawano Lake & Shawano Area – Lakeside Relaxation
In about 1 hour from De Pere, heading northwest, you can reach
Shawano Lake and the
Shawano area in
Shawano County.
This is a solid choice if you love a laid-back lake vibe.
You can:
- Drive around Shawano Lake and check out boat landings and parks
- Fish, paddle, or just sit by the water and relax
- Explore downtown Shawano’s murals and small-town streets
- Find a local place serving fried cheese curds (almost a guarantee)
If you’re looking for a simple summer day trip from De Pere, this one’s hard to beat.
10. Gillett & Surrounding Countryside – A True Country Drive
If what you really want is a
drive more than a destination, head toward the
Gillett area in
Oconto County, about 45–50 minutes from De Pere.
The beauty here is in the journey:
- Rolling farm fields and classic red barns
- Two-lane roads with light traffic
- Small-town main streets where time feels slower
You can stop at:
- Roadside farm stands in season
- Local diners and taverns for burgers and pie
- Quiet parks and boat landings on small lakes and rivers
Sometimes the best
short road trip from De Pere is just driving with no strict plan—seeing where the back roads take you.
Tips for Making These De Pere Road Trips Even Better
- Check the weather: Lake Michigan and Green Bay can feel cooler than inland, even in July.
- Bring layers: A hoodie or light jacket goes a long way near the water.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially if you’re hiking or exploring state parks.
- Start early: That way you can fit in two or three stops in one day.
- Have a loose plan: Know your main stops, but leave room for random roadside finds.
Over time, you might find a favorite route—maybe a loop through Algoma and Kewaunee, or a Door County run with your own “must-stop” coffee shop.
Where Will You Go First?
Living near De Pere puts you in a sweet spot. In under an hour or so, you can hit:
- Lake Michigan beaches and lighthouses
- Quiet harbors on Green Bay
- State parks with big views
- Small towns with classic Wisconsin charm
If you’ve been thinking, “We should get out of town more,” consider this your sign.
Which of these out-of-county road trips from De Pere would you try first? Have you already visited any of these spots, or do you have a hidden gem in Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Oconto, Outagamie, or Shawano County that’s not on this list?
Share your favorite day trips in the comments and tell us what makes them special.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy things to do near De Pere—sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive away.
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