10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Looking for
fun day trips near Wauwatosa that get you out of Milwaukee County for a bit? You’re in the right place.
Within about a 30–90 minute drive, you can hit small towns, lakefront beaches, lighthouses, hiking trails, wineries, and even a Great Lake on the Michigan side.
Let’s jump into 10 simple, low-stress road trips you can take from Wauwatosa to nearby counties in Wisconsin and Michigan.
1. Cedarburg, WI – Historic Charm and Wine Tasting (Ozaukee County)
If you want a classic small-town escape,
Cedarburg is hard to beat. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive north of Wauwatosa, but it feels like you stepped into a postcard.
- Stroll the historic downtown with stone buildings and cute shops.
- Sample wine at Cedar Creek Winery inside an old mill.
- Walk along Cedar Creek and grab coffee or ice cream.
- Check out local festivals if you visit in summer or fall.
On my first visit, I “stopped by for an hour” and ended up staying most of the day—there’s always one more shop or bakery calling your name.
It’s an easy, low-stress road trip and one of the most popular
day trips from Wauwatosa.
2. Port Washington, WI – Lighthouse Views on Lake Michigan (Ozaukee County)
Drive another 15 minutes past Cedarburg and you’ll hit
Port Washington, a fishing village with big East Coast vibes right on
Lake Michigan.
- Walk out to the Port Washington Breakwater Lighthouse for lake views.
- Grab fresh fish or a casual meal at one of the harbor restaurants.
- Stroll the marina and watch the charter boats come in.
- Explore the small downtown for antiques, treats, and local shops.
If you time it for sunrise or sunset, the colors over the lake are unreal. It’s one of the best
Lake Michigan getaways near Milwaukee.
3. Holy Hill – Scenic Views and Hiking (Washington County)
About 35–45 minutes northwest of Wauwatosa, you’ll find
Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, perched high on a hill in Washington County.
- Climb the church tower for sweeping views of rolling Wisconsin farmland.
- Walk around the peaceful grounds and chapel.
- Hit nearby trails for light hiking or fall leaf-peeping.
In fall, this is a must-do road trip—the forest below turns into a patchwork of orange, red, and gold. If you’re looking for a quiet, reflective break from city life, this is the place.
4. West Bend, WI – Museums, Art, and the Milwaukee River (Washington County)
Just a bit beyond Holy Hill is
West Bend, a laid-back town with more to do than you might expect.
- Visit the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) for regional art and changing exhibits.
- Walk or bike along the Milwaukee River or the Eisenbahn State Trail.
- Explore downtown shops and grab lunch at a local diner or café.
West Bend makes for a relaxed, culture-meets-nature day trip. You can easily combine it with Holy Hill for a full-day adventure out of Wauwatosa.
5. Lake Geneva, WI – Classic Wisconsin Resort Town (Walworth County, via Waukesha County)
To the southwest, about an hour and 15 minutes from Wauwatosa, sits
Lake Geneva, one of the most iconic
Southern Wisconsin lake getaways.
- Walk the scenic Geneva Lake Shore Path past historic mansions.
- Take a lake cruise to hear stories about the old estates.
- Spend time on the beach or rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
- Wander the busy downtown full of shops, candy stores, and restaurants.
On a sunny day, it almost feels like a mini vacation town you’d find somewhere along the East Coast—just closer and way more affordable.
6. Delafield & the Kettle Moraine – Lakes and Trails (Waukesha County)
If you’re craving some nature but don’t want a long drive, head west into
Waukesha County, especially around Delafield.
The rolling hills and glacial formations make this area perfect for a half-day escape. It’s a popular spot for fall colors and weekend drives.
7. Racine, WI – North Beach, Art, and Kringle (Racine County)
Head about 45–60 minutes south from Wauwatosa and you’ll land in
Racine, a lakefront city with a relaxed vibe and a famous pastry.
- Stretch out on North Beach, a wide sandy beach right on Lake Michigan.
- Visit the Racine Art Museum, known for its contemporary craft collection.
- Try authentic Racine kringle at a local bakery—almond is a classic flavor.
If you’ve never had kringle, imagine a flaky, oval-shaped pastry packed with filling. It’s a great excuse for a road trip all on its own.
8. Muskegon, MI – Big Beaches and Lake Michigan Sunsets (Muskegon County)
Ready for a slightly bigger adventure? Cross Lake Michigan (by ferry) or drive around Chicago to reach
Muskegon, Michigan. It’s a longer trip, but worth it if you have a full weekend.
If you take the ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon (seasonal), the ride itself becomes part of the trip—no Chicago traffic, just lake views and a mini-cruise feel.
9. Grand Haven, MI – Lighthouses and the Musical Fountain (Ottawa County)
Just south of Muskegon, along the west Michigan shoreline, is
Grand Haven, another classic Lake Michigan town.
If you love sunsets, this town delivers. The sun sinking into Lake Michigan, with the pier and lighthouse in the foreground, is a photographer’s dream.
10. Holland, MI – Windmills, Tulips, and Dutch Flavor (Ottawa County)
A bit farther south along the Michigan shoreline, you’ll find
Holland, famous for its Dutch heritage and spring flowers.
Holland makes a great pairing with Grand Haven or Muskegon if you’re turning your road trip into a multi-day lakefront adventure.
Tips for Planning Your Wauwatosa Road Trips
To keep your getaways easy and fun, here are a few quick tips:
- Check drive times: Most Wisconsin spots on this list are within about an hour to 90 minutes. Michigan towns will take longer unless you use the ferry.
- Look up seasonal hours: Some lighthouses, museums, and attractions have limited hours in winter or early spring.
- Pack for the lake: Even in summer, Lake Michigan breezes can be cool—bring an extra layer.
- Plan food stops: Part of the joy of a day trip is trying local diners, bakeries, and coffee shops along the way.
You don’t have to plan a huge vacation to feel like you “got away.” Even a half-day trip out of Milwaukee County can reset your mood.
Where Will You Go Next?
From
lighthouses and beaches to
small towns and hiking trails, you’ve got plenty of options for easy
road trips near Wauwatosa—without hopping on a plane or driving all day.
So, which of these spots is calling your name first? Cedarburg for wine, Racine for kringle, or maybe a full-on Lake Michigan weekend in Michigan?
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who love quick getaways.
And I’d love to hear from you:
- Have you tried any of these road trips from Wauwatosa?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in these counties?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions—let’s help more people discover the best things to do near Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
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