10 Easy Day Trips From West Bend, WI: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Washington County
If you live in or near
West Bend, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a great place to call home. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive 30–60 minutes, and explore somewhere new.
The good news? West Bend is surrounded by awesome spots in
Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and
Waukesha Counties. From lakefront cities to quiet countryside escapes, you’ve got a lot of options for a quick road trip.
Below you’ll find
10 short out-of-county road trips from West Bend—no overnight bag required. Just fill up the gas tank, grab a coffee, and go.
1. Milwaukee Lakefront & Historic Third Ward (Milwaukee County)
If you only do one road trip from West Bend, make it this one.
Downtown Milwaukee is roughly a 35–45 minute drive south, depending on traffic, and it feels like a totally different world.
You can easily spend a full day just along the lake and in the nearby neighborhoods.
- Stroll the Milwaukee Lakefront: Walk along Lake Michigan, check out Veterans Park, and watch boats in the harbor.
- Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum: Even if you’re not a huge art fan, the building’s “wings” are worth seeing.
- Explore the Historic Third Ward: Converted warehouses, boutiques, coffee shops, and the Milwaukee Public Market.
- Grab a local brew: Milwaukee’s beer history is legendary. There are tours and taprooms all over town.
If you time it right, you might catch a festival, a summer concert, or a food truck event near the lake. It’s an easy, high-energy day trip when you want city vibes.
2. Cedarburg’s Charming Historic Downtown (Ozaukee County)
Looking for something more relaxed? Head about 25–30 minutes southeast to
Cedarburg, one of the most charming small towns in Wisconsin.
This place looks like it belongs on a postcard.
- Walk the historic downtown with stone buildings and cute storefronts.
- Pop into antique shops, galleries, and boutiques.
- Sample wine at a local winery or grab a treat at a cozy café.
- Enjoy the scenic river views and small-town feel.
During the year, Cedarburg hosts festivals for strawberries, wine and harvest, Oktoberfest, and Christmas. If you like strolling, browsing, and snacking, this is a perfect afternoon trip from West Bend.
3. Port Washington Harbor & Lighthouse (Ozaukee County)
Drive about 35 minutes east and you’ll hit
Port Washington, a small harbor town on Lake Michigan.
The downtown area is right by the water, which makes it ideal if you love scenic views.
- Walk the marina: Watch fishing boats come and go, and check out the lighthouse in the distance.
- Climb the hill to St. Mary’s church area: You’ll get great views over the city and lake.
- Hit the Lake Michigan shore: Relax on the rocks or stroll the lakefront walkway.
- Grab fresh seafood or ice cream downtown.
If you’re into fishing, Port Washington is also known for charter boats that head out onto Lake Michigan for salmon and trout.
4. Sheboygan’s Beaches & Riverfront (Sheboygan County)
People don’t always think “beach” when they think Wisconsin—but they should. About 45–55 minutes northeast of West Bend,
Sheboygan offers a surprising stretch of sandy fun.
- South Beach & North Beach: Soft sand, long shoreline, and that lake breeze that feels almost ocean-like.
- Riverfront boardwalk: Restaurants, bars, and walking paths along the Sheboygan River.
- Surfing and kiteboarding: Yes, on Lake Michigan. On windy days, it’s fun just to watch.
- John Michael Kohler Arts Center: Unique exhibits and quirky art installations, often free or low-cost.
Bring a towel, a cooler, and maybe a sweatshirt—the wind off the lake can be cooler than you expect, even in summer.
5. Horicon Marsh: Wildlife Watching & Easy Trails (Dodge County)
If you’d rather trade city streets for open sky, head about 40–50 minutes west to
Horicon Marsh in Dodge County.
This is one of the largest freshwater cattail marshes in the country, and it’s a dream if you enjoy nature.
- Birdwatching: See ducks, geese, cranes, herons, and many other birds, especially during migration seasons.
- Easy walking trails: Flat, simple paths make it good for families and casual walkers.
- Scenic overlooks: Great for photos and quiet moments away from the noise.
- Visitor center: Learn about the marsh, its history, and the wildlife that lives there.
If you’ve ever wanted to try nature photography or just unplug for a few hours, this is a peaceful trip that still keeps you close to home.
6. Old World Wisconsin: Step Back in Time (Waukesha County)
About an hour southwest of West Bend, near Eagle in
Waukesha County, you’ll find
Old World Wisconsin, a living history attraction that feels like walking into the past.
Here’s what to expect:
- Historic farmsteads and villages: Buildings from the 1800s moved here from around the state.
- Costumed interpreters: Staff dressed in period clothing share stories and demonstrations.
- Hands-on activities: Depending on the season, you might see blacksmithing, baking, old-fashioned games, and more.
- Pretty countryside setting: Surrounded by fields and woods—especially pretty in fall.
It’s a great choice for families, history lovers, or anyone who likes the idea of taking a “time-travel” day trip without going far.
7. Downtown Waukesha: Riverwalk, Murals & Music (Waukesha County)
Around 50–60 minutes from West Bend,
downtown Waukesha has a fun, artsy vibe that surprises a lot of first-time visitors.
- Fox River Walk: A nice paved path along the river—good for a lazy stroll.
- Street art and sculptures: Colorful murals and public art scattered around downtown.
- Live music & events: Waukesha often hosts music nights, car shows, and seasonal festivals.
- Cafés and local restaurants: Cozy spots for coffee, brunch, or a casual dinner.
If you like walking, browsing shops, and listening to live music, this makes a relaxed but interesting day trip.
8. Fond du Lac & Lakeside Park on Lake Winnebago (Fond du Lac County)
Head about 45–55 minutes northwest of West Bend and you’ll hit
Fond du Lac, sitting on the southern tip of
Lake Winnebago, one of Wisconsin’s largest inland lakes.
The star of the show here is
Lakeside Park.
- Scenic lighthouse: A small but charming lighthouse you can climb at certain times of the year.
- Boat watching and fishing: Plenty of lake activity, especially in summer.
- Playgrounds and picnic spots: Good for kids and low-key family outings.
- Seasonal attractions: In some seasons, you’ll find small rides, a petting zoo, or holiday lights.
If you’re in the mood for open water and a park-style day, Fond du Lac is an easy drive that feels like a mini getaway.
9. Road America & Elkhart Lake Area (Sheboygan County)
If you’ve got any car fans in your life—or you just like beautiful rolling countryside—point your car about an hour north toward
Elkhart Lake and
Road America in Sheboygan County.
- Road America: A famous road racing track that hosts big events, from sports cars to motorcycles.
- Track days & tours: Check the schedule; sometimes you can drive your own car on track days or take a tour.
- Elkhart Lake village: Small, scenic, and surprisingly upscale, with lakeside resorts, restaurants, and a relaxed vibe.
- Lakeside relaxation: Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or just sit by the water.
This is a fun mix of high-speed excitement and peaceful lake-town atmosphere—all within a comfortable drive from West Bend.
10. Milwaukee County Zoo & Surrounding Parks (Milwaukee County)
If you want something kid-friendly and easy to plan, head about 35–45 minutes south to the
Milwaukee County Zoo on the west side of Milwaukee.
It’s a classic Wisconsin day trip for a reason.
- Hundreds of animals: Giraffes, big cats, primates, penguins, and more.
- Train and carousel rides: Always a hit with younger kids.
- Picnic areas: Save a little money by packing lunch and snacks.
- Nearby parks and trails: The surrounding area has green space and paths if you want to walk before heading home.
It’s the kind of place you can visit again and again, and still find something new each time.
Tips for Planning Your West Bend Day Trips
To make the most of these short road trips from West Bend, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within 30–60 minutes, but traffic and weather can change things.
- Look up local events: Festivals, markets, and concerts can turn a simple visit into a special day.
- Pack a small “day trip kit”: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
- Have a backup plan: If a beach is too windy or a place is crowded, know a second nearby option.
When I plan these little getaways, I like to pick
one main activity—like the lakefront or a museum—and then leave the rest of the day open for wandering. That’s usually when you find those hidden gem coffee shops or views you never noticed before.
Where Will You Go Next From West Bend?
Living in or near
West Bend, WI means you’re surrounded by great day trip options: city, country, beaches, lakes, history, and wildlife are all within about an hour’s drive.
So the next time you’re wondering,
“What is there to do near West Bend?”, try picking one of these:
- Milwaukee’s lakefront and Third Ward
- Cedarburg and Port Washington in Ozaukee County
- Sheboygan’s beaches and Elkhart Lake
- Horicon Marsh in Dodge County
- Fond du Lac’s Lakeside Park
- Old World Wisconsin and downtown Waukesha
- Milwaukee County Zoo and nearby parks
Each one offers something different—but all of them are an easy escape from your normal routine.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From West Bend
Do you have a go-to spot outside Washington County that you love? Maybe a quiet beach, a diner in a small town, or a hiking trail you think more people should know about?
Share your favorite out-of-county road trips from West Bend in the comments so other locals can discover them too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near West Bend, WI. The more ideas we swap, the more adventures we can all enjoy.
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