10 Easy Road Trips From Manitowoc, WI: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The County
If you live in or around
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a cozy spot on the lake. But what if you’re ready for a quick change of scenery without hopping on a plane?
The good news: within about 30–90 minutes (and a bit more if you’re up for a Lake Michigan ferry ride), you’ll find beaches, lighthouses, breweries, farm country, and some surprisingly cool small towns.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Manitowoc that take you into neighboring counties like
Brown, Calumet, Kewaunee, Sheboygan in Wisconsin—and even across the lake to
Manistee and
Mason County, Michigan.
1. Door County Vibes Without the Crowds: Kewaunee, WI (Kewaunee County)
Looking for a quiet version of Door County that’s closer and a bit more laid-back?
Kewaunee is your spot.
It’s about a 40–45 minute drive northeast from Manitowoc and gives you that classic Lake Michigan feel: lighthouses, marinas, and peaceful water views—without fighting for parking.
- Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse – Walk the pier, watch the waves, and snap some photos. On windy days the waves crashing against the pier are just mesmerizing.
- Harbor & Marina Area – Stroll the waterfront, grab an ice cream, and watch the boats roll in and out.
- Fishing & Shoreline Walks – Cast a line or simply walk along the lakefront. Even if you’re not a big angler, it’s relaxing just watching others fish.
This is a great starter trip if you only have half a day and want something low-key and scenic.
2. Big-City Energy, Small-City Size: Green Bay, WI (Brown County)
Just about an hour northwest of Manitowoc,
Green Bay is the easiest place to go when you want more “stuff” to do—especially on a rainy or cold day.
Even if you’re not a hardcore Packers fan, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
- Lambeau Field – Tour the stadium, check out the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, or just walk around Titletown. It’s one of those “at least once” Wisconsin experiences.
- Bay Beach Amusement Park – Family-friendly, classic rides, and famously affordable tickets. Perfect for kids or anyone who still loves a good roller coaster.
- Green Bay Botanical Garden – Beautiful walking paths, seasonal displays, and lots of photo-worthy spots.
- Downtown Restaurants & Breweries – Grab a burger, cheese curds, and a local craft beer for the full Wisconsin effect.
If you like variety in one stop—sports, food, and parks—this is an easy day trip from Manitowoc.
3. Lakes, Cliffs, and Quiet Roads: High Cliff State Park (Calumet County)
Drive about an hour west and you’ll hit
High Cliff State Park on the northeastern shore of
Lake Winnebago, in
Calumet County. It feels like a different world from Lake Michigan, with limestone cliffs, forested trails, and sweeping lake views.
- Cliffside Trails – Hike to lookout points with views that stretch across Lake Winnebago. On clear days, the water seems to go on forever.
- Observation Tower – Climb the tower for a true “wow” moment. Sunset here is worth the drive.
- Picnic Areas & Beach – Pack a cooler, spread out a blanket, and make it a full afternoon.
If you’ve been craving a hike or some fresh air, this is an easy road trip with big payoff.
4. Classic Wisconsin Farm Country: Chilton & Rural Calumet County
Sometimes the best road trips are the simple ones—rolling fields, small-town diners, and a slower pace. Head west from Manitowoc into
Calumet County and explore towns like
Chilton.
What to do:
- Local Diners & Bakeries – Grab breakfast or a late-morning coffee. Places like Mom-and-Pop diners have that cozy “everyone knows everyone” feel.
- Country Drives – Follow the back roads, stop at farm stands, and stock up on fresh produce, honey, or cheese curds.
- Seasonal Events – Fairs, festivals, and tractor pulls pop up in spring, summer, and fall. Check community calendars before you go.
If you grew up in a city, these calm farm landscapes can feel like a mini-vacation all on their own.
5. Beach Day & Boardwalk Stroll: Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan County)
About 30–40 minutes south of Manitowoc,
Sheboygan is perfect when you want a lake town with a bit more action but still a relaxed vibe.
Locals like to call it the “Malibu of the Midwest,” and while the waves aren’t quite California-sized, it’s a fun place for a waterfront day.
- North Beach & Lakefront – Spread out on the sand, dip your toes in Lake Michigan, and watch kite surfers on windy days.
- Riverfront & Marina – Walk along the Sheboygan River, grab food at riverside restaurants, and enjoy the view of boats and kayaks.
- Kohler-Andrae State Park (just south of town) – Think sand dunes, boardwalk trails, and beaches with a more natural, wild feel.
If you love Manitowoc’s shoreline but want a slightly different scene, Sheboygan is an easy change of pace.
6. Craft Beer and Harbor Views: Algoma, WI (Kewaunee County)
Just over 45 minutes from Manitowoc,
Algoma is another Lake Michigan gem in
Kewaunee County. It’s quiet, artsy, and has that classic harbor-town charm.
- Algoma Harbor & Beach – Walk the pier, watch the fishing boats, and enjoy simple, open views of the lake.
- Local Brewery & Wineries – Sip a beer or local wine while looking out over the water. It’s hard to beat that combo.
- Art Galleries & Shops – Pop into small galleries and shops for locally made crafts, paintings, and gifts.
If you’re looking for a slower, more reflective day trip, Algoma is a solid choice.
7. History, Cheese, and Small-Town Charm: De Pere & East-Central Brown County
South of Green Bay, along the Fox River, you’ll find
De Pere, a smaller city in
Brown County with a walkable downtown and a relaxed feel.
- Fox Riverwalk – Walk along the river, watch boats and kayaks drift by, and enjoy peaceful views.
- Historic Downtown – Coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants line the streets. It’s ideal for a low-key afternoon.
- Cheese Shops & Markets – You’re in Wisconsin—this is your chance to stock up on fresh, squeaky cheese curds.
This is a nice option if you want a city feel without the size of Green Bay.
8. Golf, Gardens, and Luxury Vibes: Kohler, WI (Sheboygan County)
About 45 minutes south of Manitowoc, the village of
Kohler in
Sheboygan County is known for its world-class golf and upscale feel. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy it, though.
- Kohler Design Center – This might sound odd at first (“A design center?”), but it’s actually really interesting—showcasing creative bathrooms, kitchens, and fixtures in a museum-like space.
- Gardens & Trails – The village has beautifully kept grounds and walking paths that make for a peaceful morning or afternoon walk.
- Dining – From casual bites to more upscale spots, it’s a fun place for a date-day road trip or special occasion lunch.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more polished and “resort-like,” Kohler offers that escape without a long drive.
9. Cross-Lake Adventure: Manistee, MI (Manistee County)
Ready to turn a simple road trip into a mini getaway? Hop the
S.S. Badger ferry from Manitowoc (seasonal) over to
Ludington, Michigan, then drive about an hour north to
Manistee in
Manistee County.
Once you’re there, you’ll find:
- Historic Downtown Manistee – A charming main street with 19th-century architecture, shops, and cafes.
- Riverwalk – Walk along the Manistee River as it winds toward Lake Michigan.
- Lake Michigan Beaches – Wide, often less-crowded beaches with soft sand—great for sunset watching.
Yes, this one takes some planning, but the ferry ride itself feels like part of the vacation. It’s a fun way to “leave Wisconsin” without driving all the way around the lake.
10. Forests, Dunes, and Small-Town Michigan: Ludington & Mason County, MI
Whether you take the ferry directly or drive around Lake Michigan,
Ludington in
Mason County, Michigan is another excellent out-of-state road trip option from Manitowoc.
- Ludington State Park – Sand dunes, forests, hiking trails, and miles of shoreline. It’s one of Michigan’s most-loved state parks for a reason.
- Big Sable Point Lighthouse – A scenic trek through dunes brings you to a tall, photogenic lighthouse right on the lake.
- Downtown Ludington – Shops, ice cream, and a friendly, relaxed small-town feel.
If you’re craving more nature and don’t mind a weekend trip instead of a single day, Ludington and Mason County are worth the effort.
Tips for Planning Your Manitowoc Road Trips
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes, not counting the ferry.
- Watch the weather – Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago can feel much cooler than inland areas, especially in spring and fall. Bring a light jacket, even in summer evenings.
- Pack a small “road kit” – Water, snacks, phone charger, a light blanket, and maybe a paperback book. You’ll be surprised how often they come in handy.
- Look up seasonal events – Festivals, farmers markets, concerts, and fairs can turn a simple drive into a full-on adventure.
Ready to Hit the Road From Manitowoc?
You don’t have to go far from
Manitowoc, WI to find something new. From the beaches of
Sheboygan and
Kewaunee to the cliffs of
High Cliff State Park, the big-city fun in
Green Bay, and the cross-lake charm of
Manistee and
Ludington, there’s always another short trip waiting.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these road trips sounds best for your next free weekend?
- Did I miss one of your favorite spots near Manitowoc?
Share this post with a friend or family member who loves quick getaways, and
drop a comment with your own tips, hidden gems, or questions. Your ideas might inspire someone else’s next great road trip from Manitowoc!
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