10 Easy Road Trips Near Germantown, Wisconsin (That Are Worth the Gas)
If you live in or around
Germantown, Wisconsin in Washington County, you’ve probably hit most of the local spots already. But what about quick
out-of-county road trips?
The good news: you don’t have to drive all day to find great things to do. Within about an hour (sometimes less), you can reach lakes, breweries, beaches, museums, and some seriously good food in nearby counties like
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Dodge, and Fond du Lac.
Below are 10 short road trip ideas from Germantown that make perfect day trips or easy weekend outings.
1. Milwaukee’s Lakefront & Third Ward (Milwaukee County)
Milwaukee is only about a 25–30 minute drive from Germantown, but it feels like stepping into a different world. Start near
Lake Michigan and then wander into the historic
Third Ward.
Why go:
- Walk the lakefront near the Milwaukee Art Museum and enjoy the fresh breeze off Lake Michigan.
- Explore the Historic Third Ward, full of shops, galleries, and cafes.
- Grab lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market and sample local cheese, sandwiches, and baked goods.
On a warm day, I like to park once and just walk. You can grab a coffee, stroll by the water, and then end up at the Public Market for an early dinner. It’s an easy, low-stress day in the city.
2. Cedarburg’s Charming Downtown (Ozaukee County)
Head about 20–25 minutes east to
Cedarburg, a small town that looks like a postcard. Stone buildings, cozy shops, and a river running through town make it one of the cutest day trips near Germantown.
Don’t miss:
- Strolling Washington Avenue with its boutiques and antique stores.
- Sampling local wines at a wine shop or winery.
- Walking along the creek and through the historic district.
If you like simple pleasures—window shopping, ice cream, and small-town vibes—Cedarburg is a must. It’s especially fun around the holidays and during festivals.
3. Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County)
Want a beach day without driving all the way to Door County? About 40–45 minutes from Germantown,
Harrington Beach State Park offers rugged beauty and quiet lakeshore.
What you can do there:
- Walk the Lake Michigan beach and listen to the waves.
- Hike easy trails around the old quarry lake.
- Pack a picnic and relax at a shady table.
The lake can be chilly, but the views are worth it year-round. On a clear day, the horizon feels endless. Bring a jacket—it can be breezy even in summer.
4. Downtown Waukesha & the Riverwalk (Waukesha County)
About 30–40 minutes southwest of Germantown,
Waukesha has a colorful downtown with murals, sculptures, and a nice
riverwalk.
Road trip highlights:
- Walk along the Fox River and cross the footbridges.
- Check out public art and quirky storefronts.
- Grab a coffee or ice cream and people-watch in the town square.
It’s a relaxed alternative to Milwaukee—still lively, but not overwhelming. If you enjoy photography, the bridges and murals make great backdrops.
5. Lapham Peak in the Kettle Moraine (Waukesha County)
If you like hiking, nature, or just good views, drive about 40–45 minutes to the
Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, near Delafield.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- Miles of hiking trails through rolling hills and forest.
- A tall observation tower with sweeping views—on a clear day, you can see for miles.
- Cross-country skiing in winter and wildflowers in spring.
Climbing the tower is a bit of a leg workout, but it’s short and sweet. The view from the top makes you forget you’re so close to the city.
6. Milwaukee’s Brewery & Distillery Scene (Milwaukee County)
If you enjoy craft beer or spirits, Milwaukee is a playground. From Germantown, it’s an easy 25–30 minute drive to some of the state’s most famous spots.
Ideas for a casual brewery tour:
- Book a tour at a classic Milwaukee brewery.
- Check out smaller craft breweries scattered around the city.
- Visit a distillery tasting room for local gin, vodka, or whiskey.
Make sure you have a designated driver or use rideshare once you’re in the city. You can turn it into a half-day trip with food stops in between tastings.
7. Sheboygan’s Kohler-Andrae Beach & Sand Dunes (Sheboygan County)
About an hour north of Germantown,
Kohler-Andrae State Park lets you walk through sand dunes and along miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
What to expect:
- Boardwalks winding through dunes and grasses.
- A wide sandy beach that’s great for walking and relaxing.
- Picnic areas and easy nature trails.
If you time it right near sunset, the sky over the lake can be stunning. Bring a blanket, a light jacket, and maybe a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate.
8. Fond du Lac & Lakeside Park (Fond du Lac County)
Head about an hour northwest to
Fond du Lac, on the south end of Lake Winnebago. It’s a solid choice when you want lake views without driving too far.
Top stops:
- Lakeside Park, with its walking paths, playgrounds, and views of the water.
- Rent a paddle boat in warmer months or just stroll the shoreline.
- Check out downtown Fond du Lac for lunch or coffee.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down—walk the park, sit by the water, and not feel rushed.
9. Horicon Marsh (Dodge County)
About 45–60 minutes from Germantown,
Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and a dream for anyone who likes birds or quiet nature.
What you can do:
- Walk easy trails and boardwalks through the marsh.
- Bring binoculars and look for cranes, ducks, geese, and more.
- Take a guided boat tour (seasonal) to learn about the wildlife.
Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, it’s peaceful and different from your usual park hike. The sounds of the marsh—frogs, birds, wind in the reeds—make the drive worth it.
10. Road Trip to Port Washington’s Harbor (Ozaukee County)
About 35–45 minutes from Germantown,
Port Washington feels like a small coastal town, right on Lake Michigan.
Highlights:
- Walk around the marina and harbor and watch the boats.
- Climb the hill to see the old church and lake views.
- Enjoy fresh fish or a casual meal at a local restaurant.
This is a nice option if you want water views but also like having a compact downtown to explore on foot.
Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Germantown
- Keep it simple: Pick one main destination and maybe one backup stop nearby.
- Pack a “go bag”: Toss in a light jacket, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a phone charger.
- Check hours: Some tours, parks, and shops have seasonal hours—always good to double-check before you drive.
- Plan your timing: Leaving Germantown mid-morning helps you miss rush hour, especially heading into Milwaukee.
You don’t need a full week off or a long flight to feel like you’ve traveled. From
Germantown, Wisconsin, these nearby counties—
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Dodge, and Fond du Lac—offer plenty of easy escapes.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Spots!
Do you have a favorite
day trip from Germantown that didn’t make this list? Maybe a hidden beach, a tiny diner, or a quiet hiking spot?
I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop your suggestions and stories in the comments.
- Share this post with friends and family who live near Germantown and are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
The more we share our favorite local road trips, the easier it gets for everyone to discover new places—without driving all day.
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