10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
If you live in or around
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, you probably already know the local spots pretty well. But what about those quick drives just over the county line?
Today, let’s look at
10 short road trips from Pleasant Prairie that take you into nearby counties like
Lake and McHenry (Illinois),
Racine and Walworth (Wisconsin), and even as far as
Allegan County, Michigan.
All of these ideas are
outside Kenosha County, so you can truly feel like you “got away” for the day—without needing a plane ticket or a full week off work.
1. Downtown Lake Geneva, WI (Walworth County) – Classic Lake Town Escape
If you’ve never spent a day in
Lake Geneva, you’re due. It’s about an hour from Pleasant Prairie (depending on traffic) and feels like a mini vacation.
Walk along the lakeshore, grab some ice cream, and just people-watch. I once went down on a random Wednesday and ended up staying until sunset, just sitting by the water and listening to boats come and go.
- Don’t miss: The Geneva Lake Shore Path – a walking path that winds behind historic mansions. You don’t need to do the entire thing; even a short stretch is worth it.
- Fun idea: Take a lake boat tour to see the big lakeside homes from the water.
- Best for: Couples, families, and anyone who loves small-town lake vibes.
2. Alpine Valley Resort & Concerts – Elkhorn Area, WI (Walworth County)
If you’re into live music or skiing,
Alpine Valley is a great out-of-county stop. In winter, it’s a ski hill; in summer, it transforms into a big outdoor concert venue.
I still remember driving home from a show there, windows down, ears ringing, and thinking, “Hard to believe I’m this close to home.”
- Winter: Skiing and snowboarding on multiple runs with a cozy lodge.
- Summer: Major concerts and festivals—pack a blanket and low lawn chairs.
- Tip: Plan for traffic after big shows and make sure you know your parking lot number.
3. Downtown Racine & North Beach, WI (Racine County)
Looking for a quick trip with a Great Lakes feel?
Racine is just north of Kenosha County and makes for a great half-day or full-day getaway.
The star is
North Beach, a wide stretch of Lake Michigan sand that feels almost like you’re on the ocean—just colder.
- What to do:
- Walk the beach and enjoy the lake breeze
- Explore downtown shops and local bakeries
- Check out the marina area and harbor views
- Treat yourself: Racine is famous for kringle, a flaky pastry. Try one and take another home.
- Best for: Beach days, casual walks, and simple, low-cost fun.
4. Racine Zoo, WI (Racine County) – Family-Friendly Lakefront Adventure
While you’re in Racine, add a stop at the
Racine Zoo. It’s right along Lake Michigan, which gives it a unique backdrop you don’t usually get at smaller zoos.
The pace here is relaxed. It’s not overwhelming, which makes it ideal for younger kids or anyone who doesn’t want to hike miles of paths.
- Highlights:
- Up-close views of animals without huge crowds
- Lake views as you walk the grounds
- Seasonal events and light displays during holidays
- Tip: Plan a picnic nearby on a nice day to stretch your visit without spending extra.
5. Gurnee Mills & Six Flags Great America – Gurnee, IL (Lake County)
Head south into
Lake County, Illinois, and you’ve got two big attractions sitting almost side by side:
Gurnee Mills and
Six Flags Great America.
When I was a kid, a day at Six Flags was the ultimate summer treat. Now, it’s still a blast—just with a little more sunscreen and a lot more coffee.
- Six Flags Great America:
- Big roller coasters and thrill rides
- Family rides and shows
- Seasonal events like Fright Fest
- Gurnee Mills:
- Huge outlet-style mall for shopping
- Indoor activities, dining, and entertainment
- Tip: Check online for discount tickets or weekday deals before you go.
6. Chain O’Lakes Area – Fox Lake & Antioch, IL (Lake & McHenry Counties)
If you love being on or near the water, the
Chain O’Lakes region is a great pick. It straddles
Lake County and
McHenry County in Illinois and offers boating, fishing, and casual lakeside dining.
Even if you don’t own a boat, you can still enjoy the scene. I once spent an afternoon on a simple pontoon rental with friends, and the slow pace was exactly what we needed.
- What to do:
- Rent a pontoon or kayak for a few hours
- Enjoy lunch or dinner at a lakeside bar or restaurant
- Walk around small towns like Antioch or Fox Lake
- Best for: Summer weekends, casual gatherings, and sunset views over the water.
7. Volo Auto Museum – Volo, IL (Lake County)
Car lover or not, the
Volo Auto Museum is a fun, slightly quirky stop in Lake County. It’s not your average museum—it’s packed with classic cars, movie cars, and a mix of Americana that’s honestly pretty entertaining.
One minute you’re looking at a car from a movie you watched as a kid, and the next you’re walking through a room full of vintage collectibles.
- Highlights:
- Famous TV and movie cars
- Classic and muscle cars on display (and some for sale)
- Family-friendly exhibits, including some geared toward kids
- Tip: Leave time to wander—the place is bigger than it looks.
8. Downtown Crystal Lake & Three Oaks Recreation Area, IL (McHenry County)
Head a bit farther into
McHenry County and check out
Crystal Lake and the nearby
Three Oaks Recreation Area. It’s a nice blend of small-town charm and outdoor fun.
I like this spot for days when you want a low-key change of scenery but don’t want to deal with big city traffic.
- Three Oaks Recreation Area:
- Swimming areas and sandy beaches
- Paddleboard, kayak, or boat rentals (seasonal)
- Walking paths and picnic spots
- Downtown Crystal Lake:
- Local restaurants and coffee shops
- Small boutiques and gift stores
- Best for: Summer afternoons, family outings, and quick nature breaks.
9. Oval Beach & Saugatuck, MI (Allegan County) – Lake Michigan’s Artsy Side
This one is a bit farther—about a few hours’ drive—but still doable as a full-day or overnight road trip from Pleasant Prairie. In
Allegan County, Michigan, the town of
Saugatuck and nearby
Oval Beach offer a more “vacation town” feel.
The dunes, the broad sand beach, and the artsy downtown make it feel like you’ve traveled much farther than you actually have.
- Oval Beach:
- Soft sand and big Lake Michigan waves
- Great for swimming in summer or just walking in cooler months
- Scenic sunsets that are worth staying for
- Saugatuck & Douglas:
- Art galleries and small shops
- Local cafes and restaurants
- Boat cruises and dune rides in season
- Tip: This makes a perfect weekend getaway if you can swing an overnight stay.
10. Holland, MI & Holland State Park (Allegan County Area)
Not far from Saugatuck, the
Holland area (partially in
Allegan County) is another great Lake Michigan destination. You’ll find a charming downtown, Dutch-inspired attractions, and a classic big-lake beach at
Holland State Park.
If you time it with tulip season in spring, it feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
- Things to see:
- Holland State Park with its iconic “Big Red” lighthouse
- Downtown shops and breweries
- Dutch-themed attractions and gardens in season
- Best for: Scenic walks, photography, and relaxed lake days.
Tips for Planning Your Pleasant Prairie Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Pleasant Prairie, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check hours and seasons: Some attractions are seasonal or have limited off-season hours.
- Watch the weather: Lakefront spots feel different on a sunny 80-degree day than on a windy 45-degree day.
- Pack a small “road trip kit”:
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger
- Light jacket (the lake breeze can be cooler than inland)
- Mix it up: Combine a couple of spots—like Racine’s North Beach and the Racine Zoo—in one day.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living near
Pleasant Prairie means you’re surrounded by great places in
Lake County, McHenry County, Racine County, Walworth County, and Allegan County. Whether you want beaches, small towns, lakes, or theme parks, you can find it all within a reasonable drive.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these road trips sounds best to you?
- Do you have a favorite out-of-county spot that isn’t on this list?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below—your tip might be exactly what someone else is looking for on their next weekend off.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who live in the Pleasant Prairie area and are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
Comments
Post a Comment