Best Romantic Road Trips Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin for Proposals & Honeymoons
Wisconsin boasts a variety of scenic and engaging road trips, not far from Terrace 167, from the Mississippi River to Door County. The Great River Road offers a 250-mile journey along the Mississippi, highlighting charming river towns and historical landmarks. Door County Coastal National Scenic Byway provides a scenic coastal drive with lush landscapes and vibrant communities. For a unique experience, explore Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, a 115-mile loop through six counties with diverse geology and natural beauty.
1. The Great River Road (Wisconsin Segment)
Distance: ~250 miles (Wisconsin portion: US-Highway 35)
Highlights: Meandering along the Mississippi River’s western bank
Quaint river towns (e.g., La Crosse, Prairie du Chien, and Prescott)
Historic sites like the Old Fort Crawford and Fort Crawford Museum
Riverfront parks, wildlife refuges, and scenic overlooks (e.g., Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge)
Why Go: Combines small‐town charm with uninterrupted river views. Perfect for spotting eagles, stopping at local wineries, or taking a paddleboat tour.
2. Door County Coastal National Scenic Byway
Distance: ~66 miles (Highway 42/57)
Highlights Dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline vistas
Picturesque fishing villages (Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Baileys Harbor)
State and county parks (Peninsula State Park, Newport State Park)
Cherry orchards and local artisan shops
Why Go: Door County’s “Cape Cod of the Midwest” atmosphere—lighthouses, cobblestone streets, and endless shoreline views. Ideal for a leisurely drive with frequent photo stops or bike rides along the shore.
3. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Distance: ~115 miles (loop through Washington, Waukesha, Walworth, and Fond du Lac counties)
Highlights Unique glacial landforms (kames, kettles, eskers)
Quaint small towns (Slinger, Campbellsport, Elkhart Lake)
Hiking and biking trails (Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Lapham Peak)
Seasonal wildflowers and fall foliage in Kettle Moraine State Forest (northern & southern units)
Why Go: A geology lover’s dream—see how ancient glaciers shaped the landscape. Offers a mix of outdoor recreation, charming villages, and lakeside pit stops.
4. Lower Wisconsin River Road (Scenic Byway)
Distance: ~100 miles (Highway 60 and backroads between Prairie du Sac and Lynxville)
Highlights The “Driftless Region” topography—no glacial flattening, resulting in steep coulees and rich farmland
Overlooks at Mill Bluff State Park and Tower Rock
Canoeing and kayaking access points on the Wisconsin River
Cowboy-themed towns (Spring Green, Lone Rock) and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin nearby
Why Go: Ideal for spotting bald eagles, fishing, or camping along a rugged, less-crowded stretch of the river valley. Don’t miss local cheese shops and riverfront taverns.
5. Nicolet–Wolf River Scenic Byway
Distance: ~100 miles (Highways 55, 32, 64, and County Hwy M)
Highlights: Deep Northwoods forests and pristine waterways
Small towns like Crandon, Lakewood, and Freedom, with local shops and cafés
Opportunities for canoeing on the Wolf River and fishing on the Nicolet
Panther Lake and Mondeaux Flowage for lakeside picnics and hiking
Why Go: Perfect for a peaceful, nature‐immersed trip—kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the fall color explosion in Northern Wisconsin.
6. Lake Superior National Scenic Byway (Wisconsin Shoreline)
Distance: ~70 miles (Highway 61 from Duluth, MN, into Wisconsin, then join Highway 13)
Highlights: Sweeping vistas of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline
Sandy beaches (e.g., State Park beach at Pattison State Park)
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boat tours (from Bayfield, WI)
Historic lighthouses (e.g., Meyers Beach and Sand Island Lighthouse)
Why Go: For expansive water views, sand dunes, and sea caves. Combine driving with kayaking or a ferry ride to Madeline Island for a true Northern Great Lakes experience.
7. Marinette County Waterfall Tour
Distance: Varies (cluster of waterfalls near Wausaukee, Niagara, and Crivitz)
Highlights: Veteran’s Falls, Potato Falls, Laughing Whitefish Falls (Upper Peninsula, just across the border)
Panther Creek Falls and Peshtigo Falls (largest waterfall in Wisconsin)
Forested backroads, picnic areas, and short hiking trails to each falls
Why Go: A half‐day or full‐day excursion to chase cascading water, especially spectacular in spring or late fall. Easy walking paths and plenty of shaded spots for a lunch‐break selfie.
8. Wisconsin River / Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive
Distance: ~60 miles (Highways 12, 33, and scenic county roads between Sauk City and Merrimac)
Highlights: Serene Wisconsin River views, accessible from various overlooks and parks (e.g., Merrimac Ferry crossing)
The Baraboo Hills’ rolling, forested terrain (Devil’s Lake State Park nearby)
Quaint villages (Spring Green, Reedsburg) that showcase local shops and eateries
Why Go: Combines riverfront serenity with the dramatic quartzite bluffs of Devil’s Lake. Great for rock climbing, hiking, or a quick detour to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin.
9. Lake Michigan Maritime Tour
Distance: Flexible (primarily along Highways 32 and 42 between Kenosha and Manitowoc)
Highlights: Historic lighthouses (e.g., North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Rawley Point Lighthouse in Manitowoc)
Maritime museums (Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Door County Maritime Museum)
Sandy beaches and lakefront parks (e.g., Bradford Beach, Kohler-Andrae State Park)
Wooded dunes and wetlands (e.g., Harrington Beach State Park)
Why Go: Celebrate Wisconsin’s maritime heritage—climb lighthouse towers, tour shipwreck exhibits, and soak in endless Lake Michigan sunsets.
10. Multi‐State Adventure: The Great River Road Through Ten States
Although the Wisconsin segment of the Great River Road is a highlight, you can extend your journey south or north through nine other states—Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana—ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Each state brings its own river towns, cultural quirks, and historical points of interest, making this a bucket‐list road trip for any adventurer.
Tips for Planning Your Wisconsin Road Trip
Seasonal Considerations:
Spring & Summer: Waterfall routes and Lake Superior are ideal; parks and campgrounds open.
Fall: Foliage drives (Kettle Moraine, Nicolet–Wolf River) are spectacular.
Winter: Some roads may be closed or slow; stick to well-maintained highways or try a snowmobile‐friendly route (e.g., parts of Nicolet byway).
Timing & Stops:Allow at least one- to two-day weekends for longer byways (Great River Road, Nicolet–Wolf River).
Shorter drives (Baraboo Hills, Marinette County waterfalls) can be done in half a day with frequent stops.
Local Flavors:
Look for roadside cheese shops, craft breweries, and farmers’ markets—Wisconsin’s heart is in its small producers.
Pack a cooler for lakeside picnics or roadside parks along the River Road.
Lodging Options:
Bed & breakfasts in small towns (e.g., Bayfield, La Crosse)
State park campgrounds (Devil’s Lake, Peninsula State Park)
Historic inns (e.g., Leland Hotel in Lake Geneva)
Resources & Maps:
Use the Wisconsin Scenic Byways website to download specific maps and check seasonal closures.
The National Scenic Byways Program site provides details on each route’s history and key points of interest.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Marinette County, cruising beside Lake Michigan’s shoreline, or winding through glacial hills on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Wisconsin offers something unforgettable for every road‐tripper. Pack your camera, stock up on local cheese curds, and hit the highway—adventure awaits!
Terrace 167, located near Milwaukee and Madison Wisconsin is a locally owned wedding venue. We have been in the business for 9 years. We love supporting other locally owned venues and are dedicated to using our platform to support them. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues that use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ays that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue!
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Terrace 167 on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality!
