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Road trips & Wisconsin getaways

Plan a Wisconsin getaway, from Door County to your next weekend discovery.

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Ultimate Girls' Weekend Guide to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Planning a girls' weekend in Lake Geneva, WI? This complete guide covers the best restaurants, bars, wineries, spas, boutique shopping, lake activities, and more — plus a sample Friday-to-Sunday itinerary for the ultimate summer getaway from Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Rustic Roads: Every Route by Region

This guide organizes every designated route by region and county, highlights especially interesting drives, and includes a statewide map to help you build your own adventure.

What’s Open in Door County in Winter? A Seasonal Guide

There are restaurants, museums, shops, parks and places to stay throughout the off-season. The biggest change is that seasonal attractions begin closing in October, some businesses finish their season in early November, and many year-round businesses switch to shorter hours or fewer days.

Door County lodging for large families and groups

This guide breaks down every option by category, from large vacation homes to multi-unit resorts, so you can find the perfect fit whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion, a friends' getaway, or anything in between.

Wisconsin Glamping Guide: 30+ Unique Stays Across the State

Discover Wisconsin's best glamping destinations—from vintage Airstreams in the Northwoods to geodesic domes in the Dells, treehouses in Door County, and farm stays in the Driftless Area. Your complete guide to upscale outdoor adventures.

Wisconsin Cabins and Cottages: Ultimate Getaway Guide

This guide is designed to help you choose by region, vacation style and what you want to do once you arrive . It includes traditional cottage resorts, individual cabin properties and larger vacation-rental collections.

Dog-Friendly Door County: 70+ Places Your Pup Will Love

Discover dog-friendly places in Door County, Wisconsin—from beaches and hiking trails to pet-welcoming breweries, restaurants, lodging, and boat tours. Complete guide with addresses, policies, and insider tips for traveling with your dog.

Best Coffee Shops in Door County: A Guide for 2026

This guide covers our favorite coffee shops and places to grab coffee from Sturgeon Bay north through Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor and Ellison Bay, plus Washington Island.

Kohler-Andrae State Park: Your Complete Guide

Just 52 miles north of Milwaukee lies one of Wisconsin's most family-friendly natural treasures: Kohler-Andrae State Park , where majestic sand dunes meet over two miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline.

Sister Bay, Door County: The ultimate guide

Discover Sister Bay, Door County — goats on a roof, a stunning public beach, wood-fired pizza, mini golf, and family fun. Your complete visitor guide inside.

The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Fall Colors in Wisconsin

This guide organizes Wisconsin’s best fall-color experiences by region and by how you want to explore: hiking, biking, driving, paddling, boating, climbing an observation tower or simply finding an easy overlook with the family.

Door County in October: The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Guide

The forests surrounding Peninsula State Park turn red, orange and gold. Orchard markets fill with apples, cider and warm bakery treats. Villages celebrate with pumpkin displays, parades, arts-and-crafts fairs and hometown Halloween events.

Door County Restaurants for Large Groups

Planning a family reunion or group trip to Door County, Wisconsin? This comprehensive guide covers 50+ restaurants across the peninsula that can accommodate large groups of 14 or more people, with details on reservations, private dining, outdoor seating, and summer booking tips.

The ultimate Door County restaurant guide 2026

This guide covers every town from Sturgeon Bay at the southern gateway to Washington Island (accessible only by ferry), organized south-to-north so you can eat your way up the peninsula.

Door County in Winter: The Ultimate Guide

Door County transforms from a bustling summer destination into a serene winter wonderland where frozen harbors, spectacular ice formations, and cozy fireside dining replace the crowds.

Wineries in Door County: 2026 Wine Tasting Guide

A Door County wine weekend can include estate-grown cold-climate grapes, dry reds made from California fruit, sparkling wines, cider, mead, vineyard patios, Lake Michigan views and, yes, plenty of cherry wine.

Wisconsin’s Best Paved Rail Trails

This guide separates genuinely paved rail trails from Wisconsin’s many crushed-limestone routes, then lays out practical rides, overnight bases, food stops and attractions.

Door County New Year's 2027: Your Complete Guide

Ring in the new year on Wisconsin's picturesque Door County peninsula, where a sparkling 300-pound cherry drops at midnight, hundreds brave icy Lake Michigan waters on New Year's Day, and cozy fireside dining awaits at every turn.

Door County Fish Boils: A complete guide for 2026

Door County's legendary fish boil is far more than dinner—it's a 130-year-old Scandinavian tradition featuring spectacular flames, fresh Lake Michigan whitefish, and cherry pie that has drawn families to Wisconsin's peninsula for generations.

Wisconsin's best beaches

Your Wisconsin beach guide to the best beaches across Door County, the Lake Michigan eastern shore, Lake Superior's north coast, and warm inland lakes

Wisconsin’s Best Ghost Tours and Haunted Experiences for 2026

This comprehensive guide covers ghost tours and haunted experiences across the entire state, from Door County's maritime hauntings to Madison's campus ghosts, providing actionable information for planning your Wisconsin paranormal adventure.

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Door County (2026 Guide)

Discover Door County's finest luxury accommodations—from waterfront resorts and romantic B&Bs to spacious vacation homes perfect for family reunions. Your comprehensive guide to high-end lodging in Wisconsin's Cape Cod.

28 Best Burgers in Door County, Ranked

Where to get the best burger in Door County, Wisconsin? Here’s our guide from award-winning Husby's to dive-bar legends, brewery patties, and waterfront tiki bars

Fish Creek: Ultimate family guide

This guide covers 60+ specific locations and attractions across every season, giving your family everything needed to plan the perfect trip to Wisconsin's beloved peninsula.

Fishing in Door County: A Complete Guide

This guide covers everything a family needs to plan a Door County fishing trip: the best spots on both sides of the peninsula, the top charter companies (with captain names, prices, and contact info), a species-by-season calendar, regulations, family-friendly tips, and the key towns to know.

The complete guide to biking Door County, Wisconsin

Door County offers more than 150 miles of cycling across paved trails, purpose-built singletrack, scenic county roads, and even an island reachable by ferry — making it one of the Midwest's best cycling destinations for families and experienced riders alike.

Door County Lodging Guide: Top Hotel, Resort and Cabins

Discover 60+ Door County, Wisconsin lodging options from budget motels to luxury resorts, charming B&Bs to waterfront campgrounds. Our complete guide covers every community from Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island, with pricing, amenities, and family-friendly details for planning your perfect getaway.

A Girl's Weekend Guide to Door County, Wisconsin

This 70-mile peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan has quietly become the Midwest's premier destination for women's groups seeking relaxation, adventure, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

The Best Desserts in Door County

Door County is, hands down, a top‑tier American dessert destination anchored by Montmorency tart cherries, a Scandinavian baking heritage, and a remarkable density of decades‑old ice cream parlors, scratch bakeries, fudge shops, and orchard markets running from Sturgeon Bay all the way to Washington Island.

Best Door County Cabins & Cottages: A Town-by-Town Guide

Discover cabin rentals across all Door County communities—from waterfront retreats on Lake Michigan to cozy wooded hideaways. Complete guide with pricing, pet policies, and family-friendly amenities for your Wisconsin vacation.

Best Burgers in La Crosse, Ranked

We ranked the best burgers in La Crosse using local votes and reviews, from smash burgers and neighborhood bars to creative downtown favorites.

Indoor activities for families in Door County

Your Door County indoor activities guide covers bowling alleys, arcades, museums, art studios, live theater, indoor pools, kid-friendly restaurants, farm experiences, and more

Door County 4th of July: Fireworks, Parades & Celebrations

Door County celebrates the 4th of July across six communities with staggered fireworks over the water, small-town parades, cherry picking, fish boils, and family activities. Here's everything Milwaukee families need to plan the perfect Independence Day weekend on the peninsula.

Where to Watch World Cup Matches in Door County

Door County may be best known for fish boils, sunsets, beaches, cherry treats and small-town summer charm, but it is also a great place to catch the 2026 FIFA World Cup while you are on vacation.

Badlands & Black Hills: A Guide to South Dakota

Planning a family road trip from the Milwaukee area to South Dakota? Here's a complete week-long guide to the Badlands and Black Hills—best hikes, where to stay, kid-friendly stops, roadside attractions, and EV charging for the whole I-90 drive.

Door County cherry season: The Ultimate Guide

This guide covers every cherry experience a family could want — from picking your own fruit straight off the tree to devouring cherry-stuffed French toast voted America's best breakfast, pit-spitting contests, cherry bratwurst, and farm markets overflowing with jars of cherry salsa and bottles of cherry wine.

Mama Rosa & Beyond: A Guide to Thomas Dambo Trolls

This guide rounds up everything Milwaukee-area families need to know about visiting Mama Rosa, the upcoming southeastern Wisconsin troll, and every other currently active Dambo troll in the country — all delivered in friendly, parent-tested detail.

Green Bay with Kids: The Complete Family's Guide

A Milwaukee parent's practical guide to a Green Bay family getaway — Lambeau, Bay Beach, the NEW Zoo, Titletown, kid-friendly restaurants, hotels with waterparks, and seasonal tips for every age.

Copper Falls State Park: A complete Northwoods guide

This guide walks through every trail, every waterfall, every campsite tier, and more than 40 nearby attractions so you can plan a weekend, a long weekend, or a full Northwoods week with confidence.

Wisconsin's best waterfront campsites

This guide covers 30+ campgrounds where you can pitch your tent steps from the water — organized by region, with practical booking advice to help you actually secure these coveted sites.

Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shopping in Wisconsin

Whether you're furnishing your first apartment, building a kids' wardrobe on a budget, or chasing the thrill of a print, this guide covers every secondhand destination worth your time — organized by neighborhood, city, and category so you can plan your route and start saving.

Mother's Day Weekend Guide to Door County, Wisconsin

Planning a Mother's Day getaway to Door County? From buffet brunches with carved prime rib to scenic hikes and winery tours, here's everything you need for an unforgettable weekend on the peninsula.

Family camping in Wisconsin: The ultimate guide

The guide includes detailed breakdowns of state parks, private resort campgrounds, and hidden gems, with age recommendations, booking strategies (including the critical 11-month reservation window), budget tips, and seasonal planning advice. Featured highlights include Peninsula State Park, Devil's Lake, Hayward KOA, Dark Sky camping at Newport, and under-the-radar picks like Tunnel Trail and Sidie Hollow.

Eagle River: A Guide to Northwoods Adventure

Discover the best things to do, restaurants, shops, and jet ski rentals in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Your complete family summer guide to the Northwoods — from the world's largest chain of lakes to charming downtown boutiques. Perfect for Milwaukee families planning an Up North getaway.

The ultimate road trip guide to Wisconsin's Highway 10

US Highway 10 is one of Wisconsin's best-kept road trip secrets — a 293-mile ribbon of two-lane blacktop and divided freeway stretching from Lake Michigan's shore to the Mississippi River confluence, passing through 13 counties and touching nearly every flavor of the Badger State.

Wisconsin's best campgrounds with cabins, pools and boat rentals

he strongest all-in-one options cluster around the Wisconsin Dells and Hayward areas, where lakefront resorts and family campgrounds have long catered to vacationers who want it all. Below is a region-by-region guide to every confirmed option, with specifics on cabin types, pool features, and exactly what boats you can rent.

Wisconsin Great River Road: the ultimate road trip guide

Your Wisconsin Great River Road family road trip guide is ready. It covers the full 250-mile route from Prescott to Kieler, including a recommended three-day itinerary from Milwaukee, must-stop towns like La Crosse, Alma, Pepin, and Stockholm, top overlooks, outdoor activities, family-friendly restaurants, seasonal timing advice, lodging options, and practical tips for driving with kids. The guide also includes festival dates, hidden gems, and budget considerations.

House on the Rock: The Ultimate Wisconsin Day Trip

House on the Rock is one of those places that defies description, but we're going to try anyway. Equal parts fever dream, folk art masterpiece, roadside attraction, and world-class museum, it's unlike anything else in the country.

Budget camping and travel in Wisconsin: The ultimate guide

This guide covers every budget-friendly option we've found across the state, from $0 dispersed camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to $0.25 amusement park rides in Green Bay. Whether you're pitching a tent, pulling a small camper, or road-tripping with kids who need a beach and a playground, these are the cheapest ways to explore Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan Road Trip: Upper Peninsula and Beyond

Planning a Lake Michigan road trip with kids? This family-tested guide covers Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Door County, and the S.S. Badger ferry — everything Milwaukee-area families need for an unforgettable adventure.

Door County Activities in June: A Complete Guide

Discover the best Door County activities in June — from stunning state parks and kayaking sea caves to fish boils, festivals, and cherry orchards. Your complete Milwaukee family guide to Wisconsin's favorite peninsula.

The ultimate Chicago with kids family travel guide

Chicago is the best big-city family destination within 90 minutes of Milwaukee — packed with world-class museums, free attractions, incredible food, and kid-friendly neighborhoods that reward both day trips and multi-day adventures. This guide covers everything a Milwaukee-area family needs: how to get there, where to go, what to eat, and how to save money doing it.

Wisconsin's best hotels with outdoor pools and hot tubs

This region-by-region guide covers the best places to stay where you can soak up the sun poolside. One important note: most outdoor pools in Wisconsin operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day , so always confirm availability when booking.

Where to stay in Appleton: Fox Valley lodging guide

Appleton and its surrounding Fox Cities communities offer more than 40 lodging options ranging from a European-inspired boutique hotel on College Avenue to a century-old barndominium with friendly goats

Best Road Trip Stops Between Eau Claire and La Crosse

Tucked between those two college towns is a stretch of small-town Wisconsin packed with legendary pie, quirky museums, great thrift stores, and scenery that earns a genuine slowdown. Here's how to make the most of the drive.

Wisconsin Dells beyond water parks: 35+ hidden gems

This guide maps out 35+ lesser-known, underrated, and genuinely special places in and around the Dells that deserve a spot on your family's itinerary, organized by category so you can mix and match for a perfect day trip from the greater Milwaukee area.

Live Music in Door County: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Discover the best live music in Door County for 2026! From free outdoor concerts in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay to intimate performance halls and brewery beer gardens with live bands, find where to catch local and national acts on Wisconsin's beautiful peninsula.

Door County family lunch guide, town by town

This guide covers every major community on the peninsula with casual, family-friendly restaurants perfect for a midday refuel between beach days, lighthouse tours, and state park hikes

Door County's best sunset spots

This guide covers every community along the peninsula — so you can find the perfect spot whether you want a fine-dining sunset or a hidden bluff all to yourself.

Potawatomi State Park: Door County's hidden gem

Potawatomi State Park packs 1,225 acres of dolomite bluffs, sheltered harbors, and the eastern terminus of the 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail into one of Door County's most underrated family destinations.

Peninsula State Park: The four-season family guide

Wisconsin's most beloved state park welcomes over one million visitors annually to bluffs, forests, and eight miles of Green Bay shoreline. This guide provides families with everything needed to experience Peninsula State Park authentically across all seasons—from spring wildflower carpets to world-class winter skiing.

New Glarus: Wisconsin's enchanting Swiss village

Nestled in the rolling hills of Green County, New Glarus delivers an authentic Swiss experience without the transatlantic flight. This village of 2,200 residents has preserved its heritage so faithfully since 1845 that visitors genuinely feel transported to the Alps—complete with chalet architecture, alphorn serenades, and fondue on every corner.

11 Charming Wisconsin Towns Worth Exploring

If you love walkable downtown filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and wine tasting rooms, you're in luck—Wisconsin is brimming with small-town gems waiting to be discovered.

Kenosha, Wisconsin: The Ultimate Family Guide

Kenosha may be Wisconsin's fourth-largest city, but it punches far above its weight as a family destination. This Lake Michigan gem, tucked between Milwaukee and Chicago, delivers something remarkable: three world-class museums with free admission , miles of sandy beaches, historic streetcar rides for a dollar, and seasonal festivals that pack genuine Midwestern charm. Whether you're planning a summer beach week, a cozy winter weekend, or a fall farm adventure, this comprehensive guide covers everything families need to know.

No Frills Cabins: Your Guide to Rustic Getaways in Wisconsin

This guide documents 55+ back-to-basics cabin options organized by region, ranging from truly primitive (no utilities) to basic (essential utilities, simple furnishings). All options deliberately avoid luxury amenities in favor of authentic wilderness experiences perfect for unplugging

Wisconsin Girls' Weekend: 2026 Winter Edition

The middle of winter (Jan/Feb) is actually one of the best times for a girls' trip because the crowds are lower, the rates are often better, and our state leans hard into the "cozy" vibe.

Door County, Wisconsin: The complete family travel guide

Door County is Wisconsin's Cape Cod—a 75-mile peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan with five state parks, ten historic lighthouses, charming villages, and over 300 miles of shoreline. This comprehensive guide covers everything families need to plan an unforgettable visit across all four seasons, with emphasis on budget-friendly options and practical, actionable information.

Wyalusing State Park: Your Complete Family Guide

Standing 500 feet above where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi, Wyalusing offers Wisconsin families one of the state's most historically significant and scenically stunning outdoor experiences.

National Park Free Days 2026: Your Complete Planning Guide

The National Park Service has announced 10 fee-free days for 2026 . For American families planning park visits, understanding these changes—along with which of the 63 national parks charge fees and alternative pass options—is essential for maximizing your adventure budget.

Your Guide to Winter Magic in Wisconsin Dells

From dazzling light displays to cozy cabins and, yes, indoor tropical escapes, here is your guide to festive fun in the "Waterpark Capital of the World" during the most wonderful time of the year.

Up, Up, and Away: Your Guide to the Hudson Hot Air Affair

If you are planning a road trip to the Hudson Hot Air Affair (Feb 6–8) , you are in for a treat. This annual winter festival is one of the premier events in western Wisconsin, featuring hot air balloon launches, torchlight parades, and the famous "Moon Glow."

Celebrating New Year's in Madison: Your Complete Guide

Madison offers exceptional variety for ringing in 2026—from toddler-friendly morning countdowns to sophisticated prix fixe dinners, rollicking dance parties, and peaceful First Day hikes. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic dining, or late-night revelry, this comprehensive guide covers every celebration in the greater Madison area with the practical details you need to plan your perfect New Year's celebration.

Eau Claire restaurants open for Christmas

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas Day is always a challenge, and Eau Claire's dining scene is no exception. The good news? We have you covered with this guide.

Family Guide to Visiting Necedah, Wisconsin

While many flock straight to the waterparks in the Dells, Necedah offers a quieter, nature-filled "base camp" for a Wisconsin winter adventure. Located in Juneau County, it puts you right on the doorstep of incredible wildlife and outdoor sports.

Above & Beyond Children's Museum offers Free Day of Play

Sheboygan's Above & Beyond Children's Museum is offering a special opportunity. On Tuesday, December 2, the museum is opening its doors completely FREE to all families as part of their Giving Tuesday celebration.

Celebrate National Cheese Curd Day at 3 Sheeps Brewing

Celebrate Wisconsin pride at 3 Sheeps Brewing’s National Cheese Curd Day Festival in Sheboygan on Saturday, Oct. 25 —featuring fried curds, live music, free cheese tattoos, curd toss contests, and the crowning of King & Queen Curd!

Ride the Great Pumpkin Train in Wisconsin Dells

Hop aboard the Great Pumpkin Train in Wisconsin Dells! Every child 12 and under gets a free pumpkin with their ride. Enjoy a scenic steam train trip, fall colors, and family fun at Riverside & Great Northern Railway.

Eagle River's 45th Annual Cranberry Fest: A Family Guide

Join 40,000+ visitors at Eagle River's 45th Annual Cranberry Fest, Oct 4-5! Enjoy cranberry marsh tours, wine tastings, arts & crafts, and 4+ tons of fresh cranberries at Wisconsin's sweetest fall festival.

Madison Water Lantern Festival: Your Family Guide

Transform your family evening into an unforgettable memory at Madison's most enchanting event. Write wishes on rice paper lanterns, release them onto scenic ponds, and watch thousands of lights create a breathtaking water display.

Road America: Where Speed Meets Adventure in Elkhart Lake

Discover the ultimate family guide to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin! Kids 16 & under get free admission, plus family fun zones, karting for ages 5-75, and 640 acres to explore. Plan your perfect motorsports adventure today!

Earlier season · 2026

Madison's Complete Guide to New Year's Dining 2025-2026

Ring in 2026 at one of Madison's finest restaurants—from five-course Italian feasts to champagne toasts at midnight. Whether you're seeking an elegant prix fixe dinner, a family-friendly celebration, or the perfect New Year's Day brunch with Lake Mendota views, Madison delivers.

Earlier edition · 2025

Santa visits in Door County: Holiday 2025 Guide

Door County transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering families an extraordinary variety of Santa experiences—from Santa arriving by Coast Guard boat in Sturgeon Bay to cozy cabin visits via heated trolley in Egg Harbor.

Earlier edition · 2025

Christmas 2025 Dining Guide for La Crosse

Finding an open restaurant on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day requires planning in the La Crosse area—but more than 30 establishments will welcome diners this holiday season , ranging from upscale hotel dining to neighborhood bars serving their famous comfort food.

Earlier edition · 2025

Christmas Dining in Stevens Point: Your complete 2025 guide

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack in Central Wisconsin—but Stevens Point and nearby Plover offer several excellent options for families who want to skip the kitchen this holiday season.

Earlier edition · 2025

Lake Geneva Santa Events: Your Complete 2025 Guide

The Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area offers over 50 Santa experiences this holiday season, from magical train rides and lakeside cruises to resort brunches and free community events.

Earlier edition · 2025

Santa Visits in the Rockford Area: Your Winter 2025 Guide

Finding Santa in the Rockford, Illinois area this December means choosing from mall photos, farm visits with live reindeer, train rides, pancake breakfasts, and sensory-friendly experiences across a dozen communities.

Earlier edition · 2025

Dragon Days Fall Fantasy Festival 2025

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin transforms into a magical realm during the annual Dragon Days™ Fall Fantasy Festival on October 4th and 5th, 2025. It's a celebration of Lake Geneva's legendary status as the Birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons

Earlier edition · 2025

Geneva Lakes Boat Show 2025 Family Weekend Guide

This free event at The Abbey Resort showcases over 150 stunning vintage boats from across the country. The Lake Geneva area provides the perfect backdrop for a complete family getaway, combining classic wooden boat elegance with modern family amenities in one of Wisconsin's most beautiful lakeside destinations.

Earlier edition · 2025

EAA AirVenture 2025: Ultimate Family Guide

The world's greatest aviation celebration returns to Oshkosh, Wisconsin this July with free admission for all youth 18 and under —making this the perfect time for families to experience aviation history, cutting-edge technology, and inspiring performances at EAA AirVenture 2025.