Your Wisconsin Getaway Guide
Planning your next vacation? Check out these destinations around the state, with charming downtowns, natural beauty and delicious dining.
BELOIT
After you visit Beloit, you won’t be surprised to learn that the city won Main Street America’s “Great American Main Street Award.” Beloit’s charming downtown is packed with shops, galleries, restaurants and museums ideal for a day of exploring. Just over an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, it’s an easy day trip. The city’s self-guided Beers and Cheers or Historic Walking tours (bit.ly/beloittour) both offer fun, easy ways to get to know Beloit, whether you’re interested in statues or steins. And for dinner, consider a stop at The Butterfly Club, a classic Wisconsin supper club that celebrated 100 years in 2024. visitbeloit.com
GREATER RICHLAND AREA
Three hours west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Driftless Area offers beautiful vistas, rolling hills and scenery unlike anywhere else in the state. The Greater Richland Area offers a quiet, peaceful escape into that natural beauty. One of its most scenic spots is Pier Natural Bridge Park, where an ancient half-mile long sandstone bluff stands where two valleys meet. Nearby Eagle Cave Resort is home to Wisconsin’s largest onyx cave, with over 3,000 feet of underground passages. Tired out from a day of exploration? Stop by Richland Center’s Starlite 14 Drive-in movie theater, or enjoy a relaxing drink at Wild Hills Winery. greaterrichlandtourism.com
SHEBOYGAN
Nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan offers visitors a refreshing escape. Walk along the 2-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beaches to learn why the scenic city is called “the Malibu of the Midwest.” When the weather warms up, the beaches are a must-stop, but even in the colder months, the hiking trails are worth a trip. And if the great outdoors aren’t your thing, no problem – Sheboygan has many shops, restaurants and art destinations to explore. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a Wisconsin gem, celebrating folk art. JMKAC’s nearby Art Preserve is a one-of-a-kind arts destination that houses over 35 artist-built environments. visitsheboygan.com
WHITEWATER
Looking to get out and about as the winter turns to spring? Whitewater, located in the southern part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, offers plentiful opportunities to explore nature. Hike the Ice Age Trail, Natureland County Park alongside Whitewater Lake, or the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve with 100 acres of prairieland. If the colder temperatures are still keeping you inside, consider the city ’s dining and drink destinations, such as Fanatico, which serves authentic Italian cuisine, Second Salem Brewing Co. or Staller Estate Winery. discoverwhitewater.org ◆
Staycations
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy these vacation destinations.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Stop by Potawatomi for an afternoon of gaming or book a room for an entire weekend – there’s plenty of fun to be had! The casino hotel has over 2,500 slot machines, along with table games, live bingo, a newly renovated Poker Room, new Sportsbook and much more. Take a break from gaming to check out one of the many dining options, like Rock & Brews, Dream Dance Steakhouse, RuYi and many more. paysbig.com
The Plaza Hotel
Celebrating its centennial this year, The Plaza Hotel is a step back in time to old Milwaukee. The hotel was designed in an Art Deco style that’s been carefully restored and retrofitted with modern amenities. It’s ideally situated on Milwaukee’s East Side for a weekend of Downtown exploration, just a few minutes from the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Theater District, and much more. And don’t forget breakfast at the hotel’s Café at the Plaza, well-loved for its old-school counter, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and more. plazahotelmilwaukee.com
