Road tripping through Wisconsin just feels different when you know exactly which spots to visit, and we have the best local stops for you to enjoy along the way. Come with us as we go from the capital of Wisconsin through Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, and Port Washington. On this trip we’ll make sure you get to see all of the beautiful water views, get a taste of different breweries, enjoy some charter fishing, have a lakeside picnic, and more!
Kenosha
Starting off in Kenosha, we know everyone loves to see the Lake Michigan waterfront, so let’s head to some of the best water view spots. Simmons Island Beach is a sandy beach right on the shores of Lake Michigan and it’s adjacent to the North Pier Lighthouse, so you’ll get the best of both worlds! Another option that also sits on Lake Michigan’s shore is Eichelman Park Beach. This park is perfectly lined with shade trees and a great spot to have a picnic or dip your toes in the water. If you want to see the water in more of an adventurous way, check out the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, they offer kayaks, fishing kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and duck pedal boat rentals! If you want to take a scenic tour of Kenosha, check out Kenosha’s Electric Streetcars, they originated in 1903 in Kenosha and operated until 1932. They made a return in 2000 and now travel a two-mile scenic loop along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Harbor Park, the Sculpture Walk, two historic districts, and downtown Kenosha. End your beautiful day in Kenosha with a fresh craft beer from Kenosha Brewing Company!
Racine
One thing that you’ll definitely want to check out when visiting Racine is a Fishing Charter, and our pick is First In Fishing Charters. This charter specializes in providing clients a great overall and memorable fishing experience. They are owner operated, so there is passion and commitment in each and every fishing trip. If you’d prefer to spend some time along the water and not on it, you can visit the Lake Michigan Pathway or North Beach. Lake Michigan Pathway is an almost 10-mile walking and biking trail along Racine’s lakefront which also has access to the Zoo Beach! North Beach is Racine’s top-rated beach with a long, beautiful shoreline. It has volleyball nets, picnic areas, a playground, concessions and sometimes, live music. Another must-see spot, especially at night, is Racine’s Breakwater Lighthouse – which can be viewed right from the Reefpoint Marina parking lot or along the Racine lakefront walking paths. Unwind at The Franksville Craft Beer Garden and enjoy a Wisconsin craft beer, cider, or wine. You can check out their website for more information on entertainment and food truck schedule.
Milwaukee
Some cities coast. Milwaukee cooks. Back on the road, the next stop is Milwaukee, a city full of bold flavors, fresh lakefront energy and one Great Lake.
Start at the water. Paddle through downtown with Milwaukee Kayak Company, catch the skyline from a Milwaukee Boat Line sightseeing cruise, pedal the river with Milwaukee Paddle Tavern or follow the Milwaukee RiverWalk past public art, patios, historic architecture and good bites along the way. For a slower afternoon, spread out at Bradford Beach with Lake Michigan in front of you. For something a little farther from shore, book a charter and head out on the lake with one of the many fishing companies that call Milwaukee home.
Back on land, Milwaukee has tons to see. The Milwaukee Art Museum rises right off the lakefront, making the building part of the artistic experience before you even step inside. Across town, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum revs up the story of motorcycle culture in Milwaukee, the bikes, styles and brand that made the motorcycle company a global sensation. Then, eat. Grab a table, order a beer, try the cheese curds you came for and the James Beard-recognized restaurant you’ll be talking about long after the drive home. Add a few more Milwaukee stops to your road trip here.
Port Washington
Last but not least, visit historic Port Washington! Start your visit at South Beach and take in the beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan. This beach is perfect for swimming, hiking, picnicking, or paddling – you can even rent a kayak or board downtown! You’ll also want to check out Inventors Brewpub and get a taste of their mouthwatering Garlic Shrimp BLT and craft brew of choice. Then make your way along the Harborwalk to Coal Dock Park, a downtown park with a beautiful promenade and amazing views of the harbor and Breakwater Light.
One thing you can’t miss out on when visiting Port Washington is their Lake Michigan Charter Fishing. Booking a fishing charter in Port Washington allows you to just sit back & wait for the perfect bite while taking in all the blue water views!
After this fun roadtrip you have now experienced four out of the 19 beautiful Harbor Towns in Wisconsin. Who knew that all these views, foods, memories, and experiences existed right in your backyard? Learn more about all of our Harbor Towns and start planning your road trip right here at home!
Best Road Trip Destinations from Madison to Lake Michigan
Road tripping through Wisconsin just feels different when you know exactly which spots to visit, and we have the best local stops for you to enjoy along the way. Come with us as we go from the capital of Wisconsin through Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, and Port Washington. On this trip we’ll make sure you get to see all of the beautiful water views, get a taste of different breweries, enjoy some charter fishing, have a lakeside picnic, and more!
Kenosha
Starting off in Kenosha, we know everyone loves to see the Lake Michigan waterfront, so let’s head to some of the best water view spots. Simmons Island Beach is a sandy beach right on the shores of Lake Michigan and it’s adjacent to the North Pier Lighthouse, so you’ll get the best of both worlds! Another option that also sits on Lake Michigan’s shore is Eichelman Park Beach. This park is perfectly lined with shade trees and a great spot to have a picnic or dip your toes in the water. If you want to see the water in more of an adventurous way, check out the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, they offer kayaks, fishing kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and duck pedal boat rentals! If you want to take a scenic tour of Kenosha, check out Kenosha’s Electric Streetcars, they originated in 1903 in Kenosha and operated until 1932. They made a return in 2000 and now travel a two-mile scenic loop along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Harbor Park, the Sculpture Walk, two historic districts, and downtown Kenosha. End your beautiful day in Kenosha with a fresh craft beer from Kenosha Brewing Company!
Racine
One thing that you’ll definitely want to check out when visiting Racine is a Fishing Charter, and our pick is First In Fishing Charters. This charter specializes in providing clients a great overall and memorable fishing experience. They are owner operated, so there is passion and commitment in each and every fishing trip. If you’d prefer to spend some time along the water and not on it, you can visit the Lake Michigan Pathway or North Beach. Lake Michigan Pathway is an almost 10-mile walking and biking trail along Racine’s lakefront which also has access to the Zoo Beach! North Beach is Racine’s top-rated beach with a long, beautiful shoreline. It has volleyball nets, picnic areas, a playground, concessions and sometimes, live music. Another must-see spot, especially at night, is Racine’s Breakwater Lighthouse – which can be viewed right from the Reefpoint Marina parking lot or along the Racine lakefront walking paths. Unwind at The Franksville Craft Beer Garden and enjoy a Wisconsin craft beer, cider, or wine. You can check out their website for more information on entertainment and food truck schedule.
Milwaukee
Some cities coast. Milwaukee cooks. Back on the road, the next stop is Milwaukee, a city full of bold flavors, fresh lakefront energy and one Great Lake.
Start at the water. Paddle through downtown with Milwaukee Kayak Company, catch the skyline from a Milwaukee Boat Line sightseeing cruise, pedal the river with Milwaukee Paddle Tavern or follow the Milwaukee RiverWalk past public art, patios, historic architecture and good bites along the way. For a slower afternoon, spread out at Bradford Beach with Lake Michigan in front of you. For something a little farther from shore, book a charter and head out on the lake with one of the many fishing companies that call Milwaukee home.
Back on land, Milwaukee has tons to see. The Milwaukee Art Museum rises right off the lakefront, making the building part of the artistic experience before you even step inside. Across town, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum revs up the story of motorcycle culture in Milwaukee, the bikes, styles and brand that made the motorcycle company a global sensation. Then, eat. Grab a table, order a beer, try the cheese curds you came for and the James Beard-recognized restaurant you’ll be talking about long after the drive home. Add a few more Milwaukee stops to your road trip here.
Port Washington
Last but not least, visit historic Port Washington! Start your visit at South Beach and take in the beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan. This beach is perfect for swimming, hiking, picnicking, or paddling – you can even rent a kayak or board downtown! You’ll also want to check out Inventors Brewpub and get a taste of their mouthwatering Garlic Shrimp BLT and craft brew of choice. Then make your way along the Harborwalk to Coal Dock Park, a downtown park with a beautiful promenade and amazing views of the harbor and Breakwater Light.
One thing you can’t miss out on when visiting Port Washington is their Lake Michigan Charter Fishing. Booking a fishing charter in Port Washington allows you to just sit back & wait for the perfect bite while taking in all the blue water views!
After this fun roadtrip you have now experienced four out of the 19 beautiful Harbor Towns in Wisconsin. Who knew that all these views, foods, memories, and experiences existed right in your backyard? Learn more about all of our Harbor Towns and start planning your road trip right here at home!
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