Chicago and Wisconsin’s Great Lakes

Approximate driving distance: 95 miles / 150 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes without stops

Collect your rental car from an available Chicago city location and begin your journey north.

Follow the Lake Michigan corridor into Wisconsin. You may travel directly to Milwaukee or make a selected stop along the lakefront.

After arriving, check in to your selected hotel and explore Milwaukee’s compact downtown area. Walk through the Historic Third Ward, visit the Milwaukee Public Market or follow part of the RiverWalk.

Milwaukee is famous for its brewing heritage. An optional brewery tour or relaxed evening at a local beer garden can provide an enjoyable introduction to the city.

Overnight in Milwaukee.

Approximate driving distance: 180–200 miles / 290–320 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes without stops

Spend the morning discovering more of Milwaukee.

Visit the lakefront and see the striking Milwaukee Art Museum, walk through Lakeshore State Park or explore the city’s maritime and industrial heritage. Other possibilities include the Harley-Davidson Museum or North Point Lighthouse.

Later, travel north through eastern Wisconsin toward the Door Peninsula.

Continue to your selected hotel in Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek or another Door County community. Hotel availability varies throughout the peninsula, so the precise location will depend on your selected accommodation.

Check in and enjoy your first evening beside the water.

Overnight in Door County.

Enjoy a complete day exploring one of the Midwest’s most attractive vacation regions.

Follow sections of the 66-mile Door County Coastal Byway through forests, farmland and picturesque waterfront communities.

Visit Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim and Sister Bay, allowing time to explore local shops, galleries and waterfront parks.

One of the day’s principal highlights is Peninsula State Park. Follow the scenic park road, walk along the shoreline or visit Eagle Tower for extensive views across Green Bay. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass is required.

Continue toward the northern end of the peninsula if time permits. The famously winding section of Highway 42 near Northport makes an excellent photograph and perfectly captures the character of a Door County road trip.

Boat trips, lighthouse tours, kayaking and other seasonal activities may be available.

Suggested driving: approximately 60–100 miles / 95–160 kilometres, depending on your hotel and selected stops.

Overnight in Door County.

Approximate driving distance: 180–200 miles / 290–320 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes without stops

Leave Door County and travel south and west through Wisconsin toward Madison.

You may stop in Green Bay or take a short break in one of Wisconsin’s smaller communities along the route.

Arrive in Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital, positioned on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona.

After checking in, explore Capitol Square and State Street. Visit the impressive Wisconsin State Capitol or walk toward the University of Wisconsin campus and Memorial Union Terrace.

Madison has an excellent selection of independent restaurants, cafés and local breweries, making it an enjoyable place for your final evening in Wisconsin.

Overnight in Madison.

Approximate driving distance: 150 miles / 240 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes without stops

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Madison.

Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, walk beside one of the city’s lakes or explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens before beginning your return journey.

Travel southeast through Wisconsin and northern Illinois to Chicago.

Check in for your final night. Depending on your arrival time, return to a favourite part of the city, enjoy dinner beside the Chicago River or experience an evening performance.

Overnight in Chicago.