3 Day Trips from Whitewater, WI
Are you mini road trip obsessed? Do you like to stay somewhere relatively inexpensive and peaceful and then travel to the hustle and bustle for the day? Then these 3 day trips from Whitewater, WI are for you. With end points ranging from historical to adventurous, you can choose a day trip for any mood. Spend a full weekend experiencing all three. Or choose one for an awesome day trip with a restful overnight at one of Whitewater's lodging options.
Day Trip #1: Old World Wisconsin - Eagle, WI
Morning
Start your day off with breakfast at Center Street Cafe in Whitewater, WI. The espresso is on point and their homemade baked goods are worth every bite. When you're finished with deliciousness, head over to the Ice Age Trail - Blackhawk Segment trailhead and hike the Lake La Grange Loop just outside Whitewater. Start off following the Blackhawk Segment through old oaks and prairie past Lake La Grange. When the Ice Age Trail splits off, stay to the right to complete the loop through tall hickories back to the parking lot. The loop takes about 1-1.5hrs to complete.
Afternoon
After you immerse yourself in nature, visit Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI. Hit up Ramsey Barn Grill Station for lunch, first, and then explore the 600 acres full of Wisconsin history. You could be exploring anywhere from 2-5hrs. With a little more Wisconsin knowledge under your belt, and if you're not too wiped!, hop back in your car and meander up the road a bit to Paradise Springs Nature Trail in Eagle. According to Wisconsin Explorer, "Paradise Springs is a brief loop walk and interpretative trail to a spring fed pond among the ruins of a resort which operated between 1937 and 1948." This beloved spot's eerily stunning beauty attracts many, yet you'll often find yourself there alone.
Evening
Finally, end your evening with a drive along Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive to Bluff Rd. back into Whitewater. This gorgeous, winding route takes you through the Kettle Moraine State Forest and peaceful Whitewater countryside. Finish with scrumptious Italian and a glass of wine at Fanatico in Whitewater.
Grab directions here.
Day Trip #2: Cocktail Cruise - Lake Geneva, WI
Morning
Start your day off with breakfast at Jessica’s Family Restaurant in Whitewater, WI. It's the perfect, hearty, classic diner food with all the coffee you could want. After filling up, take a leisurely drive on scenic Hwy P to Boxed & Burlap in Delavan, WI. Filled with natural light, this gorgeous, newly renovated downtown location pleases every visitor. Get your favorite latte and enjoy the spaciousness with a good book or your crew.
Afternoon
Now that you're highly caffeinated, pop over to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, WI and take a tour of an historic place Albert Einstein visited! For the adventurous, choose the Director's Hidden Spaces tour. For those who want to keep it slightly more low key, opt for the Space and Spaces tour. With all that astrophysics knowledge floating around in your brain, you'll likely need food! Enjoy a late lunch/early dinner at Harpoon Willie's in Williams Bay. Indulge in some BBQ outside on the patio.
Evening
Once you're filled up, catch that Cocktail Cruise in Lake Geneva, WI on beloved Geneva Lake and take in the sunset with live music. 2hrs of lake life bliss. When your evening draws to a close, head back to Whitewater to soak in your tub or surf Netflix and order in late-night pizza from any of our 9 pizza joints.
Grab directions here.
Day Trip #3: Pizza on the Farm - Cambridge, WI
Morning
Start your day with breakfast sandwiches or baked oatmeal at Sweet Spot Cafe or Bakehouse in Whitewater, WI. Grab your favorite latte or a Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew before you hop back in the car. With fuel in hand, visit Adam Birding Conservancy in Whitewater's beautiful countryside. Spend an hour bird watching in one of three blinds or meander through 1-4mi of rolling tallgrass prairie. Filled with peace, continue your journey toward Bark River Rd. in Koshkonong, WI where you'll drive through stunning forested floodplains - a photographer's delight. Along the way, stop at the Artesian Flowing Well to fill your water bottle!
Afternoon
After you've taken in the beauty of Bark River Rd., indulge in some "damn good food" (according to one reviewer) at Paddy Coughlin's Pub in Fort Atkinson, WI. Keep it Irish with Shepherd's Pie or Bangers and Mash. With a full belly, head over to the Simple Life Country Store in Fort Atkinson, WI. Take a tour of the Amish farm and shop for chemical-free goods for your own homemade meals. Make sure you leave with a fruitcake! And speaking of fruit, if you're out and about in the summer months, go strawberry picking at Warm Belly Farm in Fort Atkinson.
Evening
Once you've stocked up on juicy fruit, visit Sprouting Acres in Cambridge, WI for an evening of Pizza on the Farm. Enjoy live music and a craft beverage in the countryside. As things wrap up for the evening, head back to Whitewater and have a night cap at SteveO's. Order your favorite mixed drink or cold one before turning in for the night.
Grab directions here.
Photo by: SteveO’s