austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Madison

For some of the best hikes in Wisconsin, you don’t have to go far outside of Madison. Devil’s Lake has a ton of different hikes with stunning views. But if hiking isn’t your thing, you can spend the day at the lake swimming, paddle boarding, picnicking, and more. Also, Devil’s Lake is known for its climbing, so for all the climbers out there or those who want to get into climbing, check out the park's different routes. After a long day of hiking, 

 is a fun spot to grab a bite, have a beer, and even catch some live music.

Scandinavian heritage is a big part of Mt. Horeb’s culture, so it’s not uncommon for you to see trolls around this town. Only 30 minutes away from Madison, this is a great way to escape the city for a day without going very far. In the winter, skiing at 

 is a must. In the summer, there are plenty of hikes and bike trails for people to use. Also, different shops sell homemade Scandinavian goods like jewelry, carvings, and clogs. Don’t forget to get a traditional Scandinavian treat from 

This city known for its Swiss roots has a lot to offer. Going on a tour of the 

 is a popular tourist attraction. And while it’s home to the Spotted Cow, New Glarus is more than just its beer. The town is also the starting point for the 23-mile 

, the Wisconsin Dells is a classic stop for many families. There are big parks like 

 but waterparks aren’t the only thing to do in the Wisconsin Dells. For those interested in going camping, a great spot to go is 

 with different trails and of course… Mirror Lake! Might we also recommend grabbing dinner at the famous 

This lake town is a great place to spend the weekend with friends or family. It’s a common tourist spot during the summer, especially for all of the different boating and lake activities. If you want to feel like you've traveled to an East Coast beach town, this is the spot for you. You can also go to beaches, hike, golf, and much more. Maybe you even want to take a ride on a zip line or go above the city in a hot air balloon!

There are many beautiful places just outside that make for great day trips. Here is a list of some of the best places to check out that are all less than two hours away.

Day Trips Near Madison

Get to know the natural side of Madison: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Madison Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Wisconsin is full of scenic routes for hikers, bicyclists, and motorists to take in the state’s beauty. In fact, there are 

124 state-designated official Rustic Roads

 spanning 750 miles through 61 counties that make for beautiful adventures during all of Wisconsin’s seasons.

Here are some standout routes you can take to see the sights of autumn. Don’t forget your binoculars!

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum has more than 17 miles of trails conveniently located on the west side of town. This trip is great for anyone who wants to take in the sights without worrying about filling up the tank.

The Arboretum hosts many free classes and hikes that are perfect opportunities for families and groups.

 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711

Parfrey’s Glen is Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area and one of the most-visited natural areas in the state. Located roughly four miles east of Devil’s Lake State Park, the glen is home to a variety of threatened plants and insects, and at its uppermost part, it reaches a depth of nearly 100 feet.

Visitors are allowed to hike the stream up to the pool below the waterfall but are not allowed beyond the falls. Also, pets aren’t allowed.

The Wisconsin Great River Road is a 250-mile journey along the Mississippi River that’s part of a national scenic route that travels through 10 other states and stretches 3,000 miles. This is a great trip for anyone looking for a longer getaway.

 that has incredible views of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi.

Highway 33 is one of Wisconsin’s  "Coast to Coast" routes, stretching from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. With plenty of state parks, bike trails, and local attractions, this route makes for a great weekend getaway.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive stretches 115 miles through six Wisconsin counties. There are numerous places to picnic, hike, camp, and bike along the way.

For even more hidden gems, check out this 

travel

Day Trips Near Madison

Where to See Wisconsin’s Fall Colors

Latest articles

Day Trips Near Madison

Where to See Wisconsin’s Fall Colors