Picture this: winding country roads, charming small towns, and the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed beer. Welcome to Wisconsin, the mecca for beer enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike! With a storied brewing heritage and some of the most scenic views in America, Wisconsin offers the ultimate pub road trip experience.
Buckle up because we’re about to take you on a day-by-day adventure exploring breweries, quirky local stops, and breathtaking landscapes. This is your ultimate guide to combining the best brews, bites, and views—the Wisconsin way!
Planning Your Wisconsin Pub Road Trip
Before hitting the open road, you’ll want to make a few essential preparations.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
To truly savor Wisconsin’s beauty and brewing, summer and fall are the sweet spots.
- Summer (June to August): Expect lively beer gardens, al fresco brewery tours, and refreshing seasonal wheat beers.
- Fall (September to October): A combination of crisp weather, Oktoberfest celebrations, and pumpkin ales makes this the ultimate season for beer fans. Plus, you’ll catch Wisconsin’s famous autumn foliage—talk about a two-for-one experience!
Choose the Right Ride
Pro tip: Comfort meets practicality on any good road trip. If you’re traveling with friends, aim for a roomy SUV. Want a little more character? Consider renting a vintage campervan! Sip responsibly by designating a driver or opting for local ride-share services to maximize fun while keeping it safe.
Now that you’re ready to roll, here’s the perfect four-day itinerary to make the most of every pint and view.
Your Day-by-Day Wisconsin Pub Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Milwaukee’s Craft Beer Scene
Kick off your adventure in Milwaukee, affectionately dubbed “Brew City.” This city’s beer-making roots run deep, dating back to the 1800s. Today it’s a thriving craft beer hub loaded with character.
Breweries to Check Out:
- Lakefront Brewery: Famous for their tours filled with comedy and incredible riverfront views. Try their Riverwest Stein, a malty classic!
- Good City Brewing: Sip on their Risk IPA in their modern brewpub or rooftop patio.
- Miller Brewing Company Tour: Pay homage to Wisconsin’s brewing legacy by visiting this big-name icon.
Don’t miss the Milwaukee Ale House for dinner, where the beer selection is as good as the views of the Milwaukee River.
Day 2: Journeying North to Door County Breweries
Travel northeast to Door County, known for its serene beaches and quaint coastal towns. You’ll feel a world away as you explore its cozy breweries.
Breweries to Visit:
- Door County Brewing Co.: Chill out with their Little Sister Witbier on an outdoor patio that screams weekend vibes.
- Bridge Up Brewing: Located inside a fish market (yes, really!), grab a pint of their Belgian-style beers while indulging in fresh local seafood.
- Shipwrecked Brew Pub & Inn: Pair their signature Captain’s Copper Ale with sweeping views of the bay.
Take the scenic route while you’re here—Door County’s winding roads are lined with cherry orchards and inspiring lake views.
Day 3: Unique Brews through the Driftless Area
Wisconsin’s Driftless Area will steal your heart (and maybe your taste buds). This rugged region escaped glacier compression thousands of years ago, leaving its landscape filled with natural ridges, cliffs, and valleys.
Don’t Miss:
- Driftless Brewing Company (Soldiers Grove): For a taste of local ingredients in every sip, try their Kick-Axe Pale Ale.
- Funky Fresh Brewery (Viroqua): True to its name, this spot celebrates experimental brews. Their berry-infused sour beers are a must!
- Pearl Street Brewery (La Crosse): Known for its award-winning DTB Brown Ale. Don’t forget to snap a pic with La Crosse’s famous giant beer stein before you leave!
Stop by quirky attractions like the World’s Largest Six-Pack in La Crosse or meander along Rustic Road 26 for some postcard-worthy views.
Day 4: Scenic Views along Lake Michigan
Round off your road trip with a peaceful cruise down the eastern coast of Wisconsin along Lake Michigan.
Breweries to Visit:
- 3 Sheeps Brewing (Sheboygan): Their Chaos Pattern IPA will intrigue any hop head.
- PetSkull Brewing Company (Manitowoc): Known for small-batch brews, every pint here feels special. Don’t miss their hazy IPAs.
- The Fermentorium (Cedarburg): You’ll want to try Pewaukee Porter—smooth, bold, and unforgettable!
Take a final moment to soak in the tranquil blues of Lake Michigan before returning home—it’s the perfect ending to a whirlwind adventure.
Highlights and Hidden Gems
What sets a Wisconsin pub road trip apart? It’s all about the unique stops along the way!
- Mars Cheese Castle (Kenosha): Start or end your trip with cheese curds here—it doesn’t get more Wisconsin than this!
- Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik (Door County): Sip coffee with goats grazing on the roof. No, we’re not kidding.
- Mount Horeb Trollway: Grab a pint in Wisconsin’s self-proclaimed troll capital while enjoying its quirky troll statues.
These little surprises are what make Wisconsin road trips so memorable!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Road Trip
Before you pack the cooler, keep these tips in mind to make your Wisconsin pub road trip a smooth ride.
Essentials to Pack:
- A reusable water bottle (hydration is key!)
- A cooler for storing your favorite brews to take home.
- Comfortable attire for brewery tours and walking around charming towns.
- A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery.
Responsible Tasting:
- Breweries are all about enjoying the experience—slow down and enjoy every sip!
- Use designated drivers or ride-share apps. A win-win for safety and fun.
- Remember, Wisconsin law allows you to purchase unopened beer to-go from breweries.
Cheers to Adventures in Wisconsin!
From Milwaukee’s historic beer culture to the hidden treasures of the Driftless Area, Wisconsin offers so much more than a cold pint. It’s about the stories behind each brewery, the stunning scenery that surrounds you, and the camaraderie you’ll find when raising a toast.