This midwestern city set on the serene shores of Lake Michigan is chock full of great food and drink. Savor Milwaukee’s rich brewing history, paired with some of its most famous culinary delights—think craft beer, cheese curds, and brats. From there, the best road trips from Milwaukee can bring you to these other fabulous Midwest destinations.
Fabulous Road Trips from Milwaukee
Madison, Wisconsin
55 miles/50 min.
In less than an hour from Milwaukee along I-94 W, you’ll find yourself in Madison, a vibrant university town and the state capital. It’s also an enticing destination for culture and recreation. Spend an evening at the Collins Recital Hall for a musical performance or meander through the Chazen Museum of Art before exploring the Allen Centennial Gardens. Our favorite spot for great views? Head to the observation deck atop the Capitol dome and enjoy 360-degree views of downtown. For outdoor fun, you can’t beat a cruise around Lake Mendota in a boat rental.
Chicago
92 miles/1.5 hrs.
To reach Chicago, drive about 90 minutes from Milwaukee along I-94 E. Chicago gives you a taste of big-city life, without the density, grime, or hurried pace of some other urban hotspots. The Windy City is known for its legendary skyscrapers, so check them out from the best seat in the house: an architecture boat cruise. Chicago is also a sports fan’s dream city, with major teams representing basketball, hockey, soccer and baseball. Baseball fans must make a pilgrimage to Wrigleyville, a neighborhood that buzzes with activity during Chicago Cubs home games.
Wisconsin Dells
123 miles/2 hrs.
Sometimes a road trip’s best destination is an amusement park. That’s the case in the Wisconsin Dells, two hours along I-94 W from Milwaukee. For adrenaline junkies, the numerous theme parks and attractions include Noah’s Ark Water Park, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, and BigFoot Ropes Course. Get your fill of natural beauty at Mirror Lake State Park, where there’s a picturesque lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs and forest. You can camp, hike, or go swimming at the beach.
Door County, Wisconsin
153 miles/2.25 hrs.
One of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, Door County—a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan—has flown under the radar for many Americans. After just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Milwaukee along I-43 N, you’ll find yourself in a place often compared to Cape Cod. There are dozens of charming villages and hamlets, 11 lighthouses, preserved natural areas, a flourishing farm-fresh dining scene, and a plethora of outdoor activities—all set along 300 miles of pretty shoreline. Although every town has its own personality, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and peaceful visit, wherever you go.
Minneapolis
337 miles/5 hrs.
In just five hours from Milwaukee along I-94 W, you’ll find yourself in one of America’s coolest cities: Minneapolis. One half of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is known for its buzzing urban culture and its incredible natural attractions. This is the land of 10,000 Lakes, so—no surprise—a smattering of lakes dot the metropolis. Check out the Chain of Lakes, three interconnected bodies of water a few minutes southwest of downtown. Each is surrounded by walking and biking paths, with beautiful views of the city’s skyline. Summer is the ideal time to visit Minneapolis, when you can hit the beaches, hop in a kayak, or take in live music at an evening al fresco concert. Speaking of concerts, don’t miss a visit to First Avenue, the downtown club where Prince used to perform. For culture vultures, there’s nothing like the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rent a car in Europe if you have a US license
It all depends on the country you are visiting. For example, if your trip is to France, you can rent cars there. But, if it’s to Italy, they won’t accept US drivers licenses.
Who is the best American car rental agency?
The customer service at Hertz is second to none. They are always ready to help you find the right vehicle for any occasion. They offer great prices on vehicles and have a large fleet of cars across all major metropolitan areas. Renting a car can be as low as $10 per day
Hertz also provides free airport pickup and drop-off, 24 hour roadside assistance, and even an extensive line of accessories and gear to help ensure your safety while driving in the town.
Check out the Hertz website if you are looking for a high-quality car rental experience.
Can I use credit cards to pay for a rental car?
Yes. But, be aware of any additional fees that could apply when you use your card internationally. Before making a reservation, compare rates. Some websites let you make reservations without having to pay until your arrival, which is a great way to save money.
Is my car insurance able to cover foreign rental cars?
Insurance companies now cover rentals in other countries as part of their overall coverage. You may be able to get insurance coverage for damage or loss caused by renting a car in Europe from Hertz. The same is true when renting a car in Mexico. You may also be eligible for waivers from liability or collision damages. These policies are available to you through your agent.
Statistics
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
External Links
kayak.com
autoslash.com
sixt.com
alamo.com
How To
These are 10 tips to help you rent a car at the lowest price
Renting a car is one of the cheapest ways to travel around your town. Many companies offer services online as well as offline. Each company offers a different service, so make sure you know what kind of service they offer before hiring a car. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. There are some companies that offer discounts for two people traveling together. It is a good idea to read online reviews before you choose a company to rent a car. Renting a car should be booked at least one month before you need it. This will help you save money. This way, you won’t pay extra fees for booking at the last minute. It is always a good idea to compare prices between different companies.
You should also check to see if insurance is required by the company.
You should ensure that you have enough gas if you plan to drive your own car. Most companies charge higher prices per gallon. When driving outside of major cities, you might get stuck in traffic jams. If this happens, public transportation might be an option. However, it would be easier to take a taxi or a shuttle van if you have a lot of luggage. You should make sure you choose a reliable company if you decide to hire a taxi. Ask for references, and read customer reviews.
When renting a car, you will usually be limited in mileage. You should carefully read your contract and verify that you are allowed to exceed the mileage limit. You should understand the cost of each mile.
Most companies allow you use the GPS navigation software for free. However, satellite radio may require you to pay extra.
You should also remember that you may not be allowed to return the vehicle until after a certain time. You should not leave valuables inside your vehicle.
Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, passport and proof of insurance when you arrive at the place where you want to pick up the rental vehicle. Fill out all paperwork correctly. A few minutes later, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the pickup date and time. You can then drive the car as safe as possible and follow the instruction.
After you have reached your destination, be sure to park your car in a secure place. Many companies require you to drop off the keys at the office. Keep the receipt handy just in case you lose something while driving. Return to the office once you are done. Finally, you can enjoy your vacation.
