Plan Now for a Family Road Trip Through Wisconsin

It might be hard to imagine taking a road trip through America’s heartland while we are in the throes of winter, but instead of letting the cold get you down, planning your next family travel might be just what you need to lift your spirits. While there is definitely something to be said about cruising through a snow-covered winter wonderland, come spring and summer, the landscape will be transformed into a stunning landscape of vibrant green grass, lush blooming fields and sprawling woods, giving you the perfect backdrop for a road trip to give the family a new appreciation for nature and the wonderfully unique personality of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Great River Road is part of a 3,000-mile National Scenic Byway that takes you through 10 different states, but as it winds through 250 miles of Wisconsin, it follows along the Mississippi River, taking you through 30 of the most charming small towns in the state. Along the way, you can enjoy much more than the natural beauty of the river — although the views are absolutely stunning with some of the most impressive vistas of the Mississippi you’ll find in the country.

Each town you’ll pass through has its own unique personality and charm, along with great shopping experiences, historic landmarks, family-friendly festivals and fairs, as well as amazing dining options — it’s easy to get the kids excited about meals on a trip through Wisconsin when you have great kid-friendly options like cheese curds and frozen custard to munch on. Each town and village you visit along the way will have its own story to tell and its own reason to captivate the family, all while shaping your family’s understanding of Wisconsin and its history.

The route runs along Highway 35 from Kieler on the southernmost tip of the state to Prescott in the north. The route is clearly marked with a green-and-white ship pilot’s wheel symbol, so you’ll always know you haven’t strayed off your path.