7 Day Trips from West Bend: Cedarburg, Port Washington, and Beyond

Day trips from West Bend are one of the town's quiet advantages: it sits close to a good spread of southeastern Wisconsin, from historic river towns to Lake Michigan harbors to one of the state's most striking churches. Most of these are 20 to 40 minutes away, close enough to leave after breakfast and be back for dinner. Here are seven worth the drive, roughly from nearest to farthest.

1. Cedarburg

Cedarburg is the obvious first choice, about 15 minutes southeast, a historic mill town with a stone-and-brick downtown, wineries, and the state's last covered bridge. It is more touristed than West Bend and makes an easy contrast for an afternoon of shopping and wine tasting. Cedarburg has its own full set of guides worth a read before you go, over at Cedarburg.

2. Port Washington

Port Washington sits about 15 minutes east on Lake Michigan, a working harbor town with a marina, charter fishing, a lighthouse, and lakefront dining. It is the place to go when you want big-water views that West Bend, sitting inland on a river, cannot offer. Pair it with a walk along the breakwater and a fish lunch on the harbor, and see what else is around in Port Washington.

3. Hartford

Hartford is a short drive west, best known for the Wisconsin Automotive Museum and its collection of Kissel cars, which were built in Hartford. It is a smaller, low-key outing, good for an hour or two if you have an interest in the area's manufacturing history, and it pairs with the drive out toward Holy Hill. There is more to fill a day in things to do in Hartford.

4. Holy Hill

Holy Hill is about 25 minutes southwest, a neo-Romanesque basilica set on one of the highest points in the area. The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary draws visitors for the architecture and, especially, the view: you can climb the tower for a wide look over the Kettle Moraine, best in fall when the woods below turn color.

5. The Kettle Moraine State Forest

The Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest starts just north and west of West Bend, a long stretch of glacial hills, lakes, and trails that goes well beyond the town's own segment of the Ice Age Trail. It is the place to go for a bigger hiking or drive day, with scenic roads and trailheads spread across the forest.

6. Grafton

Grafton, about 20 minutes southeast near Cedarburg, is a smaller stop known for its riverside parks and its place in blues history as the former home of Paramount Records. It works well combined with Cedarburg on the same loop, since the two sit close together on the way toward the lake. See what is around in Grafton.

7. Milwaukee

If you want a full city day, Milwaukee is about 40 minutes south, with the lakefront art museum, the Historic Third Ward, breweries, and everything a larger city offers. It is the farthest of these trips but the most complete, and it makes a natural extension if you are already staying in West Bend for a weekend. There is plenty to plan around in Milwaukee.

Planning the trips

All of these work as half-day or full-day outings from a West Bend base. If you are building a longer stay around them, see a West Bend weekend getaway, and for the best months to plan around, the best time to visit West Bend.