4 Trip Ideas for Your Next Girls’ Getaway in Wisconsin

When you want to get away with your best friends for a weekend, look no further than these fun-filled destinations in Wisconsin. From river cruises, wine tasting tours and spa days to Broadway shows and pasta-making classes, you and your crew can spend quality time together while exploring all these cities have to offer. Read on to find inspiration for the ultimate girls’ getaway in Wisconsin.

Hop Around Hudson

For a girls’ getaway with a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and city experiences, head to Hudson in Northwest Wisconsin. Start your trip on the water with a St. Croix River Cruise. You and your group can choose from themed rides such as Fajita & Margarita or Sunday Brunch cruises and toast to quality time spent together while cruising the scenic St. Croix River. 

Explore the area another way with a Hudson Trolley Company tour that offers experiences like a Snip & Sip tour, where you can visit a pick-your-own flower farm while enjoying local wines and charcuterie. 

In warmer months, dip into the large cascading waterfall at nearby Willow River State Park or simply visit for an incredible photo-op. This hidden gem features a sandy beach, prairie remnants and a nature center featured on 2,891 acres of rolling countryside.

In town, your group can spend hours on end browsing unique local shops such as the Abigail Page Antique Mall and The Bees Knees for all kinds of goodies and gifts.

When you get hungry, enjoy the rooftop patio overlooking the river at Mallory's for surf and turf and other American favorites. Also downtown, Lolo American Kitchen & Craft Bar offers gourmet street food and craft cocktails. A trip to Cracked Barrel Winery is also in order for a picturesque vineyard stroll and time in the tasting room.

Discover & Dine in Door County

Journey to the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” with your girls for a memorable coastal getaway. Explore the peninsula by sailboat or trolley, visiting lighthouses and wineries along the way. 

For a relaxing day trip, ride the ferry to Washington Island where your group can enjoy Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop & Le Cafe and the extraordinary Schoolhouse Beach to experience some of the clearest blue water in Wisconsin. Climb to the top of Mountain Tower for 360 views of the island and then stop into Hotel Washington for dinner or plan to stay overnight for more time to soak up the island vibes. White Gull Inn on the main peninsula also offers delicious meals and charming rooms perfect for hosting your stay.

After days filled with hiking and swimming at Peninsula State Park (a photo at Eagle Tower is a must) and Cave Point County Park, sit back and enjoy a show at the magical outdoor Peninsula Players Theater.

Your group can also make the most of the scenery and enjoy dinner with a view at one of the many lakeside restaurants such as Boathouse on the Bay and Waterfront Restaurant. Or, pop into one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in the area featuring locally sourced ingredients, like Wild Tomato in Fish Creek. For a uniquely delicious experience, immerse yourself in the surrounding hardwood forest with a farm dinner at Door County Underground.

Make Memories in Milwaukee

With its variety of vibrant neighborhoods and endless attractions, Milwaukee is an obvious choice for a girls’ trip destination. Between all the charming shops, cafes and restaurants in the Historic Third Ward, Bronzeville Collective and Milwaukee Public Market, everyone in your group is sure to find her new favorite spot. 

For a bit of nature during your trip, paddle through the city with Milwaukee Kayak Company or visit North Point Lighthouse for spectacular Lake Michigan views. 

Schedule a Smörgåsbord bike tour to leisurely pedal your way along the lakefront and downtown on e-bikes, exploring a variety of public spaces and cuisines, like tacos from a food truck, a pretzel at a public beer garden or local frozen custard on the beach. It’s the most delicious way to experience Milwaukee.

The city is known for its concerts and performances, so be sure to see a show! Between the historic Pabst Theater, the Milwaukee Ballet and Summerfest, there’s sure to be something everyone in your group will enjoy.

Stop for a breather and enjoy afternoon tea at the Pfister Hotel or for a selection of tasty food vendors at Zócalo Food Park. Fans of the show “Top Chef” can visit restaurants featured on the 21st season and eat like celebrity judges. 

For an outing that combines a group activity with a delicious meal, take a pasta-making class together at Semolina. End the night with a boozy milkshake from At Random Cocktail Lounge, where you can sit around a fire pit and cheers to making memories.

Stroll and Shop in Madison

Madison also makes for a delightful girls’ getaway. Take advantage of the surrounding lakes by renting a pontoon to cruise Lake Monona for the day or lounge by the water at the Memorial Union. On Saturdays, enjoy local meats, flowers, cheese, bakery items, plants and produce by taking a lap around the capitol during the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S.

Inside, a class at Madison Circus Space in aerial silks or on a flying trapeze will make your time together unforgettable.

Browse boutiques, record stores, coffee shops and bars like a local in the unique business district of Monroe Street and watch Broadway on tour at the impressive Overture Center for the Arts.

Explore the city’s exciting food scene with brunch at Marigold Kitchen or Ancora, both off the capitol square. For dinner, head to the cozy, hip Mint Mark or the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Ahan, which showcases vibrant Laotian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. And for a sweet treat, stop at Ice Cream Social for delectable small-batch scoops.

Looking for more girls’ trip inspiration? Discover these Wisconsin wine festivals perfect for enjoying with friends.