The Scenic Route Road Trip

Willow Falls in Hudson is one of those adventures where the excitement builds before you even see it. The trail meanders, the sound of rushing water gets louder, and then—boom—the reveal. A massive, multi-tiered waterfall pouring into clear, splash-ready pools. Kids go full adventure mode instantly. The best part? This is a waterfall you don’t just look at—you can enter when conditions are right. Pack shoes that can get wet, because your crew will want to climb, wade and wander right into the scene. It’s wild, beautiful and one of those unforgettable wonders that feels bigger than the photos ever show. 

Knoke’s Chocolate & Ice Cream is a reward worth hiking for. Old-school counters, house-made chocolates and ice cream in every color imaginable. Stop by while you’re in Hudson and let everyone pick their favorite and take it to-go—this is your official start-of-vacation treat. 

This is where the trip starts to slow down—in the best way. In Hudson, walk the pier, watch boats drift by or hop on the water for an easy cruise. Kids run ahead, parents hang back and suddenly no one’s thinking about the drive anymore.

Downtown Hudson rewards a little wandering. Colorful murals pop up, turning a simple stroll into a mini treasure hunt. Let the kids lead the way and stop wherever something catches their eye. And for older kids, these walls are basically built-in Instagram backdrops—bright, bold and impossible not to photograph. 

Beyond the falls, Willow River State Park is worth a complete visit. Shady trails, quiet pockets of beach and plenty of space to roam. And if the kids ask to go back to the falls? That’s your cue to say yes. This is the trip for spontaneous detours and extra time in nature. 

Grandad Bluff is the kind of place that makes everyone stop mid-sentence. Whether you drive straight to the top or earn it on the trail, the payoff hits the same way: a sweeping, three-state view with the Mississippi River winding below and La Crosse stretched out like a postcard. Kids run to the edge (safely) and point out what they can see. Parents take it a little slower. It’s big, it’s iconic and it’s the moment the drive turns into something you’ll all remember. 

Stockholm Pie & General Store is exactly the kind of stop you hope to find on a drive like this. Tiny town. Big flavor. Pie that tastes like summer decided to become a dessert. There's a reason it's been crowned Best Pie Shop in America two years running and is currently aiming for a three-peat. Grab a slice, wander a bit and leave whenever you’re ready. 

Lake Pepin stretches the Mississippi River wide and calm, with sailboats drifting across the horizon. Whether you’re on the water or just watching from shore, this is where the Mississippi feels less like a river and more like a moving landscape. It’s peaceful, open and unexpectedly coastal. 

If you’re traveling with older kids or teens, Eau Claire hits just right. Think indie art, river trails, cafés and the hometown of Bon Iver. It’s an easy, culture-rich stop that feels different from the rest of the loop.

Suncrest Gardens Farm in Cochrane is the kind of stop kids remember for the freedom alone. Open space, live music, wood-fired pizza and kids running free while you hang out. It’s relaxed, a little magical and exactly what this kind of trip is all about. 

Rudy’s Drive-In in La Crosse is pure, joyful nostalgia—roller-skating carhops, classic burgers and root beer that somehow tastes colder and better than you remember. It’s a little chaotic, a lot charming and instantly a family favorite. Kids love the novelty, parents love the throwback and everyone leaves grinning. 

Pettibone Beach is an easy win. Sand, space and La Crosse’s skyline views across the river. Kids splash. Parents relax. The river does its thing in the background. No one is trying too hard here—and that’s exactly the point. 

The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor brings full nostalgia energy: vintage counters, hand-dipped cones and flavors that make you wish you had room for one more scoop. Go classic or go bold, just don’t skip it while you’re in La Crosse. This is what summer tastes like. 

Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo is one of Wisconsin’s most popular parks—and the second you see it, you understand why. Massive quartzite bluffs rise straight out of crystal-clear water, creating a setting that feels almost too dramatic to be real. The adventure builds fast: hike up to Balanced Rock for the views, scramble across boulders or head straight to the lake where kids can swim, splash and reset. However your family tackles it, this is the kind of place that turns into “one more trail” or “one more swim” without anyone needing to ask twice. 

Devil’s Lake isn’t just dramatic scenery—it hums with stories. Long before it became a state park, these bluffs and waters were home to the Ho-Chunk Nation, who knew it as Tee Wakącąk, “Sacred Lake.” The cliffs, the echoes, even the tumbled piles of quartzite feel like they’re holding memories that reach back thousands of years. Invite the kids into that bigger sense of time. As you wander the trails or skip stones along the shoreline, imagine together how Ho-Chunk families stood in these very same spots long before roads, campgrounds or hiking maps existed—seeing the same lake, feeling the same wind and creating their own memories. 

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area in nearby Merrimac is quiet, cool and completely transportive. A narrow gorge, moss-covered walls and soft light filtering through the trees. It’s an easy walk with a big payoff in atmosphere. 

If you’ve got a train lover, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom brings vintage trains to life in a way kids instantly connect with. Climb aboard vintage cars, hear the echo of the whistle and let little conductors’ imaginations run wild. It’s hands-on, photo-friendly and full of “all aboard!” energy. (Bonus: book a trip on a real train!) 

Circus World in Baraboo blends history and spectacle in a way that feels totally unique. Explore the Ringling legacy with live performances, bright colors and just enough “this was real?” wonder to keep everyone hooked. 

If your crew is ready to go all-in on fun, the Dells delivers. Slides, splash zones, lazy rivers—pick your pace and stay as long as you want. This is where “just one more ride” becomes the theme of the day. 

Ishnala is one of Wisconsin’s most iconic supper clubs, and yes—there’s likely a wait. But here, that’s part of the charm. It works best for families with older kids who won’t mind settling in, because the whole experience starts long before you sit down. Arrive early, wander down to the beach, skip rocks, play a quick game of cards, toss a ball around and let the pines and lake do their thing. By the time your table is called, everyone’s already relaxed and smiling. Dinner just becomes the perfect ending to a moment you were already glad you didn’t rush.