Wisconsin summers always start with a bang. Memorial Day through July 4th and Summerfest, each weekend is bustling with activities. By the time the State Fair rolls around in early August, it feels like summer is winding down. There’s plenty of opportunities for weekend fun before (and after) the kids go back to school. Here are 5 options for you in all parts of the State.
Top Wisconsin End-of-Summer Destinations at a Glance
| Destination | Best For | Key Attractions |
| Waupaca, WI | A full one-day trip at a very reasonable cost. | Floating down the Crystal River and relaxing at Shadow Lake. |
| Monroe, WI | Family-friendly events and historic brewery stops. | Green County Cheese Days and Minhas Craft Brewery. |
| Marinette County, WI | A relaxing day trip to the waterfall capital of Wisconsin. | Exploring up to 15 different waterfalls, including Long Slide Falls. |
| Bayfield County, WI | A weekend up on the shores of Lake Superior. | Meyers Beach Sea Caves, Stockton Island, and sightseeing cruises. |
| La Crosse, WI | An “adult” weekend closeout of the summer. | The longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest and Grandad’s Bluff. |
1. The Famous Crystal River – Waupaca, WI
Located halfway between Stevens Point and Appleton, just off of HWY 10, Waupaca is the perfect destination for a full one-day trip at a very reasonable cost. The options for lakes and beaches are plentiful, with the Chain of Lakes just west of town and Shadow Lake & Mirror Lake in downtown Waupaca.
- The Itinerary: The day’s itinerary is simple: a half-day floating down the Crystal River and the other half spent on a beach. I’d recommend parking your car at South Park Beach on Shadow Lake.
- Crystal River Adventure: The Crystal River trip meets daily at either 9 am or 1 pm at the Lower Shelter Area on Shadow Lake. Tickets are $35/each. This 2-hour trip will take you right back to Shadow Lake.
- Tubing Alternative: If tubing/floating is more your speed, Pliska’s Crystal River Tubing is about a 5-mile drive south of Waupaca.
- Beaches & Hiking: If you want a beach with more direct access to hiking, consider the 300-foot sand beach of Hartman Creek State Park. This option will require a daily pass for your vehicle.
- Where to Eat: For lunch or dinner, the simple answer is The Wheelhouse on the Chain of Lakes. They are famous for being family-friendly and for their pizza.
2. Green County Cheese Days – Monroe, WI
Monroe is not just the Cheese Capital of Wisconsin; it’s known as the “Cheese Capital of the USA.” To celebrate such a designation, Green County hosts Green County Cheese Days every other year.
- Event Details: This year’s celebration will take place September 18th-20th in Monroe.
- Family Activities: This is a full-on family-friendly event with the children’s parade on Friday as well as “Kid’s Street” on Saturday afternoon.
- Weekend Entertainment: The music starts at noon on Friday and doesn’t stop until Sunday afternoon. Of course, you can sample as many different types of cheese as your heart desires.
- Historic Brewery Stop: For the beer lovers amongst us, you simply must stop at Minhas Craft Brewery. Not only is Minhas the oldest Brewer in the Midwest…it has the distinction of being the second oldest brewery in the entire USA.
3. Waterfall Tour of Marinette County
Did you know that Marinette County is the waterfall capital of Wisconsin? With 15 different waterfalls in the county, you’ll have many options for the perfect day trip.
- Park Access: Most of the waterfalls are located within Marinette County Parks…so a $5 day pass works for all the parks you attend in one day.
- How to Plan: Pick 3 or 4 different falls on the list… pack a lunch…and set out for a relaxing day.
- Top Highlight: The largest amongst the Marinette County falls is Long Slide Falls in Pembine.
4. Weekend in Bayfield County
With so many options…it isn’t fair to call Bayfield County a “hidden” gem anymore…it is simply the gem of Wisconsin. Here are 5 must-see items to do on a weekend up on the shores of Lake Superior:
- Stockton Island: Shuttle to Stockton Island. You’ll have your option to day hike or camp overnight. Whatever you do…make sure you check out the Balancing Rock.
- Sea Caves: Hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Lakeshore Trail – for only a $5 parking fee, you’ll have access to four or five miles worth of the best sea caves in the Midwest.
- Where to Eat: Manypenny Bistro. This is the perfect spot for either a quick Saturday night dinner or Sunday morning breakfast before you drive home.
- Camping Recommendation: Are you looking to camp somewhere? How about Little Sand Bay, the best place to camp in Bayfield with water, showers, and RV camping available.
- Sightseeing Cruises: If you don’t want to hike or kayak…then the easiest way to see the Apostle Islands is to take a sightseeing cruise.
5. Oktoberfest, La Crosse, WI
Ok… ok… technically this year’s Oktoberfest in La Crosse is not the end of Wisconsin summer (September 24-27), but we’re still going to call this yearly festival in La Crosse the State’s closeout of the summer.
- An Adult-Focused Weekend: Oktoberfest in La Crosse is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest. At this time of year, the kids are back in school, so this is more of an “adult” weekend.
- Suggested Itinerary: The perfect weekend will include tapping the golden keg early Friday afternoon and then blocking off a few hours Saturday morning for a long walk down the Mississippi River and a hike in Grandad’s Bluff before making your way back to downtown La Crosse and the Oktoberfest fairgrounds.
Ready to Plan Your End-of-Summer Getaway?
After a full day of chasing waterfalls, exploring sea caves, or raising a glass at Oktoberfest, you deserve a better place to rest than a generic hotel room. Experience true Wisconsin hospitality by staying at a charming, locally owned bed and breakfast or boutique inn. Head over to the MWInns Wisconsin Directory to find the perfect cozy home base near any of these destinations. Summer is fading fast—find your unique local stay and book your weekend escape today!