Hit the Road for Some Nearby Fun

Traveling anywhere these days comes with a new set of challenges. However, there are ways to hit the road more safely, and we’ve rounded up the best places to travel within 100 miles of our branches that are worth exploring (and that are COVID-friendly places to travel!). Before you head out for any of these day-trips, be sure to review your city, county or state’s travel advisories or restriction, and don’t forget to check your destination’s website for any COVID-19 changes or restrictions.

Within 100 miles of Oshkosh

• Door County – While many people are familiar with Door County, you may have to rethink your usual activities. Thankfully, there’s a lot to do outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the area including checking out the limestone cliffs at Cave Point County Park, hiking in The Ridges Sanctuary and soaking up sun (and checking out the rocks!) at the unique Schoolhouse Beach.
• Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo – It’s easy to see why this is Wisconsin’s most popular state park with scenic views, swimming, hiking, camping and more. It can get busy, so check ahead to see if you need tickets or reservations.
• Chilton’s Drive-in Movie Theater – Miss going to the movies and looking for a shorter getaway? Head to the drive-in movie theater in Chilton! Get there ahead of time (movies start at dusk, which means about 9 p.m.) and order a pizza and play some mini golf.

Within 100 miles of La Crosse

• Wisconsin Great River Road – You can hop on this scenic byway and follow the Mississippi River (and for more than 100 miles)! This national scenic byway journeys through 10 states, but closer to home you can stop off in 33 historic Wisconsin towns.
• Governor Dodge State Park – Do go chasin’ waterfalls (‘90’s kids? Get it?)! Drive through this 5,300-acre park to get to the short trail that leads to Stephens Falls. There are also more than 40 miles of connecting trails, plus two lakes with canoes, paddleboards and flat-bottom boats available to rent.
• Rochester, MN – Hop over the border to Minnesota and view the majestic (non-releasable) bald eagles at the National Eagle Center, dine al fresco or take to the water via paddleboard, kayak or canoe (or jump on in!).

Within 100 miles of Chicago

• Indiana Dunes, IN – Just 54 miles from Chicago, this town on Lake Michigan offers plenty of outdoor activities. You can rent a bike and pedal along the dunes, swim in the lake, hike and camp in Indiana Dunes National Park, and shop from local farmers and artisans at the Chesterton European Market.
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – If the walls have started closing in on you, head out for some fresh air and miles of open space at this ‘Midwest ocean.’ As a federally designated tallgrass prairie, there are 9,100 acres open for public use and 29 miles of trails. Guided bike and bird-watching tours may also be available.
• Galena, IL –Take a break from the big city and head to one of the best small towns in America (it’s more than 100 miles from Chicago, but well-worth the drive!). With cobblestone streets, more than 1,000 buildings built before 1900, and Mississippi River overlooks, Galena is a great place to spend time outdoors while taking in both natural and historic beauty.