4-Day Budget Road Trip Itinerary Through Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota
Looking for an affordable, adventure-packed getaway? Here’s a fun 4-day, 3-night road trip through Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota, filled with scenic views, unique stops, and plenty of outdoor fun. We started in central Minnesota, but this trip is just as convenient if you’re coming from the Twin Cities!
Day 1: Central Minnesota to Hudson, WI
Stop 1: Interstate State Park (St. Croix Falls, WI)
Kick off your road trip with a visit to Interstate State Park, where you can explore beautiful trails and scenic views of the St. Croix River. There are separate portions of the park on the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides, each with its own entrance fee. We visited the Wisconsin side, which is perfect for hiking and learning about the unique glacial potholes along the river.
Picnic Lunch
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Interstate State Park or save it for your next stop at Willow River State Park.
Stop 2: Willow River State Park (Hudson, WI)
About 40 minutes from Interstate State Park, Willow River State Park is a must-see! The main attraction here is Willow Falls—a beautiful, cascading waterfall that’s ideal for photos. The surrounding trails let you take in the scenery at your own pace.
Stay Overnight in Hudson, WI
Wrap up your day in Hudson, a charming town with a scenic boardwalk, perfect for a sunset stroll. There are plenty of places to grab ice cream downtown, too—a sweet treat after a day of exploring.
Day 2: Exploring Caves and Scenic Canyons
Stop 1: Crystal Cave (Spring Valley, WI)
Start the morning with a 35-minute drive to Crystal Cave, the longest cave in Wisconsin. Go on a guided tour to learn about its fascinating geology and history. It’s cool in the caves year-round, staying around 55°F, so dress warmly! We recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid any wait times.
Lunch in Eau Claire, WI
From Crystal Cave, drive to Eau Claire for lunch. We stopped at Silly Serrano Restaurant, and the food was fantastic—highly recommend it!
Stop 2: Wisconsin Dells
Continue your journey to Wisconsin Dells, about two hours from Crystal Cave. The Dells is famous for its beautiful rock formations and river views. Here are some activities to consider:
- Dells Boat Tour: This tour stops at the stunning Witches Gulch, a narrow canyon filled with unique rock formations. To visit both Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, be sure to book the Upper Dells tour. Tickets are $45 per person, and there’s even an option to add on a jet boat adventure at a discount if you’re up for more excitement! Departure times aren’t set, so you may have to wait a bit for the next available tour (we waited about 15 minutes, but others waited up to 45).
Dinner at B-Lux Grill & Bar
After a day of sightseeing, grab dinner at B-Lux Grill & Bar. Their extensive selection of burgers and crazy milkshakes make it a fun dining experience.
Stay Overnight in Wisconsin Dells
There are plenty of hotel options here, many of which have on-site water parks if you’re looking for extra entertainment.
Day 3: Wineries, Shops, and Scenic Detours
Stop 1: Wollersheim Winery & Distillery (Prairie du Sac, WI)
After breakfast, head to Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, about 45 minutes from Wisconsin Dells. This beautiful winery offers tastings and tours, and if you’re hungry, try their margarita flatbread—it’s delicious! Check their schedule to see if you can snag tickets for a walking tour.
Change of Plans
Our original plan was to visit Devil’s Lake State Park, known for its breathtaking views and hiking trails. However, due to the heat and crowds, we couldn’t find parking and decided to head back to Wisconsin Dells instead.
Wisconsin Dells, Round 2: Downtown Shopping
Back in the Dells, we enjoyed a more relaxed day exploring the shops downtown. With candy stores, souvenir shops, and a scenic river walk, there’s plenty to see and do. Perfect if you want a slower-paced day with some fun shopping!
Dinner at Lake City Social
Lake City Social is a great spot for dinner, serving classic American dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Drive to La Crosse, WI
After dinner, we drove to La Crosse for the night, where we rested up for the final day of the trip.
Day 4: Scenic Overlooks and Underground Adventures
Stop 1: Grandad Bluff (La Crosse, WI)
Start your morning with a visit to Grandad Bluff, a beautiful overlook providing sweeping views of three states—Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. This 600-foot bluff is especially stunning in the morning, and there are plenty of picnic tables if you want to bring breakfast with you.
Stop 2: Mystery Cave State Park (Preston, MN)
For the last adventure of the trip, drive about an hour and a half to Mystery Cave State Park. Here, you can explore hiking trails and take a tour of the cave. I recommend the Geology Tour, which includes lantern-lit passages and some narrow spaces where you’ll need to duck and stoop. This was hands down my favorite cave tour—just remember, there are age restrictions for this one, so check the details in advance!
Drive Home
After a weekend packed with beautiful sights, unique activities, and lots of fresh air, it’s time to head home. This 4-day road trip is a fantastic way to experience the best of Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota on a budget.
This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation through SouthEast Minnesota and Wisconsin. Enjoy the journey!
