Morning: Depart Columbus, OH after 5 pm, crossing Ohio and Indiana while enjoying the early‑evening scenery. The drive sets the tone for a scenic adventure across the Midwest.
Afternoon: Continue south‑west through Illinois, making brief rest stops for food and fuel. Expect about 10‑12 hours of driving before reaching the Wisconsin border.
Evening: Arrive near the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area in La Crosse County, WI, and settle into a nearby lodge for a well‑deserved rest.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the tranquil trails and river views at Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, perfect for sunrise photography and a short hike.
Afternoon: Drive to Cana Island Lighthouse on the Apostle Islands; take the ferry, tour the historic lighthouse, and enjoy lake breezes.
Evening: Conclude the day at Cave Point County Park, strolling along dramatic limestone cliffs as the sun sets over Lake Winnebago.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Whitefish Dunes State Park for a sunrise walk on the sand dunes and a quick dip in Lake Superior.
Afternoon: Stop at the Pikes Peak Scenic Overlook in Iowa for panoramic views of the Driftless Region, then head back into Wisconsin.
Evening: Unwind at Wyalusing State Park, enjoying the Mississippi River bluffs and a relaxing campfire.
Find HotelsMorning: Marvel at the eclectic collections inside The House on the Rock, then drive to nearby Mt Horeb for a brief cultural stop.
Afternoon: Hike the iconic trails of Devil’s Lake State Park**, and later visit Pewit’s Nest for a quick wildlife spotting session.
Evening: Experience the thrill of Dells Boat Tours on Lake Winnebago, followed by a sunset walk through the mysterious Witches Gulch and the peaceful Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Perrot State Park and the Sandhill State Wildlife Area, then locate the quirky Exact Center of the Northern Half Hemisphere marker.
Afternoon: Make the mandatory stop at Clam Lake, followed by quick visits to Morgan Falls, Copper Falls State Park, and Saxon Falls. Continue to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Mainland Sea Caves for a guided tour, then relax at Big Bay Lagoon and admire Big Manitou Falls.
Evening: Begin the drive back to Columbus, OH, aiming to arrive by 11 pm. Stop for dinner en route and reflect on the week’s natural wonders.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: $100
If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the optional scenic detours such as the Pikes Peak Overlook, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Apostle Islands Sea Caves; the core itinerary can be compressed into four full days. To extend the adventure, add the optional attractions (World’s Largest Penny, Dr Evermor’s Sculpture Park, and the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame) and allocate an extra night near the Apostle Islands for deeper exploration of the sea caves and local wildlife.