The Scenic Drive from Barrington, Illinois to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Tired of the same old boring routes? Then it’s time for a road trip! Barrington to Wauwatosa is the perfect stretch, with its picturesque towns, scenic routes, and cultural sites. So buckle up and follow this best-of-list guide to the top five places to see while driving from Barrington, Illinois, to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Best-of-List

#1 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

The first stop on our journey is Lake Geneva, a picturesque resort town founded in 1836. Located 44 miles from Barrington, it's the perfect place to start our scenic drive. The town's signature attraction is its clear lake surrounded by luxurious homes, gourmet restaurants, and charming boutiques. For some outdoor fun, you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or take a scenic boat tour of the lake. Alternatively, stroll through the historic downtown, visiting boutiques and enjoying the small-town ambiance.

After some exploration, head to the Geneva Inn for a tucked-away lakeside retreat overlooking the city and lake. The sophisticated hotel offers luxurious amenities like hot tub suites, a fireplace in nearly every room, and an excellent lakeside dining terrace.

#2 Kettle Moraine State Forest

Next up on our list is Kettle Moraine State Forest, located 75 miles from Barrington. Covering an area of nearly 50,000 acres, the state forest is home to some of the most beautiful hiking, camping, and nature exploration opportunities in the region. For the adventure seeker, there are over 135 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to explore the forest's varied landscapes. As fall approaches, the forests come alive with the beautiful fall hues. Sit by the fire pit, toss on a flannel blanket and enjoy the crisp cool air.

Among its most exciting natural features is the "Kettle," where glacial formations form natural saucer-like depressions in the earth. Additionally, the forest is home to several other natural wonders like several flowages and small trout streams. Don’t forget bird watching, bring your binoculars, and hike through the patches of hardwoods and conifers to spot the many species of birds found in the area.

#3 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Heading north, we reach our next destination, Milwaukee, located 87 miles from Barrington. This vibrant metropolis is Wisconsin's largest city, making it home to several world-renowned museums, architecture, and some of the best breweries. Start your visit with a tour of the Milwaukee Art Museum, home to nearly 30,000 works in over a dozen galleries. Take in the unique architectural structure of the museum famous for its "wings," a futuristic metal structure design.

For a cultural glimpse, visit the Milwaukee Public Museum, home to many unique exhibits like the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit. With interactive displays, learn about Milwaukee’s earliest settlers and take a walk down memory lane through reconstructed streets and shops from the early 1900s.

#4 Milwaukee Lakefront

Take a walk or bike the scenic four-mile stretch of Milwaukee's Lakefront. Along with a great view of Lake Michigan, there are some exciting things to do. One could take a ride on a historic-style paddleboat, the Milwaukee Clipper. On the pier, visit the SS Meteor or the Lightship Museum. This museum showcases the ship's logbooks and boat artifacts primarily used during the maritime era of the late 1800s. For the thrill-seeker, try taking a water taxi to the nearby Third Ward, an old industrial district repurposed into a trendy arts district packed with art galleries, shops, and famous for its Milwaukee Public Market.

#5 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Our final stop on our scenic drive is Wauwatosa, located 97 miles from Barrington. Wauwatosa, aka "Tosa," is a charming and historic city with a small-town feel. The town's main attraction is the Village of Wauwatosa, where visitors can stroll through more than 20 specialty shops, each offering unique gifts, gadgets, and apparel.

To satisfy your taste buds, head to the first microbrewery in Milwaukee, the BeerLine Cafe, famous for its homemade coffee and gluten-free food. On the northeast side of Tosa, visit The Little Red Store, a one-stop-shop for antiques, chocolates, and unique gifts. If you’re still hungry, head to Ristorante Bartolotta's, known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

Conclusion

Whether you're a connoisseur of the arts or a nature lover, this scenic drive from Barrington to Wauwatosa has a little something for everyone. From winding, rolling hills to an abundance of cultural and recreational activities, our best-of-list guide will ensure that you don't miss any of the region's highlights. So, gas up the car, hit the road, and explore these five destinations on your next Midwest adventure.