15 Incredible Family Road Trips Within 12 Hours of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

From a travel advisor, road trip enthusiast, and mom of three!

Growing up, my family road-tripped across the country to visit relatives on both coasts. Those long days in the car sparked a lifelong love of travel that eventually led me here to become a travel advisor.

Now, as a mom of three young kids, I've discovered something many parents don't realize: traveling with kids doesn't have to wait until they're older. In fact, some of our family's best memories have come from piling into the car with snacks, audiobooks, and a flexible itinerary.

While I love helping families plan Disney vacations, cruises, and international adventures, I also believe some of the best vacations are right here in the Midwest. Living in the Eau Claire area puts us within driving distance of incredible cities, national parks, beaches, museums, amusement parks, international travel next door, and outdoor adventures.

Whether you're looking for a long weekend or a week-long getaway, these destinations are all within about 12 hours of home.

1. Duluth & Minnesota's North Shore (2.5+ Hours)

Perfect for: Weekend getaways, outdoor-loving families, and fall color road trips

Just a couple of hours from Eau Claire, Duluth makes the perfect gateway to one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. Spend time exploring Canal Park, watching massive ships pass beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge, and enjoying the shores of Lake Superior before heading north along Highway 61.

If you're visiting in late September or early October, the North Shore transforms into a stunning display of fall colors. Continue your drive through charming lakeside towns like Two Harbors and Grand Marais, stopping at waterfalls, overlooks, and state parks along the way. If you have an extra day, venture inland to Lutsen, where the gondola ride offers incredible panoramic views of Minnesota's autumn foliage and Lake Superior.

If you're visiting during the holiday season, Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth is an absolute must-do. It’s one of the largest free walk-through light displays in the country and feels incredibly magical for both kids and adults. For where to stay, our family loves Canal Park Lodge.

Don't miss:

• Canal Park & the Aerial Lift Bridge

• Great Lakes Aquarium

• Gooseberry Falls State Park

• Split Rock Lighthouse

• Tettegouche State Park

• Grand Marais

• Lutsen Gondola (fall colors)

• Black Sand Beach

• Scenic Highway 61 along Lake Superior

• Bentlyville Tour of Lights

2. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (2.5 Hours)

Perfect for: Families with toddlers, young kids, and waterpark lovers

Wisconsin Dells is a classic family road trip for a reason. With indoor and outdoor waterparks, kid-friendly attractions, scenic boat tours, and plenty to do year-round, it's an easy getaway that doesn't require a full week off work.

As a mom of three young kids, our family's favorite resort right now is Great Wolf Lodge. It's been the perfect fit for our kids' ages, with multiple water play areas designed for toddlers and younger children, plus complimentary activities throughout the day like story time, dance parties, crafts, and opportunities to meet the Great Wolf Lodge characters. It's also typically one of the more budget-friendly resort options, making it easier to enjoy a fun family getaway without overspending.

That said, Kalahari Resort and Wilderness Resort are also fantastic choices, especially for families with older kids or thrill-seekers looking for larger waterparks. We love both of them, but they often come with a higher price tag unless you can score a great promotion or travel during the off-season.

Don't miss:

• Original Wisconsin Ducks Tours

• Timbavati Wildlife Park

• Downtown Wisconsin Dells

• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

• Denny's Diner (not the chain)

  
  

Mom Tip: If your kids are still in the toddler or preschool stage, don't feel like you have to book the biggest resort in town. We've found that Great Wolf Lodge has the perfect balance of fun, convenience, and value, and our kids are just as excited about the dance parties and character appearances as they are about the water slides!

3. Omaha, Nebraska (8 Hours)

Perfect for: Animal lovers, curious kids, and long weekend adventures

We've made this trip ourselves, and I can confidently say the drive is absolutely worth it. Omaha's world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos we've ever visited, and I'd recommend planning at least two full days there to experience everything without feeling rushed.

One of our favorite road trip hacks for this drive is making a single stop in St. James, Minnesota, almost halfway to Omaha. There's a newly remodeled McDonald's with a large indoor PlayPlace, and it's become our go-to stopping point. The kids can burn off some energy, everyone gets a quick meal, and we all get back on the road feeling refreshed. It's amazing what an hour of climbing and running around can do for the second half of the drive!

Other family favorites in Omaha include:

• Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

• The RiverFront

• Old Market

• Omaha Children's Museum

• Lauritzen Gardens

4. Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota (1.5 Hours)

Perfect for: Quick weekend adventures

You don't need a full week off to make memories. The Twin Cities are packed with family-friendly attractions.

Highlights include:

• Mall of America + Nickelodeon Universe + Sea Life

• Minnesota Zoo (our favorite)

• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

• Science Museum of Minnesota

5. Mackinac Island, Michigan (8–9 Hours)

Perfect for: Families looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure

Mackinac Island is one of those places that feels like stepping back in time. With no cars, horse-drawn carriages, bike rentals, and famous fudge shops, it's a destination that's fun for both kids and adults.

Rather than making the drive in one day, our family likes to turn the journey into part of the vacation. We usually stop in Minocqua to visit Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari, then spend a night in Munising to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The sunset lake cruise is our favorite way to view the lakeshore safely with young kids versus hiking. Our favorite place to stay is the AmericInn by Wyndham Munising thanks to its fantastic pool (a huge hit with our kids!) and complimentary breakfast. Before heading to Mackinac, we also love stopping at Oswald's Bear Ranch, where you can see rescued black bears up close.

Don't miss:

• Mackinac Island

• Fort Mackinac

• Arch Rock

• Bike the island

• Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

• Oswald's Bear Ranch

  
  

Mom Tip: Breaking this trip into two days makes the drive much more enjoyable with young kids and lets you experience several incredible destinations along the way instead of rushing straight to Mackinac.

6. Branson, Missouri (10 Hours)

Perfect for: Families, holiday getaways, and multi-generational trips

Branson completely exceeded our expectations and has quickly become one of our favorite family road trip destinations. Our favorite place to stay is Still Waters Resort, which offers spacious accommodations, multiple pools, lake access, and plenty of activities for families.

If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss the Polar Express Train Ride—it was one of the most magical experiences we've had as a family and is absolutely worth planning your trip around. We also loved exploring the Dinosaur Museum, cheering along at Dolly Parton's Stampede, and spending a day at Silver Dollar City, especially during the holidays when the park transforms with millions of lights and an incredible Christmas parade.

Don't miss:

• Silver Dollar City / Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas

• Polar Express Train Ride

• Dolly Parton's Stampede

• Dinosaur Museum

• Table Rock Lake

• Celebrity Car Museum

• Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail

  
  

Mom Tip: If you can, plan your visit between early November and late December. Branson goes all out for Christmas, and between the festive lights, holiday shows, Silver Dollar City's Christmas celebration, and the Polar Express, it feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. It's become one of our favorite holiday destinations for making family memories.

7. Door County, Wisconsin (5 Hours)

Perfect for: Slow-paced family vacations

Door County is one of Wisconsin's most iconic family destinations, offering everything from sandy beaches and state parks to charming waterfront towns and local restaurants. It's the perfect place to slow down, unplug, and spend quality time together.

If you're traveling with younger kids, spend an afternoon at The Farm, where children can feed goats, chicks, and other friendly farm animals, or stop by Seaquist Orchards during apple and cherry season for fresh treats and family fun.

Family favorites include:

• Peninsula State Park

• Cave Point County Park

• Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor

• Door County Creamery

• Cana Island Lighthouse

8. Chicago, Illinois (5.5 Hours)

Perfect for: First big-city vacations, weekend getaways, and families who love museums and attractions

Chicago is one of the easiest big-city road trips from Wisconsin and has enough to keep families busy for an entire week if you want it to. Between world-class museums, lakefront views, and iconic attractions, it’s a destination that works well for a wide range of ages.

We love starting with the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, both located right along the lakefront and easy to pair together. Navy Pier is another family favorite, offering rides, food, boat tours, and seasonal events right on Lake Michigan. For a more relaxed day, Lincoln Park Zoo is completely free and perfect for younger kids, while the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-do for hands-on learning and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.

Don't miss:

• Shedd Aquarium

• Field Museum

• Navy Pier

• Lincoln Park Zoo

• Museum of Science and Industry

• Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)

• Chicago Riverwalk

9. Nashville, Tennessee (11-12 Hours)

Perfect for: Families with older kids

Yes, Nashville is known for country music, but it's also a surprisingly family-friendly destination. It’s one of those cities that feels lively and exciting while still offering plenty for kids to enjoy beyond the music scene.

Don't miss:

• Nashville Zoo

• Adventure Science Center

• Broadway (daytime stroll)

• Centennial Park & Parthenon

• Grand Ole Opry

• Johnny Cash Museum (older kids/teens)

• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Mom Tip: Nashville is best for families with a little more stamina for travel days and walking.

10. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan (8 Hours)

Perfect for: Outdoor families

If you love hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, or boat tours, this destination belongs on your bucket list.

Pair it with:

• Munising

• Kitch-iti-kipi

• Mackinac Island

• Tahquamenon Falls

• Sault Slt Marie, Ontario, Canada

11. Kansas City, Missouri (9 Hours)

Perfect for: Foodie families, sports lovers, and hands-on learning experiences

Kansas City is one of those destinations that offers a little bit of everything—amazing food, interactive attractions, and plenty of family-friendly activities that make it an easy Midwest road trip from Wisconsin.

Families love the Kansas City Zoo, which is large enough to spend a full day exploring and offers a wide variety of animal exhibits. For something more interactive, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a hit with younger kids, featuring rides, play zones, and building areas designed for hands-on fun.

Another great stop is Science City, located inside Union Station, where kids can explore interactive science exhibits in a fun, indoor setting. For a more meaningful and educational experience, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers impressive exhibits and skyline views that older kids and teens can appreciate.

Don't miss:

• Kansas City Zoo

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center

• Science City (Union Station)

• National WWI Museum and Memorial

• Crown Center

• Union Station

12. Indianapolis, Indiana (8.5 Hours)

Perfect for: Active kids, museum lovers, and hands-on learning experiences

Indianapolis is one of the most underrated family road trip destinations in the Midwest, and it’s especially perfect for kids who love to stay busy and explore.

The standout attraction is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which is the largest children’s museum in the world and absolutely worth the drive on its own. It’s interactive, engaging, and designed so kids of all ages can find something exciting to explore for hours.

The Indianapolis Zoo is another great stop, offering a mix of animals, aquariums, and botanical gardens in one easy-to-navigate location. For a slower-paced afternoon, White River State Park is perfect for walking, biking, or just letting kids run around and reset between activities.

Don't miss:

• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

• Indianapolis Zoo

• White River State Park

• Canal Walk

• Indiana State Museum

• Downtown Indianapolis

13. St. Louis, Missouri (9 Hours)

Perfect for: Budget-friendly family vacations, first-time big city trips, and museum lovers

Many of St. Louis' best attractions are completely free. Start with the iconic Gateway Arch, where you can ride to the top for sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline. Families also love spending time in Forest Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country and home to multiple free attractions all in one place.

One of the biggest highlights for families is the St. Louis Zoo, consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country—and completely free to enter. For something a little more unique, the City Museum feels like a giant indoor playground made from repurposed architecture, tunnels, slides, and climbing structures that kids absolutely love.

Favorites:

• Gateway Arch

• St. Louis Zoo

• Forest Park

• City Museum

14. Badlands & Black Hills, South Dakota (10-11 Hours)

Perfect for: Adventure-seeking families, national park lovers, and bucket-list road trips

This is one of the most unforgettable road trips you can take from Wisconsin. The landscapes change dramatically as you head west, and it truly feels like stepping into a different world once you reach South Dakota.

No trip here is complete without seeing Mount Rushmore, but what makes this area so special is everything surrounding it. Drive the winding Needles Highway, watch bison roam freely in Custer State Park, and take time to visit the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial, which continues to evolve over time.

Stops include:

• Mount Rushmore

• Custer State Park

• Needles Highway

• Crazy Horse Memorial

• Badlands National Park

• Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)

15. Louisville, Kentucky (8–9 Hours)

Perfect for: Families looking for a fun mix of city attractions, science, and unique experiences

Louisville is one of those destinations that surprises a lot of families in the best way. It’s an easy road trip from Wisconsin and offers a great mix of hands-on attractions, outdoor spaces, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Kids love the Louisville Zoo, and it’s a great first stop thanks to its easy layout and wide variety of animals. The Louisville Science Center is another must-do, with interactive exhibits that are perfect for burning off energy after a travel day. For something truly unique, the Louisville Mega Cavern offers underground zip lines, tram tours, and adventure courses that feel completely different from anything else in the Midwest.

No trip to Louisville would be complete without a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where families can see how baseball bats are made and snap a photo with the giant bat outside; an easy, fun stop even for non-baseball fans. For a bit of history and tradition, Churchill Downs is another iconic landmark where you can learn about the famous Kentucky Derby and the city’s horse racing heritage.

Downtown Louisville is also very walkable, especially along Waterfront Park and the Big Four Bridge, making it a great place to slow down, grab a meal, and enjoy the river views between activities.

Don't miss:

• Louisville Zoo

• Louisville Science Center

• Louisville Mega Cavern

• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

• Churchill Downs

• Waterfront Park

• Big Four Bridge

• Muhammad Ali Center

Mom Tip: Louisville is best enjoyed as a 2–3 night stop. We like to plan one big attraction per day and leave plenty of downtime in between. It keeps the trip fun and flexible for kids, especially after a long drive.

Why I Believe Road Trips Matter

As both a travel advisor and a mom, I know family vacations aren't always picture-perfect.

There will be snack explosions, bathroom stops five minutes after you leave, forgotten stuffed animals, and someone asking, "Are we there yet?" before you've even hit the highway.

But there will also be memories that last forever.

Travel teaches children confidence, curiosity, flexibility, and appreciation for the world around them. It gives families uninterrupted time together away from homework, practices, and everyday routines. Those experiences become the stories your kids will tell years from now.

You don't have to fly across the country to make meaningful memories. Sometimes all it takes is a full tank of gas and a destination worth exploring.

If you're planning your next family getaway whether it's a Midwest road trip, a Disney vacation, a cruise, or an all-inclusive resort, I'd love to help you create an itinerary that fits your family's travel style and budget - because the best family memories begin long before you reach your destination.