To make the most out of a road trip, planning is essential. We’ve compiled some hidden gems and must-see destinations to help you plan your Milwaukee to Oxford trip, giving you plenty of popular attractions to enjoy with friends and family.
Plan Your Extended Getaway with These 5 Activities
1. Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Found about halfway between Milwaukee and Oxford, the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptional stop for your road trip, specifically for any outdoor enthusiasts. Commonly referred to as the “Everglades of the North,” the property includes the northern 33,000 acres of the Horicon Marsh, and some of the top activities in the area involve:
- Birdwatching – This portion of Wisconsin has over 300 bird species, making it a critical stop for bird lovers. The best times to visit if you’re looking to catch birds during migration season include mid-April to mid-May, as well as mid-September through October.
- Hiking – The Horicon Marsh has over 10 miles of hiking trails. Along with this, its Egret Trail has a 1,400-foot floating boardwalk, allowing you to be surrounded by marsh for a more in-depth view of wildlife.
2. Concord Zoo
The Concord Zoo is a great destination to stop by as you’re making your way from Milwaukee to Oxford. Located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, right behind the Concord General Store off I-94, the petting zoo serves as a sanctuary to approximately 30 animals.
Just some of the animals included at the Concord Zoo include:
Looking to stop by? If so, the petting zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admissionis free. It’s important to note that the visitor capacity is kept to 20 peopleat a time to ensure the safety of both animals and guests.
3.Devil’s Lake State Park
Known as Wisconsin’s largest and most visited state park, Devil’s Lake is located in Baraboo, approximately 40 miles south of Oxford. The area is famous for its 500-foot-tall quartzite bluffs, which are steep, high cliffs that are created from very hard metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone. These are some of the oldest rock formations in North America.
Additionally, Devil’s Lake State Park also includes a 360-acre lake that was formed by glacial activity about 15,000 years ago. Along with its rich history and scenic beauty, the state park provides a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
- 29 miles of hiking trails, including those along the West Bluff and the East Bluff
- Views of iconic rock formations, such as Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway
- Two large beaches along the north and south shores, both popular areas for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- 1,600 rock climbing routes established in the quartzite cliffs
4. Circus World Museum
Also in the Baraboo area, directly south of Oxford, the Circus World Museum is located on the site of the original Ringling Bros. winter headquarters. Spanning over 64 acres, the property houses plenty of historic circus artifacts, including the largest collection of authentic, wood-carved circus parade wagons. This includes over 260 vehicles in the current inventory.
The Circus World Museum also features seven original Ringling Bros. structures that people can tour, including the C.P. Wagon Restoration Center, animal barns, and more. For more information about the performance schedule and pricing, feel free to visit Circus World’s website.
Outside of the museum itself, the Ringling family’s influence can be found throughout the town of Baraboo, including at the following establishments:
5. Fawn Creek Winery
If you’ve been searching for an immersive experience that incorporates a delicious wine selection, live music, and an outdoor, pet-friendly atmosphere, Fawn Creek Winery is a great stop for your trip. The business is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Oxford and includes plenty of great options for your crew, including:
- Fruit-flavored wine offerings – FawnCreek Winery has many fruit-flavored wine options to choose from, including Razz Prairie, Granny’s Gold, and Just Peachy. Along with that, for just a $10 fee, visitors can sample 12 and 15 wines, as well as two wine slushies.
- Snackable food menu – Rather than a full-service dining offering, their menu focuses more on shareable snacks customers. Some of the fan favorites include the “Big Buck’n Pretzel,” crackers and cream cheese spreads, and even regular and gluten-free pizza options.
- Activities on the property – Visitors to Fawn Creek can enjoy numerous activities within the 36 acres of maple and pine forests of the property. These include playing nine-hole disc golf, cornhole, and even oversized checkers.
- Live music venue – As a multiyear winner of the WAMI People’s Choice Award for Best Live Music Venue, Fawn Creek boasts wonderful outdoor shows for music lovers. Performances occur every weekend, either on the property’s outdoor stage or in the heated pavilion.
3 Quirky Roadside Attractions to Visit During Your Trip
Wanting to visit some unique roadside stops on your way to Oxford? If so, check out the following:
- Pinkie the Pink Elephant – Located at a Shell gas station in DeForest, Pinkie is a pink elephant statue that has been a notable tourist trap photo op since the 1960s.
- New Berlin Easter Island Head – Serving as a fun detour for family photos or selfies, this Easter Island head is found in New Berlin, just outside the city of Milwaukee.
- The Bronze Fonz – Fans of the television show Happy Days will love the statue of Henry Winkler’s character located along the Milwaukee River Walk.
Stay at Emrick Lake Campground, Your Go-To Destination Near Oxford, Wisconsin
Wrap up the perfect road trip from Milwaukee to Oxford with a visit to Emrick Lake Campground and Resort! Offering a plethora of amenities for those looking for an immersive camping experience, our campsite includes plenty of elevated features to enjoy, including:
So, whether you’re planning a trip for a weekend or an extended stay, know that we’re able to provide everything you’re looking for, being a fun and relaxing destination for you and your family.
Book Your Getaway at Emrick Lake
If you have any questions about our seasonal campsites or want to schedule your next stay with us, please reach out to our team today. We look forward to hearing from you!
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