An easy drive from Milwaukee, Washington County has a lot to offer—attractive landscapes, historical sites, dog-friendly parks, unique museums, family-friendly festivals, and a variety of restaurants, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend trip. 

Take in the gorgeous fall colors on a scenic drive throughout Washington County. 

Sports and Recreation

Washington County is a paradise for sports and outdoor enthusiasts with still some time for golf, featuring fantastic golf courses such as Erin Hills, Kettle Hills, West Bend Lakes and Washington County golf courses. There are more than 1,200 acres of wooded trails, lakes and ponds, and dog parks. 

Visitors can enjoy year-round outdoor activities including biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. 

Museums and Historical Sites

The Museum of Wisconsin Art collects and exhibits contemporary and historical art from the state of Wisconsin. wisconsinart.org 

Wisconsin Auto Museum in Hartford features an ever-changing display of classic and vintage autos and artifacts. wisconsinautomuseum.com

Visit the Dheinsville Settlement in Germantown, where you will experience the historic buildings that include furnishings from the area’s original German settlers. The Bast Bell Museum houses more than 5,000 unique bells. germantownhistoricalsociety.org.

Take a journey into Richfield’s past at the Richfield Historical Nature Park, a preserved site paying tribute to the industry of one of Wisconsin’s friendliest small towns, which includes an 1870s grist mill and a farmhouse built in the early 1900s. Take in the fall colors while walking the beautiful park grounds. richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

In Slinger, tour the Edward H. Wolf Schleisingerville to Slinger Historical Museum, a local history resource for the Village of Slinger. The museum is located in the historic 1911 Union Depot and consists of 2,500 sq ft of displays and artifacts of local history. slingermuseum.org

Also, plan to visit the community’s quaint downtown area. At the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill, you can experience the Scenic Tower that stretches 192 feet (178 stairs) from its base to the tip of its spire. holyhill.com

Farmers Markets

Through October, purchase locally grown produce, homemade goods and more at the farmers markets in Hartford and Germantown, open Saturdays 8am-noon and the West Bend Farmers Market, open from 7:30-11am. On Thursdays visit the Kewaskum Farmers Market from 2-6pm. germantownwi.gov/373/Farmers-Market, hartfordchamber.org,  Westbendfarmersmarket.com and facebook.com/kewaskumfarmersmarket

Nature and Wildlife

Located in the middle of Washington County, Jackson offers plenty of natural beauty. Go birding and watch for wildlife at the Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area, a 2,600-acre property with a variety of terrains and habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, woodlots, streams and small ponds. 

When visiting Hartford, which offers easy access to the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest trails where you can enjoy the beauty of the fall colors, experience a 360-degree view at the top of the Powder Hill Observation Tower. 

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail takes you through various charming communities throughout the county from Slinger to Kewaskum. Visit the communities’ quaint downtown areas with shops and restaurants. 

Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and more.

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Pink Pumpkin Fest: Oct. 7, 8am-2pm
In Downtown Hartford
Pink Pumpkin Run, food vendors, crafters and deals at local downtown businesses. hartfordchamber.org

Autumn Acoustics: Oct. 7, 12-6pm
Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Hwy Y, Newburg
Celebrate fall and its glorious colors with a diverse lineup of music, local art vendors, and arts and crafts for children. Purchase food and beverages from local food trucks. Riveredgenaturecenter.org 

5K Run/Walk Family Glo Run: Oct. 20
Jackson Community Center, N165 W20330, Hickory Lane, Jackson
Featuring glo stations along the 5k route. Walk or run and after the run enjoy the after glo party with live music, and the beer garden.  jacksonparkrec.recdesk.com