Just 35 minutes from Milwaukee, Washington County boasts scenic landscapes, historical sites, dog-friendly parks, unique museums, shops, family-friendly festivals, theaters, a variety of restaurants and more, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend trip.  

Sports and Recreation

Golfers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities in Washington County. It Features fantastic courses such as Erin Hills, Kettle Hills, West Bend Lakes and Washington County golf courses..

The county boasts over 1,200 acres of scenic wooded trails, along with serene lakes, and ponds—ideal for exploring and savoring the breathtaking beauty of fall in nature.

Museums and Historical Sites

A West Bend cultural icon, the Museum of Wisconsin Art collects and exhibits a variety of works created by Wisconsin artists and features annual community events such as Art in Bloom and the summer Art & Chalk Festival, workshops, and more. wisconsinart.org

View an ever-changing display of classic and vintage automobiles and artifacts at The Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. Wisconsinautomuseum.com

Next door to the Auto Museum is the Schauer Arts Center, a hub of culture and history. Originally a canning factory built in 1912, the building has been transformed into a non-profit regional arts center where you can enjoy events, performances, and classes. Schauercenter.org

The Dheinsville Settlement in Germantown consists of well-preserved historic buildings that include furnishings from the area’s original German settlers. The intriguing Bast Bell Museum showcases more than 5,000 unique bells. germantownhistoricalsociety.org

The Richfield Historical and Nature Park is home to many restored historic buildings which include an 1870s grist mill and a farmhouse built in the early 1900s. Take a stroll through the site’s picturesque park grounds. richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

Tour the Edward H. Wolf Schleisingerville to Slinger Historical Museum, a local history resource for the Village of Slinger, housed in the historic 1911 Union Depot. With 2,500 sq ft of displays and artifacts, the museum showcases the community’s vibrant past. slingermuseum.org

Visit the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill in Hubertus. Climb the Scenic Tower that stretches 192 feet (178 stairs) from its base to the tip of its spire and experience an awe-inspiring view of the countryside. holyhill.com

Farmers Markets

On Saturdays through October, purchase locally grown produce, homemade goods and more at the farmers markets in Hartford and Germantown, 8am-noon, West Bend, 7:30-11am, and Richfield, 10am-2pm.
germantownwi.gov/373/Farmers-Market
hartfordchamber.org
Westbendfarmersmarket.com
richfieldfarmersmarket.com

Nature and Wildlife

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

Hartford offers easy access to the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s scenic trails. Get a 360-degree view  from the top of the Powder Hill Observation Tower. 

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, including the Loew Lake and Pike Lake units, and to Holy Hill. It takes visitors through communities from Slinger to West Bend, and Kewaskum. Visitors are encouraged to explore the vibrant downtown areas, featuring unique shops, local restaurants, and more.

Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking and paddle sports throughout the county. www.washcowisco.gov/departments/natural_resources/parks___trails

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OCTOBER EVENTS

Oct. 5, 9am-4pm
Blacksmith Day/Hammer-In
Richfield Historical Nature Park 
1896 State Hwy 164, Richfield. 
Blacksmith demonstrations, daily activities of pioneer life, unique craft items, children’s activities and food. Free admission.

Oct. 12, 10am-4pm
Harvest the Arts Festival 
Main Street Downtown Hartford
Shop artists & crafters, live music throughout, enjoy food, beverages by Aspen Sky, children’s art center, and live STEAMROLLER ART! hartfordareachamber.org

Oct. 18, 5:30-9pm
Jackson Fall Festival of Fun
Glo Run/Walk, Ghoul Gala 
and Beer Garden
Jackson Community Center, 
N165 W20330 Hickory Ln. Jackson
Start with a 5k glo run/walk. Play games and dance at the Ghoul Gala, then enjoy food, live music, a black light dance party and the beer garden. jacksonparkrec.recdesk.com