Cedarburg is a historic small town about 25 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, and it is the easiest day trip from the city if you want a change of pace. Its best-known sight is Covered Bridge Park, at 1700 Cedar Creek Road, which Travel Wisconsin describes as home to one of the last original wooden covered bridges in Wisconsin. The park is good for picnics, fishing and launching a canoe, and it is a scenic spot for photographs. The town itself has a compact historic center with boutiques, cafes and galleries, and the area around the bridge has several places to explore. Travel Wisconsin lists wineries including Cedar Creek Winery and Chiselled Grape Winery, the Fermentorium taproom, and shopping and cultural stops such as Cedar Creek Settlement, the Amish Craftsmen Guild and The European Cottage. Dining options named there include Toast Cedarburg, Wayne's Drive-In, Maxwell's, Anvil Pub and Grille and Cream and Crepe Cafe. Visitors should treat it as a slow half-day, with time for a walk, a meal and a tasting, rather than a rushed photo stop.
Planning the day
A car is the easiest way to get to Cedarburg, which is about 25 minutes from Milwaukee, and the town is walkable once you arrive. Start at Covered Bridge Park in the morning, then walk or drive into the center for shops and lunch, and finish with a winery or taproom stop. The bridge park lists no hours, fees or seasonal details on the Travel Wisconsin page, so call ahead if you have specific needs.
Seasons
Summer is the easiest season, with long days and open patios, and autumn brings color along the creek. Cedarburg is also known for festivals through the year, so check the town's calendar if you want to catch one, but expect crowds and parking pressure on festival weekends. Winter is quiet and cozy, with fewer shops open late. Bring fishing gear or a canoe if you plan to use the water at the park.
Tips
For a longer stay, Travel Wisconsin names lodging such as Stagecoach Inn Bed and Breakfast and the Washington House Inn in Cedarburg, plus several hotels in nearby Grafton. Wine and beer tasting means arranging a driver or ride-share, so plan transport before you start. Cedarburg is a good choice for couples and for travelers who have already seen the major Milwaukee sights, and it fits well after a morning at the Basilica or a lakefront walk the day before. Check opening days of shops, because many small businesses close on certain weekdays.
Is it worth it? For travelers who want a calm break from the city, yes, as long as you enjoy small-town browsing, wine and a slow pace. The drawbacks are that you need a car, that shops keep their own hours and that festival weekends bring crowds. Visitors who prefer big sights may find it modest. It works best as an afternoon trip for couples or friends, perhaps combined with a stop at a winery or taproom, and it is easy to fit into a trip that has already covered the major museums and breweries.
Because small shops often close earlier than city stores, aim to arrive by late morning, and leave time on the way back for the lakefront or an early evening in the Third Ward.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided day in a historic town with a covered bridge, shops, wineries and a taproom.
Best time
A summer or autumn day; check festival dates.
How long
Half a day, including the drive.
Tips
Drive, plan a designated driver for tastings and call ahead about park details.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and history lovers wanting a calm day out of the city.
- Families
- Open park space and picnics suit children.
- Couples
- A romantic small-town afternoon with wine and shopping.
- Pair with
- Lake Park and a lakefront walk, or the Milwaukee Public Market on the return.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How far is Cedarburg from Milwaukee?+
About 25 minutes by car from downtown Milwaukee.
What is the covered bridge?+
Covered Bridge Park is home to one of the last original wooden covered bridges in Wisconsin.
What can I do in the park?+
Picnic, fish and launch a canoe.
Are there wineries?+
Travel Wisconsin lists Cedar Creek Winery and Chiselled Grape Winery nearby, plus a taproom called the Fermentorium.
Can I stay overnight?+
Yes. There are bed and breakfasts in Cedarburg and several hotels in nearby Grafton.
