6 Ideas for a Girls’ Getaway in Wisconsin

Call all the ladies out! If you’re anything like me, an annual trip with the girls isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s downright essential in order to de-stress and unwind from life. Here’s my round-up of some great ideas and destinations throughout Wisconsin perfect for a fun girls’ getaway. All you need to do is round up the girls!
1.       Hit the beach
Pack some sandwiches, magazines and a few fun games and hit up one of Wisconsin’s gorgeous Great Lakes Beaches. A few of my favorites are: Madeline Island’s Big Bay Town Park Beach, Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach, Superior’s Wisconsin Point, Racine’s North Beach and Baraboo’s Devil’s Lake State Park. There’s plenty of opportunity at each of these destinations to leave the beach for a bit and explore the surrounding trails, parks and views, too. (Don’t forget the lemonade mix!)

2.       Wine and dine
While we’re on the topic of cool refreshments, keep in mind Wisconsin’s wine scene has expanded like crazy over the last few years. There’s Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac, Three Lakes Winery in Three Lakes and White Winter Winery in Iron River among dozens of others. If your girls prefer a stout on tap over a glass of dry red, head to New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls or Sprecher Brewery in Glendale. For a complete list of wineries around the state, visit the Wisconsin Wineries Association’s website here.
3.       Take up retail therapy
A time-honored past-time among females everywhere, a shopping trip is the ultimate way to spend some quality time with your best gal pals. Experience great shopping at Fox River Mall in Appleton (Wisconsin’s largest mall!) or Bayshore Town Center in Glendale. For you bargain-hunting divas, check out Tanger Outlets in Wisconsin Dells, Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets in Pleasant Prairie or The Outlet Shoppes at Oshkosh. Prefer to buy local? Hit the road for a small town tour and discover eclectic shopping opportunities in any of Wisconsin’s downtown districts.
4.       Indulge in relaxation
If anyone understands the importance of R&R, it’s your girlfriends. Luxuriate in a deep tissue massage, river stone facial or an element bath at one of Wisconsin’s many award-winning venues such as Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells, Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club in Kohler, Grand Geneva WELL Spa + Salon in Lake Geneva or The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. These destinations are all about health and wellness since they’re experts in relaxing and replenishing the mind and body. Say it with me: aaahh.
5.       Chill with Mother Nature
Wisconsin is brimming with lakes, rivers, streams, forests and more all with their own menu of fun recreational opportunities. Relish it with your girlfriends in the Cable and Hayward area, Door County, Vilas County, Driftless Region and beyond. Try some high-adrenaline activities like zip-lining over Lost Canyon in the Dells or take an ATV tour through northwest Wisconsin (Tip: Washburn County’s new ATV Scenic Tour features 35 points of interest! Request a free guide here.) Or slow things down a bit and hike parts of the stunning 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, try Stand Up Paddleboarding (aka “SUP”) in Sheboygan or channel your inner zen with an outdoor yoga class at Crescent Beach in Algoma.
6.       Get schooled
Why not bond with your friends over a shared desire to learn French…or perfect one of those DIY Pinterest projects? C’est parti…There are some great cooking classes at Savory Spoon Cooking School in Door County and Sur la Table in Milwaukee; art classes at Alpaca Art Pottery Studio in Kenosha and Artful Escapes in Fitchburg (wine and art?! Yes, please!). Rather improve your athleticism? Take up sailing lessons at Geneva Lake Sailing School in Lake Geneva or Hoofer Sailing Club in Madison.

My girlfriends and I are constantly reminiscing memories made from past trips to places like Wausau and Door County. Because after all, girls just wanna have fun. We do have fun!
Now it’s your turn: If you have ideas or stories, share them in the comments below!
 
Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block.