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Round trip from Rolla

“A 3-day nature and photography loop from Rolla through Wisconsin”

3days
1,729 kmDistance
8stops
$1,125Est. cost
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  • ~16h 54m driving
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Rolla → Springfield
325 km3h 4mDepart 07:20
Start
Rolla, MO, USA
Drive 350 km in ~3h 20min via I-44 E and I-55 N from Rolla 325 km3h 4m
1
Food4.3Springfield, United States

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery

10:40–11:3050m here$60

Relaxed lunch in a historic mansion near the Illinois State Capitol

A sociable lunch break for friends; use the spacious rear lot and try the horseshoe sandwich.

Day 2

Springfield → Madison
658 km7h 1mDepart 07:40
Check out, then drive 470 km in ~4h 30min via I-41 N and WI-33 W from Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown 470 km4h 30m
2
Activity4.8Horicon, United States

Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center

08:55–10:552h here

Wetland trails and observation areas rich in migratory birds

Prime wildlife viewing for friends in early fall; bring binoculars and walk the Palmatory Street overlook trails.
Drive 65 km in ~55min via WI-28 W, US-151 N and WI-23 W from Horicon Marsh 72 km56m
3
Attraction4.0Green Lake, United States

Green Lake

11:50–12:3545m here

Required Wisconsin anchor with clear water and scenic shoreline views

Fulfills the Wisconsin visit with lakeside photography; use Deacon Mills Park for easy shore access.
Walk 0.4 km in ~5min from Green Lake at Deacon Mills Park 100 m1m
4
Food4.5Green Lake, United States

Little Corporal Restaurant

12:40–13:3555m here$55

Casual local café serving classic breakfasts and lunches

An affordable group lunch beside the required anchor; verify Friday hours and try a daily special.
Drive 120 km in ~1h 35min via WI-23 E and US-151 S from Green Lake 109 km1h 17m
5
Attraction4.8Madison, United States

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

15:10–16:251h 15m here$18

Photogenic outdoor gardens with prairie plants and a Thai pavilion

Seasonal blooms offer relaxed group photography; park in the free surface lot and visit the Thai Pavilion.
Drive 6 km in ~15min via Atwood Avenue from Olbrich Botanical Gardens 5 km12m
6
Attraction4.8Madison, United States

Wisconsin State Capitol

16:40–17:3555m here

Grand domed capitol surrounded by a lively central square

The dome and square provide strong architectural shots; check interior access times before arrival.
Walk 0.2 km in ~3min from Wisconsin State Capitol 200 m1m
7
Food4.5Madison, United States

The Old Fashioned

17:40–18:551h 15m here$95

Popular tavern celebrating Wisconsin dishes and supper-club flavors

A lively Wisconsin meal suited to friends; join the waitlist early and share cheese curds.
Walk 0.8 km in ~10min from The Old Fashioned 900 m4m
8
Overnight4.4Madison, United States

Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown

19:05–07:0512h here$190

Modern downtown hotel within walking distance of Capitol Square

Comfortable group base near the square; reserve an SUV-sized parking space before arrival.

Day 3

Madison → Rolla
746 km6h 49mDepart 07:05
Finish
Rolla, MO, USA

Before you go

Local tips

  • 1Photograph Horicon Marsh before midday, when birds are active and light is softer.
  • 2Reserve Milwaukee Art Museum admission and the Mark Twain Cave tour before Labor Day weekend.
  • 3Fill the SUV before leaving Madison; the long US-61 return has fewer convenient choices than interstate legs.
  • 4Use surface lots or confirm garage clearance in Milwaukee and Madison before entering with the SUV.
  • 5Check Milwaukee Public Market and Green Lake café holiday-weekend hours shortly before departure.

Good to know

  • 1Milwaukee and Madison garages can have tight ramps or limited clearance for larger SUVs.
  • 2Labor Day weekend traffic may slow I-94 near Milwaukee and US-151 around Madison.
  • 3Wisconsin and Missouri require wildlife viewers to stay off closed habitat areas and marked restoration zones.
  • 4Early September can bring heat, thunderstorms, mosquitoes, and muddy wetland trails.
  • 5The loop uses urban toll-road alternatives near Chicago; avoid I-294 if your navigation redirects there without toll planning.

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