Driving the Kettle Moraine

West Bend is lucky enough to call the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest home. And there’s no better time of year to explore this scenic, natural gem than fall. Just hop in the car and follow the green acorn signs on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive!

The entire drive runs from Whitewater Lake in Walworth County and goes north to Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. In total, it’s 115 miles, but you’ll find West Bend at the start of the upper third, about a 45-minute drive from the northern end. Start or end your road trip adventure in West Bend at one of our great hotels and motels!

Holy Hill is perhaps the most famous stop along the drive in Washington County. The basilica stands atop an enormous hill and is visible from miles away. Make the pilgrimage up the scenic tower and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the area’s fall foliage.

Take note of not only the beautiful color along your drive (we know, it’s hard to look at anything else!) but also the geological features left behind in this area after glaciers passed through between 100,000 and 10,000 years ago – moraines, drumlins, kames and eskers and the resulting lakes, bogs and wetlands.

Find driving directions and more information here.