As our first epic RV journey drew to a close, we decided to end on a high note. David’s mom flew into Green Bay, WI, where we rented an RV for her and booked a spot right next to ours at Scheffel’s Hideaway Campground. The rental process was smooth and straightforward. We met the family renting the RV outside their home, toured the unit, got a quick rundown on its features, reviewed return details, and were on our way in no time.

With everything set, we were ready to dive into a week of exploring the charming town of Two Rivers, WI. Here are some of the highlights:

Exploring Two Rivers: Must-See Attractions

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

The boys were thrilled to tour the submarine USS Cobia, descending into its cramped living quarters and even sitting in the driver’s seat of the artillery weapons on the top deck. It gave us a new appreciation for the spaciousness of our 300 sq. ft. RV!

The museum’s exhibits on maritime history were fascinating, but the real hit was the children’s room. The boys loved the large water play table, which demonstrated how waterways function, and the kid-sized tugboat for pretend play. We even learned about invasive Sea Lampreys. Seeing their suction-cup mouths with over 100 sharp teeth up close was both fascinating and a little creepy! These invasive species, originally from the Atlantic, have wreaked havoc in the Great Lakes, feeding on other fish and causing significant ecological damage.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve

This beautiful garden was a serene oasis. We strolled along the long boardwalk winding through wet grasslands and enjoyed the children’s area with stump chairs, a hammock, a rustic playhouse, and an observation tower. Watching the boys explore this nature-rich environment reminded me why nature centers are my go-to places when visiting a new area.

Rogers Street Fishing Village

David took the boys and Nana to this living museum, which felt like stepping back in time. The period buildings and artifacts brought history to life, making it a memorable experience.

Rawley Point Lighthouse

One of the best features of our campground was its direct access to a walking/biking path leading to Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area. I took a solo adventure along the path, which meandered through forests and ended at the beach. Reaching Rawley Point Lighthouse at sunset was a highlight—a peaceful moment during a busy week of travel and exploration.

Neshotah Park

We met some fellow full-time RV families at this park, which we nicknamed Ladybug Beach after noticing hundreds of ladybugs along the shoreline. It was a fun and unexpected discovery! The park also featured a great playground and even hosted a live music concert one evening, which made us think of David’s dad and how much he would have enjoyed the atmosphere.

Garden Therapy: A Green Thumb’s Delight

David’s mom and I share a love of gardens, so we made time to visit two stunning spots: West of the Lake Gardens and Green Bay Botanic Garden.

West of the Lake Gardens was beautifully manicured, though not particularly kid-friendly. When the boys started picking up stones, a volunteer kindly asked them to look but not touch. We took the hint, enjoyed the views, and moved on.
Green Bay Botanic Garden was much more family-oriented, with a massive children’s garden featuring a multi-story playground that the boys adored.

Milwaukee: A Day of Fun

After dropping Nana off at the Green Bay airport and returning the RV, we made our way south for a day trip to Milwaukee.

We explored a graffiti alley, enjoyed delicious bites at the public market, and strolled along the waterway. A stop at the Fonz statue brought smiles, and we briefly visited the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame. Though we didn’t pay for full admission, the entrance alone featured hundreds of bobbleheads on display and even a coloring area for kids.

Reflecting on Racine North Beach

Our final stop was Racine North Beach, just outside Racine, WI. We soaked up the last rays of summer sunshine, played in the sand, and reflected on what had been a truly epic nine-week adventure.

Lessons from the Road

This trip taught us so much about our love for exploring new places, meeting new people, and chasing better weather. But it also revealed challenges: missing community, the help of others with childcare, and the stability of a routine.

The constant planning, decision-making, and troubleshooting left us feeling exhausted. I was surprised by how burnt out I felt at the end of it all. We realized that for this lifestyle to be sustainable, we needed to make changes: prioritize community, stay in one place longer, and carve out more “me time” to recharge.

Wrapping Up Our First Big RV Adventure: A Week in Two Rivers, WI