southeast wi tourist attractions

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

11 Charming Small Towns To Visit In Southern Wisconsin

MarynaG / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

Southern Wisconsin has not only big, bustling cities like Milwaukee and Madison, but also many charming small towns with interesting things to do. Some have strong connections to their founders’ culture, while others are filled with natural features and historical attractions.

Whether you’re interested in a quick visit or a fun place to linger, these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin have lots to enjoy. From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore.

Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

From the first sip of morning joe at Blue Collar Coffee Co. , Beloit charms visitors with its casual approach. The downtown core is stuffed with things to see, do, and eat. The vibe is fun and eclectic, never stuffy, even when upscale. Globally inspired tacos at Truk’t are delicious, as are the over 100 tequilas and whiskeys available from the bar. Swanky dinner at Merrill and Houston’s Steak Joint comes with a river view. The beer scene swings with the Beloit Beer Trail , where you can meander as you’d like, trying many local craft brews along the way. Bushel and Peck’s is a unique one-stop-shop that includes a market and cafe as well as apparel, books, soaps, specialty food products, and more. The Beloit International Film Festival and notable museums like the Logan Museum of Anthropology and the Wright Museum of Art ensure there’s always something interesting in this lively, compact place.

2. Janesville

The parks are some of the most outstanding features of Janesville . In fact, with over 2,500 acres of land and nature trails, Janesville makes the most of its green space. The beautiful Rotary Botanical Gardens and Riverside Park are among the most popular spots. History and architecture buffs will want to explore Janesville’s many historic districts filled with gorgeous buildings and unique stories. For some adult beverages, Fermenting Cellars Winery and Gray’s Brewing Company are great options. Shops like The Glass Garden and several consignment and thrift shops filled with hidden treasures are a shopper’s delight.

3. Stoughton

We first discovered the humorous side of Norwegian culture when we stopped into the Nauti Norske in Stoughton for lunch one day. It was quite relaxing to sit outside and watch the Yahara River gently flow by. The huge list of cocktails and adult beverages relaxed us even further. We managed to get up eventually and explore this utterly charming town that honors its Norwegian roots. Livsreise , the Norwegian Heritage Center, tells the story of Norwegian immigration to the Midwest between 1825 and 1910. Stoughton has lots of cute little shops with Norwegian goods such as the Nordic Nook a few blocks down the street from Livsreise. Fosdal Home Bakery makes wonderful rye bread, donuts, and Norwegian specialties perfect for taking home.

4. New Glarus

The village of New Glarus is bursting with Swiss culture. The adorable town features some buildings with traditional Alpine design, including flower boxes, lots of shops, and restaurants to enjoy. For Swiss cuisine, check out the cozy Glarner Stube . It feels like dining at a chalet in the Alps. Beer lovers will enjoy New Glarus Brewing Company , creator of the Wisconsin favorite Spotted Cow and other great brews. They have a gift shop, a beer garden, and a museum. From time to time, musicians hold brief concerts on their long Alpine horns. The Swiss Historical Village and Museum and the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum are fun to explore. Of course, no visit would be complete without indulging in the most famous Swiss edibles — cheese and chocolate. Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus makes it easy by offering both delicacies in one delicious spot.

5. Middleton

For a diverse small town with lots to do, Middleton is a great choice. Plenty of parks offer recreation options. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy has plenty of trails for great bird-watching and exploring. Something you won’t find anywhere else is the National Mustard Museum , with some 6,000 different mustards from all around the world. It’s a fun place to wander through, learn about this yummy condiment, and even purchase something unique to take home. The award-winning Capital Brewery resides here, and downtown Middleton is full of great food, too. One of our favorite spots is the Hubbard Avenue Diner, filled with diner classics and unforgettable pie. Longtable Beer Cafe is a great spot for handcrafted food and beer and has a bottle shop where you can buy craft brews to take home. Hurts Donut makes jumbo donuts in crazy flavors to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

6. Mount Horeb

The residents of Mount Horeb have a special affinity for trolls, turning their charming small town into the Troll Capital of the World. If you fancy a troll stroll , you can look for these carved wood mythical creatures at some two dozen locations. Grab a bite at the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub or one of many other great dining spots. Tyrol Basin has fun winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and scenic chair lift rides. Artisan shops display unique items like woodcrafts, handmade soaps, antiques, jewelry, and gifts. For some outdoor fun, Linstroth Valley View Farm specializes in fall produce. You have your pick of pumpkins, squash, potatoes, onions, carrots, and beautiful fall decorations like corn stalks, colorful mums, Indian corn, and decorative gourds.

Monroe is known as the Swiss Cheese Capital of the U.S. The National Historic Cheesemaking Center makes a fun place to visit, offering lots of history and information about the cheesemaking process. Then for some cheesy treats, head to Alp and Dell Cheese Store to check out their large selection of cheeses and other goods. If an immediate cheese and beer fix is needed, Baumgartner’s pub has great beer choices, a simple but tasty menu with lots of cheese items, and intriguing wall art featuring scenes of cheesemaking and a battle between wine bottles and beer steins. Cheese fans from all over gather in Monroe for the annual Green County Cheese Days celebration where cheesemakers compete and cheese lovers eat all kinds of cheese. Celebrated since 1914, Cheese Days has its own cheesy theme song and a mascot, Wedgie.

8. Blue Mounds

Blue Mounds is the perfect spot for a dose of natural beauty. Blue Mound State Park has gorgeous views from the highest point in Southern Wisconsin. Cave of the Mounds is an interesting natural limestone cave filled with unique mineral formations. For a chance to get up close to some pretty adorable animals, stop by Havens Petting Farm . They’ve got many friendly critters like alpaca, ponies, mini potbellied pigs, bunnies, mini donkeys, fainting goats, and more. This indoor-outdoor farm offers plenty of smiles, sometimes goat yoga, pony rides, and other fun activities. Leave your grown-up self-restraint at home and cuddle up with a bunch of kids (goats, that is).

9. Dodgeville

The charming town of Dodgeville rests serenely among rolling hills, lovely lakes, and rugged bluffs. Doby Stables provides great horseback riding on picturesque trails through the scenic Dodgeville landscape. You can explore Governor Dodge State Park by foot, horseback, bicycle, boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard in summer and snowmobile or skis in the winter. Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ is a local favorite eatery for slow-smoked meats, while Duke’s Brew Pub and Ale House is a lively spot with a great rotation of local microbrews. Visit Folklore Village to learn about folk arts and the cultural traditions so important to this town.

10. Mineral Point

Established by miners from Cornwall, England, the charming town of Mineral Point transports you with its historic architecture and stone houses. Shoppers delight in specialty retail boutiques, art studios, and galleries. The Mineral Point Railroad Museum offers a peek into the historic depot, built in 1856 from local materials, that became the oldest rail depot in Wisconsin. Other attractions include Pendarvis Historic Site with homes built in the 1840s and the Gundry House Museum , an expansive mansion with beautiful grounds. Cornwall’s spirit lives on in Mineral Point with gift shops like The Cornish Corner and The Mineral Point Collection . Taste delicious Cornish pasties at fun spots like Red Rooster Cafe and Walker House . Check out the annual Cornish Festival for a full array of food and entertainment.

11. Spring Green

Most people know Spring Green as the home of Taliesin , Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio, and school of architecture. And certainly, when visiting Spring Green, this 800-acre estate is a must-see. Another attraction is the unusual House on the Rock . Originally the owner’s dream retreat, the house has expanded into an ever-evolving collection of exotic and unusual items that fill themed rooms and outdoor gardens. Tower Hill State Park offers gorgeous river views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The Spring Green General Store is a special place where you can find curated gifts handcrafted by local artists and carefully prepared meals from the cafe. They host the incredibly popular BobFest (honoring Bob Dylan) and BeatleFest outdoor events that bring music fans together to celebrate the songs.

Wisconsin’s towns come in many shapes and sizes. Some of our very favorites are tiny but mighty. We hope that you’ll visit some of these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin if you have the chance.

Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel are the Co-Founders of Food Travelist . They travel the world and find the best food every destination has to offer. They've tried it all. From Michelin starred fine restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. They hope to bring the world just a bit closer together by sharing a meal and learning about different cultures and ourselves through food and drink. They are both Certified Culinary Travel Professionals and frequent authors of articles about food & travel.

6 Places to Put on Your Southeastern Wisconsin Bucket List

Location: N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon

Hours: Wildlife area open 24/7, Explorium open Mon. through Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: General admission $6, kids are free

The 33,000 acre Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country, where thousands of ducks and Canadian geese stop to rest during migration. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages two-thirds of the land, while the Wisconsin DNR manages the rest. You’ll find three visitor centers around Horicon Marsh, but the Explorium is a must-stop, especially if you’re visiting with kids. It’s a great starting point to watch waterfowl before your hike and a relaxing stopping place after to check out the climbable wooly mammoth replica.

Hike the Ice Age Trail at Kettle Moraine State Forest

Location: 20 segments of the trail run from Whitewater north to east of Campbellsport

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Price: Free for hikers, but you need a vehicle admission sticker for parking or a state trail pass for biking

The 1,000-mile Scenic Ice Age Trail winds through Wisconsin, following the terminus of the most recent glacier that existed in Wisconsin back in the Ice Age. Thousands of years later, you’ll still find picturesque glacial remnants along segments of the trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest . Mapped hikes range from one mile to more than 13 miles. Two of the trail’s most popular segments are the Whitewater Lake Segment, 4.6 miles of rolling hills with wooded moraines, kettles, and great views of Whitewater Lake, and the Parnell Segment, where you’ll find numerous glacial formations, including the world-famous Parnell Esker. 

Tap Into the History of Beer at Old World Wisconsin

Location: W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle

Hours: Weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through October, also open Wed. through Fri. from mid-June through August

Price: $18-$20, Wisconsin Historical Society members and kids are free

Wisconsin usually finds itself at the top of the list when it comes to alcohol consumption and production. Old World Wisconsin’s new Brewing Experience (which opened in 2022) is truly distinctive. Visitors learn about the history of brewing and how beer and spirits have become such an integral part of Wisconsin culture. Old World Wisconsin is continuing to expand the area to include a Biergarten, an authentic 1930s tavern, and a garden area that shows where beer ingredients are harvested.

Visit the Harley Davidson Museum

Location: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Price: $18-$22, kids and members are free

You don’t have to be a biker to check out one of Wisconsin’s coolest museums. Harley-Davidson has been building motorcycles in Milwaukee for more than a century and thousands visit from around the world every year to tour its headquarters. The Harley-Davidson Museum features two floors packed with exhibits and memorabilia, as well as a large campus with shopping and dining. For some extra fun, time your visit around a special event, like their annual July festival. You’ll find the history so captivating, you might decide to bring home a Harley!

Indulge in Authentic German Fare at Mader’s

Location: 1041 N. MLK Jr. Dr., Milwaukee

Hours: Mon. through Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Price: $10-$32 

Wisconsin is a land of German immigrants. And, there’s no better place to grab some authentic German food than at Milwaukee’s oldest restaurant— Mader’s . Not only can you connect with the state’s history, and maybe your family’s, too, through the antiques and memorabilia that adorns the restaurant, but you can snack on favorites like schnitzel, sausages, and strudel in this family-owned establishment that opened in 1902. 

Take a Selfie with the Bronze Fonz

Location: Milwaukee Riverwalk

Hours: 24/7

Price: FREE Long before Kelso, Forman, Fez, and the gang were hanging out in a Pleasant Prairie basement on That 70s Show , Arthur Fonzarelli, a.k.a. The Fonz, slid his way into the hearts of the Cunninghams, the Milwaukee family from Happy Days . The Bronze Fonz memorializes Henry Winkler’s portrayal of the beloved character, making it the perfect spot to snap a selfie. Click here for its exact location.

View all posts

Opinion: It’s time for Congress to fight for small businesses instead of big corporations

May is National Small Business Month. Our elected leaders need to show leadership all year long. For the past 27 years I’ve been fortunate to pursue...

Here’s what you need to know about medical debt in Wisconsin

Medical debt—a financial burden for tens of millions of Americans facing hundreds of billions of dollars in health care costs—affects everyone,...

Sip, sit, stay: 7 dog-friendly businesses in Eau Claire

When the sun’s out, everyone wants to be outside drinking and dining — including dogs! But not all establishments allow four-legged, furry visitors....

The 8 most convincing UFO sightings in Wisconsin history

If you’ve ever seen something light up in the sky and wondered what it could be, there’s a chance it’s a UFO, especially if you’re in Wisconsin. The...

Why do Girl Scout cookies taste different across Wisconsin?

The 10 biggest Wisconsin musicians of all time (& their biggest hit)

What are your favorite restaurants in Madison?

Trip Tips: Things to do in southeastern Wisconsin

Things to do : Tour Wind Point Lighthouse . The 108-foot lighthouse was built in 1880 and is still in use today. The grounds are open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and the lighthouse tower is open for tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month between June and October. Tours are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6-11; kids under 6 are not allowed in the tower. 

Bike the Lake Michigan Pathway , a 9.8-mile trail that connects with the Milwaukee-Racine-Kenosha Trail at 3-Mile Road with Racine County's North Shore Trail at Chicory Road.

Hawthorn Hollow is a small nature preserve in Kenosha County with hiking trails that wind through woods and restored prairie and three historical buildings including a one-room schoolhouse that dates to 1847. It's free to visit, but donations are welcome.

In downtown Kenosha, ride a  restored electric streetcar  on a 2-mile loop along Lake Michigan and through downtown. Rides are offered 11:05 a.m.-6:35 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10:35 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 1-Dec. 31, with limited hours in the winter. Rides cost is $1 for adults, $.50 for kids 5-12 and free for kids 4 and under; an all-day pass is $3.50. The streetcar has a lift for wheelchairs.

Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville has 16 miles of hiking trails, a special-use area for flying model airplanes and rockets, a dog training area, a lake with a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and two family campgrounds.

RELATED: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has something for everyone

The  Lake Geneva Shore Path winds 26 miles around Geneva Lake, passing through the yards of the lake's opulent homes. Leashed dogs are allowed; wheelchairs and strollers are not recommended as the path can be rocky and rough in spots. Access at public lake access points including Elm Park in Lake Geneva, Williams Bay Beach or Edgewater Park in Williams Bay or Fontana Beach in Fontana.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of boat tours of Geneva Lake, including a tour aboard an official U.S. Mailboat that delivers mail to lake residents and a tour to Black Point Estate, a 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian owned by the Wisconsin State Historical Society that is only open for tours as part of the cruise. Black Point Estate tours are 3.5 hours and are offered at 10:30 a.m. daily, June 1-Oct. 31 with a 12:30 p.m. tour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 3 and on weekends only through Oct. 31. Tours are also offered at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 29-May 31. Tours cost $39 for adults, $37 for seniors (65+) and $27 for children (4-17). Boats depart from the Riviera Docks, 812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva.

Visit the Yerkes Observatory , 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay, founded in 1897 and run by the University of Chicago. When its refracting telescope was built, it was the largest in the world. Tours are offered at 12:30 and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon Saturday through Dec. 30. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $8 for kids. 

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours offers a zip line canopy tour that takes visitors on eight zip lines, five sky bridges, three spiral stairways and a floating double-helix stairway. Tours are $99.99 for adults and $89.99 for kids ages 7-15. 

Big Foot Beach State Park has a small beach along Geneva Lake, 6.5 miles of hiking trails and a campground. 

The crushed stone White River State Trail follows an old railroad line 19 miles from Elkhorn to Dover. Cyclists age 16 and older need a state trail pass. 

The Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit covers 22,000 acres as it stretches for 30 miles from Whitewater to Dousman. The forest has more than 160 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Scuppernong trail system on County Highway ZZ north of Eagle is great for hiking, with three loops ranging from 2 to 5 miles. The John Muir and Emma Carlin trails are terrific for mountain biking; the latter are more challenging.

The Ice Age Trail winds through the length of the forest. The Blue Spring Lake Segment is a good, challenging hike. Start with a hike up Bald Bluff on County Highway H south of Palmyra. The bluff rises 200 feet above the surrounding terrain and was used by American Indians as a lookout. At the top, continue hiking east into the forest to reach the Stone Elephant, a granite erratic that resembles the head of an elephant. It's less than 1.5 miles to the rock, making for a 3-mile round-trip.

Lapham Peak is a unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest easily accessible on County Highway C south of I-94 in Delafield. The park has an observation tower, hiking and off-road biking trails and a backpack campsite off the Ice Age Trail. Hike the 4.5-mile Prairie Path west of Highway C for less crowds.

Old World Wisconsin , W372-S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, is a living history museum dedicated to early European settlers in Wisconsin. It's open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in the summer (May 29-Sept. 4) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends in the fall (Sept. 9-Oct. 15).

Where to eat and drink : Franks Diner , 508 58th St., Kenosha, serves up comfort food for lunch and dinner in a 1926 railcar. Cash only.

RELATED: All aboard for great comfort food at Franks Diner in Kenosha

Captain MIke's , 5118 6th Ave., Kenosha, has pub fare and a good beer list. 

Egg Harbor Cafe , 827 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, serves inventive and healthy breakfast and lunch options.

Simple Cafe , 525 Broad St, Lake Geneva, also serves breakfast and lunch.

Oakfire , 831 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, has wood-fired pizza and other Italian fare with a patio overlooking the lake.

Popeye's ,  811 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, is a big family-friendly restaurant with views of the lake known for its rotisserie chicken.

Geneva Lake Brewing Co. , 750 Veterans Parkway, Lake Geneva, is a bit off the beaten path — it's tucked into a business park off Highway 120 — but the journey out of downtown is worth it for an impressive lineup of beers from a mango wheat to a bourbon-barrel aged imperial cherry stout.

Where to stay : The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa was originally a Playboy Club hotel but today is a luxurious AAA Four-Diamond resort with two golf courses, a spa and an indoor/outdoor waterpark, Timber Ridge Lodge.

The 140-year-old Lake Lawn Resort is tucked along Delavan Lake and has a golf course, boat rentals, a spa and three restaurants.

Big Foot Beach State Park along Geneva Lake has a campground with large, grassy sites, including some walk-in tent sites.

RELATED: Lake Geneva's opulent lakefront estates are a walk or boat ride away

Protect Your Trip »

23 Top Things to Do in Wisconsin

The Badger State's charming small towns, thriving farm-to-table movement and rich brewing heritage guarantee quality vacations for all types of travelers.

Getty Images

Become a Cheesehead by exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer.

America's Dairy State may not be on everyone's vacation radar, but the state boasts pristine state parks, iconic architecture and rich culinary traditions supplemented by craft beer and farm-to-table experiences. Also, of course, its residents are famous for their Midwestern hospitability. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. It's no exaggeration to claim Wisconsin offers something for every type of traveler – world-class art for culture enthusiasts, metropolitan food tours for foodies, numerous waterparks for families and relaxing scenery for outdoors lovers, including rolling hills, lush farmland, forests and lakes. Read on to explore the top things to do in Wisconsin. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions and parking reservation requirements. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Located on Lake Michigan, the largest lake in the United States, Milwaukee is easy to explore; everything seems to be only a 5-minute drive away. Known as Brew City and home to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, no trip to Milwaukee is complete without tasting its beer heritage. With more than 200 breweries, there are brewery tours for every palette, from micro to macro and fruit beers to pale ales. Winters in Milwaukee can be harsh and long, so the most popular time to visit is in the summer months or fall. Summer is high season, with a multitude of neighborhood festivals, outdoor concerts and ethnic celebrations, like German Fest in July, honoring the city's largest immigrant group. Summer excitement reaches its peak at the end of June with Summerfest, a massive and affordable music festival.

[See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]

Get cultured at the Milwaukee Museum Campus

Looking for family-friendly activities in Milwaukee? Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. If you have littler ones, stroll across the street to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Just north of Discovery World is the architecturally impressive Milwaukee Art Museum , a modern masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava. Time your visit to witness the spectacle of the building's wings (large movable sunscreens) opening and closing at 10 a.m., noon or closing time. If you want to feel like you're actually sleeping in an art museum, book a room at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, which is located in the heart of downtown. Guests delight in the art exhibits on display throughout the hotel and applaud the in-room vintage record players. If you enjoy a martini with a view, consider the Blu lounge at the historic Pfister Hotel , offering panoramic views, cocktails and more from the 23rd floor.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum

Milwaukee's also home to a very different kind of museum. The motorcycle was invented in 1903 by Milwaukee residents William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum . Motorcycle enthusiasts will be in hog heaven when they enter this modern steel-and-glass museum. These hallowed halls house a permanent collection of hundreds of bikes, including the first motorcycles built and Elvis Presley's custom bike.

Address: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53201

Visit the University of Wisconsin

Home to the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and its lovable mascot Bucky the Badger, Madison is more than just a cool college town. Activists and incoming college students appreciate that Madison, about 80 miles east of Milwaukee, has been the scene of many a protest, whether against the Vietnam War or in favor of marijuana legalization. What's more, the University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union on the shores of Lake Mendota is a favorite for students and locals; grab a brat and brew and enjoy the view. The 72-room Graduate Madison is an easy walk to campus, dining, shopping and nightlife. Badger red is the hotel's unifying color palette, and guests give the hotel high marks for its nostalgic decor and artwork, including collages of political buttons, a nod to the town's legacy of social activism.

Address: 800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703

No trip to Madison is complete without visiting the beautiful, white-domed Wisconsin State Capitol building. Free tours of the building are given daily. What's more, Madison's isthmus location on a narrow strip of land between two lakes means waterfront biking and hiking trails abound. It's one of a handful of U.S. towns to earn a Platinum designation from The League of American Bicyclists as a bicycle-friendly community, so purchasing a $15 24-hour bike-share pass is a great way to explore the city.

[See more of Madison: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Try the cheese

Wisconsinites are lovingly referred to as Cheeseheads. If you're looking to experience more than just the squeaky cheese curds the state is famous for, visitors recommend stopping by the Fromagination cheese store for its ambiance, multitude of options and generous samples. Billing itself as the capital of cheese, this shop is a must-see for cheese lovers, featuring dozens of one-of-a-kind artisanal Wisconsin varieties. And if you're in Madison on a Saturday morning between April and November, mosey over to the Capitol building to shop. The Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only farmers market, a great way to take yourself on a food tour of the finest Wisconsin farmers have to offer.

Lake Geneva

Located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border, 7 miles north of the border and about 50 miles southeast of Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is popular for weekend getaways, with visitors describing it as the "Newport of the Midwest" for its opulent lakefront mansions. You can glimpse that luxurious lifestyle while walking the Geneva Lakeshore Path, a 25-mile walkway that circles the lake, bringing you through the backyards of opulent estates. Circling the entire lake would take all day, but you can pick a section and go for a jog or a stroll. Keep in mind that the path is not suited for strollers or bikes. Being home or second home to many of the Midwest's elite, the town is filled with great restaurants, shops and fun-filled activities throughout the year. Tourists descend on Lake Geneva during the summer season to rent boats, but fall and spring are also magnificent for weekend getaways. A warm-weather visit calls for a stay at The Abbey Resort, the only lodging directly on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Spend a winter weekend at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the best choices for a winter visit to Lake Geneva, with a bevy of amenities and a modest ski hill. The resort's hill is decidedly not the Rocky Mountains, but there are three chair lifts, two carpet lifts, 20 runs and a terrain park. After a day on the slopes, skiers like to warm up with a hot toddy around the outdoor fire pit at the resort's Embers Terrace. Kids can dive into the fun at Grand Geneva's Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark while the adults chill out in the resort's world-class spa. Regardless of where you stay, winter in Lake Geneva means it's time for their annual one-of-a-kind Winterfest, one of the country's largest ice sculpture festivals.

Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Door County

With more than 300 miles of shoreline to enjoy, visitors have long flocked to Wisconsin's peninsula, known as Door County, for weekend getaways. Being a peninsula in the Great Lakes, the area's 11 lighthouses play a big part in Door County's history. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to keep them busy in Door County's charming villages. They can visit any of the area's more than one hundred art galleries and studios, sample the region's famous cherries and cheese, and explore Door County's eight wineries. Summer is the busiest season, and events like the annual Door County Plein Air Festival every July, when artists try to capture the summer light on the area's water and fields, make every stay unique.

Door County fish boil

Courtesy of Destination Door County

New Englanders have their clambakes. The closest thing to that in the Midwest is the Door County fish boil, a one-of-a-kind culinary spectacle. It's one of the top things to do in this peninsula. A Scandinavian tradition, fish boils are a way of cooking fish in a large cooking pot over an open fire. Part of the experience is coming early, sitting around the fire and watching the hour-long cooking process, led by a Boil Master who serves as both chef and entertainer. When the food is almost ready, the Boil Master alerts diners that the "boil-over" is about to begin. Kerosene is then thrown onto the fire, making for a fiery finish. Fish boils traditionally include potatoes, coleslaw and classic Door County cherry pie for dessert. Though restaurants from the southernmost Sturgeon Bay to the north tip of the peninsula offer up these unique dinners, visitors give the White Gull Inn some of the best reviews.

Explore the surrounding state parks

Biking and hiking Whitefish Dunes State Park and Potawatomi State Park are some of the top outdoor activities in Door County. Kayaking the Lake Michigan lakefront, where you can explore the caves and coves and view the shore scenery that can only be seen from the water, is another favorite outdoor activity. Door County Kayak Tours gets high ratings for their friendly, informative guides. When the weather is warm enough, travelers can camp at the area's state park to save some time and be best prepared to catch a sunrise over Lake Michigan.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin

Courtesy of Taliesin Preservation

Architecture buffs will delight in the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center and Taliesin, an 800-acre estate set amidst rolling hills overlooking the Wisconsin River. Wright is widely revered as America's greatest architect and the founder of the Prairie-style school of architecture. He built Taliesin in 1911. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. Taliesin Preservation manages the grounds and offers six touring options of the estate, along with other arts and cultural programming and special events like a farm dinner series, biking tour and Winter Festival tours.

Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588

The House on the Rock

Frank Lloyd Wright is known as the master of minimalism, but Spring Green's other architectural marvel is definitely not understated. Yet plenty of visitors delight in the one-of-a-kind roadside spectacle known as The House on the Rock. Built in 1960 by Alex Jordan, this massive home now houses his eclectic collection of everything from suits of armor to ivory carvings. It's also home to the world's largest indoor carousel. The House on the Rock is not for everyone. Some visitors describe it as a Midwestern jewel and incredible journey, while others find it overstimulating and claustrophobic.

Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588

Explore Spring Green

A Spring Green restaurant well worth visiting for architecture buffs is Last Leaf Public House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this more than 100-year-old building features painstakingly preserved original light fixtures, doors and other features from when it was the State Bank of Spring Green. You can even reserve a table inside what used to be the bank's vault. Those who aren't architecture enthusiasts will still have reason to visit Spring Green. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. Theatergoers bring their picnic baskets for a theatrical evening under the stars in Spring Green's massive 1,147-seat outdoor amphitheater.

Courtesy of Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce

Pure Americana is served up in central Wisconsin's Minocqua; the town offers everything from the fudge and ice cream shops to the popular screen-door cottages families love to rent. Guests appreciate the old-school lake vacation experience they get in the condos, cottages and cabins of The Beacons of Minocqua. Experience classic local dining by going to what Wisconsinites call a supper club. Get a taste for this classic culinary tradition at Little Bohemia Lodge in the nearby town of Manitowish Waters. Diners rave about the generous portions and highly recommend the German pork schnitzel and spaetzle noodles. Besides the authentic cuisine, guests will appreciate that meals come with a side of history. Little Bohemia Lodge was the site of a 1934 shootout between John Dillinger and the FBI. You can even see the bullet holes that remain in one of the windows.

Min-Aqua Bats

The one-of-a-kind Min-Aqua Bats have been entertaining crowds in Minocqua with their first-rate water-ski show since 1950. Visitors praise the mostly local teenagers who participate for mastering some incredible tricks and keeping a beloved tradition alive. Catch this not-to-be-missed free show on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Shows make for another fun, unique family outing in Minocqua. Young men show off their sawing skills and log-rolling agility while including plenty of comic moments for laughs.

Address: 400 W. Park Ave., Minocqua, WI 54548

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is home to the most indoor and outdoor water parks in the world – more than 20 different parks. If traveling to the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" with kids, stay at one of the top resorts for easy access to amenities. In addition to its water parks, the Wisconsin Dells offer a wide variety of kid-friendly entertainment options, from mini-golf to indoor amusement parks. Visitors point to the Palace Theater as a great night out, applauding the talent and production value of the concerts, comedy shows, plays for children and Broadway-style productions. Another fun venue is the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, which guests praise for funny bits and impressive illusions. Want to escape the indoor attractions for a natural one? Head over to Mirror Lake State Park for a scenic hike along a tranquil lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs. Pontoon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells .]

Courtesy of Visit Eau Claire

In the heart of northwestern Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire is perfect for weekend getaways, with both outdoor activities as well as a thriving downtown scene of arts and brewing. The city has a lively music scene, with summer festivals focusing on jazz, rock and country music. Visitors will also discover a robust farm-to-table movement in this fertile section of America's heartland. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market welcomes shoppers May through October every Saturday morning. This being Wisconsin, Eau Claire houses a handful of craft breweries, including The Brewing Projekt, where you can order up a flight of creative beer flavors in a hip, loft-like setting. The Oxbow Hotel's accommodations are inspired by the town's hip, artsy feel with a stylish design featuring exposed brick, regional artwork and a turntable in every room.

Chippewa River State Trail

One natural feature that makes Eau Claire truly special is that it's at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. The two rivers provide plenty of outdoor opportunities, from fishing and swimming to kayaking and tubing. The 30-mile Chippewa River State Trail takes full advantage of the city's riverfront location and provides an option for walkers and endurance athletes. Starting in downtown Eau Claire's Phoenix Park, the trail runs along the Chippewa River through prairies, sandstone bluffs and wetlands.

Elkhart Lake

Generations of Midwesterners have enjoyed weekend getaways to the crystal-clear waters of this town, about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. Rent your own boat and water ski on Elkhart Lake or hit the nearby Kettle Moraine State Park trails. You could spend an entire weekend quietly hiking or biking along the country roads, but Elkhart Lake also has a racier side. It is home to Road America, a racetrack hosting NASCAR races, vintage car events and specialized driving schools. Things get particularly revved up on Wednesday nights with live music and dancing at Siebkens Resort's Stop-Inn Tavern. The Osthoff Resort is the grande dame of Elkhart Lake with fine dining, a French cooking school and an award-winning spa.

Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame & Lambeau Field

Tens of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage each year to central Wisconsin's Green Bay, considered a mecca for football fans. Green Bay is the smallest city housing an NFL team, and the Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned major professional sports team in the U.S. Cheeseheads are a dedicated bunch, but you don't have to own a green and gold jersey to appreciate the memorabilia and exhibits at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies.

Dedicated football fans who want to tackle even more Packers lore will score big by taking a guided tour of Lambeau Field. Adult tickets start at $21 for a 60-minute tour. Opt for the longer, more expensive options if you want to see the press box, locker rooms and more.

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304

National Railroad Museum

Courtesy of National Railroad Museum

Not everything in Green Bay is devoted to the Packers. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a stop at Green Bay's National Railroad Museum. Visitors describe the museum as amazing and compliment the friendly, informed staff for making the experience fun. Besides the permanent exhibit of train memorabilia, guests can climb aboard for a ride on a diesel locomotive. Other special events throughout the year include a pumpkin patch train ride in the fall and a Polar Express train ride in November and December.

Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304

Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. And the small town of Wisconsin Rapids, 100 miles northwest of Madison, is the cranberry capital. Home to the Cranberry Blossom Festival every June, you can explore the history of the tart berry year-round at the Cranberry Discovery Center in the neighboring town of Warrens. Hop on State Trunk Highway 54 for a self-guided food tour as the 50-mile Wisconsin Cranberry Trail winds past family farms and cranberry marshes. Visitors point to Le Chateau Bed and Breakfast as the best lodging in Wisconsin Rapids. Previous guests rave about the manicured gardens and sumptuous breakfasts, and many also appreciate how the owners have preserved the elegance of this 1889 Queen Anne-style house.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Romantic Getaways in Wisconsin
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• The Best Midwest Vacations for Families
• The Top Ski Resorts in Michigan
• The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago

Tags: Travel , Wisconsin Vacations , Midwest Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 15 best chicago tours for 2024.

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

THINGS TO DO IN NEW BERLIN

**As we continue to monitor recommendations from local and national health agencies regarding COVID-19, we strongly encourage residents and visitors to do the same. Due to these recommendations, we suggest you inquire directly regarding current hours and service operations. Many have posted updates on their business website and/or Facebook pages.**

Whatever the season and reason for visiting, New Berlin has a variety of events, experiences and activities for you to enjoy! Located just south of I-94 in southeastern Wisconsin, New Berlin is a central spot for outdoor recreation, shopping, history and more.

We are on the way to visiting Milwaukee, Madison or Chicago. Stop by and Enjoy New Berlin!

Southeast Wisconsin

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.2 By train
• 5.3 By plane
• 6 Get around
• 11 Stay safe

Southeast Wisconsin is a region of Wisconsin .

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 43.1728 -87.9778 1 Brown Deer
• 42.582222 -87.845556 2 Kenosha
• 43.05 -87.95 3 Milwaukee
• 42.979167 -88.109167 4 New Berlin
• 42.726111 -87.805833 5 Racine
• 43.011667 -88.231667 6 Waukesha
• 43.058056 -88.018333 7 West Allis
• 43.425 -88.183333 8 West Bend

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 43.5833 -88.1833 1 Kettle Moraine State Forest — Non-contiguous forests that cover an over 100 mile area, stretching from the northernmost part of the Southeast Wisconsin to the Illinois border.

Understand [ edit ]

As home to state's largest city, Milwaukee , and to Kenosha , Racine and Waukesha (the fourth, fifth and seventh largest cities respectively), Southeast Wisconsin is the population center and most developed area of Wisconsin. While somewhat culturally similar to neighboring Chicagoland to the south, the region has a separate character and a diverse economy with a mixture of industry, tourism and agriculture. Milwaukee is an exceptionally diverse city, while the suburbs and exurbs tend to be more homogenous and conservative.

Get in [ edit ]

Southeast Wisconsin is the busiest region of Wisconsin and is serviced by a number of interstates, numbered US routes, daily rail service and General Mitchell International Airport.

By car [ edit ]

The region may be accessed via I-94 (from Chicago or Madison) and from I-43 (from Green Bay or Beloit). The region is also accessible via US 41 and US 45.

By train [ edit ]

There is daily service via Amtrak and Metra's Union Pacific North Metra Line (in Kenosha and Sturtevant).

By plane [ edit ]

General Mitchell International Airport has daily departures and arrivals.

Get around [ edit ]

The primary method of transport in Southeast Wisconsin is car travel. Most of the region is easily accessible via I-94 and I-43. US and State numbered routes also cross the region. Milwaukee County and the cities of Kenosha and Racine also have a multitude of public transport options, usually local bus systems.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Bike Trails . Southeast Wisconsin has several bike trails, some of which go through the area's parks and nature preserves. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Articles without Wikipedia links (via Wikidata)
• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

    PICKLEBALL     AUDIO-VIDEO     WORSHIP     RESOURCES     ADVERTISE

HOME | TRAILS | TOURS | FOOD

HOME | THINGS TO DO

13 Great, Free Attractions In

Southern Wisconsin 

Southern Wisconsin is a bountiful outdoor playground to clear the mind, relax and enjoy everything Summer has to offer. And you don't have to travel far to find some really great spots in our region that do just that, and the added plus for free. In no particular order here our current top 13.

Have a great place you would like featured in our list please send us a line [email protected] we would love to hear from you.

(Pictured above is the Yahara River Trail)

(Pictured above is the Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds)

1. Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds

1. Visit the historic, sacred grounds of Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds, near Ft. Atkinson. The 11 remaining mounds here were built by people living the region between 700 - 1100 A.D. Wisconsin has the highest number of effigy mounds of state in the U.S. and the World for that matter.

2. Wisconsin's First State Capitol, Belmont

Tour the grounds of Wisconsin's First State Capitol, Belmont. On April 20, 1836 President Jackson signed a bill creating the Wisconsin Territory. Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin comprised of this territory governed by Henry Dodge. Find two remaining structures (the Council House, where the legislators met, and the Supreme Court House,) under the purview of the Wisconsin State Historical Society in what remains of Belmont. Belmont is located Northeast of Platteville on Hwy 151.

3. Magnolia Bluff County Park, Evansville

Hike Rock County's second highest point, Magnolia Bluff, for a great view of Southern Wisconsin. Located, just south of Evansville go south on Old 92 for about three miles, then west on Highway 59 1 mile, then south on N. Croak Road 0.5 miles to the park entrance.

4. Historic Downtown Janesville, Janesville

Stroll the two block, riverwalk and historic downtown Janesville. The city of Janesville is home to more than 80 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) spread across four historic districts.

5. Milton College, Milton

Wander the historic grounds of one of America's great abolitionist institutions Milton College, Milton. Often overshadowed by the Milton House (the only standing structure of Wisconsin's role in the Underground Railroad) Milton College was established in 1844 as an academy by abolitionist, Joseph Goodrich. Notable Milton College graduates include former NFL, quarterback Dave Krieg and Hollywood actor, Kerwin Williams. 

5a. The Milton House

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) The Milton House is Wisconsin's only remaining stop on the Underground Railroad. Owned by the founder of Milton College, abolitionist, Joseph Goodrich created a crucial stop for slaves escaping from Southern Illinois, and Missouri. The Milton House + Milton College is an historic destination must for families on vacation.

6. Lower Yahara River Trail,Madison/McFarland

The Lower Yahara River Trailis a 2.5 mile stretch of boardwalk that connects the suburb of McFarland to Madison.an accessible fishing pier, rest stops, and observation areas with picturesque views. Careful consideration was made during construction to ensure Native American artifacts were not disturbed.

Users can access the Lower Yahara River Trail from the Capital City Trail at the Lewis Nine Springs E-Way parking lot at 1949 Moorland Rd., Madison, WI 53711. The McDaniel Park entrance in McFarland is located at 4806 McDaniel Ln., McFarland, WI 53558. The Lussier Family Heritage Center is located at 3101 Lake Farm Rd., Madison, WI 53711.

7. Bird Watching, The Arboretum, Madison

Bird watch at the University of Wisconsin's world renowned, Arboretum, Madison. Located in the heart of the city, this 1200 acre park, is the oldest, experimental forest preserve in the world. Choose from dense pine, oak, maple forest, to open restored prairie and several gardens including the rolling lush grounds of UW's outdoor classroom where you can see various tree species. Each tree on the grounds has its' own identifier metal tag, you might Dutch Elm or Ash two species that succumbed to the stresses of urban living but that are very much alive and well here.

(The Cooksville General Store, Currently closed but worth a selfie visit)

8. Downtown Cooksville, Cooksville

Tour an entire town listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Cooksville Ever dreamed of visiting a quaint, New England town without leaving Wisconsin? You don't need to wander far Historic Cooksville is just a quick drive from downtown Edgerton. It is surprising most Southern Wisconsinites don't take advantage of this fun little day trip.

9. Fish Hatchery, Lake Mills

Visit an active fish hatchery, near downtown Lake Mills, rest stops, and observation areas with picturesque views.

(Picture above is the Kettle Moraine State Forest (KMSF))

10. The Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, Whitewater

Hik e the enchanting wilderness of Wisconsin's famous Kettle Moraine State Forest (KMSF), Southern Unit, Whitewater. At over 22,000 acres of forest, KMSF's Southern Unit offers bountiful opportunities to recreate and escape.

11. Fish Camp County Park McFarland

Located at the confluence of the Yahara River and Lake Kegonsa this 99-acre park is a great place to have a picnic and take a trip back in time. In 1934, the Wisconsin Conservation Department (WCD) established the Fish Camp Launch as a base for removing carp which were introduced by Western European settlers in the late 1800s.. Many of the buildings from the time period as well as educational signage along the way. There is also a boat launch and dock and places in the park to picnic.. 

Fish Camp County Park is located at 3383 Fish Camp Road, Mc Farland WI.

12. Monona Terrace, Madison

Never a man to shy away from controversy even in death one of the Frank Lloyd Wright's last projects, Monona Terrace faced heated debate and political obstacles. Originally designed by the architect in 1947, the building was finally completed in 1997 with a bit of revisions mostly to accommodate America's car obsessed culture. Like any great work of art Monona Terrace is experiential, it evokes emotion and transports you to a place that only great architects can take you. If you don't obsess about the wide sweeping views afforded from the building's main convention floor and rooftop you might just meander about guided by the curvilinear forms of the interior stairways and towering exterior walls. Monona Terrace is free and open to the public, even during conventions though your wanderings might be restricted in some areas. There are free places to park in downtown Madison choose residential areas for that, or if you can go on Sunday parking is free everywhere.

One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI.

(Pictured Above is Clarence Covered Bridge a 1984 Replica of the Original, Brodhead)

13. Sugar River State Recreational Trail/Badger State Trail - Brodhead, Belleville, New Glarus

You can make the entire 23 mile trek from Brodhead to New Glarus by bike or hike but if you don't have the time or where with all #13 on o our list of  great free attractions in Southern Wisconsin  offers not one but two very destination worthy stops along the Sugar River Trail. The 1st selfe-worthy stop is the Clarence Covered Bridge located just northwest of Brodhead near County Hwy E. Very few of these historic bridges remain in Wisconsin and this is the only one still standing in our region.

Technically this should be our 14th great free attraction but we chose to group it with Clarence Covered Bridge as they are close to each other. This second selfie-worthy stop is former train tunnel known as the Stewart Tunnel AKA the Belleville Tunnel is located near the connection between the Badger State Trail and the Sugar River Trail. Start with a visit to the historic Belleville depot and then head 4 miles southwest along the trail. The tunnel is quite an engineering feat as it pierces through 1200 feet of solid rock. Make sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to venture from one end of the tunnel to the other. The Stewart Tunnel is located near the intersection of County HWY CC and Tunnel Road..

(Pictured Above The Stewart Tunnel, Currently closed for repairs)

“We had the very best trip of our lives, and are so happy we chose the Wisconsin Southern Lakes area. The scenery was outstanding, the facilities were clean and well kept. We will definitely come back, and recommend to our friends.”

“what a vacation. we had planned to come for a weekend, but extended our stay for an entire week. it was the best camping vacation we’ve ever had.”, “i’m a photographer, and this park contained everything i could have asked for. gorgeous sunsets, incredible views, and lots of wildlife.”.

Enjoy an online, 2019 Back issue

of Lakes Edition!  

42 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Wisconsin

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 18, 2021  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Wisconsin, popularly known as the Badger State, is a rather interesting location with a lot of unlikely yet fascinating facets that make it an ideal spot for a trip or holiday.

It is known for its production of dairy, beer, and lumber and bears the marks of a deep and meaningful history steeped in Native American culture, much of which you can continue to see in modern-day Wisconsin.

It also is a haven for nature-lovers, with natural features like sandstone, ice caves, and plenty of parks to explore.

There are a whole lot of Wisconsin attractions of different genres and varieties, so there’s pretty much something for everyone, with many vacation ideas to put into play.

There are cultural and artistic galleries, unique and one-of-a-kind museums, lively art scenes, and plenty of ways to get close to nature.

So, how should you spend your time in the Badger State?

Here is our travel guide for the 42 fun things to do and places to visit in Wisconsin, whether you’re visiting this weekend or months from now!

Table of Contents

1. The Harley-Davidson Museum

Brett Welcher / Shutterstock

The Harley-Davidson Museum is one of the top sites to see in Milwaukee , Wisconsin, near its downtown area.

The sprawling complex spans 20 acres and contains an impressive three buildings in one place.

More than 450 of these classic motorcycles – and thousands of associated artifacts from the brand’s company – are arranged throughout the museum, telling the fascinating tale of the company’s century in business.

Unique exhibits inside the Harley-Davidson Museum include ones focusing on motorcycle customization, racing competitions, and company history.

Many of the displays are interactive and some motorcycles can be directly touched or even sat on, and there’s even a restaurant to eat at.

The epitome of freedom and 20th-century pop culture, the Harley-Davidson Museum is one of the chief things to do in Wisconsin for bikers and history-lovers alike.

Try to time your visit for bike nights, when Harley riders and fans come by the museum to showcase their personal motorcycles!

Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States

2. Cave of the Mounds

Megan VW / Shutterstock

When it comes to cool places to go, the Cave of the Mounds is one of Wisconsin’s top 10.

After all, it’s a unique spot and has earned the rather flattering title of the Jewel Box of Major American Caves as well as being on the list of National Natural Landmarks.

Situated close to Blue Mounds, it is famous not for its many stalagmites and stalactites, but for its beautiful formations of limestone rock.

The limestone formations in the Cave of the Mounds are bright, vibrant, and colorful, and they’re varied, interesting, and a delightful feast for the eyes.

The caves were first found by limestone miners and quarry workers in 1939 who accidentally opened up a way into the rocky location, revealing the chambers.

The miners immediately ceased activity when they found the lovely forms.

The Cave of the Mounds has all sorts of different formations, with the most famous being their fun “soda straws”, which are hollow tubes made of minerals that are surprisingly delicate.

There are also helictites, which are a kind of stalactite in a bent shame, flowstones of smooth limestone, and many blues, reds, and brows among the rock.

With the aid of flashy lighting that further emphasizes the drama of the natural geology, the Cave of the Mounds has become a popular hotspot for tourists.

Though dating back 488 million years, the caves hold up as a stunning modern attraction.

Address: 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, United States

3. House on the Rock

lito_lakwatsero / Shutterstock

In 1940s Wyoming Valley, an interesting sandstone rock chimney spanning 60 feet into the air caught the eye of Alex Jordan.

This rock formation, known as Deer Shelter Rock, would become the site of Jordan’s weekend retreat home.

He had never intended for it to turn into an icon of Wisconsin and one of its best examples of stunning architecture, but his creation was such a masterpiece that people began to ask about it and even stop by to visit.

Eventually, Jordan began to request donations of 50 cents in exchange for giving out tours to visitors of the 14-room home.

This soon grew into the House on the Rock becoming one of the key Wisconsin attractions, and the many rooms housed all sorts of collections by the eccentric Jordan himself.

Now, the house has expanded, covering a whole complex of multiple structures, collections, and intricacies that means it may take you all of this weekend to explore!

You’ll find the world’s biggest carousel here too, which houses over 20,000 lights, a whopping 269 carousel animals, and an additional 182 lanterns, watched over by angel mannequins that hang from the ceiling.

The House on the Rock was never intended to be a museum, and in fact, even now, it’s something a little more than that.

It’s bright and strange and a reflection of Jordan’s imagination, and it’s well worth the visit.

Address: 5754 WI-23, Spring Green, WI 53588, United States

4. Bookworm Gardens

kenneth casper / flickr

The Bookworm Gardens are one of the unique things to do in Wisconsin, packed with a fun theme that is sure to delight and amaze young children and adults alike.

Spanning 35 acres in Sheboygan, it is a literature-inspired seasonal garden that uses bright and exciting displays to make references to more than 60 different famous kid’s books.

The goal of the Bookworm Gardens is to promote reading, music, art, and nature in a wireless, internet-free space.

It was opened in 1999 by Sandy Livermore and has turned into a truly magical location with delightful interactive activities, including digging for worms, learning to create music, and even doing some alphabet searches.

As far as places to visit in Wisconsin go, the Bookworm Gardens are the most whimsical.

Kids get to learn about local wildlife, try out different displays, and curl up in a cozy reading nook in an undeniably exciting location.

Workshops, classes, camps, and tours are also available!

Just be sure to pre-register for the peak season so you can get in!

Address: 1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081, United States

5. The Historic Third Ward

The Historic Third Ward is a National Historic District and is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It takes up an impressive 10 square block of space with over 70 historic buildings, all located south of downtown.

Its large space makes it one of the best tourist places for free-roaming exploration, and it’s simply filled to the brim with great spots to eat, studios, galleries, boutiques, theatres, and plenty of history-related points of interest.

The Historic Third Ward was first built in 1875 and is renowned for many of its features, such as the Third Ward Riverwalk and the Milwaukee Public Market.

It has romantic charm and old-school whimsy mixed with the modern convenience of an electric streetcar system, regular seasonal performances, and plenty of events to check out.

Address: Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States

6. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Gerald A. DeBoer / Shutterstock

Termed as one of the best vacation destinations , the Olbrich Botanical Gardens are yet another must-see in Wisconsin, located in Madison .

It is one of the city’s scenic places and was founded in 1952 by the same man it is named after: Michael Olbrich.

Covering 16 acres of land, the gardens are nothing short of enchanting, idyllic, and beautiful, offering a relaxing but fun escape from the bustle of the surrounding city.

Since its opening, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens has gained two conservatories – one in 1991 and the other, called the Bolz Conservatory, more recently.

The latter has a waterfall!

The King of Thailand himself actually donated a pavilion to the gardens in 2002, decorated delicately with Thai sculptures in a wider garden area.

The rest of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens are separated into open-air sections totaling 6 different areas – or 7 if you include the Thai Garden.

There is the Sunken Gardens, which is a traditional English garden that boasts a delightful reflective pool and many terraces of limestone around it.

There is also the Rose Garden, which is filled with different flowers.

Other spots include the Atrium Shade Garden, the Meadow Garden, the Rock Garden, and the Starkweather Creek.

Address: 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, United States

7. Milwaukee Art Museum

Keya5 / Shutterstock

If you’re an art-lover seeking things to do in Wisconsin, you’ll love the Milwaukee Art Museum .

It is one of not just Wisconsin’s, but the entire world’s largest museums, boasting a whopping 25,000 pieces of art across four floors of space, with two structures in modernist and postmodernist styles.

The museum, opened in 1872 to bring more art to the local scene, was built upon the donation of Alexander Mitchell, and it was officially considered a museum beginning 1957.

The extensive collection at Milwaukee Art Museum spans from ancient artifacts all the way to modern, contemporary works.

Its collection’s most prized items are decorative art of America, German Expressionist works, and post-1960 American works, though it also encompasses Haitian art, the works of Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso, and the creations of local-born artist Georgia O’Keefe.

Some of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s more interesting collections and exhibits are also its most unorthodox.

There is a Chair Park in the basement where you can try sitting on famous chairs of figures like Eero Saarinen and Frank Lloyd Wright.

There is a sculpture made up of thousands of individual buttons, a collection of pottery known as Mrs. M—’s Cabinet fitted with a digital projection of the fictional Mrs. M— herself, and an exterior decorated with a bird-like shape, complete with steel beams of wings that open and close.

Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States

8. Taliesin Preservation (Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center)

Taliesin Preservation

The Taliesin Preservation building, known also as the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, was once the home of that famous architect as well as the studio where he worked.

The building, which began to be built in 1911, is a wonderful emanation of the Prairie School tradition of design, showcasing the Midwestern plains’ natural landscape.

It has since become one of Wisconsin’s tourist attractions.

Wright worked on this home right up to his passing in 1959, spending lots of time here in the summer before heading elsewhere when the seasons changed.

The home now is filled with art and is a great way to learn more about the great architect and his many works, making it one of the best bucket list additions to those interested in design.

Tours are available!

Address: 5607 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588, United States

9. EAA AirVenture Museum and EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh

Don Harder / flickr

If you’re looking for some fun in Wisconsin, the EAA AirVenture Museum of Oshkosh is a great way to do so.

Its name stands for Experimental Aircraft Association and, as that name suggests, it is dedicated to showcasing the history of aircraft and aircraft technology.

It boasts approximately 200 historically significant aircraft and provides exciting features like short airplane rides, a KidVenture Gallery, a hangar for World War II aviation exhibits, and even a flight simulator.

But if you’d like an option for what to do that’s bigger and more involved, EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh will provide that.

Sponsored by the EAA, it is an annual aviation event that occurs in the summer.

It is the largest of its kind globally and has been happening since 1953.

The event lasts for about a week and includes workshops, air shows, forums, and more.

Over half a million visitors from an impressive 80 different nations come to visit the area for the EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh, and it’s not something to miss out on!

Address: 3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, United States

10. Wisconsin State Capitol

TouchingPixel / Shutterstock

The Wisconsin State Capitol sits in Madison, and its importance makes it one of the state’s key things to see.

The building, which is a National Historic Landmark, was finished in 1917, and it’s actually the state’s third after the first was rebuilt for expansion and the second one burned down!

The Wisconsin State Capitol building is Madison’s tallest building by law and is home to the Office of the Governor, the state Supreme Court, and the legislature.

Majestic in appearance, it boasts an elegant design and a lovely dome-shaped roof, as well as a statue of Wisconsin with a badger on her helmet.

One of the things to see in the State Capitol building is its rather curious collection of fossils set in the stone of its structure, totaling about 40 different kinds.

There are also lots of beautiful works of art, handmade furniture, murals, and more.

In the summer, the observation deck at the building opens up to the public, so time your trip accordingly!

Address: 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, United States

11. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Gottography / Shutterstock

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the best and most serene vacation spots to head to this weekend.

It refers to a 69,372-acre space on Lake Superior, Wisconsin, that is made up of 21 different islands.

Each island comes with its own places to see, allowing you to enjoy something every season.

The islands of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are made from red sandstone and are packed with natural beauty, ranging from sea caves of sandstone to white sand beaches and from old-growth forests to gorgeous lighthouse structures.

Apostille Islands Cruises offers a fantastic way to view the natural marvel of the islands at your leisure and convenience.

Address: 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States

12. Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock

Few can forget about watching a Green Bay Packers game when considering things to do in Wisconsin.

This football team, iconic and renowned, is a famous “symbol” of the state, and even if you aren’t much of a sports fan, learning about the team’s growth and history is as fun as watching one of their games.

It is, therefore, obvious that Lambeau Field should be a to-visit site seeing as it is where the Green Bay Packers play their home games.

For a small town like Green Bay to host such a hugely successful team is nothing short of impressive, and the fact that the team has 13 trophies from championships to back it up is even more incredible!

At Lambeau Field, you’ll also find the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, a two-floor building covering 15,000 square feet, filled with interactive exhibits, audio, and video displays, recordings of the Packers’ plays, unique artifacts, and a replica of the office of Vince Lombardi, renowned Packers coach.

You’ll get to see over 80 years of history in one exciting place!

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States

13. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron

John M Ford / Shutterstock

Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is the biggest sculpture of scrap metal in the world, situated outdoors in the center of the state.

It has become one of the best unusual Wisconsin attractions for those who hunt down hidden gems and strange locations.

The sculpture was made by Tom Every, who was an industrial wrecker, meaning he professionally demolished and destroyed buildings.

When he retired, he figured it was time for a change, and in 1983 he decided to become a creator instead and gave himself the name Dr. Evermor.

Dr. Evermor was a character and persona, imagined as an English Victorian inventory with a traumatic backstory involving a lightning storm and a minister father.

Every created the huge sculpture park of the Forevertron as Dr. Evermor’s lair.

Everything in Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is made from scrap metal.

A testament to Every’s skill, he also worked on the House on the Rock near the area.

Address: S7703 US-12, North Freedom, WI 53951, United States

14. Interstate State Park

Linda McKusick / Shutterstock

The Interstate State Park is two state parks stuck together – one in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota , divided by the flowing St. Croix River.

It is one of the top places to visit in Wisconsin for outdoor enthusiasts or those seeking an adventure in nature.

The backdrop of the park is dramatic and packed with all sorts of information, especially the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, for which the Ice Age Interpretive Center provides information.

There are lots of things you can enjoy at Interstate State Park.

Lake O’ the Dalles offers a beach to lounge on and water to swim in.

The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is beautiful to follow and trace.

Camping sites are scattered about, rocks are fit for climbing, and hiking trails totaling 8 miles provide lots of opportunities for exploration.

All in all, it’s a recipe for a good time!

Address: 1275 WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, United States

15. Schoolhouse Beach

Shawn Einerson / Shutterstock

Schoolhouse Beach is a beautiful beach on the lakeshore, and it’s one of Wisconsin’s best points of interest because of its unusual nature.

Instead of sand, it has limestone rocks.

These smooth rocks provide a foot massage as you walk along them, though some may be a little too harsh for sensitive bare feet.

But beyond just its odd sand, Schoolhouse Beach offers a relaxing experience without the worry of betting sand in your swimsuit.

It is situated on Washington Island and is one of only five of the world’s beaches without sand.

It earned its name from a schoolhouse that once existed near the shore, though that house no longer exists now.

So, how did the rocks come to be?

They were polished by glaciers over thousands upon thousands of years, and the rocks are now so coveted that it is illegal to bring one home with you!

You can, however, make structures with them on the beach or toss them into the water.

And, of course, common beach things to enjoy, like swimming and sunbathing, can be done, too!

Address: 1824 Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246, United States

16. National Railroad Museum

Larry Darling / flickr

The National Railroad Museum can be found in Ashwaubenon, where it was built in 1956.

The museum is one of the fun and cheap things to do in Wisconsin, and as it is also one of the country’s oldest railroad-related museums, it’s a must-do for locomotive lovers.

At the National Railroad Museum, you’ll see some of the world’s biggest steam locomotives, a surrounding standard gauge track, and over a century’s worth of history.

You’ll get to see army trains, charming fancy cabooses, and even ones for kids themed after Thomas the Tank Engine.

On Halloween, there are special spooky train rides as well!

Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States

17. Circus World Museum

Keith Homan / Shutterstock

The Circus World Museum began with the ever-famous icon, the Ringling Bros. Circus – one of the best-known circuses in history and currently the largest surviving company of its kind.

When television became more popular and common in households in the 1950s, the Ringling brothers’ attorney, John Kelly, recommended that a museum could be set up to preserve the age of the circus and the legacy of the brothers before the circus industry died too far.

The Circus World Museum opened in Wisconsin’s Baraboo in 1959 and, over time, has grown to encompass 63 acres.

It showcases the history of the Ringling brothers, the story of all of circus and its history, and collections of various artifacts such as ads, posters, paintings, photos, wagons, and more.

If you’re looking for more things to do while in Wisconsin in the summer, come around to the museum to watch live circus entertainment and activities!

Address: 550 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913, United States

18. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre is situated at Lake Geneva , Wisconsin, where it has become known as one of the state’s prime entertainment tourist attractions.

It is the theatre of magician Tristan Crist, who performs shows lasting an hour that showcase all sorts of fun illusions, tricks, and mirages in unique and up-close detail.

There are only 175 seats at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, which allows for an intimate audience experience, and a big screen broadcasting Crist’s antics allows you to carefully watch his every move.

Address: 100 N Edwards Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

19. Washington Island Stavkirke

Matthew E. Hein / Shutterstock

The Washington Island Stavkirke looks like it isn’t even a part of Wisconsin, with a traditional wooden stave style that makes it look like it came straight from medieval Norway.

For the religious, it’s one of the state’s best places to travel, and for the irreligious, it’s a valuable architectural spot regardless.

It was built in 1991 and took three years to finish.

The Washington Island Stavkirke belongs to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wisconsin and was built specifically to honor the natural heritage of Scandinavia in the area.

Most other native Norwegian stave churches have been damaged or destroyed over the years, so this is a unique treat you won’t get to see in many other places.

Address: Town Line Rd, Washington, WI 54246, United States

20. Pabst Mansion

MaxyM / Shutterstock

Pabst Mansion is an incredibly charming house made by Pabst Brewing Company founder Captain Frederick Pabst.

The opulent home sits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has become one of the top things to see for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

It is built in a lovely Flemish Renaissance Revival design on the exterior, while the interior mixes Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Rococo styles.

When first built, it boasted an impressive 66 rooms with 14 fireplaces and a special study for the Captain with 14 hidden compartments.

Pabst and family lived in this home from the late 19th century, after its 1892 completion, up to 1908.

The house would then become the residence of many Archbishops of the local Roman Catholic Archdiocese before the church sold it to Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. in 1978.

Now, it houses an impressive 4,000 pieces of fine art and decorative works, with furniture, china, and even clocks adding to the overall experience.

Tours are educational and provide insight into the life of Pabst and the wealthy classes in that era.

Address: 2000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States

21. American Science & Surplus

American Science & Surplus

American Science & Surplus is a rather fascinating and fun spot in Wisconsin and should be on your list of places to go if you’re a geek, a creative person, or coming with family.

It is a shop filled with difficult-to-find materials, items, and other products for tinkerers, creators, DIY-lovers, educators, scientists, and more.

If you’ve needed military, industrial, or other tools for random passion projects, chances are that this shop has you covered.

While a lot of the stuff in American Science & Surplus is a little odd, it’s also worth treasuring.

The store has supplied items for all sorts of different people’s personal projects, such as dioramas, robots, instruments, decorations, and more.

The shop offers mystery items, scavenger hunts, informative displays, and funny signs to help you along your hunt for supplies, too.

Address: 6901 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219, United States

22. Green Bay Botanical Garden

Amdizdarevic / Shutterstock

Green Bay Botanical Garden , spanning 47 acres, was created in 1996 in its titular city of Green Bay.

It began with the simple goal of encouraging visitors to feel welcomed and happy and today is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin for calm recreational activities and sightseeing.

The gardens at the Green Bay Botanical Garden are very diverse, with multiple different areas for different plants.

The Vanderperren English Cottage Garden is a highly traditional English garden.

The Four Seasons Garden provides plants that grow throughout the year, even in winter, like crabapples, lilacs, and magnolias.

The Kaftan Lusthaus is Scandanavian-styled.

There’s so much to do and enjoy, especially during the WPS Garden of Lights event, which features more than 200,000 lights illuminating the garden!

Address: 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, WI 54303, United States

23. Door County

Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock

Door County is one of the prettiest places to vacation in the state of Wisconsin.

Door County is situated approximately 46 miles away from the more busy area of Green Bay.

It is packed with natural beauty and looks out over Lake Michigan, and it has since become famous as one of the larger Wisconsin attractions, providing hotels and campsites for visitors from all walks of life.

Tons of visitors have fun heading to Door County annually thanks to all its activities.

You can go to the water to swim, fish, dive, sail, and kayak, or you can explore by biking or hiking.

As a small town, it’s got a lot of rural charm and even has a fair share of historic buildings to head into – and a whopping 8 wineries, all on its own!

Address: Wisconsin, United States

24. Minocqua Lake

Jason Patrick Ross / Shutterstock

Minocqua Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Wisconsin.

It features breathtaking scenery in Oneida County and is a part of the state’s Lakeland area.

The lake covers 1339 acres of land and boasts a maximum depth of an impressive 60 feet, with fish like walleye, panfish, bass, pike, and musky swimming in its depths.

There are all sorts of activities to enjoy at Minocqua Lake.

You can take pictures, play water sports, relax and camp out, stay at a resort, get yourself a tan, or even wait till winter so you can go snowboarding or skiing!

25. FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard

sporst / flickr

The FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard , which stands for Fiberglass Animals, Shapes, and Trademarks, is one of the best places of interest to see in Wisconsin if you like creepy and bizarre locations – though the true reason for this graveyard is certainly more whimsical than scary!

It rests behind the workshop of FAST and holds large molds of fiberglass, left behind from all their many, many jobs.

FAST is a company that creates large figures and items that catch the eye, such as huge statues outside roadside restaurants and the like.

Molds are often tailored to specific commissions, so once the work is done, the molds are moved out into the backyard, where they become one of many in a graveyard of molds.

They appear in a wide array of shapes and colors, from large Santa Clauses to skulls and from mice to dogs.

Time and the Wisconsin climate have made the tenants of the FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard slowly wither away, providing an appearance akin to old stone.

This makes the area feel like the leftover from an ancient burial plot, which adds to the unreal, fantasy-like experience of walking through it.

Address: 14177 Co Hwy Q, Sparta, WI 54656, United States

26. The Farm Historic Living Museum

The Farm Historic Living Museum

The Farm Historic Living Museum is situated in Door County, Wisconsin, and is a must-see because it’s among the state’s cheap things to do and is just a whole lot of fun!

It is a living museum designed to depict rural America from the 19th century and beyond, and its approach to education makes it ideal for families with children, though it is a great experience for any age.

The Farm Historic Living Museum provides the chance to feel lambs, kids, and piglets, as well as to view old buildings such as the woodshed, cabin, granary, and sugar shack.

In the process, you’ll learn about what life was like on the prairie of the state back in the day, and you can browse and watch exhibits on farm life, crops, livestock, and beyond.

Address: 4285 WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States

27. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

BlueBarronPhoto / Shutterstock

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the free things to do in Wisconsin.

It spans 700 acres of land in Green Bay and functions as a refuge territory for wildlife, and it’s the city’s largest park, too.

It is the state’s second-biggest rehabilitation program for wildlife and, every year, it cares for about 4,500 injured and orphaned animals.

With 6 miles of trails for skiing and hiking, a bunch of educational displays, a Manger Lagoon for catch-and-release fishing, and lots of animal exhibits, it’s easy to see why the activities of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary are so popular.

It also offers programs for people of all ages, a number of community events, and seasonal camps to enjoy!

Address: 1660 E Shore Dr, Green Bay, WI 54302, United States

28. Wisconsin Maritime Museum

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is among the best tourist attractions for naval enthusiasts.

It is a delightful trove of treasures from all across the history of American seafaring, specifically in the region of the Great Lakes as well as the state’s vessels used in World War II.

It was founded as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association in 1969.

The biggest artifact exhibited at the Maritime Museum is an entire submarine, launched into the Pacific front by the United States in World War II.

It is called the USS Cobia.

In its service, it successfully downed two different ships before being retired.

It is now impressively restored, with a tourable top inner floor and upper deck.

Here, you’ll be able to see torpedo rooms, engine rooms, quarters, and more.

Beyond the USS Cobia, the Maritime Museum showcases all sorts of materials, artifacts, and archives through presented research, interactive exhibits, and lots of educational programs.

A car ferry gallery, a model ship, an operating steam engine, special children’s rooms, and much more take up the sprawling 60,000 square foot space.

Address: 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States

29. Sputnik IV Crash Site

Sputnik IV Crash Site

One of the top free things to do in the state is to simply visit the casual and rather inconspicuous attraction that is the Sputnik IV Crash Site .

It’s a great option for when your list of what to do in Wisconsin is already getting very long and you want to squeeze in a small and quick bit of novelty!

The Sputnik IV Crash Site sits in Manitowoc on 8th Street.

It is a simple brass ring that is fixed in the center of the road – an unassuming and almost uninteresting feature.

But this ring marks the exact spot where Sputnik, the famed Soviet satellite, crashed, becoming a part of astronomical history forever – and a part of the strange events and festivals that the state holds!

The piece of Sputnik that landed here was approximately 20 pounds in weight and fell in 1962 from the much heavier 5-ton full Sputnik-IV.

The spacecraft had been launched two years prior by the Soviets, but upon trying to return it to earth the day of the crash, a computer glitch led to a malfunction.

Most of its body would burn in the heat of a high-altitude atmosphere, and all that was left unmelted crashed into Manitowoc.

At first, no one paid much attention to the hunk of metal – that is, until news broke about the crash.

The police had the piece sent to the Smithsonian, who then sent it back to Russia, and then replicas were made.

Meanwhile, the site of the crash was immortalized forever with a simple ring.

Address: Park St and N 8th St, Manitowoc, WI, United States

30. Old World Wisconsin

Jane Zalewski / Shutterstock

Old World Wisconsin is a wonderful exhibit of 60 gorgeously restored structures dating back to the late 19th century.

It was at this time that immigrants arrived in the Midwest, marking this area as one of their many destinations to settle down and begin a new life on better shores.

Old World Wisconsin is essentially a living exhibit, a recreation of a farming village from the 1880s complete with a general store, a blacksmith, and fields with livestock.

Activities of all kinds provide fun and engaging ways to learn about the genuine daily lives of those who lived in the depicted times.

It teaches farmwork, handicrafts, and schoolhouse education in inviting ways.

There are many things to see and appreciate about this lovely Old World attraction.

It’s the biggest museum of its kind – that is, a living rural history museum – on the planet, covering 600 acres of land.

You will learn with empathy and connection about those who persevered and lived here through hands-on attractions, interactive experiences, and spaces rich in sensory engagement.

The most popular attractions at Old World include Crossroads Village, which brings you through Main Street for a glimpse into small-town life with immigrant settlers, and Life On The Farms, which allows you to learn about farming traditions in the vein of resources and land.

There are also Scandinavian Homesteads that showcase the difficulty of 19th-century survival, Heritage Animal Breeds to show off traditional breeds of livestock, and Catch Wheel Fever, which explains the role of shared social spaces and sports in community identity.

Address: W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI 53119, United States

31. The Wisconsin Great River Road

Wisconsin Great River Road

The Wisconsin Great River Road is the state’s only national scenic route as officially declared.

It spans 250 miles across a whopping 33 cities, each one full of vacation spots and perfect for sightseeing.

It’s one of the best ways to get a good feel of the state in a road trip sort of fashion, with lots of places to see for interests of all sorts.

Along the Wisconsin Great River Road, you’ll find rivers and lakes for boating and fishing, small towns for gallery-viewing and shopping, parks and gardens for outdoor adventures, wineries to tour, and hiking and camping spots galore.

And, of course, the road itself offers stunning views of the surrounding area that make the drive alone very much worth it!

Address: Wisconsin State Hwy 35 La Crosse, WI 54601, United States

Planning to travel to Madison? If you do plan the trip, here are some fun things to do in Madison, WI !

32. Lost City Forest

Dori , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Lost City Forest sits in an Arboretum on the southeastern side of the University of Wisconsin, a surprisingly natural wooded area that borders a march.

True to its name, it feels like a world away from the surrounding area and is the perfect getaway this weekend.

It’s also one of the most fun free things to do while in Wisconsin!

Surprisingly, the name “Lost City Forest” isn’t actually because of its secluded nature.

Instead, it is so named thanks to a 20th-century housing development project that failed in the 1920s here, when Madison was growing quickly and developers were seeking to make a tidy profit with new homes.

One of those developers was the Lake Forest Land Company, and they lined sidewalks and roads and put down concrete foundations.

But the marshy ground was unstable and sucked the foundations down – and then the Great Depression arrived, shutting down all efforts.

Address: 2449 Arboretum Dr, Madison, WI 53713, United States

33. Paine Art Center and Gardens

Lisa Schulz / Shutterstock

The Paine Art Center and Gardens make up Wisconsin attractions that are very much suited to the expression of art and beauty with nature and historic charm.

It sits in an estate made in 1925 by Ithaca architect Bryan Fleming for Nathan and Jessie Paine, although the couple would never wind up living here.

The architectural design is distinctly Tudor Revival in order to pay tribute to the English roots of the Paine family, but the interior and exterior have significant contrast, allowing the English inspiration to be drawn out across centuries of styles.

Nathan Paine himself was instrumental in the unique appearance of the home and grounds, insisting on limestone stonework and other materials based on his keen eye for craftsmanship.

The natural beauty of the landscape of Wisconsin further compliments the homey, charming vintage appearance of the Paine Art Center and Gardens.

Inside the art center itself, once the home of the Paines, you’ll find a beautiful rotating exhibit of applied and fine arts alike.

The furniture within comes from different historical periods and many were specially commissioned.

The upper floors lie unfinished until today.

Meanwhile, the gardens outdoors at the Paine Art Center and Gardens are once again inspired by English styles.

They are a collection of twenty botanical garden locations perfect for education and enjoyment.

Perennials for local climate as well as native fauna of all kinds make up much of the lovely array.

Address: 1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901, United States

34. Palace Theater in the Dells

Palace Theater in the Dells

The Palace Theater in the Dells is one of the most fun places to visit in Wisconsin for high-quality entertainment.

It is famous for being an excellent recreational location, providing an impressive array of different performances and shows across all sorts of genres.

Each ticket can be bought alongside a snack or meal and all shows are suitable for children.

The Palace Theater in the Dells was opened by Anthony and Joseph Tomaska, who boast an impressive three decades of experience in the fields of food service and performance.

This allowed them to launch the Dinner Theater to applaudable success, and their interactive dinner show, called Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, has the honor of being one of the region’s longest continuously running shows with a 17-year record.

Address: 564 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, United States

Planning to visit Wisconsin Dells soon? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells ?

35. National Mustard Museum

BobbbyLight / flickr

The National Mustard Museum is one of the state’s famous locations of interest, a highlight of the lovely Mount Horeb until it moved to Middleton in order to expand.

It is home to an impressive collection of mustards from across the planet, including “antique” bottles of old mustards.

Though small, the National Mustard Museum is nothing short of delightful.

It provides a rather large number of mustard-related artifacts and items as well as a movie stream that showcases thematic films like Mustard: The Spice of Nations.

There is also a gift shop that sells several hundred different types of mustard, ranging from spicy options to relatively tame, fruity ones.

You can sample them as you please

The National Mustard Museum is one of the state’s most charming points of interest and is also one of its free things to do.

Don’t forget to drop by in August on the month’s first Saturday for the National Mustard Day event, which is an entire festival held at the museum!

Address: 7477 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, United States

36. Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts

Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts is an officially designated landmark of the City of Cedarburg, where its tale began in 1988 as part of the local state’s Quilt History Project.

The project was meant to preserve, promote, and showcase the creativity and art of local quilters, and its mission has only expanded ever since.

In 2001, the Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts moved to its current location, a 2.2-acre plot of land, where it sits in the farmstead of Hoffmann-Boeker – a spot filled with interesting structures made of stone and timber.

There are seven such structures in total, including a dairy barn and silo, a blacksmithy, a farmhouse, a smokehouse, and an ice house.

Throughout the farmstead, the Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts showcases all sorts of items related to its title, including clothing, coverlets, costumes, and textiles, some dating all the way back to the 18th century.

More than 8,000 quilts have been captured and recorded here.

It’s a must-do spot to explore the fun and colorful history of fiber arts and quilts in the state and beyond!

Address: N50 W5050, Portland Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012, United States

37. Madison Eats Food Tours

Madison Eats Food Tours

Madison Eats Food Tours is one of the greatest things to do in Wisconsin for foodies.

It offers a tour of the city’s diverse culinary backdrop, its local businesses, and even some unique local events.

The company began operations in 2012, though the story of its founder Otehlia Cassidy, an award-winning food writer, dates back much further.

Her food blog grew into a rich food tour experience that could bring the taste of Madison to its visitors.

Tours at Madison Eats Food Tours can involve cycling or walking.

Interestingly, a lot of the most delicious fare from local restaurants serve international cuisines, such as Ethiopian, Indonesian, and Thai delicacies.

Still, you’ll get to see markets, taste artisanal wines and cheeses, and much more!

Address: Madison, WI, United States

38. Swing Park

V’ron / flickr

Swing Park is a bit of a hidden gem, but that’s what makes it such a good answer for where to visit if you’re looking for more unusual stuff to do.

It is situated right beneath the famous Holton Street Bridge of Milwaukee and is secluded and serene, providing a tranquil place to while away some time or even enjoy a romantic moment or two.

There are five typical swings that hang from the bridge, made with halved tires, as well as two tire swings – one for horizontal and one for vertical orientations.

There is also a plastic blue swing of a suitable adult size that is designed to be accessible by those with disabilities, using a rubberized subsurface on the ground for better ease.

The entire space of Swing Park aside from that rubberized plot uses soft sand as a blanket over the ground, and there are wooden benches to sit on and while away the time.

It’s wild to think that the bridge above is so busy when the park is so peaceful!

Address: 1737 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States

39. Mars Cheese Castle

jpellgen (@1179_jp) / flickr

As far as unorthodox places to visit in Wisconsin go, the Mars Cheese Castle takes the cake.

Originally, it was nothing but a gas station, opened in 1947 for a simple and uninteresting purpose.

But after the station burned down a decade later, owner Mario Ventura Sr. set up the much more fascinating purveyor of Mars Cheese Castle, earning the spot in the junction the name of the most visible cheese interchange in the state!

Since it opened in 1957, the Mars Cheese Castle has provided visitors with a wide range of cheese and similar products to purchase and enjoy.

Trouble would seem to come in 2011 when the highway where the “castle” sat was set to be widened.

The Ventura family took it on the chin and did not lose heart, using the forced location change to create a new and better image for their business.

Today, Mars Cheese Castle has the extremely fun appearance of a genuine castle, fitted with a watchtower and a drawbridge on a stately facade.

It’s a great option for what to do, whether you’re looking to buy cheese-related items or simply marvel at the castle’s novelty!

Address: 2800 W Frontage Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144, United States

40. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Joe Ferrer / Shutterstock

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory , referred to by Wisconsin locals simply as The Domes, earned its nickname for obvious reasons.

It is made up of three domes of glass that sit in a Milwaukee park, created in the 50s and 60s and eventually developed to have three separate themes.

Altogether, they make up some fairly interesting stuff to see.

The first dome is the Show Dome, which has a rotation of different garden shows on a seasonal basis.

The next is the Desert Dome, which boasts flora local to dry climates, especially from the Americas and Africa.

Finally, there’s the Tropical Dome, which is home to more than a thousand different species of plants that flourish in a tropical climate, including trees laden with fruit!

Address: 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215, United States

41. Treinen Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Treinen Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Treinen Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is one of the great places to go with family.

It is situated on a family-owned farm that covers 200 acres of ground.

The Treinan family has managed and owned the farm for close to one hundred years and has been a wonderful spot for visitors to come and enjoy the autumn seasons.

The Treinen Farm grows corn, pumpkins, hay, and soybeans, and its corn maze is probably the most loved in the state thanks to the fact that it’s also the biggest.

Apart from that, the in-season months, especially in fall, come with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, rides on a horse wagon, a corn sandbox, farm animals to visit, a bounce house, cows to be milked, a playground of tractor tires, a pumpkin slingshot, and more.

Address: W12420 State Road 60, Lodi, WI 53555, United States

Planning a trip to Milwaukee? If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Milwaukee !

42. Shaker’s Cigar Bar

Shakers Milwaukee

If “ghosts” is on your list of what to see on your vacation and you, coincidentally, are also feeling a little peckish, Shaker’s Cigar Bar has you covered on both counts.

The place serves good food and has a rather somber history, though the real reason it’s among Wisconsin attractions is that it is believed to be very haunted!

Shaker’s Cigar Bar opened in the late 1800s and offers a unique glimpse into 19th century Milwaukee, as well as two ghost tours across the apartment complex, basement, and bar at the building on Walker’s Point.

With a huge list of illegal shenanigans that have taken place here over the years, it’s no surprise that its sordid tales and anecdotes have resulted in some patrons of the bar sticking around with unfinished business.

There are lots of testimonials from workers and visitors alike when it comes to paranormal experiences, but Shaker’s Cigar Bar is also interesting because of its preserved history and grounds.

Staff can tell you tales of genuine mob dealings that took place here as well as some genuine unsolved mysteries.

All in all, this is a fascinating experience you won’t soon forget!

Address: 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s many vacation places promise a variety of different attractions and forms of enjoyment, ranging from the outdoorsy to the artistic and from the architectural to the historical.

This list should help you narrow down the places to visit in Wisconsin that you want to make a priority!

Happy travels.

Wisconsin Destinations

Wisconsin vacation destinations, ready for a wisconsin vacation, but not quite sure where to go, choose from dozens of wisconsin's top vacation destinations below..

If you are looking for specific things to do in Wisconsin, click on the Filter Activities to find just the right place for your Midwest vacation.

• Agriculture and Farm Tours
• Botanical Gardens
• Breweries and Wineries
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Children Museums
• Cross Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing
• Factory Tours
• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Great Lakes Harbor Towns
• Indoor Waterparks
• Mississippi River Tours
• Outlet Malls
• Parks and Forests
• Performances
• Shopping Meccas
• Snowmobiling
• Specialty Stores
• Spectator Sports
• Zoo & Animal Attractions

Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce

Discover Langlade County in beautiful Northern Wisconsin. It is our pleasure to invite you to discover endless choices of year-round activities, events, and FUN in Langlade County!  Your whole family will enjoy an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities while embracing the relaxing,&nb...

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce

Nestled on the south shore of Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay, the City of Ashland boasts a unique mix of historic charm and modern convenience.  Ashland is a natural starting point for both the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and southern Ashland County, home to Copper Falls State Park,...

Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

How far away is Bayfield?  Just far enough. Far enough to let you escape from strip malls. And drive-thru meals. And 3pm budget meetings. And all the other hassles, hype and "have-to's" of everyday life. Here, stress and schedules just sort of drift away on the sun-kissed waves of...

Destination Door County

With the amenities and accommodations that you'd expect from a conference and meeting destination as well as some that you wouldn't, Door County has the resources you need to pull off that great event. Golfing, galleries, charter fishing, museums and great dining intermingle with artists'...

Destination Lake Winnebago Region

The first light of dawn hits the water's surface and welcomes optimistic fishermen to Lake Winnebago. A cup of coffee among friendly strangers turns into a recommendation for the just-perfect lakeside dinner later that night. A bike ride through the picturesque rural country, past idyllic barns ...

Destination Madison

What makes Madison special is hard to pin down. It's a vibrant palce. A one-of-a-kind place. Outdoorsy, storied, chic and down-home. It's a mid-sized city that blends urban style with natural beauty. The state's capital and home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this city has a vib...

Discover Green Bay

With so much to offer, it's hard to put a finger on what exactly makes Greater Green Bay, the perfect destination to get away from it all. Could it be the beauty of the rolling countryside, the grand waters of Lake Michigan and the Bay, the rich European and Native American heritage, the th...

Discover Wauwatosa

When you explore Wauwatosa, you'll discover five dynamic districts, each with its own sense of character and charm. From a walkable European-style village center full of boutiques and local businesses to the modern Mayfair Mall shopping destination, discoveries are waiting around every corner. ...

Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce

You will receive a warm welcome when you visit Eagle River during any time of the year. Wisconsin’s favorite natural vacation destination has exciting activities and major events all year long. Eagle River is officially trademarked as “The Snowmobile Capital of the World ®” and...

Elkhart Lake Tourism

Known for the beautiful and calm blue, green water, Elkhart Lake has become a year-round vacation destination for travelers from all over the world. Immerse yourself in luxurious accommodations, a delicious farm to table culinary scene, abundant recreational adventures and lively nightlife. Start pl...

Explore La Crosse

Everyone knows La Crosse has one of the nation’s premier Oktoberfest festivals. Well, on top of that we also have Irishfest, Riverfest, the Mid West Music Fest, Artspire, the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine, & Cheese Festival . . . the festivals go on. You’d be hard-pressed to find a t...

Fox Cities Convention and Visitor Bureau

The Fox Cities are a place of kindness, beauty, and creativity nestled along the Fox River and Lake Winnebago in east central Wisconsin. We are the Greater Appleton area. A region comprised of 19 distinct, vibrant communities known for our long history as makers—of new friends, big discoveries...

Go Chippewa County

Chippewa County lies nestled on the cusp of Wisconsin's enchanting Northwoods beckoning you to immerse yourself in a world of adventure and discovery. With a spirit of adventure, GO: indulge in the local flavors at our esteemed wineries, distilleries, and breweries, GO: explore the untamed beaut...

Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau

We welcome you to our Northwoods hometown for your next meeting, retreat, reunion or gathering.  The Hayward Lakes Area is home to some of the finest hotel, motel and resort properties.  No matter where you stay, you will receive Genuine Hospitality. Hayward Lakes-A Perfect Place to Meet...

Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Set on the banks of the scenic St. Croix River, Hudson invites you to experience all of the adventures & amenities this unique river town has to offer. Built on rich history, and is considered the Western Gateway to Wisconsin, Hudson is at the heart of it all! Among the ...

Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

We invite you to visit Janesville to enjoy our more than 2,500 acres of beautiful parkland, stay at one of 11 comfortable lodging facilities, and soak in our 20 acres of breathtaking botanical gardens and 13 historic districts. End your day with live theatre, an award winning water-ski show, unique ...

Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau

Welcome to the communities of Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, and Woodruff - Nature’s Original Water Park™. We are located in Northern Wisconsin’s Lake Country where there are thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams that literally saturate the geography. Vacationers have long been visi...

Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau

Explore the coast from ship to shore! Visitors are drawn to this coastal community each year to explore the USS Cobia World War II submarine, tour Rogers Street Fishing Village to view relics of famous shipwrecks in the Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, or sail across Lake Michigan on th...

Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Marshfield is rich in Wisconsin lore. Lumber, farming and railroads all made a mark on the area. At one time, 50 trains stopped at the station each day with passengers traveling out west or heading back east. In the early years of the Marshfield Clinic, some doctors rode the trains to serve patients...

Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau

Oshkosh is Wisconsin’s Event City. There’s something happening every single day in Oshkosh, from concerts and festivals to races and sporting events. In addition to a nearly endless list of events, Oshkosh offers year-round attractions, including the EAA AirVenture Museum, the&...

Plover Area

Prairie du chien area chamber of commerce.

The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide you with this information on the Prairie du Chien area. Prairie du Chien is located just above the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, and is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River. Many epic f...

St. Germain Chamber of Commerce

Tucked in the tall pines, surrounded by lakes and rivers, stretched out below starry skies sits St. Germain, Wisconsin. This outdoor and wilderness lovers paradise is a short enough drive to remain easily reachable, but far enough outside of major metros to truly feel like you’re escaping into...

Stevens Point Area CVB

If you’ve never been to the Stevens Point Area (Portage County, Wisconsin), you’ll be amazed by what you find. It might appear an unassuming blend of rural and urban. But, dig a little deeper, and meet the local makers behind the scenes. Check out the world’s longest...

Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center

Crossroads for West-Central Wisconsin offering recreation & convenience!  Tomah is truly Wisconsin's Cranberry Country.  We hope you find our community intriguing, inviting and a great place to plan your next trip in West-Central Wisconsin!  Come experie...

Vilas County Tourism

Welcome to Vilas County, your premier lakeside vacation destination.  This magnificent corner of the Northwoods is home to more than 70 land and water trails, nearly 700 miles of snowmobile trails, 73 rivers and streams, and more than 1,300 lakes--one of the largest concentrations of fresh...

Visit Beloit

Situated between four major metropolitan areas, the city of Beloit has the amenities of a big city and the charm of a small town. Our riverfront is rich with breathtaking scenery, recreational opportunities and live music, and the historic downtown district boasts farm-to-table dining, unique boutiq...

Visit Brookfield

Brookfield – Just minutes from Milwaukee, visit Brookfield for easy access to big-city attractions with suburban convenience.  Located along I-94 between Milwaukee and Madison, Green Bay and Chicago-land, Brookfield is the perfect destination for social or professional functions, ...

Visit Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin could probably lay claim to being "The Indie Capital of the Midwest," but trademarking that would be far too corporate of a move for this independent-minded university town. Instead, Eau Claire, located at the confluence of the crystal clear Eau Claire and Chippewa Ri...

Visit Kenosha

Welcome to Kenosha, a Wisconsin harbor town. Kenosha is the name of the county that’s located in the far southeast corner of the state. It’s also the name of the county seat — the City of Kenosha. The county stretches from the scenic Lake Michigan shore to the rural countryside. Ke...

VISIT Lake Geneva

Nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, Lake Geneva has been a resort community since just after the Civil War when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes amidst the lush countryside.Today, the elegant, often historic estates st...

Visit Middleton

Discover a destination that offers everything travelers desire. Enjoy eco-friendly lodging, explore award-winning green spaces, sample our expansive dining scene and visit shops and galleries filled with fresh finds....

VISIT Milwaukee

There’s an undeniable energy in fun, urban-easy Milwaukee. While still celebrating our beer brewing heritage, the city now has a powerhouse arts scene, big-city attractions, revitalized historic districts, numerous James Beard-nominated chefs and a burgeoning “locally sourced” culi...

Visit Racine County

Racine County is a mix of what’s best about Wisconsin and the Midwest. Located 25 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Racine County is home to the Wind Point Lighthouse, award-winning North Beach, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and Danish Kringle. Enjoy a leisurel...

There's no place like Rome! The Town of Rome is located in Northern Adams County. Our recreational haven offers visitors four beauriful lakes, five championship golf courses, ATV & snowmobiling trails, hiking & biking, and so much more! Head to www.visitromewi.com for all things Rom...

Visit Sheboygan

Our beaches are brighter. Our fish are bigger. Our golf is better. Our food is the best! And it's fun to say our name. Try it...She-boy-gan. So how do we Sheboygan? We surf, kite surf, wind surf, sail, kayak, jet ski, boat, bike, hike, climb, race, golf, eat, drink, dance, relax, spa, enjoy. And...

Visit Stoughton

Whether you're visiting the charming downtown, filled with small, family-owned shops, cafes and restaurants, or in town for a theatrical show at one of the few remaining second story theaters in the Midwest - the beautifully restored Stoughton Opera House, there will always be something to see a...

Visit Washington County

Located in southeast Wisconsin, Washington County offers a peaceful escape from big city headaches, while providing first-class facilities and down-home charm. Communities in the county include West Bend, Hartford, Germantown, Kewaskum, Newburg, Jackson and Richfield. The area boasts a gentle rollin...

Waukesha Pewaukee Convention & Visitor Bureau

In Waukesha Pewaukee you'll encounter someplace special.  A place where friends meet in fine restaurants to catch up on busy lives.  Where families meet to make memories while kids are still kids. Where antique stores meet avid collectors.  Where a sparkling river meets a peaceful...

Waupaca Area Convention & Visitor Bureau

Escape from the hassles of home to Waupaca, Wisconsin. A beautiful haven in the middle of the state, Waupaca, is home to 22 spring-fed lakes that comprise the Chain O’ Lakes.  Ancient glaciers left their imprint on the Waupaca countryside, leaving sand plains, rolling hills, deep ravin...

Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention and Visitors

GREATER WAUSAU: WISCONSIN'S OUTDOOR BASECAMP Basecamp: Close to the adventure while providing creative comforts to recharge! Wausau/Central Wisconsin is the perfect place to basecamp your adventure. Four seasons of outdoor recreation, thriving arts, festivals, e...

Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau

When it comes to originality, Wisconsin Dells exudes it. After all, how many other communities of less than 20 square miles would have thought to reinvent themselves as "The Waterpark Capital of the World!®" This community now boasts the largest concentration of indoor and outdoor wate...

Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River in the heart of cranberry country, Wisconsin Rapids offers rich heritage and a unique blend of outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and culture, delicious food, and fun-filled events.  Fish, ski, kayak, canoe, paddleboard - water recreation opportunities ...

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Jul 26, 2022

Bordered by Lakes Michigan and Superior, Wisconsin offers diverse landscapes and attractions that are a delight to explore. To the north and west are large expanses of hills that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and areas of lowlands to the south and east have proven excellent for dairy farming. In summer, the beaches are some of the most popular places to visit.

While many of Wisconsin's top things to do are in its two largest cities, Madison and Milwaukee, smaller communities such as Spring Green , home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Taliesin, are also worth exploring. The state also offers many exceptional cultural activities and events, too, from the huge Oshkosh Airshow to Milwaukee's popular Summerfest .

Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from great fishing lakes and lakes to enjoy boating and leisure activities , as well as some of the best hiking and biking trails to be found anywhere in the country.

Learn about these and other interesting places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Wisconsin.

2. Taliesin: Frank Lloyd Wright's Perfect Country Home

3. wisconsin state capitol, madison, 4. the harley-davidson museum, milwaukee, 5. circus world museum, 6. the dells of the wisconsin river, 7. the great outdoors: door county, 8. the green bay packers: lambeau field and the walk of legends, 9. exploring the land o' lakes, 10. copper falls state park, 11. all steamed up at the national railroad museum, 12. take a hike on wisconsin's wonderful trails, 13. winter activities in northwest wisconsin, 14. cheesehead factory, 15. the house on the rock.

The small town of Oshkosh on Lake Winnebago, northwest of Milwaukee, is famous for two things: the popular line of kids' clothing and its place on the world's airshow circuit. The world's largest meeting of aviators, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has been held here every summer since 1970.

During the weeklong event, the Oshkosh control tower becomes the busiest on the planet as up to 15,000 aircraft of all shapes and sizes descend upon the airport. They're joined by an estimated half a million visitors, all here to catch thrilling aerobatic displays, as well as flybys from vintage and contemporary military aircraft.

Also fun to experience are the nighttime flying displays, evening movie shows and theatrical performances, and educational workshops. For those with the budget, a variety of aircraft rides, including aboard a huge B-17 bomber, are available. Also of note is the superb EAA AirVenture Museum with its collection of 200-plus aircraft.

Address: EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Official site: www.eaa.org/en/airventure

One of the most influential individuals to have called Wisconsin home was Frank Lloyd Wright. Numerous examples of the great architect's designs can still be seen across the state in which he was born and where he lived for much of his life.

But it's to Taliesin East in Spring Green — usually referred to simply as "Taliesen" — that most people flock. Set amid 600 acres of beautiful rolling countryside, this spectacular home was started in 1911 and was a work in progress right up to Wright's death in 1959.

Wright spent his summers here and then packed up and headed to Taliesin West, one of the top attractions in Scottsdale, Arizona , in winter. Students at The School of Architecture at Taliesin still do this each year. Guided tours are available, taking in the home, theater, studio, gallery, and school. Other highlights include an informative visitor center with a restaurant.

Other Frank Lloyd Wright buildings include the spectacular Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Madison 's lakeshore (it was actually built long after his death but was based on his original plans) and Milwaukee 's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church .

Address: 5481 County Road C, Spring Green Wisconsin

Official site: www.taliesinpreservation.org/visitors-guide

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Madison, WI

Madison has numerous great reasons to visit, with many of its top attractions found in the downtown core . One of the most attractive is the Wisconsin State Capitol. Completed in 1917, it's decorated with a 284-foot-high dome that's just three feet shy of Washington's Capitol building.

Free hour-long tours are available daily and take in many of the building's best interior features, including its large murals, exquisite marble work, and elegant rotunda with its states and monuments.

There's also an interesting museum about the building's history located on the sixth floor, which is well worth a look. One of the best views of the capitol is from the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center - it's simply stunning.

Address: 2 E Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Nothing says "freedom" quite like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a fact that is not lost on visitors to Milwaukee, the birthplace of the famous "Hog." The best place to find out more about this iconic machine is the city's Harley-Davidson Museum, home to more than 450 classic motorcycles.

This fun family attraction also has excellent displays of the brand's famous teardrop tanks, as well as exhibits telling the story of the people and places behind the machines. There's also a fun Harley-themed restaurant. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the museum's busy "bike nights," when fans and owners arrive in their droves to show off and admire these classic machines.

There are several self-guided tours available at the museum to give you more insight and a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic American company. You can tour the full 20-acre Harley Davidson complex by downloading a map to see buildings like the original shed where the company started in 1903, and the H-D archives houses documents, clothing, and marketing materials. A self-guided audio tour is available.

Address: 400 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Official site: www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milwaukee, WI

Located in the small town of Baraboo , Circus World Museum is an excellent attraction for kids of all ages to learn about the day-to-day activities of a working circus. With its focus on the country's rich circus history - it was once upon a time one of the nation's leading entertainment industries - the museum features numerous fascinating displays and exhibits.

The museum is reputedly home to the world's largest collection of circus-related artifacts, from posters to parade wagons. In summer, there's a Big Top with regular shows including traditional circus acts (check their website for scheduled performances). Baraboo is well qualified to host this museum given its former role as the headquarters of the huge Ringling Brothers Circus.

Address: 550 Water Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Official site: www.circusworldbaraboo.org

Sometimes called the Wisconsin Dells - though this is often confused with the touristy town of the same name - the Dells of the Wisconsin River is a spectacular five-mile gorge on the state's largest river. This area of outstanding natural beauty, much of it located in the state park of the same name, boasts many unique sandstone rock formations, canyons, and cliffs, some as high as 100 feet.

The Dells area is also home to an abundance of unique flora and fauna, such as cliff cudweed, found in only one other location on the planet, and six species of dragonfly. Given its fragile ecological state, it's not the easiest place to access, and those wanting to experience its beauty must do so by boat.

A variety of regular boat tours and excursions are available, taking in both the upper and lower areas of this spectacularly beautiful region.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells

One of the prettiest corners of Wisconsin is Door County. Located some 46 miles northeast of Green Bay, this area of outstanding natural beauty lies on a peninsula overlooking Lake Michigan and has become a popular vacation spot for its many charming hotels, as well as its plentiful campsites.

This pleasant rural countryside draws numerous visitors each year for its many outdoor activities. These include fun things to do such as trout fishing, sailing, diving, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking. This is also a great place for kayaking .

Some of Wisconsin's best small towns are found in Door County, including picturesque Sturgeon Bay , with its lovely old lighthouse (one of numerous such buildings sprinkled across the state), and Ephraim , with is old harbor and historic buildings. Washington Island is also worth visiting and has the country's oldest Icelandic settlement.

The story of the Green Bay Packers is a remarkable tale of a small town's ability to host a major league professional sports team. Take the team's stadium. Nearly large enough to house the city's entire population of 72,000, Lambeau Field opened in 1957 and is the longest continuously occupied stadium in the league.

Formed in 1919, the team is the third oldest in the NFL, and the league's only non-profit team (it's owned by the city of Green Bay). Whether you're a sports fan or not, you'll enjoy a tour of the stadium with its behind-the-scenes look at how a major league team operates.

Two superb self-guided sightseeing tours of Packers-related landmarks are also worth checking out: the Walk of Legends is an art walkway of 24 statues celebrating the history of football in Green Bay between 1895 and the present (and fun to explore at night), and the Packers Heritage Trail is a walking tour taking in city landmarks associated with the team.

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Official site: www.packers.com

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Green Bay

The lovely Land o' Lakes region is tucked away between Boulder Junction, Eagle River, and Rhinelander in the northern part of Wisconsin. Hugely popular with water sports enthusiasts, it boasts more than 200 unspoiled lakes of various sizes.

Campers and backpackers are particularly fond of the region, which is wonderful to explore by canoe or kayak. Highlights are its abundant flora and fauna, with good fishing and bird-watching, including an opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the few remaining white-tailed eagles in the area.

The town of Eagle River is a good place to begin exploring the region and offers a variety of things to do, from fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and swimming in summer, to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Address: 6484 Hwy 45, Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin

While the Badger State is known for many things — in particular its dairy products and cheese — it's certainly not short of natural wonders, either. It's especially popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its numerous lovely waterfalls . While some of the most attractive are set in relatively remote locations, many are within easy reach of major urban centers.

One of the most popular Wisconsin destinations for waterfalls is Copper Falls State Park . Just a few minutes' drive north of the small town of Mellen , this beautiful park is, in fact, home to no less than three waterfalls. Two of the most visited, Copper Falls itself and Brownstone Falls in the park's north end, are each accessible via the Waterfall Trail, an easy trek that's suitable for even the casual hiker.

The third falls, Red Granite Falls, is located at the park's southern end and is also worth seeing. For those wanting to make a full day of it, a total 17 miles of hiking trails is ready to be explored within Copper Falls State Park.

Address: 36764 Copper Falls Road, Mellen, Wisconsin

Official site: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls

There's no better family outing than the excellent National Railroad Museum in Green Bay . Home to more than 20 steam and diesel engines, plus numerous items of rolling stock, the museum houses a variety of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.

A highlight is the Eisenhower collection, which includes the Dwight D. Eisenhower , a streamlined vintage British engine used to pull the leader's military train across Europe during WWII. Fun events include excursions aboard a train decked out like the famous Thomas the Tank Engine, and haunted train rides at Halloween. An 80-foot-tall observation tower offers great views of the museum's collection and the surrounding area.

Address: 2285 South Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Official site: https://nationalrrmuseum.org

One of the best ways to explore wonderful Wisconsin is to hike or bike across the state's extensive trail networks, an activity that's becoming increasingly popular with backpackers looking for an exciting outdoor adventure.

Many of the trails that cross the state provide a look at how landscapes have been shaped by glaciation, including the Ice Age Trail , an epic 1,000-mile-long National Scenic Trail stretching from Potawatomi State Park to St. Croix Dalles.

Then there's the North Country National Scenic Trail encompassing states from North Dakota to New York, 117 miles of it passing right through the heart of Wisconsin. A gentler and extremely pleasant hike is the Geneva Lake Shore Path , a 21-mile walking trail that crosses many of the state's classiest country estates (allow at least a full day if you're planning to walk the entire route).

Official site: www.iceagetrail.org

For the outdoor winter enthusiast there are few places that offer the variety and access of cold weather sports then the Northwest region of Wisconsin. The Northwoods (comprised of Langdale, Lincoln, Forest, Vilas, and Oneida counties) and the towns of Cable and Hayward, among others in the region, make for an interconnected outdoor winter playground.

It is easy to rent equipment from local outfitters and enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. There are more than 200 miles of cross-country skiing trails and 80 miles of fat-tire biking trails just in the Hayward/Cable region. There are more than 600 miles of snowmobile trails in the area and hundreds of miles more that connect the many small towns in the Northwoods.

You could make a full vacation just traveling from town to town by snowmobile and staying in a different area each night. What makes the northwest region spectacular for outdoor winter sports it that there are trails for every skill level, and it is easy to find guides, equipment, and instruction.

Trails are always maintained in the winter. The town of Hayward has the largest fleet of snow- and trail-grooming equipment in the United States.

Wisconsin is synonymous with cheese, and Wisconsin sports fans are synonymous with the famous Cheesehead. The term is a nickname referring to fans of the Green Bay Packers NFL team, and it has developed its own cult following. Cheeseheads are easily identified by the oversized foam cheese slice that is worn as a hat.

You do not have to be a Cheesehead to enjoy a visit to the original Cheesehead Factory in Milwaukee. The factory and store are located inside a warehouse and have everything related to the Cheesehead brand, along with history about its humble beginnings.

The Cheesehead store features products like ornaments and foam cheese earrings, as well as clothing bearing the brand's name. You can even take your own foam cheese hat or head to a Packer's game and feel like a local.

Address: 1120 S. Barclay Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The curious House on the Rock is one of Wisconsin's most unusual tourist attractions. Set high atop Deer Shelter Rock in Spring Green, it's a fascinating mix of oddities and antiques housed in a sprawling complex of structures built to mimic the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose famous Taliesin East home is nearby.

A highlight of a visit is the 218-foot-long Infinity Room, which seems to disappear into the distance when you stand in it. This fun attraction is also part of a larger complex that includes a resort and an inn.

Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Official site: www.thehouseontherock.com

More on Wisconsin

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Southeast wisconsin, wi.

Visit Southeast Wisconsin

Where to stay in southeast wisconsin.

Downtown Milwaukee

Central business district with cultural, financial, and historical landmarks, Downtown Milwaukee offers shopping at The Shops of Grand Avenue, art galleries in the Historic Third Ward, high-end dining, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk, or hop on the free streetcar system.

Wauwatosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Milwaukee County Zoo and Mayfair Mall while you're in town.

East Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park. See more of Milwaukee by jumping on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop.

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Milwaukee Public Museum and Turner Hall and the Milwaukee Turners.

Historic Third Ward

Experience a historic warehouse district with a mix of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and enjoy year-round gourmet options at the Milwaukee Public Market, easily accessible via The Hop.

Travelers come to Fifth Ward for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Great Lakes Distillery while you're in town.

• Southeast Wisconsin Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Southeast Wisconsin

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

Check Southeast Wisconsin hotel availability

Popular places to visit, six flags great america.

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

• Harley-Davidson Museum

Delve into the history of one of the world’s most famous motorcycle brands via interactive exhibits, photo galleries, workshops and behind-the-scenes tours.

• Milwaukee County Zoo

This sprawling animal park houses a wide array of exotic wildlife, and is acclaimed for its conservation programs and educational resources.

• Milwaukee Art Museum

Peruse a vast collection of classic European and American art in this gallery that is housed in a striking modern building.

• Milwaukee River Walk

After visiting Milwaukee River Walk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Milwaukee. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Naval Base Great Lakes

After visiting Naval Base Great Lakes, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in North Chicago. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.

• Cities near Southeast Wisconsin

• Places of interest
• American Family Field
• Fiserv Forum
• Wisconsin State Fair Park
• Mayfair Mall
• The Rave-Eagles Club
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Henry W. Maier Festival Park
• Marquette University
• Potawatomi Bingo Casino
• Alpine Valley Ski Resort
• Geneva Lake
• Lake Geneva Cruise Line
• Alpine Valley Music Theatre
• Riverside Theater
• The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort
• Pabst Theater
• Harley Davidson Factory
• Discovery World
• Walworth County Fairgrounds
• Milwaukee Public Market
• Milwaukee Public Museum
• Carthage College
• Brookfield Square Mall
• Pleasant Prairie RecPlex
• Geneva National Golf Club
• Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark
• Concordia University Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin Visitor Bureau

Your Travel Guide to Southwest Wisconsin

Things To Do

House On The Rock

An awe inspiring array of sights, sounds and sensations. Experience fantasies such as the World’s Largest Carousel, enormous music machines and the gravity defying Infinity Room.

Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark

National Natural Landmark providing guided tours of a limestone solution cave in the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin. Family events, adult events, environmental education, field trips, private events and more.

Acknowledged as the embodiment of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s commitment to the creation of exceptional environments that harmonize architecture, art, culture and land.

Pendarvis State Historic Site

See how the early settlers lived and worked and learn their stories. Pendarvis traces its beginnings to Wisconsin’s territorial lead-mining heyday during the 1840s and ’50s, when many immigrant Cornish miners settled in Mineral Point to work the mines.

Cedar Grove Cheese

Experience some of the best traditional and specialty cheese you’ve ever tasted. Cedar Grove Cheese cheese makers craft 4 million pounds a year from cow, sheep goat and sometimes water buffalo milk.

Stonefield Historic Site

Located at the foot of towering bluffs atop Nelson Dewey State Park, Stonefield includes a re-created 1900’s rural village. It is also home to the State Agricultural Museum, which documents the story of Wisconsin’s agricultural growth and development, and the homesite of Wisconsin’s first governor Nelson Dewey.

Wollersheim Winery & Distillery

Authentic, local, award winning wine and brandy since before the Civil War. Wollersheim winery and vineyard are a National Historic Site, overlooking the Wisconsin River Valley.

Spurgeon Winery

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery is located in the beautiful hills of Southwest Wisconsin. It is the nature of hills to drain away cold and water thus rendering the hilltops an excellent location to grow grapes. The winery is nestled in the valley below.

RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

• Wisconsin Map
• Featured Attractions
• Wisconsin: Everything
• Wisconsin Blog and News

Find Wisconsin travel tips, stories, maps, videos and news for unusual tourist attractions and sights.

New Reports

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball

Highland Township, Wisconsin

12-ton ball of twine rolled by one man in his backyard: the late James Frank Kotera. Ball moved to this spot.

Sights for Oddball Excursions

National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

Hayward, Wisconsin

There is much to see here, but what you'll remember most vividly is the world's largest fish, a 45-foot tall fiberglass muskie with an observation deck in its toothy maw.

Forevertron

North Freedom, Wisconsin

Tom Every, aka "Dr. Evermor," constructed a science fiction landscape from old carburetors and discarded power house machines.

Fred Smith's Concrete Park

Phillips, Wisconsin

Folk art army sculpted from discarded beer bottles and concrete.

House on the Rock

Spring Green, Wisconsin

This amazing place has little to do with a house (or a rock) but a lot to do with music machines, a giant cannon, a sea monster, and excesses of everything.

Moccasin Bar

Where everybody knows your name -- especially if you caught and stuffed the world record fish hanging on the wall. Goofy stuffed woodland creature dioramas as well.

Nick Engelbert's Grandview

Hollandale, Wisconsin

Dairy farmer Nick Engelbert filled his front yard with home-built statues, including a Viking in a Longboat and Snow White wearing a scallop shell bra.

Jurustic Park

Marshfield, Wisconsin

Amateur paleontologist and artist Clyde Wynia filled his property with extinct metal creatures from Marshfield's Iron Age.

Bronze Fonz

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1970s TV icon "The Fonz" and his fictional connection to Milwaukee are celebrated with Milwaukee's most popular statue. Restored to full bronze-ness in March 2022.

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

Phil Sklar and Brad Novak's army of 10,000+ wobblers is the largest in the world.

Virgin Mary Appeared Here

Necedah, Wisconsin

Statues of Lincoln, Washington, and Jesus stand together at the Mediatrix of Peace Shrine. Mary, Mother of God, visited in 1950..

Home of the Hodag

Rhinelander, Wisconsin

A lumber town makes hay with a beloved local monster.

Rudolph Grotto and Wonder Cave

Rudolph, Wisconsin

Father Philip Wagner and his helper Edmund Rybicki spent 20 years building a cave filled with Catholic religious shrines.

F.A.S.T.: Fiberglass Statue Mold Yard

Sparta, Wisconsin

Where big fiberglass statues come from, and where you can always wander the Mold Field and see the latest creations.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

The Dells are a wonder of nature -- but most folks come here for the over-the-top attractions.

Prairie Moon

Cochrane, Wisconsin

For 25 years retired farmer Herman Rusch built odd sculptures around his similarly odd museum in an old dance pavilion. It's folk art -- and it's been preserved.

Statue of Romeo, The Killer Elephant

Delavan, Wisconsin

A pugnacious pachyderm with five human kills to his credit, but the town still loves him.

Dickeyville Grotto

Dickeyville, Wisconsin

Rocks and found junk were fashioned into an elaborate religious grotto by a priest on a Mission from God. Washington, Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus make cameo appearances.

Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Crazier-than-most fantasy room motel. Bathe in a cheese vat or soak in a hot tub on the moon. Underground tunnel leads to restaurant. Giant airplane on the lawn.

National Dairy Shrine Visitor's Center

Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

The history of dairy farming revealed, including a display about vital parachute drops of bull semen.

World's Largest Six Pack and King of Beer

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Brewery with a monstrous sixer and a statue of the King of Beer.

Sputnik Crashed Here

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Sidewalk plaque and a circle in the street mark where a Soviet satellite smacked down. Replica of the space junk is displayed a few steps away.

World's Largest Talking Loon

Mercer, Wisconsin

Known as "Claire d'Loon," the World's Largest Talking Loon talks at the push of a button, but only in loon sounds.

1980 Easter Island Head

New Berlin, Wisconsin

14-foot-tall cement plaster tiki head made to look like stone, and tough enough to survive Wisconsin winters.

Great Peshtigo Fire Museum and Mass Grave

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

America's most deadly forest fire was bad enough, but it happened on the same night as another fire that grabbed all the headlines.

Fred Smith's Lincoln-Todd Monument

Folk artist Fred Smith's bizarre interpretation of an Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln sculpture in Racine, Wisconsin. Fred probably saw it on a post card.

Trunkations

Roadside America's blog, offering news, rants and ruminations on the state of Wisconsin

Previous: West Virginia | Next: Wyoming

Offbeat Landmarks and Oddities

Choice field reports and tips. Or check out: Complete list of Wisconsin attractions .

• Alma : Castlerock Arms and Armor Museum
• Aniwa : Lincoln Legs [ tips ]
• Baraboo : Circus World Museum
• Birnamwood : World's Largest Badger
• Bonduel : Doc's Harley-Davidson - Museum, Alligators, and a Pirate Ship [ tips ]
• Boulder Junction : Marty the Musky [ tips ]
• Buffalo City : Viking Statue with No Feet [ tips ]
• Cable : Giant Bigfoot [ tips ]
• Cashton : Rotary Milking Parlor [ tips ]
• Cochrane : Prairie Moon
• Colgate : Spectacular Sculptures of Bobrowitz [ tips ]
• Cornell : World's Only Pulpwood Stacker [ tips ]
• DeForest : Pinkie the Pink Elephant [ tips ]
• Delavan : Statue of Romeo, The Killer Elephant
• Dickeyville : Dickeyville Grotto
• Dodgeville : Don Q Inn
• East Troy : Muffler Man: Beverage and Wiener [ tips ]
• Elk Creek : Roasted Chicken on Plate [ tips ]
• Elkhorn : Beast of Bray Road [ tips ]
• Fontana-on-Geneva Lake : Frog of Fontana [ tips ]
• Fort Atkinson : National Dairy Shrine Visitor's Center
• Glidden : 665-lb World Record Stuffed Bear [ tips ]
• Green Bay : 50-Foot-Tall Super Bowl Trophy [ tips ]
• Greenfield : Organ Piper Pizza [ tips ]
• Hayward : National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
• Hayward : Moccasin Bar
• Hayward : Controversial World's Largest Real Muskie
• Highland Township : JFK's World Famous Twine Ball
• Hollandale : Nick Engelbert's Grandview
• Janesville : Bessie the Cow [ tips ]
• Jim Falls : Old Abe the Eagle [ tips ]
• Kenosha : Butchering a Mammoth [ tips ]
• Kenosha : The Civil War Museum [ tips ]
• La Crosse : World's Largest Six Pack and King of Beer
• Lac du Flambeau : World's Largest Speared Sturgeon [ tips ]
• Lake Geneva : Andy Gump Statue
• Madison : Giant Metal Birds - Dreamkeepers [ tips ]
• Madison : Dapper Cadaver: Horror Props [ tips ]
• Manitowoc : Sputnik Crashed Here
• Manitowoc : Chief Wawatam Engine and Submarine [ tips ]
• Marshfield : Jurustic Park
• Marshfield : Dragon of Liberty [ tips ]
• Medford : Forest of Chainsaw Totem Poles [ tips ]
• Mercer : World's Largest Talking Loon
• Mercer : Head of First Smokey Bear Costume [ tips ]
• Milwaukee : Harley-Davidson Museum [ tips ]
• Milwaukee : Bronze Fonz
• Milwaukee : Three Stooges Fermenting Tanks [ tips ]
• Milwaukee : 22-Foot-Long Graf Zeppelin II [ tips ]
• Milwaukee : National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
• Minocqua : Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Mural
• Monico : World's Largest Rolling Mechanical Planetarium [ tips ]
• Mount Pleasant : Big Red Wiener Dog
• Necedah : Virgin Mary Appeared Here
• Neillsville : Chatty Belle, Talking Cow
• Neptune : Elephant Trunk Rock [ tips ]
• New Berlin : 1980 Easter Island Head
• New Denmark : 12-Foot-Tall Iron Viking [ tips ]
• New Franken : Virgin Mary was Here, Confirmed by Bishop [ tips ]
• North Freedom : Forevertron
• Onalaska : Sunny the Giant Sunfish [ tips ]
• Oshkosh : Weird Statues and Oddball Art Junk
• Oshkosh : Muffler Man [ tips ]
• Oshkosh : Experimental Aviation Museum: Frank Borman Collection [ tips ]
• Park Falls : Corrugated Tube Man [ tips ]
• Peshtigo : Great Peshtigo Fire Museum and Mass Grave
• Phillips : Fred Smith's Concrete Park
• Phillips : Fred Smith's Lincoln-Todd Monument
• Plainfield : Murderous Ghoul Ed Gein's Grave [ tips ]
• Platteville : Lead Mine Tour, Rollo Jamison Museum [ tips ]
• Poland : UFO Landing Port
• Poniatowski : Exact Center of the Northern Half of the Western Hemisphere
• Portage : Giant Farmer Bob [ tips ]
• Potosi : World's Largest Cone-Top Beer Can [ tips ]
• Racine : Kewpee Lunch Counter [ tips ]
• Rhinelander : Home of the Hodag
• Rhinelander : Trademarked Hodag Statue
• Rudolph : Rudolph Grotto and Wonder Cave
• Seymour : Home of the Hamburger
• Sheboygan : Art Preserve: Museum of Visionaries
• Shell Lake : Walleye Statue with Two Tails [ tips ]
• Shullsburg : Gravity Hill [ tips ]
• Siren : Tornado Boat Wrapped Around Pole [ tips ]
• Sister Bay : Goats on the Roof [ tips ]
• South Milwaukee : Da Crusher [ tips ]
• Sparta : F.A.S.T.: Fiberglass Statue Mold Yard
• Sparta : The Wegner Grotto
• Sparta : Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum
• Sparta : Giant Spartan [ tips ]
• Spooner : Muffler Man Cowboy [ tips ]
• Spooner : Two-Headed Calf, JFK Urinal [ tips ]
• Spring Green : House on the Rock
• Spring Valley : Crystal Cave [ tips ]
• St. Germain : Wacky Northwoods Fisherman Giant [ tips ]
• Sturgeon Bay : Cookie the Cow [ tips ]
• Sturgeon Bay : Mr. Mulch, the Gnome Giant [ tips ]
• Superior : Tour a Great Lakes Freighter on Land [ tips ]
• Wabeno : Larry the Logroller [ tips ]
• Walworth : Big Mac Mighty Robot
• Westby : Giant Ear of Corn Made of Milk Jugs [ tips ]
• Wisconsin Dells : Wisconsin Dells
• Wisconsin Dells : MIR Space Station
• Wisconsin Dells : Big Cowboy [ tips ]
• Wisconsin Dells : Museum of Historic Torture Devices
• Wisconsin Dells : Top Secret - Upside-Down White House
• Wisconsin Dells : Wizard Quest
• Wisconsin Dells : Ghost Outpost
• Wisconsin Dells : Giant Sinclair Dinosaur [ tips ]
• Woodruff : World's Largest Penny

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ... Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Wisconsin Latest Tips and Stories

• Out-of-State Indian , Menasha, Wisconsin
• Igor, Cheese Loving Rat , Fennimore, Wisconsin
• Giant Potato Masher , Plover, Wisconsin
• 23-Foot-Tall Transformer Robot , Wild Rose, Wisconsin
• Feature: JFK's World Famous Twine Ball , Highland Township, Wisconsin

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Classical Gas Museum , Embudo, New Mexico (Apr 29-May 5, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

• Only Poster Museum in the U.S. , New York, New York
• Dragon Parking Lot , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 3 Legge - Outsider Art Store , Dillard, Georgia
• Gangster Museum of America , Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Thunder Jack: Mountain Man , Wilsall, Montana

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights

• Green Bay Attractions
• Milwaukee Attractions
• Wisconsin Dells Attractions

Miscellaneous

• Submit a Tip
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Trip Planning Caution : RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead!

Credits, Media/Business Inquiries © Copyright 1996-2024 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors.

More From Forbes

Air canada’s longest flight: new direct vancouver to singapore route.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Air Canada has just launched a direct flight from Vancouver to Singapore.

Air Canada has just launched a direct flight from Vancouver to Singapore. This new direct flight not only marks Air Canada's newest international route but also represents the only non-stop service that links the country of Canada directly with Singapore. The route spans an impressive distance of 7,965 miles (12,818 kilometers) and is the longest in Air Canada's portfolio. The total flight duration can reach up to 16 hours and five minutes.

"Air Canada is thrilled to welcome customers onboard our newest route linking Canada and Singapore from our Pacific hub in Vancouver. These new Singapore flights are part of our strategic expansion at YVR, which together with an efficient and seamless in-transit connection process, further position the airport as the preferred North American gateway to Asia," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada. "Singapore is also an important gateway to beyond destinations. Customers have a multitude of connection options travelling to Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia with our longstanding codeshare and Star Alliance partner, Singapore Airlines."

"The reality of directly connecting Singapore, Southeast Asia's most active economic gateway and financial hub with British Columbia, Canada's gateway to the Pacific can mean limitless opportunities. This new direct flight opens fresh opportunities for travel and tourism, business collaboration, and access to global markets that will directly benefit people in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and throughout our province," said the Honourable Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade, Government of British Columbia.

The Vancouver-Singapore route will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and passengers will be able to ... [+] choose from three cabins

"I am pleased Air Canada has chosen YVR to host the only non-stop flight between Canada and Singapore," said YVR President and CEO, Tamara Vrooman. "This new route will generate $18 million in economic output and support jobs across the sector. We welcome this new service which will grow tourism, support increased trade, and importantly, connect families and friends across the Pacific region. The launch of service to Singapore speaks to the continued investment Air Canada is making in Vancouver, which in turn benefits our community and the regional economy."

Trump Media Stock (DJT) At Risk Of A New Short Selling Plunge

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, ryan garcia what s ostarine and how could a boxer use it to cheat.

Rachel Loh, Senior Vice President, Singapore Tourism Board Americas shared, "We couldn't be more excited for the official launch of Air Canada's new direct route from Vancouver, increasing connectivity to Singapore for both Canadian and American visitors. We are delighted to welcome travellers to Singapore to explore new attractions such as the Bird Paradise or dine at our famous hawker centers and Michelin-starred restaurants. From cultural immersion to rejuvenating wellness offerings, Singapore offers a multitude of experiences to suit every passion. Be it world-class concerts or the adrenaline rush of the F1 Grand Prix in September, the city promises endless excitement. We eagerly await your arrival!"

The Vancouver-Singapore route will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and passengers will be able to choose from three cabins: Air Canada Signature Class which comes with lie-flat comfortable pods, Premium Economy with extra legroom and additional services, and Economy. All cabins will offer inflight entertainment with more than 1,400 hours of movies, nearly 2000 hours of TV shows and more. Passengers will have the option to buy wi-fi. Air Canada Aeroplan members can enjoy free texting.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions