25 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin - VacationIdea Want improv Shakespeare? This stretch of Lake Michigan coastline offers wide sandy beaches, towering dunes, great birding, easy bike trails and interesting history. The historic town square (famously featured in Groundhog Day) is adorable, with great home decor shops and a cozy bookstore. The venue, which is the twelfth of sixteen Gateway Classic Cars locations, opened in 2016. There are trails to hike and bike, though we were disappointed that dogs were not allowed on the nature trails. They have a hotel with a decent restaurant, and a campground. He built Taliesin in 1911. Keep in mind that the path is not suited for strollers or bikes. a monthly program for people living with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. I-94 at Illinois border - Wisconsin Forum - Tripadvisor About the Area: Great Central Location! Visitors point to Le Chateau Bed and Breakfast as the best lodging in Wisconsin Rapids. Wisconsinites are lovingly referred to as Cheeseheads. Things to Do on the Great River Road | Travel Wisconsin Today, the building is the home and office of Hawthorn Hollows director. The view of Lake Michigan is incredible and if you like to walk the beach or collect rocks it's a great spot. These include the original Pike River School, established in 1847, its second incarnation, which was built in 1906, and the original Somers Town Hall, built in 1859. Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. The flagship of Kenosha County Parks and known as Pets: to locals, Petrifying Springs Park is the oldest in the system and offers a wide range of enjoyment for people of all ages throughout the year. Eye candy. Most visitors loll on the beach or cruise the lake during summer, but you can also experience the warmth of its winter in January and February during the annual Winterfest. Kohler Walkway through the dunes in Kohler-Andrae State Park The city of Kohler is best known for the Kohler Design Center and the premier golf courses in the community. 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. A UFO-inspired church, a futurist gas station, and more deep cuts. 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. White sailboat by red lighthouse in lake at Holland State Park. 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-552-8196, Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? The Mississippi River forms a natural border with Missouri and Iowa in the west. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. Established in 1933 and opened to the public in 1936, the Kenosha Public Museum is situated at Kenosha's lakefront and features several excellent exhibits and collections, including a replica of the Hebior mammoth and the remains of the world-renowned Schaefer mammoth. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. Yet plenty of visitors delight in the one-of-a-kind roadside spectacle known as The House on the Rock. 6501 3rd Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-925-8040, Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: Brooklyn, MS, MO, Sacramento, Oceanside, MT, St. Louis, MA, From Columbus, Montreal, PA, RI, SC, Day Trips from Dallas, Mackinac Island, St Louis, Things to Do in Albuquerque, Grand Canyon. The Art of the Car show takes place each August, while October hosts Oktoberfest. Not everything in Green Bay is devoted to the Packers. (Courtesy of Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce). 6603 3rd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0481, Fun day trip ideas: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas. Besides the permanent exhibit of train memorabilia, guests can climb aboard for a ride on a diesel locomotive. HIdden Gem Near Illinois/Wisconsin Border - Tripadvisor Get our trip guide to the Indiana Dunes area. 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. Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, 8 Midwest Flea Markets to Add to Your Must-Visit List, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, quiet weekends of swimming, sunning, boating and water-skiing in the crystal-clear lake. Area Artist Group Galleries host the work of local artists while galleries in the West Wing are reserved for student artwork. 10. Juried shows take place annually. The tranquil Anderson Japanese Gardensis just one of the draws to the area. Although a consignment-based dealer, the vehicles at Gateway Classic Cars of Milwaukee are a draw for visitors who are welcome to tour the showroom floor. 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. Kenoshas historic streetcars are one of the citys top attractions and provide a 2-mile scenic loop tour of the town, which includes two historic districts, the downtown business district, the HarborPark development, and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Snack on crackers and sip wine at Lewis Station Winery, and don't miss the old-fashioned James J. The entire road traverses 3,000 miles through 10 states, and our 250-mile stretch takes you through 33 historic Wisconsin towns. The Badger State's charming small towns, thriving farm-to-table movement and rich brewing heritage guarantee quality vacations for all types of travelers. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to keep them busy in Door County's charming villages. Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter. The area is a hidden gem in Wisconsin. 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. The Bird Lovers Series offers several different programs from a Bird Walk, to classes on attracting bluebirds, the Wisconsin state bird. Field trips invite students to attend nature-based learning programs. The hotel has older rooms and could be updated. Get a taste for this classic culinary tradition at Little Bohemia Lodge in the nearby town of Manitowish Waters. It's one of the most scenic roads in the Midwest, flanked by 400-foot-high sandstone bluffs and historic little river towns. Related: Get Our Bloomington-Norma Trip Guide. The 72-room Graduate Madison is an easy walk to campus, dining, shopping and nightlife. A replica wigwam on the trail offers an example of the Potawatomi shelters that existed hundreds of years ago. 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. 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. Open mid-June through October, the Jerry Smith Produce Country Store sells a range of homegrown produce and pick-your-own produce (depending on the season). Located a short distance from our home, the Illinois Beach Resort is a gem. 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. In the same year, the three historic buildings were moved on site. Located at Simmons Island Park, the seasonal attraction now stands as a maritime museum with artifacts, maps, and a variety of information about Kenoshas important 19th century harbor and lighthouse. These escapesincluding Amish Country, Indiana; Galena, Illinois; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsinare within a one- to three-hour drive and offer a variety of activities that will recharge your life. Oshkosh Airshow. With more than 300 miles of shoreline to enjoy, visitors have long flocked to Wisconsin's peninsula, known as Door County, for weekend getaways. Fish boils traditionally include potatoes, coleslaw and classic Door County cherry pie for dessert. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. An annual Trunk or Treat event is a Halloween themed Cars and Coffee in October. History: Formerly the residence of the Anderson family, construction on the home began in 1929 and was finished in 1931. Known as Brew City and home to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, no trip to Milwaukee is complete without tasting its beer heritage. It's just a train ride from Chicago, but Woodstock feels anything but suburban. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. At the first annual event drivers met up at Quaker Steak and Lube in New Berlin, Wisconsin for breakfast, then drove to Gateway Classic Cars for lunch and a tour of the showroom. Anderson Arts Center 24 Art Museums By Fifite77Chloe enjoy the moment with family. Kerosene is then thrown onto the fire, making for a fiery finish. Wisconsin (WI) 15 Best Flea Markets in Wisconsin: MadCity Bazaar Elkhorn Antique Flea Market 7 Mile Fair Crazy Frank's Flea Market Adams Flea Market Jackson Flea Market Dodge County Fair Flea Market Pea Pickin' Flea Market! The campground is great, but alcohol is not allowed on all areas of the campground, so check which campsites allow alcohol. A 12-acre arboretum is lined on the southern boundary with Ruth Teuschers original lilac collection. Roth Cheese, Monroe, Wisconsin Roth Cheese 13 Fun Roadside Attractions in WIsconsin | Travel Wisconsin At 27 miles, the Lake Geneva Shore Path is a must-do activity in this area. It's one of the top things to do in this peninsula. One natural feature that makes Eau Claire truly special is that it's at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. To preserve the sites buildings, wildlife and natural resources, the sisters deeded the property to the Hyslop Foundation in 1967. Established in 2008, the Civil War Museum features an array of exhibits that focus on the personal stories of people involved in the war, such as U.S. veterans and soldiers who took part in various conflicts from the Revolutionary War to present-day wars. 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. Milwaukee's also home to a very different kind of museum. Shops and restaurants in century-old buildings have long attracted visitors to this town of 3,500. The holiday season offers a Snowflake Jazz Concert, Christmas Ballroom Dance, and the Gallery of Trees, during which professionally decorated trees are auctioned off to raise funds for the Centers youth programming. But there's plenty to see at other times of the year, too, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park,Frank Lloyd Wright's Meyer May House and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits, displays, and a movie on the Civil War as well as hosts several educational programs, classes, and workshops throughout the year. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin | PlanetWare Departing from Kenosha Harbor May through September, the tall ship Red Witch can be enjoyed on public tours of the lake during the day and evening and on sunset trips and also offers private charters for special occasions. (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too. 20 Top Things to Do in Wisconsin | Midwest Living This ecosystem exists alongside a larger section of restored prairie, as well as woodlands and a dwarf conifer collection, perennial gardens and a butterfly garden. Related: See our getaway guide to Lake Geneva. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. No soap. I took my daughter and 2 granddaughters there in early August. The musky is four and a half stories tall and as long as a Boeing 757. New Englanders have their clambakes. There are several beaches to choose from, and even on Labor Day Weekend, they were not too crowded. The French-Renaissance revival style home is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns on a 4.7 acre property. 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. Save. Most recently, the trail was used by the Potawatomi tribe of the Algonquin nation, followed by European settlers to the area. If a car is listed as Numbers Matching, it means the vehicle still has the original engine and transmission. We will definitely be back and will recommend the Illinois Beach Resort to our friends. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. 11 Best Things to Do in Monroe, Wisconsin - VacationIdea Some people come here for classic Amish Country: 31kinds of pie at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, hand-sewn gifts and homemade jellies at Little Helpers Quilt Shop, treasure-hunting at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Tourists descend on Lake Geneva during the summer season to rent boats, but fall and spring are also magnificent for weekend getaways. The area is home to Illinois Beach State Park, Volo Auto Museum and The Chocolate Sanctuary. Make sure to visit to Grosse Point Lighthouse during sunset in Evanston and take a walk along the Green Bay Trail between Winnetka and Highland Park. The brand new facility offers close to 40,000 square feet of showroom space, allowing for between 100-150 classic cars to be displayed on the showroom floor at all times. There is hiking, camping, biking, cross country skiing in the winter, fishing, The NorthPoint Marina is five miles north in Winthrop Harbor, IL, which has slips for 1500 boats and an excellent restaurant called The Tropics.There is something for everyone to do at Illinois Beach State Park, so bring your family! Some visitors describe it as a Midwestern jewel and incredible journey, while others find it overstimulating and claustrophobic. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. By no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the downright best day trips in Wisconsin: 1. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. No, you don't have to walk the full loop around the entire lake, but you can definitely find a stretch of it to enjoy. 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. However, beyond the Wisconsin Jeep trails, there is the appeal of the ultimate adventure route: the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. History: Ruth Teuscher bought the first 40 acres of the Hawthorn Hollow property in 1935. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. 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. 10 Places You Must Stop During a Border to Border - OnlyInYourState Every day, hundreds of drivers speed past the turnoff on US-20 for Apple River Canyon State Park, bound for getaways in Galena. 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. Including Blue Sky Mausoleum, The Darwin D. Martin . THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kenosha - Tripadvisor 5555 7th St, Pavilion #1, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-221-5040, Free points of interest close to me: Frankenmuth, Gettysburg, Big Sur, Romantic East Coast resorts. The home was donated to Kenosha County in 1977 to become part of the Kemper Center campus. Spot birds, hear frogs, hike and bike, see wildflowers and unwind among the 19,000 acres at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The 297-acre Apple River Canyon State Park offers quiet amid the woods along Apple River. [See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]. 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. Head to neighboring Chesterton for creative burgers at the Octave Grill and a pleasant night at Dunes Walk Inn, a restored 1881 mansion. Facebook/Chippewa Falls Main Street There's so much to do in this small town in Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. ), Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time. The Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin is housed in a 9,000 square foot estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Civil War Museum is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of the Upper Midwest to the Civil War. Owls hooting. Three historic buildings were moved to the property in 1967. Another go-to stop is the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Related: 8 Midwest Flea Markets to Add to Your Must-Visit List. There are still a few areas where there seems to be some continuing construction work, but they were very minor. Art, music and food festivals fill the calendar, and the compact downtown has just as diverse offerings. Motorcycle enthusiasts will be in hog heaven when they enter this modern steel-and-glass museum. Discover charm, history, and the great outdoors in Chippewa Falls. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Whats Nearby: Kenosha, Wisconsin is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, just over 30 miles south of Milwaukee. Backcountry roads that run throughout the peninsula are popular. Generations of Midwesterners have enjoyed weekend getaways to the crystal-clear waters of this town, about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. 1. Highly recommend. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Great outdoors, grown-up eats and classic clubs make these two cultured cities especially appealing in the summer when University of Illinois students head home. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. Want to escape the indoor attractions for a natural one? Some of the more unique cars on the property include a 1967 Morris Minor 1000 from Britain, a Clenet Convertible from 1980, built by Clenet Coachworks in Santa Barbara, and a rare, 1990 Suzuki Alto Works RS/R, believed to be the only such micro car in the United States. A Nature Center on the property was built in the 1940s to originally serve as the stable to Ruths six horses. For theater-lovers, summertime means outdoor Shakespeare. 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. Starting at the Wisconsin-Illinois border, it weaves its way to Lake Superior's shore, avoiding pavement wherever possible. 15 Best Flea Markets in Wisconsin - The Crazy Tourist 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies. 7 Top Small Towns in Wisconsin | Travel Wisconsin Illinois Beach State Park, tucked in the far northeast corner of Illinois has something for everyone. Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. 508 58th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-657-1017, Quick Weekend Trips: Wedding venues Wisconsin, Wisconsin breweries, New Mexico Hot Springs, Wisconsin waterfalls, Things to Do in Door County, La Crosse, Things to Do in Las Cruces, Things to Do in Roswell, New Mexico Beaches, Attraction Spotlight: Gateway Classic Cars of Milwaukee. Lake Geneva atramos/Flickr atramos/Flickr Lake Geneva has an absolutely fantastic downtown with ice cream and fudge shops, as well as more upscale retailers. Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588. Local artists and artisans showcase their wares along the path through the woods. Visitors will also discover a robust farm-to-table movement in this fertile section of America's heartland. A great weekend destination for both shoppers and history buffs, Cedarburg has a Main Street that's on the National Register of Historic Places and dozens of limestone buildings housing more than 70 boutiques, chocolate shops and restaurants. Starved Rock State Park is a remarkable pocket of land along the Illinois River that includes 18 sandstone canyons, 14 waterfalls; abundant wildlife and birds; Belle of the Rock paddleboat excursions; and guided hikes, special events and interpretive programs. 1. The Anderson Arts Center opened inside the home in 1992. Located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, the Discovery Center Museum is one of the top family attractions in Illinois. Those who aren't architecture enthusiasts will still have reason to visit Spring Green. Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304. Become a Cheesehead by exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer. The St. Joseph River provides a great place for water sports and serves as a sparkling backdrop for a weekend of shopping and dining in the hometown of the University of Notre Dame.