15 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin
15 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin. If you love your history, nature, or arts, you will enjoy visiting one or all of the thousands of state parks in Wisconsin, which offer activities for children, adults, and visitors of all ages. You may even want to take the kids to one of the three historic sites in the area: the Menominee Historical Site, the Voyage to Door County Historical Site, or the Green Bay Historical Site. Whatever you love to do, there is a park in Wisconsin for you to visit.
Let's explore the best things to do in Wisconsin:
1. Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark is located in beautiful Dane County, Wisconsin
Cave of the Mounds is dedicated to offering wonderful outdoor recreation, and has protocol in place to help protect our staff and guests.
Hours
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Self-guided tours depart frequently allowing for ample social distancing.
Last Cave entry time is 4 pm daily
Cave Admission
Regular Admission (Ages 13+)…$18.95
Child Admission (Ages 4-12)…$10.95
Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)…Free
Adress: 2975 Cave of the Mounds RoadBlue Mounds, WI 53517-0148
2. Fun Things to Do in Wisconsin: The Interstates Park
Interstate State Park is composed of two adjacent state parks in the Minnesota.- Wisconsin border, also called Interstate State Park.
They both straddle the mighty Dalles of the mighty St. Croix River. The Wisconsin park is 1,372 acres and the Minnesota Park is 300 acres.
These parks offer some excellent opportunities for hiking and canoeing. At both parks, a wilderness linkage allows hunters to go through the wilderness.
Both parks are managed by the state. The park management plan for both parks includes provisions for running the trails through established trails, mountain biking through designated routes, and mountain climbing through terrain that is usually on private land. The hiking and canoeing seasons at the Interstate State Park is May through June, and for the Minnesota state park it is May through July.
Hikers and backpackers can plan their journey with a licensed outdoor guide, and they can help to plan a route for the best use of both parks. The access to these wonderful outdoors may be slow going at certain times, but once you have been around these beautiful places you will see why you must take time out to enjoy them.
Hiking from the Interstate State Park to the charming town of Prairie du Sac is about a two-day hike. The beautiful scenic river valley makes this hike one that will not soon be forgotten.
Hiking this part of the park is about two days, making for a perfect day of hiking along the scenic river valley from the perspective of a state park.
3. Things to do near me outside : Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens lies in Madison, Wisconsin. Named for its creator, Michael Olbrich, these gardens are privately owned and operated by the City of Madison Parks.
The gardens were established in 1952 with a goal of providing a botanical research facility. Today the gardens still focus on plant and floral studies. This institution has been accredited by the National Science Foundation.
Open to the Public
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
Admission
Outdoor Gardens
FREE
Bolz Conservatory
Temporary Fee Increase - $6
FREE for Children 5 & Under
FREE for Olbrich Members
4. The National Railroad Museum
The Museum has operated as a privately funded 501(c)(3) educational organization. What began as an effort to acquire a single steam locomotive to get a town park has become one of the largest rail museums in the nation. It now serves over 105,000 visitors yearly .
Now a professional staff of 20, in addition to over 300 volunteers, welcomes people from all over the world!
The National Railroad Museum is an interesting museum found in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.
It's a historical museum where you can learn about life on the railroad by browsing through train cars and other items. Amongst the many train rides in the Museum are the impressive locomotives and other machines that made the North American railroad system what it was.
The history museum has many interesting exhibits to view, but the most famous is the "Lincoln and the Eastern Railroad" exhibit which has been running for almost fifty years. Here you'll learn about the secret lives of the US President and his administration, as well as many other key figures in American history.
Hours Of Operation
OPEN ALL YEAR!
April – December
Main Building:
Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grounds:
Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
January
March - Tue – Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adress: 2285 South Broadway Green Bay, WI 54304, USA
5. The Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol, a century-old colonial building, housing the state's General Assembly and other legislative offices.
A tour of this state capitol will allow visitors to observe the historic roots of Wisconsin politics, as well as learn about the state's unique history.
The structure was built by the revolution's end and was designed by architect Oscargency Builder.
This building has two stories, each containing two hundred and sixty feet of floor space - more than double the area of any of its predecessors. The Wisconsin State Capitol is open to the public several times during the year, but certain times of special events or will be busy times, so it's best to sign up online early to guarantee your spot.
6. What to Do in Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore comprises a stretch of shoreline and 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts of several miles of beautiful shoreline and natural beauty, the Apostle Islands feature sandstone cliffs and dramatic sea cliffs.
The shoreline is filled with sand bars and bays. beaches and marinas. Wildlife includes bald eagles, falcons and black bears The lakes are filled with walleye, crappie, and other large fish.
On the island itself, there are plenty of scenic vistas that allow campers to enjoy great views. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features public access that allows easy hiking, biking, and boating.
On the mainland, the lakeshore trail winds along the shoreline past historic lighthouses and cliff caves. Numerous campsites accommodate groups of people, families, and individuals with small to mid-size vehicles.
7. Wisconsin Attractions: Milwaukee Art Museum
From its beginning, the Milwaukee Art Museum began to grow. In 1975 a first-floor addition by renowned architect David Kahler added much more gallery space for the growing collection and architect Santiago Calatrava created the which not only offered a much more public viewing space than the original building but gave the city of Milwaukee in an entirely new venue for cultural entertainment.
The contemporary art museum, which has grown into an impressive complex is housed in an impressive Art Deco structure, and features a great series of galleries and exhibits.
Many contemporary artists have found their way to the Milwaukee area, which is one of the most diverse areas of the country for visual artists. The city is also home to many other well-known museums and organizations.
The Milwaukee Art Museum itself was built to celebrate the beautiful avant-garde artists who had made their home here.
8. Historic Cedarburg
Located just 20 miles north of Milwaukee and located on the beautiful Cedar Creek, Cedarburg WI is the ideal mix of new and old.
Consistently ranked as a popular small-town getaway, visitors are charmed by the delightful mixture of unique stores, gracious inns, cozy cafes, art galleries and museums, many nestled inside meticulously maintained historic buildings, and all within walking distance of one another.
9. Activities Near Me: Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and is Wisconsin's most popular state park with about 3 million visitors each year. The over 9,000-acre park anchors over 27,000 acres of parkland and natural areas open to public recreation in Sauk County.
10. The Circus World Museum
The Circus World Museum in Baraboo displays and collects materials and artifacts from various circuses all over the world (including the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey circus got its start in Wisconsin).
Many of the artifacts and props used by famous performers in the circus are featured on the exhibit. The Circus World Museum also features a recreated Barnum & Bailey's circus train set.
Most of the items on display in the museum were stolen by escaped circus performers in the past. Some of the items on display date back to the 1700s.
11. The EAA Aviation Museum
The EAA Aviation Museum at Oshkosh, Wisconsin is the only one of its kind, a museum devoted to the world's greatest flying institutions.
With over 300 aircraft, both inside and out, and numerous indoor and outdoor exhibits and programs (including special events held at the nearby AirVenture air show), the EAA Aviation Museum isn't just a great place to visit, but is also a great educational center of interest.
There is an abundance of information on different types of planes, what makes them unique, the history of air travel, and the places where those airplanes used to take off and land.
Hours of Operation
EAA Museum Hours
Monday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day.
Admission Rates, Services & Amenities
EAA Members
FREE
Adults (19+)
$12.50
Seniors (62+)
$10.50
Veterans and Active Duty
$10.50
Youth (6-18)
$9.50
Children (5 and under)
FREE
Family Rate*
$31.00
12. Wisconsin Things to Do: The Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson Museum is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is an American museum devoted to celebrating the decades-long history of Harley-Davidson bikes in the United States. While riding a Harley bike certainly takes you back in time, the Museum offers visitors a chance to take a step back in time even further with a glimpse into the lives and times of the legendary Harley brothers, Steve, and John. Built by Steve Harley in the early 1930s as a company for his wife, the bikes were used for deliveries throughout the country.
The Museum was established in 1963 with the intention of collecting and preserving all forms of Harley-Davidson memorabilia. In addition to motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Museum also houses a number of other rare and antique Harley-Davidson collectibles.
Why go
If you are looking for a place where you can simply forget about your daily stresses and enjoy some good old fashion bike rides around a beautiful landscape, you should definitely consider a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum & Motorcycle Museum in Milwaukee.
Located on an expansive campus in downtown Milwaukee, this Harley-Davidson Museum brings a refreshing taste of vintage Americana and wild rebellion to both the tame and wild side with various interactive exhibits.
If you are a true biker, this is the ideal place to learn all about the inner workings of this Harley-Davidson Company, and if you are just curious about the company's history or what it stands for today, there is a lot to learn from this museum.
This museum is also the only Harley-Davidson Museum on the planet, so whether you are a dedicated biker or simply curious about the history of an American company, you will find lots to explore here.
You will find a wide selection of memorabilia, including rare bikes and helmets, memorabilia, books, and movies.
13. Little Bohemia Lodge
Little Bohemia Lodge is a rustic, charming vacation lodge and restaurant located on the shores of Lake Wisconsin in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The lodge was constructed by Emil Wanatka in 1929 on a 100-acre land that he acquired just that year.
Because it is on private, state-owned lake, the lodge is not subject to federal management or regulation. It has a simple, uncomplicated design that appeals to both tourists and locals alike. Today, many adventurous tourists visit the area for a day of fishing and hiking before returning to their luxurious hotel room.
14. The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary isn't just a popular summer attraction; it is also home to some of the most unique and interesting animals you'll ever see. It's the only truly urban wildlife sanctuary in Wisconsin, and it is so important that it has been declared a State Park by the state of Wisconsin. Not only is it home to countless species of birds, but it also has over 40 different types of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. If you enjoy hiking or walking in the wilderness, you will love spending time at the Bay beach wildlife sanctuary. In fact, there are so many things to do at the park that there is actually more than enough time to spend seeing all of the different species living in the park!
15. The Mitchell Park Conservatory
The Mitchell Park Conservatory, also called The Domes, is a dynamic living museum full of plants from around the world. Each season the Conservatory hosts special programs and educational programs to interest everyone. Seasonal flowers, fruit trees, rare plants, exotic shrubbery, and trees are featured on displays throughout the entire conservatory. In the wintertime, the Conservatory transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice rink and live entertainment in the form of holiday performances by local actors and bands.
The Mitchell Park Conservatory with two locations in Milwaukee, the Conservatory is perfectly situated for tourists and visitors to take in the rich botanical diversity found within our great state. Many botanists conduct research in the Conservatory with the use of a remotely operated vehicle or dome camera. Many plants that cannot survive in the cold of the Wisconsin winters are successfully transferred to the frozen environment of the domes. The goal of the conservatory is to show the world the abundance of beautiful plants and animals that can thrive in the area. Wisconsin is one of the few states in the United States where such lushness can be found, within a relatively small radius.
15 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin
1. Cave of the Mounds
2. The Interstates Park
3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
4. The National Railroad Museum
5. The Wisconsin State Capitol
6. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
7. Milwaukee Art Museum
8. Historic Cedarburg
9. Devil's Lake State Park
10. The Circus World Museum
11. The EAA Aviation Museum
12. The Harley-Davidson Museum
13. Little Bohemia Lodge
14. The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
15. The Mitchell Park Conservatory
About the Creator
Locations Unknown
Locations Unknown is a travel resource that covers destinations all around the world. Content is written by several freelance writers/travelers based on their own experiences and/or researching the web. www.locations-unknown.com
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