Read on to explore the top things to do in Wisconsin. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. HIdden Gem Near Illinois/Wisconsin Border - Tripadvisor 25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin - VacationIdea Now, thanks to a revitalized downtown, an emerging foodie scene, new cultural attractions and beautiful public gardens, word is getting out: You'd be crazy not to stop. Most people come here for quiet weekends of swimming, sunning, boating and water-skiing in the crystal-clear lake, but the legendary Road America course is popular with amateur racers and their fans. The entire road traverses 3,000 miles through 10 states, and our 250-mile stretch takes you through 33 historic Wisconsin towns. Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail: Off-Road Guide Anderson Arts Center 24 Art Museums By Fifite77Chloe enjoy the moment with family. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 72-room Graduate Madison is an easy walk to campus, dining, shopping and nightlife. Or just a performance of his classics? Founded in the 1970s, the Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community for more than 40 years. The stone and stucco 2-story house contains 30 rooms. Buckle up because you're in for an adventure along the Great River Road, one Wisconsin's national scenic byways. Juried shows take place annually. Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is dedicated to the exploration and explication between modern birds and meat-eating dinosaurs. I-94 at Illinois border - Wisconsin Forum - Tripadvisor Very close to the Great Lakes Naval Training (Bootcamp) which may be one reason this park stays full on weekends since the military campground nearby is very small. Topics include seed dispersal and the plant life cycle, sugar maple trees and Wisconsins history of maple sugaring, and the history of the Potawatomi and the Old Indian Trail. 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. Here Are The Very Best Day Trips In Wisconsin You'll Love - OnlyInYourState The Kenosha Public Museum is dedicated to showcasing a selection of fine art, decorative art, and natural science specimens. Want improv Shakespeare? (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too. 13 Fun Roadside Attractions in WIsconsin | Travel Wisconsin 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. If a car is listed as Numbers Matching, it means the vehicle still has the original engine and transmission. The Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum features a nature center with several exhibits, displays and information boards, historic buildings for classes, clubs, and special occasions, and an arboretum with an array of fauna and flora. Knowledgeable sales staff are on hand to share their expertise with prospective customers, interested visitors, or automobile aficionados, and shipping assistance is available to US and international buyers. The communities of the North Shore seem farther from the bustle of downtown, thanks to abundant green spaces, including the Chicago Botanic Garden. Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Shows make for another fun, unique family outing in Minocqua. Two miles of nature trails wind through the Pike River Valley, including the Old Indian Trail. The one-of-a-kind Min-Aqua Bats have been entertaining crowds in Minocqua with their first-rate water-ski show since 1950. 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. Get a taste for this classic culinary tradition at Little Bohemia Lodge in the nearby town of Manitowish Waters. 150 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Wisconsin - Atlas Obscura 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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 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. These romantic getaways near Chicago are less than five hours away and perfect for your next weekend getaway. 5500 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4140, Top sights: AZ Parks, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin, Places to visit in Wisconsin, Wisconsin. A hearty pancake breakfast is followed by a walk through the trails to bird watch. [Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells.]. Waterford Unique Antique Market Antigo Wisconsin Flea Market The Princeton Flea Market Shawano Flea Market Wilmot Flea Market Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. History: Ruth Teuscher bought the first 40 acres of the Hawthorn Hollow property in 1935. This is a great place to appreciate and wander in nature with friends or little ones. 25 Weekend Getaways Near Chicago | Midwest Living There are no online pictures of individual sites so making reservations is a bit of a gamble, although most sites had at least some shade and a decent amount of space per site. The region also helped shape the childhood of our 40th president, whose boyhood home opens its doors to visitors. 1. Plenty of parking. If you want to skip the crowded Michigan beaches, try Illinois Beach State Park. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Inside the three-story courthouse, a museum highlights the area's historical treasures. Wright is widely revered as America's greatest architect and the founder of the Prairie-style school of architecture. For more fun, be sure to visit Six Flags Great America. The Southport Light Station Museum is a beautifully restored lighthouse and keeper's residence that is now a museum featuring local fishing and shipping exhibits. This area is famous for its supper clubs that serve nostalgia and hearty portions. The site includes a Nature Center, three historic buildings from the turn of the century, a heritage farmstead, and observatory. 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! WI, Day trips from NYC, From San Francisco, Tampa, FL, LA, From Minneapolis, ID, From Dallas. Dedicated to preserving the historic nature of the site and its buildings, the Kemper Center also offers a range of educational programs that focus on the regions local history and its arts as well as several cultural, educational, and recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The private residence turned art center features over 25 exhibits of local, regional and national artwork each year in addition to arts education programming for youth and adults. Physician / Oncology - Hematology / Wisconsin / Permanent / Hematology 10. Music education at the arts center includes guitar lessons for beginners of all ages, as well as ballroom dance lessons through Miss Geris School of Ballroom Dance. Romantic Getaways Near Chicago You'll Love - CohaiTungChi Tech We had a wonderful time playing at the beach all day enjoying the beautiful weather and crystal clear water. One of the northernmost 55+ communities near the Wisconsin border also has some of the most affordable homes for sale in Northern Illinois. Classes include puppet making, cartooning, drawing and painting, crafting and the fiber arts as well as sculpting. 7150 18th St, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-859-2645, Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Portland, Martha's Vineyard, Miami, WA, MN , From D.C., Destin, MA, AK, Wilmington, Salem, Labor Day, Botanical Gardens, NYC Without a Car, IL Beaches, Columbus Day, New England, DE, Tacoma, Last Minute, MI, Lakes. Address: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53201. Illinois Beach State Park, tucked in the far northeast corner of Illinois has something for everyone. 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. By no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the downright best day trips in Wisconsin: 1. Tags: Travel, Wisconsin Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations. 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. Past and Future Exhibits: The Centers 3-D Gallery hosts exhibits of sculpture. But the showers did have great water pressure and the water was hot. Established in 1992, the Anderson Arts Center is dedicated to the promotion of the arts, including fine art, music, dance, literature, and drama. 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 Main, East and Upper Galleries are reserved for the work of regional artists. The building was converted to a Nature Center when the last of Ruths horses passed from old age. Biking is one of the top things to do in Door County because there are plenty of opportunities for both road biking and trail biking. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Five bedrooms include a master bedroom of over 400 square feet. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age. Older park but very clean and well maintained campground. An hour west of Chicago's Loop, the Fox River provides a soothing backdrop to towns brimming with indulgent eats, stores housed in historical homes and posh places to stay. Local artists and artisans showcase their wares along the path through the woods. Tens of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage each year to central Wisconsin's Green Bay, considered a mecca for football fans. Wisconsin's landscape has five major geographic regions. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. Ongoing Programs and Education: Summer camp programs are offered each year for children between the ages of 5 and 12, as well as a full range of after-school programming during the school year. It all goes down easily with an old-fashioned drink. Absolutely delicious cakes. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The location takes pride in being like a museum, but you can take the cars home with you, as one guest is quoted as saying. Other draws to the area: Bloomington's restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. Located just off Interstate-94 on the East Frontage Road at 6521-120th Avenue, the brewery produces four barrels of beer per week on average and focuses on delivering a delicious, drinkable beer for both locals and visitors. 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. Fish the riverand let the others head to Galena. Every day, hundreds of drivers speed past the turnoff on US-20 for Apple River Canyon State Park, bound for getaways in Galena. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. Map of the State of Wisconsin, USA - Nations Online Project The motorcycle was invented in 1903 by Milwaukee residents William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. The tranquil Anderson Japanese Gardensis just one of the draws to the area. The Civil War Museum also hosts SPARK! The city has a lively music scene, with summer festivals focusing on jazz, rock and country music. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Generations of Midwesterners have enjoyed weekend getaways to the crystal-clear waters of this town, about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. This is sometimes difficult to prove as there were no identifying marks matching transmissions, engines and body parts on early cars. The Buzz Caf is a casual, cozy caf on 6th Avenue in Kenosha that serves breakfast, lunch, and house-roasted coffee along with a wide range of artisan craft beer and easy-drinking wines. 7 Fun Things to Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin | Holidayinnclub.com Vehicles on site at the Kenosha showroom range from a 1919 Dodge Coupe, the oldest in the current inventory, to a candy apple red 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the most expensive in the current inventory at close to one half million dollars. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Attraction Spotlight: Anderson Arts Center. Three historic buildings were moved to the property in 1967. Related: Weekend Getaway Guide to Lake Mills. Vehicles recently sold from Kenosha include a 1926 Ford Model T Coupe, considered the 20th centurys most influential car, and a 1934 3-window Ford Coupe, rebuilt as an iconic hot-rod with black pearl exterior, air-conditioning, power steering and a 3-speed automatic transmission. The farm also offers a variety of fun activities for the whole families, including hayrides, corn mazes, pick-your-own-produce days, a giant jumping pumpkin, a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, and a country store with freshly baked bread and cookies and delicious homemade goodies. Ongoing Programs and Education: Educational opportunities for all ages are offered in keeping with Hawthorn Hollows mission. 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. An annual Trunk or Treat event is a Halloween themed Cars and Coffee in October. World's Largest Fish - Hayward The largest building in the town of Hayward is a giant fiberglass musky, a part of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward. There is the Lake Superior Lowland "up north," the forested coastal plain along the shore of Lake Superior. Here are some options for things to do along the way. 20 Top Things to Do in Wisconsin | Midwest Living Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Experience landscape that once rolled across the Midwest like an ocean at this restored prairie. 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. 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. Not many asphalt sites and hard to get into if making reservations for the weekend. around there are lot of mansions. Rent your own boat and water ski on Elkhart Lake or hit the nearby Kettle Moraine State Park trails. Oshkosh. 6603 Third Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0481, Attraction Spotlight: Hawthorn Hollow Nature. There are trails to hike and bike, though we were disappointed that dogs were not allowed on the nature trails. There are still a few areas where there seems to be some continuing construction work, but they were very minor. I would stay here again tonuse it as my home base for other adventures. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies. Built in 1866, the museum is the third lighthouse tower to have existed on the site, and visitors can explore the museum by climbing the 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse, which stands 55 feet above the lighthouse grounds and boasts beautiful views. Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. 1. The term Hot Rod typically refers to any classic American car with an engine modified for speed. 12. The common thread? Northern Illinois Communities Near the Wisconsin Border - 55places.com Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: R'Noggin Brewing Co. Southport Light Station Museum, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Tall Ship Red Witch, LLC, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: The Buzz Cafe, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Frank's Diner, Cover Photo: Courtesy of reb - Fotolia.com. more. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fun activities such as music and art classes, ballroom dance classes, kids summer art camp, and special holiday events. Experience classic local dining by going to what Wisconsinites call a supper club. 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. Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. 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. 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. Built in 1960 by Alex Jordan, this massive home now houses his eclectic collection of everything from suits of armor to ivory carvings. With its rolling terrain, state parks and preserves traversed by the mighty Rick and Mississippi rivers, plus biking and hiking trails crisscrossing the area, the Blackhawk Waterways region of northwest Illinois promises outdoor recreation bliss. The draw for us was location.convenient drive to the out malls as well as the Bristol Renaissance Fairs and about an hour from Chicago as well. Lake Michigan and sand dunes on Central Avenue Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Towns like New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven provide pristine beaches, great shopping, lakeside restaurants and front-row view of sunsets over Lake Michigan. Past shows have included Linda Tumps ceramics, Pat Kroths mixed media fiber installation called Nest and the wood carvings of Joe Mrazek. 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. Visitors point to Le Chateau Bed and Breakfast as the best lodging in Wisconsin Rapids. Settle in at night around a fire pit to enjoy a clear view of the stars in the dark northern Wisconsin skies. Backcountry roads that run throughout the peninsula are popular. If you have littler ones, stroll across the street to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Lots of rocks, so best to take beach shoes. Today, the building is the home and office of Hawthorn Hollows director. Even its farmers market is a Bohemian rhapsody of local produce, entertainment, art and political activism on the state capitol square. Enter through the musky's tail and make your way up to the observation platform in the fish's open jaw. 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. It is home to Road America, a racetrack hosting NASCAR races, vintage car events and specialized driving schools. Illinois is a landlocked state in the east north-central US, a region also known as the Midwestern United States. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The campground itself is decent depending on what you are looking for. Map of Illinois (IL) - Nations Online Project Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. 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. The home officially became part of the Kemper Center campus one year later in 1990. 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. He built Taliesin in 1911. The site combines history, nature and horticulture, reflective of the interests of the original owner, Ruth Teuscher and her sister, Margaret. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. Become a Cheesehead by exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer. A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Surprising Designs. Facebook/Chippewa Falls Main Street There's so much to do in this small town in Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. Since then, the company has sold over 25,000 vehicles, and is now the worlds largest classic car dealer, with over 2,700 vehicles for sale at any one time. However, beyond the Wisconsin Jeep trails, there is the appeal of the ultimate adventure route: the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail. And just minutes from Oswego's charming Main Street-with brick-paved sidewalks-is a family-run winery. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. 5400 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4141, Things to do near me today: From Phoenix, WV, IN, AK, Boulder, Family Beaches. How far you drive is up to you each town has its own personality. 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. I took my daughter and 2 granddaughters there in early August. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. Managed by the Kenosha County Historical Society, the Kenosha History Center is one of two buildings on the site, the first of which focuses on Kenosha County history, and the second the Southport Light Station Museum is a restored lightkeeper's home and lighthouse. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to keep them busy in Door County's charming villages. Being a peninsula in the Great Lakes, the area's 11 lighthouses play a big part in Door County's history. 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-654-5770, Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Milwaukee, Things to Do in Norfolk, Cumming. Dedicated football fans who want to tackle even more Packers lore will score big by taking a guided tour of Lambeau Field. Maybe that's why quiet types flock here-bird-watchers, hikers and history buffs eager to explore Parke County and its covered bridges. Summer excitement reaches its peak at the end of June with Summerfest, a massive and affordable music festival. 1404 13th Street, Monroe, Wisconsin 53566, Phone: 608-328-5550 What to do near my location, inexpensive, private adults only getaways: Carmel, WA, UT, MN, Chicago, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, Kirkland, Taos, SoCal Camping, West Palm Beach, LA Beaches, Things to Do in Moab 11.