Top Things to do in Wisconsin
Top Hotels in Wisconsin
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
- 3. Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- 4. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
- 5. Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
- 6. Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
- 7. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay
- 8. Radisson Hotel La Crosse
- 9. Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
10 Historic Sites in Wisconsin That You Shouldn't Miss
When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.
Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.
Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!
Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.
Restaurants in Wisconsin
1. Folklore Village
2. Heritage Historical Village
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Step back in history as you tour five historic buildings that were moved to the village for preservation. Browse through an octagon shaped house, school, church, log cabin, and a train depot. They are furnished with original or period furnishings. Examine railway equipment including a locomotive, boxcar, and two cabooses, or browse the depot and its exhibits of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.
3. Old World Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Old World Wisconsin is a fun way to experience the lives of immigrants to the Midwest in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Visit one of the ten working farmsteads and chat with the farmer or farm wife. Gather eggs, help in the kitchen or wood shop at the new "Life on the Farm" experience at the Koepsell Farm. Check out the 12 heirloom gardens and heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, sheep, cows, horses and oxen. Wander from farmstead to farmstead on foot or hop a tram--at a little under 600 acres you'll want to plan on at least half a day to explore everything. You can enjoy a snack or a light meal at the Clausing Barn Cafe. Old World Wisconsin is also a special place for a one-of-a-kind wedding, meeting or reunion. Or, learn even more about 19th-century life at a special workshop, day camp or school tour.
4. Ten Chimneys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Ten Chimneys is the estate lovingly created by Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. With no ropes and nothing under glass, guests are treated to a VIP guided tour of a National Historic Landmark replete with original furnishings and overflowing with the romance of the 1930s and ’40s. “Every time I was visiting with the Lunts in Genesee Depot, I was in a sort of daze of wonder; the dining room, the table, the china, the silver, the food, the extraordinary care and beauty and taste…a sort of dream, a vision.”-Katharine Hepburn
Reviewed By 207janey
Our group (8 women) truly were amazed by the beauty and history of Ten Chimneys. Many of us hope to return and have also recommended it to many of our friends.
5. Kneeland-Walker House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
6. Heritage Hill State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By georgieh2020 - Green Bay, United States
Learn about History and have fun doing it. Great place to take the kids and get them interested in History
7. Swiss Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
This 14-building compound presents the story of the founding of New Glarus in 1845 and traces the colony's growth into a dairy farming community that continues to keep alive its ethnic heritage.
Reviewed By mandylives - New Glarus, United States
Come see the buildings where it all started. What town do you know of that was founded by a single group of people from a single country of origin? New Glarus is one of those towns. Come learn some of the history behind their journey and why New Glarus is "America's Little Switzerland"!
8. Pabst Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,031 reviews
Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces, sea captain and beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst's beautiful home was built in the Flemish Renaissance style on Milwaukee's historic Grand Avenue. During docent-led tours visitors will see the first through third floors and learn about the Pabst Mansion and family.
Reviewed By AmericanInHeidelberg - Chicago, United States
Impeccably maintained (includes vast amount original furnishings and restoration) and in-depth tour information created a very interesting visit to the mansion. First time visit to Milwaukee and this tour highlights the influence of the Pabst family in the 19th century. Highly recommend (not sure about young kids though). And a message to the man who wasn't patient enough to wait for the next tour - that picture he shows is the gift shop where the tour starts. This is not part of the original house and maybe that's why it hasn't been maintained as faithfully as the inside of the house which is fabulous.
9. H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Visitors learn about the life and times of the 19th-century pioneering photographer H.H. Bennett at this historical learning center and museum. All tours and programs for 2020 are reservation based. Please call in advance to book.
Reviewed By GenevieveK466
In the middle of all the souvenir shops and diners is a jewel that many people miss. Mr. Bennett is the who that got the Dells it's name. He was a photographer in the mid to late 1800's and was incredibly ingenious in designing everything that he needed to take photos in the beautiful canyons (like waiting until winter so he could walk in on the frozen river) to documenting the Native American people (and learning their language) to building a 360 degree developing studio that turned to get the best light. He and then his descendants operated a photo studio here well into the 1900's and then the family donated the kit and kaboodle (like all his glass negatives) to the State Historical Society. They have created a creative way to tell the story of early photography and have lots of items on display as well as short videos to watch. An added bonus for anyone that appreciates good photos is that you can buy a print of some of his extraordinary photos in the gift shop. This is such a special treat and welcome break from the commercialization of downtown.
10. Villa Louis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
This Victorian house includes relics from the area's history, including a battle in the War of 1812.
Reviewed By JonH652 - Fort Myers, United States
Beautiful house and tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided a great history of the house and the surrounding area. This mansion is unique in that 90% of the furnishings are original to the house, and that is very, very unusual. This mansion and related tour are highly recommended.
