The 10 Best Free Things to do in Wisconsin, United States

March 24, 2022 Nicolette Lion

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. SC Johnson Headquarters

1525 Howe St, Racine, WI 53403-2236 +1 262-260-2154 [email protected] http://www.scjohnson.com/visit
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 316 reviews

SC Johnson Headquarters

Whether you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, a unique aircraft enthusiast or simply love our household products, you’re always welcome to visit SC Johnson.We welcome visitors and offer free public tours that provide different views of the company's inspired architecture, including: •The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Administration Building •The award-winning Foster + Partners-designed Fortaleza Hall •The SC Johnson Gallery: At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright •Film showings of the Academy Award-winning documentary To Be Alive! and the acclaimed Carnauba: A Son’s Memoir at The Golden Rondelle Theater. All tours also include a visit to The Lily Pad, our gift shop.

Reviewed By TorontoCity - Toronto, Canada

Absolutely great tour, very good docents, and incredible property. But the 1.5 hour (free) tour was just too short. No time to investigate the amazing museum at the end or even visit the gift shop. That seemed odd. Would have loved to have taken photos of the interior, not sure what that’s about but I would recommend this tour to anyone with even the slightest interest in Frank Lloyd Wright, history or architecture. My exterior photos were a hit with all my friends.

2. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704-5808 +1 608-246-4550 [email protected] http://www.olbrich.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,636 reviews

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.

Reviewed By Valedia - McHenry, United States

Some friends and I try to meet up somewhere every fall. This year I read about and picked this spot as Madison is a halfway point for all. I was absolutely amazed at this gem - free parking, free access to the outdoor areas and only $2.00 to explore the indoor conservatory. The volunteers greeted us when we walked into the conservatory, and one went so far as to walk us around and point out all the different areas so that we wouldn't miss any of it. There is a gift shop that is stocked with seeds, bulbs, cards that can be planted, clothing and much, much more. The conservatory has lush plants, trees, ferns, a koi pond and other water features. After exploring inside we went out and walked all of the different paths and areas that were very well maintained, and a true sensory treat! Photography is a hobby of mine, and I came home with almost 60 pictures and could easily have taken more. We are looking forward to meeting up again in other seasons. If you are in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this wonderful place!

3. Cave Point County Park

5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-8266 http://www.door-county-wisconsin.net/cave-point-door-county.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,203 reviews

Cave Point County Park

The park is open everyday from 8 to 5.

Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States

Whenver we go up to Door County - whether to pick cherries or to relax on Washington Island - we almost always stop at Cave Point Park to get amazed at the way the lake pounds under the shore, creating these unique "caves" down below. It's hard to get tired watching the work of waves...

4. Great River Road

Wisconsin 35, WI +1 800-658-9424 [email protected] http://www.wigrr.com
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Great River Road

Part of a 3,000-mile network of roads called the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Wisconsin's Great River Road is made up of several highways covering about 300 miles from Kieler in the state's southwestern corner to St. Croix Falls, about an hour northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Reviewed By Keenomanjaro - Croydon, United Kingdom

We drove the Great River Road from St Louis to Minneapolis and followed the Wisconsin section from the river crossing at Dubuque all the way up to Prescott, with a stop-over in La Crosse for one night. This was by far my favourite section of the road, offering a great, continuous view of the river for much of the way, unlike many long sections downstream where the river can vanish from sight for long periods. The section from Prairie du Chien to La Crosse was particularly enjoyable, given that we drove it as dusk approached and were able to enjoy the sun setting over the river as we went along. There are plenty of interesting towns and villages you might care to visit along the way - we found La Crosse to be much bigger than we'd anticipated, which worked out well as we were spoilt for choice when it came to finding somewhere to eat for the evening. This was a really memorable drive and one I'm unlikely to forget in a hurry.

5. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

700 N 12th St Franklin & Twelfth Streets, Wausau, WI 54403-5007 +1 715-845-7010 [email protected] http://www.lywam.org/
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 257 reviews

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Reviewed By BethanyAnneB8 - Wausau, United States

I really enjoy that they get new exhibits every few months. It keeps me coming back. I’ve gone here with my boyfriend and both of our families. Well maintained and clean place to enjoy art. Could spend a short amount of time or a few hours and have a good time. Recently went to the origami exhibit, very cool!

6. American Birkebeiner Trail

from Cable, WI to Hayward, WI 14269W Nordic Lane, Hayward, WI +1 715-634-5025 http://www.birkie.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

American Birkebeiner Trail

50+ mile hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoe trail that runs between 2 small towns in northern Wisconsin

Reviewed By Pkcrowley - Williamsburg, United States

Since I have started cross country skiing, I have wanted to ski the famous Birkebeiner Trail . Especially since we have very little snow in Southeast Virginia. It wasn't so easy to get there- plane and rental car needed-but I not expecting such a wonderful time. Hayward- the town and people are great. Thank you especially to the Welcome center of the Birkie Trail. The employee on duty was MORE than helpful. Be sure to eat at the Norske Nook after you ski. The trail was beautifully groomed. I never felt lonely out there as a single skier-there were always occasional skiers. The warming huts are special places.

7. Bookworm Gardens

1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081-3183 +1 920-287-7895 [email protected] http://www.bookwormgardens.org/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 437 reviews

Bookworm Gardens

Open seasonally, May 1- Oct. 31. Botanic Garden based on children's literature in Sheboygan, WI.

Reviewed By Elaissdriss

Bookworm Gardens is a vibrant and engaging destination for families and school children in Wisconsin and beyond. This 7 acre property with 2 acre garden based on children's literature offers educational programming as well as free, unstructured play in a beautiful environment for the young and young at heart. Really, i like this place of culture, it gives our childrens to developpe its competences and to have an excellente way of thinking in the futur. You can come to visite this great place . You will change your minde.

8. Memorial Union Terrace

800 Langdon St University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1419 +1 608-265-3000 [email protected] https://union.wisc.edu/visit/terrace-at-the-memorial-union/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 698 reviews

Memorial Union Terrace

Reviewed By Rita21_12 - Madison, United States

You have the view of the lake and can spend a relaxing time with friends enjoying the wide choice of foods available and the famous Babcock ice-cream and a nice breeze if the weather is on your side the day you visit

9. Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard

S67W28435 River Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189-9042 +1 262-349-9092 [email protected] http://www.pieperporchwines.com
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 72 reviews

Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard

Open first weekend in May through last weekend in December, Janaurary through April by appointment for wine purchases.

Reviewed By 236thomass - Waukesha, United States

This winery owned by Todd & Kathy is carefully tucked away between WUkesha and Mukwanago. Wide variety of wines, from sweet to very dry. Elegant tasting room, bring food if you like, pop a cork and enjoy. They offer a wine for every taste. Cheers

10. Chazen Museum of Art

750 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706-1411 +1 608-263-2246 [email protected] http://www.chazen.wisc.edu/
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Chazen Museum of Art

This art museum's impressive collection includes prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to modern day. Special exhibitions showcasing local artists take place throughout the year. The Chazen remains free, but you must book an appointment in advance to visit during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic:

Reviewed By BAR1025 - Mount Horeb, United States

They have a new cafe with wifi, treats, espresso, and gifts. It's a gift shop with benefits! I already bought a book and a few mochas. Really nice addition to a great museum!

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