Things to do in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Specialty Museums

December 5, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

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. EAA Aviation Museum

3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902-8939 +1 920-426-4818 https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa-museum
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 692 reviews

EAA Aviation Museum

Located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the site of the world's largest aviation event (EAA AirVenture) the Museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world, a year-round destination for the entire family. Come and explore our world-class displays and galleries. Marvel at aviation innovations in our collection of more than 200 historic airplanes. Spend time in one of our four movie theaters. Take a ride in a vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport-a real working aerodrome right out of the "golden age" of aviation. Witness a piece of history in the Eagle Hangar, our tribute to World War II aviation and get "hands on" in the KidVenture Gallery, our exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages!

Reviewed By donfey - The Villages, United States

The Museum at EAA's World Headquarters is a history, aviation buffs must see. And, the gift shop will satisfy your desire for mementos or gifts. The Experimental Aircraft Association is the best organization going for the support of private (General Aviation) pilots, and is not limited to home-built aircraft. The extensive collection of WWII bomber art is, all by itself, worth the visit!

2. Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304-3927 +1 920-499-4281 http://www.packers.com/lambeau-field/hall-of-fame/visit.html
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 930 reviews

Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

Reviewed By danielrk2015 - Prairie du Sac, United States

Even my wife and daughter enjoyed the Hall of Fame and stadium visit! The HOF is located right next to Lambeau Field and is a really high quality interactive display of Green Bay Packers history, and there's a lot of it over the past 100 years. I wanted to stay longer than the 90 minutes allowed, but there are some COVID restrictions in place to keep everyone safe. Each HOF Packer player has a display and video of his highlights. All the championship trophies are kept here. The top games and seasons are highlighted and there's a 15 minute video giving a survey of the Green Bay Packer NFL franchise and how it became owned by the fans rather than a billionaire.

3. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

839 N 11th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1401 +1 414-273-1680 [email protected] http://www.chudnowmuseum.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 339 reviews

Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

A Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to giving visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee life between the world wars with authentic items displayed in store settings. Handicap-accessible guided tours are offered at no additional charge, and there is free off-street parking behind the building.

Reviewed By picusue - Rochester, United States

The Chudnow is a must see in Milwaukee particularly if you enjoy history. Each room of these beautiful old house is a replica of a place in the past from Soda Fountain to Speakeasy. The Chudnow’s collection of memorabilia is impressive. It was fun wandering from room to room and taking a step back in time.

4. South Wood County Historical Museum

540 3rd St S, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494-4352 +1 715-423-1580 http://www.swch-museum.com/
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

South Wood County Historical Museum

Reviewed By bigbuzz2016

Always enjoy going into the museum. Learn something knew about Wis. Rapids ever time. If you have questions...there is always someone there to answer them or find the answer. Very educational and a nice view of the river and gardens surrounding the museum.

5. Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

312 N Front St, Spooner, WI 54801-1423 +1 715-635-5002 http://www.wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

Reviewed By MrsRTaylor

This museum is quaint and very well done! There are so many canoes on display, ans so many are just gorgeous! I also appreciated that it has displays that teach all ages different aspects about canoes that I never knew of, and I thought that it was really AWESOME that it also features an active canoe-building workshop where visitors can get an opportunity to watch canoes being built and repaired. I was thrilled to learn that members can rent the shop, and get help building their own canoes- how cool is that! They were holding a paddle-building workshop when I was there, and I was very intrigued to learn things about paddles that I never knew in just the little bit of time I was there. So cool! This is a "Whole Family" museum that won't disappoint. Even if you are not that into canoes, you will come out knowing and appreciating them more than you ever thought you could- GREAT PLACE!

6. Circus World

550 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913-2578 +1 608-356-8341 [email protected] http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 656 reviews

Circus World

Circus World in Baraboo is America's favorite circus attraction! Baraboo was home to The Ringling Bros. Circus from 1884 thru 1918, and during those thirty-four years the operation grew to become the largest circus enterprise the world has ever known. Although the Ringlings left in 1918, many of their original structures survived.During the summer months, see the world’s largest collection of glorious parade wagons plus 7 authentic Ringling Bros. buildings filled with colorful, big top memories. Experience the thrill that never grows old at Circus World!The health and safety of our customers, our employees, and our communities remains a top priority. Circus World is pleased to welcome back guests starting June 1, 2021. May all your days be circus days!

Reviewed By WIWoman53092

My husband and I had a delightful day of learning, laughs and pure enjoyment! We thoroughly enjoyed the tasteful re-creation of the old time circus atmosphere, wonderfully restored circus wagons, and the Big Top show complete with elephants and talented, devoted performers. Kids will have fun, so so did we as adults! Too many photos to share, but here are two. Thank you Circus World for our FUNDAY MONDAY.

7. Wisconsin Veterans Museum

30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703-2589 +1 608-267-1799 [email protected] http://www.wisvetsmuseum.com
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum acknowledges, affirms, and commemorates the role of Wisconsin citizens from Civil War to present military history.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

In our travels from coast to coast, my wife and I love to visit art museums and history museums. In Madison, Wisconsin, we visited the Wisconsin Historical Museum, the Chazen Museum of Art and the Overture Center for the Arts. Then one of the docents at the Chazen asked: "Have you been to the Veterans Museum?" Now we have. We would have been disappointed if we had missed it. Located at 30 West Mifflin Street, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum was founded in 1901 and has been housed at this site since 1993. Dedicated to the soldiers of the state of Wisconsin, it is composed of two galleries that chronicle the history of their service in the nation's wars from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War to the War on Terror through exhibits, videos, maps, photographs and dioramas. The 19th century gallery showcases Wisconsin's involvement in the Civil War, including a large diorama depicting the Battle of Antietam. Three Wisconsin regiments formed part of the famed Iron Brigade that fought in most of the major battles in the eastern theater, including Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and Petersburg. In the 20th century gallery, see exhibits that illustrate Wisconsin's roles in the Mexican Border campaign, World War I and World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts. Many historical firearms and three full-scale aircraft also are on display--a Sopwith Camel from WW I, a P-51 Mustang from WW II and a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War. Even if you aren't from Wisconsin, a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a very sobering and educational experience.

8. National Mustard Museum

7447 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562-3117 +1 800-438-6878 http://www.mustardmuseum.com
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 481 reviews

National Mustard Museum

The National Mustard Museum is home to the world's largest collection of prepared mustards and mustard memorabilia. Tour our museum or sample any of our 500 mustards in the gift shop. Admission is free!

Reviewed By tracih575

What a great place to see! Gift shop upstairs with tastings and over 400 mustards, some really interesting flavors, to purchase along with other fun things. Downstairs is museum, free, donations appreciated though, mustard memorabilia from all over the world and lots of mustards, definitely worth a stop!

9. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

165 N Park Ave, Neenah, WI 54956-2956 +1 920-751-4658 [email protected] http://bmmglass.com
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 94 reviews

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is an accredited art museum located in the Fox Cities region of Wisconsin, 200 miles north of Chicago. The art museum opened 1959 to house the most representative collection of glass paperweights in the world and now holds three additional glass collections including, antique Germanic drinking vessels, Victorian art glass and contemporary studio glass. The museum focuses all exhibitions and educational programs on glass. The Glass Studio at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum offers public instruction in flame working and kiln-formed glass making techniques throughout the year for youth and adults. Thanks to our generous founders and current donors there is free, general admission for everyone.

Reviewed By sydrak

A old friend from Fl came to visit.My daughter said knew of this awesome place to take all of us Including her daughter(my 3 year old granddaughter). Finally she told us it was a place filled with glass paper weights. I told daughter we could wait outside.I could hear broken glass already in my head.I nope lets go in. At this point I am holding my granddaughter hand so tight.A lovely lady greeted us.Explained what could be touched and what could not.How many times can you say 3 generations had a wonderful afternoon.The collections of paper weights are amazing. The designs are spectacular.I would recommend making a memory as we did here.

10. National Railroad Museum

2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304-4832 +1 920-437-7623 http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

National Railroad Museum

Reviewed By geeplaw - Kingswinford, United Kingdom

I visited with a friend who is very into his trains. Even though I'm not, it was interesting to see the sheer scale and size of some of the engines, and to read up on the history. The museum is well laid out, with lots of engines on display. Clean facilities and friendly staff, with a nice gift shop in case you want a memento of you're visit.

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