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
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Wisconsin, United States
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. Taliesin Preservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,617 reviews
Taliesin, the home, studio and estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in the hilly Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin near Spring Green. It is the name of Wright’s house as well as the 800-acre estate that includes buildings from all decades of Wright’s career. Its many wings and terraces reach out around the ridge of the hill, embracing the site and standing as “brow.” Taliesin was the residence of Wright and the valley was his inspiration and life-long laboratory for architectural designs and innovation. Taliesin represents the most complete embodiment of Wright’s philosophy of Organic Architecture. The Taliesin residence is the heart of a series of buildings that Wright designed for himself and his family members on the estate. Other buildings include: Romeo & Juliet Windmill (1896), Hillside Home School (1903), Tan-y-Deri (1908), Hillside Drafting Studio (1932), Midway Barn (1949), Hillside Theater (1952), and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center (1967).
Reviewed By Paff4o - Chicago, United States
Welcome to Taliesin Preservation! This is one of the best places to visit and learn about the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, both personal and professional. It is located about 30 minutes West of Madison, WI, and 2.5 hours from Chicago, IL. There are a variety of tours offered at Taliesin. We went on the Taliesin House 2-hour tour. The tour guide, Linda, was very engaging and knowledgeable about Frank Lloyd Wright’s professional achievements and intricacies in his personal life. By walking from one room to another, it was amazing to “touch” and feel the environment the great architect had lived in. There was so much curiosity around every corner. The architectural element simplicity had blended beautifully with the surrounding nature view as well as the artifacts inside and carefully designed interior. Time went by so quickly. Come and visit the Taliesin Preservation. Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s accomplishments and have a full day of relaxation. Enjoy your visit at Taliesin Preservation!
2. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,636 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,203 reviews
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. American Players Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 370 reviews
American Players Theatre is a professional, classical theater located just outside Spring Green, Wisconsin. Situated on 110 acres of hilly woods and meadows, APT boasts two theater spaces, an 1148-seat outdoor amphitheater and the 200-seat indoor Touchstone Theatre. From June through October, APT produces eight plays in rotating repertory – five Up the Hill and three in the Touchstone Theatre.Central to APT’s mission is a commitment to making these great works accessible to as wide and varied an audience as possible as well as educating younger generations in the joys of these classic plays.With annual attendance of over 100,000 and an annual budget in excess of $5 million, APT ranks as the country’s second largest outdoor theater devoted to the classics.
Reviewed By JeffreyK102 - Madison, United States
We come to APT every year for 1-2 plays, taking in at least one of their Shakespeare productions. The productions are a delight with talented cast members, crew, and leadership. Plan on a picnic before--it's part of the experience. Be prepared for weather. The show will on unless the a severe rain or thunderstorm appears. We have not been disappointed by the quality of productions at APT!
5. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 257 reviews
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. Basilica of St. Josaphat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 845 reviews
Enter the Basilica of St. Josaphat through the Visitor Center, Monday-Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm for visits and tours; free tour after Sunday 10:00am Mass. The Visitor Center is in the Pope John Paul II Pavilion at S. 7th Street and West Lincoln Ave. Enter from the street side or parking lot. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Lincoln Village, the Basilica is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans and has a captivating story of faith, historical significance, and unmatched architectural and artistic beauty. Polish immigrants built the Basilica over 115 years ago using salvaged materials from the razed U.S. Post Office and Custom House federal building in Chicago. Its 250 foot high copper dome is the icon of the diverse neighborhood the Basilica serves today. The Basilica hosts community events, performances of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and others. The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, a 501(c)(3) works with the Franciscans to preserve and restore the Basilica. All are welcome!
Reviewed By scottofhawaii - Honolulu, United States
...at least for me. First of all, the place is psycho-beautiful with amazing gilded architecture colored in powerful Catholic art, iconography, whatever... I sure did miss seeing world-class places like this this past year. In this typical, kind of beat-up American city, the basilica is a palace with its deep awe-inspiring imagery and objects. It's both a gift and scar left behind in the wake of an obscene history the church created across the world. It's also a confusing dichotomy that both perplexes and seduces me at the same time. I'm like both in a daze and state of intimacy when I'm in a place like this. Anyway secondly, there was this guy who said he was a priest that started talking to me. I guess he was a priest, but he didn't have one of those collars on. He was just sitting in one the benches (pew?) in the main hall (nave?). He started talking to me and blurting out his life story: Vietnam vet, priest for over 40 years, cancer and chemo, even end of life issues. At first it all seemed so over the top and inappropriate, but I don't know. I wound-up asking him if the church is going to guide/see him through his final years. I told him the VA is going to be the people who do that for me. I guess that makes the VA my religion now. I also took a shot at him about the priest/abuse thing saying his team has really "taken it on the chin" about that stuff. He quickly tried to deflect and play the victim card a little. Anyway, I guess I'm meeting new people again. Couldn't do that while wigging-out about catching COVID like I did for the past year in Pittsburgh.
7. Green Bay Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
For WPS Garden of Lights hours, visit https://gbbg.org/. Open all year, Green Bay Botanical Garden is designed to provide interest with display gardens that capture the beauty of northeastern Wisconsin’s four distinct and wonderful seasons. Learn about the vital role plants play in our lives and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Be refreshed by gardens overflowing with beauty and serenity.
Reviewed By deborahbZ1450CQ
This was our first time visiting the light show before Christmas. It was Beautiful! We had a great time.
8. West of the Lake Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By 723roadtripper
A must-see while here! Bright vibrant colors! I still can't believe it was free! The monarch butterflies were going crazy, preparing for their big migration. Excellent photo op right along the lake shore!
9. Bookworm Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 437 reviews
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.
10. Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
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
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