7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter. Visitors praise the mostly local teenagers who participate for mastering some incredible tricks and keeping a beloved tradition alive. 1. Tags: Travel, Wisconsin Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations. 400 54th Street Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 312-469-0233, Where to go near me: Glenwood Springs, Bellingham, Seafood, Coffee Shops, Things to Do in Solvang, San Diego day trips. The Wisconsin Great River Road parallels the majestic Mississippi River along 250 miles of the state's western border. The home officially became part of the Kemper Center campus one year later in 1990. Also, on the menu are Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Screwdrivers for those who want something more than coffee. We asked for a refrigerator and microwave, however they were out of microwaves. And the small town of Wisconsin Rapids, 100 miles northwest of Madison, is the cranberry capital. 724 54th St. Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4287, Top rated last minute places for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Past shows have included Linda Tumps ceramics, Pat Kroths mixed media fiber installation called Nest and the wood carvings of Joe Mrazek. Ongoing Programs and Education: Educational opportunities for all ages are offered in keeping with Hawthorn Hollows mission. Other draws to the area: Bloomington's restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. The Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is located just a few miles outside of Kenosha, Wisconsin in the town of Somers. If you're looking to experience more than just the squeaky cheese curds the state is famous for, visitors recommend stopping by the Fromagination cheese store for its ambiance, multitude of options and generous samples. 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. The term Hot Rod typically refers to any classic American car with an engine modified for speed. 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. Door County Kayak Tours gets high ratings for their friendly, informative guides. Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588. The small town of Oshkosh on Lake Winnebago, northwest of Milwaukee, is famous for two things: the popular line of kids' clothing and its place on the world's airshow circuit. Though it's home to the Fighting Irish, it's not all football in South Bend. Those travelers admire the view from the car, not realizing that if they wanted a peek at one of the area's few remaining secrets, they should turn north on Canyon Park Road west of Stockton and drive for just 7 miles. Related: Weekend Getaway Guide to Lake Mills. Cedarburg, WI, USA 2. The site combines history, nature and horticulture, reflective of the interests of the original owner, Ruth Teuscher and her sister, Margaret. Area Artist Group Galleries host the work of local artists while galleries in the West Wing are reserved for student artwork. Wander the paths and trails at Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the University of Wisconsin Arboretum; admire the art at Chazen Museum of Art or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art; take a leisurely cruise around Lake Mendota or Menona; and be sure to work up an appetite-Madison's 600-plus restaurants offer something for every taste. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. You could spend an entire weekend quietly hiking or biking along the country roads, but Elkhart Lake also has a racier side. 12. 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. Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio sponsored a summer hot rod cruise in July. 9949 58th Pl #400, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-891-4253, What are some fun must-see places, beaches near me: NJ beaches, Retreats, San Francisco, Asheville, World Beaches. Five bedrooms include a master bedroom of over 400 square feet. Enter through the musky's tail and make your way up to the observation platform in the fish's open jaw. Two own businesses with their spouses. Spend the night in rooms or cabins (and enjoy a hearty meal) at Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Highly recommend. Credit: Photo Courtesy of Lewis Station Winery. The Anderson Arts Center also has a gift shop that sells a variety of items, such as handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, furniture, artwork, and more, and hosts the Twilight Jazz Free Outdoor Concert series on the lawn outside the center on select Tuesday evenings from June through August. Today, the building is the home and office of Hawthorn Hollows director. 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. Field trips invite students to attend nature-based learning programs. Three towns along the winding river offer restful diversions with a nod to history: Catch a household name playing at St. Charles' historical Arcada Theater, or just 3 miles south, explore Geneva's shopping district, where boutiques fill preserved storefronts. 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-552-8196, Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Get our trip guide to the Indiana Dunes area. This town embraces the quirky and classy in its arts, museums, shops, dining venues and outdoor activities. Activists and incoming college students appreciate that Madison, about 80 miles east of Milwaukee, has been the scene of many a protest, whether against the Vietnam War or in favor of marijuana legalization. 7. Summer is high season, with a multitude of neighborhood festivals, outdoor concerts and ethnic celebrations, like German Fest in July, honoring the city's largest immigrant group. The tranquil Anderson Japanese Gardensis just one of the draws to the area. The laid . These hallowed halls house a permanent collection of hundreds of bikes, including the first motorcycles built and Elvis Presley's custom bike. 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. Right outside of Baraboo, Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's most-visited state park with towering quartzite cliffs and a crystal-clear lake surrounded by 500-foot-high bluffs. Read on to explore the top things to do in Wisconsin. Kids can dive into the fun at Grand Geneva's Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark while the adults chill out in the resort's world-class spa. Sing-along Shakespeare? America's Action Territory Family Fun Park 76 Some visitors describe it as a Midwestern jewel and incredible journey, while others find it overstimulating and claustrophobic. Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. Address: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53201. By VacationIdea Staff on January 24, 2023 - Updated. The Mississippi River forms a natural border with Missouri and Iowa in the west. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies. Oshkosh Airshow. Address: 800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703. They can visit any of the area's more than one hundred art galleries and studios, sample the region's famous cherries and cheese, and explore Door County's eight wineries. 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. 514 56th St (Winter Location), Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-914-1252, What to do near my location, inexpensive, private adults only getaways: WA, MO, Detroit, Annapolis, SD, Newport Beach, Hershey, TN, Tucson, Hawaii, Duluth, NC islands, Iowa, Beaches Near Charlotte, Hudson Valley, Maine Lighthouses. 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806, Phone: 715-685-9983. Wisconsin Deer Park. The galleries show the work of students in area schools, as well as work completed at the Centers summer camps and afterschool programs. Sun, sand and.. race cars? The nature preserve is a prime destination for migratory birds passing through Wisconsin, as well as a robust population of year-round residents. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Experience classic local dining by going to what Wisconsinites call a supper club. Famous for The EphraimPottery Studio and Gallery, Lake Mills also offers plenty of outdoor recreation on Rock Lake, the Zeloski Marsh and the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail, as well as a cozy Arts and Crafts style B&B. Chef Jorge Guzmn's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales. The restaurant serves over 250 wines that can be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass, over 20 beers on draft, and over 161 package beer varieties along with a menu of gourmet sandwiches, paninis, wraps, fresh salads, and light snacks for breakfast, lunch, and appetizers throughout the day. 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. Photo courtesy of St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. If you enjoy a martini with a view, consider the Blu lounge at the historic Pfister Hotel, offering panoramic views, cocktails and more from the 23rd floor. 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. At 27 miles, the Lake Geneva Shore Path is a must-do activity in this area. A Nature Center on the property was built in the 1940s to originally serve as the stable to Ruths six horses. Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares how to make blooms last longerand repeat. Events at Hawthorne Hollow draw over 10,000 visitors annually. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Want improv Shakespeare? The world's most significant classic and collector car company, Gateway Classic Cars has sold over 34,000 classic and collectible cars since 1999, with a massive inventory of classic cars and over 1,800 vehicles for sale on any given day. Winters in Milwaukee can be harsh and long, so the most popular time to visit is in the summer months or fall. Just north of Discovery World is the architecturally impressive Milwaukee Art Museum, a modern masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava. One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. The venue, which is the twelfth of sixteen Gateway Classic Cars locations, opened in 2016. Based at the Simmons Field in the heart of Kenosha, the Kenosha Kingfish provide a variety of fun-filled, family-friendly entertainment, which includes a dancing grounds crew, human bowling on the field, and toilet seat races as well as a kid zone for young visitors, including bobble-head ring toss, a sandbox, and a bounce house. Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath, These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing, Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland, An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make, Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall, DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating. The 297-acre Apple River Canyon State Park offers quiet amid the woods along Apple River. Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Shows make for another fun, unique family outing in Minocqua. It's one of a handful of U.S. towns to earn a Platinum designation from The League of American Bicyclists as a bicycle-friendly community, so purchasing a $15 24-hour bike-share pass is a great way to explore the city. Round out the weekend with a stay in one of the area resorts such as the Osthoff. A red-brick two-story Colonial home was built as a residence in the 1950s. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a stop at Green Bay's National Railroad Museum. The Tall Ship Red Witch is a replica of the Great Lakes working schooners from the mid-19th century, measuring 77 feet long and weighing 41 tons, and is equipped with the highest quality safety equipment and systems. (Courtesy of Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce). This sleeper hit of a weeknight dinner comes from Food Network star Molly Yeh's cookbook Home is Where the Eggs Areand is basically a vehicle for Parmesan and garlic toast. The two rivers provide plenty of outdoor opportunities, from fishing and swimming to kayaking and tubing. Wisconsinites are lovingly referred to as Cheeseheads. Grab a cheesy bite of nostalgia at Papa Del's Pizza or enjoy more upscale fare at Miga; take time to admire the works at Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock Museum; go for a stroll at the University of Illinois arboretum or Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Guests delight in the art exhibits on display throughout the hotel and applaud the in-room vintage record players. But the showers did have great water pressure and the water was hot. This is sometimes difficult to prove as there were no identifying marks matching transmissions, engines and body parts on early cars. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. With more than 300 miles of shoreline to enjoy, visitors have long flocked to Wisconsin's peninsula, known as Door County, for weekend getaways. The campground is great, but alcohol is not allowed on all areas of the campground, so check which campsites allow alcohol. Badger red is the hotel's unifying color palette, and guests give the hotel high marks for its nostalgic decor and artwork, including collages of political buttons, a nod to the town's legacy of social activism. Visitors will also discover a robust farm-to-table movement in this fertile section of America's heartland. Young men show off their sawing skills and log-rolling agility while including plenty of comic moments for laughs. 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. Many of the classic cars on the lot have been customized into Hot Rod vehicles and updated with modern conveniences such as power steering and windows, air-conditioning, and automatic transmissions. Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588. Facebook/Chippewa Falls Main Street There's so much to do in this small town in Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. The pool was clean and water temperature perfect. Owls hooting. Below $100k - Low $100s. When you need a day trip from Chicago or a weekend getaway from the big city, you don't have to go far. Highlights include a two-story maze, a play area aimed at babies and toddlers, and an exciting planetarium. The Wisconsin Deer Park is a family-friendly petting zoo located in Wisconsin Dells. We had a delicious breakfast outside on the restaurant patio the next morning and then swam in the pool for another 3 hours. The only sounds? Classes include puppet making, cartooning, drawing and painting, crafting and the fiber arts as well as sculpting. We needed extra bath towels and received them immediately from the front desk. Glencoe is one of the few cities bordering Chicago along Lake Michigan. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. I took my daughter and 2 granddaughters there in early August. For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. For more fun, be sure to visit Six Flags Great America. Chocolate Shop. 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. The famous cash-only joint serves a menu of casual cuisine, such as juicy burgers and fries, freshly baked bread, stacks of sweet and savory pancakes, fluffy omelets, meatloaf, and the eaterys signature dish Franks Garbage Plate. Theatergoers bring their picnic baskets for a theatrical evening under the stars in Spring Green's massive 1,147-seat outdoor amphitheater. The communities of the North Shore seem farther from the bustle of downtown, thanks to abundant green spaces, including the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Tall Ship Red Witch, LLC offers thrilling and unforgettable and Lake Michigan sailing excursions aboard an authentic and beautifully restored wooden tall ship. The hotel has older rooms and could be updated. Being home or second home to many of the Midwest's elite, the town is filled with great restaurants, shops and fun-filled activities throughout the year. It's also home to the world's largest indoor carousel. The towns waterside parkland features beautifully manicured landscapes and blends perfectly with towns historic downtown area, which is home to charming shops, casual cafs and eateries, an outdoor market, and art galleries. 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. Shows take place at the outdoor amphitheater through June, July and August. A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Surprising Designs. No complaints! Located on Lake Michigan, Kenosha, WI is a tranquil lakeside town north of the Illinois border with the lakefront development of HarborPark at its center. 5608 10th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4450, What are some popular things to do: WA, Charleston, New England, Cleveland, San Diego. Diners rave about the generous portions and highly recommend the German pork schnitzel and spaetzle noodles. One natural feature that makes Eau Claire truly special is that it's at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. Free tours of the building are given daily. 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. Top Wisconsin destinations include Madison, Milwaukee, Bayfield and Green Bay. The Civil War Museum also hosts SPARK! Looking for family-friendly activities in Milwaukee? We then went to the pool and swam for another hour. Distance from Chicago: 150 miles north, 2.5-hour drive. 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. Generations of Midwesterners have enjoyed weekend getaways to the crystal-clear waters of this town, about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. At the first annual event drivers met up at Quaker Steak and Lube in New Berlin, Wisconsin for breakfast, then drove to Gateway Classic Cars for lunch and a tour of the showroom. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. The area is a hidden gem in Wisconsin. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. 1. Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Illinois Beach State Park, tucked in the far northeast corner of Illinois has something for everyone. New Englanders have their clambakes. Buckle up because you're in for an adventure along the Great River Road, one Wisconsin's national scenic byways. 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. The Kenosha History Center is a museum located on Kenoshas harbor that is dedicated to showcasing the history of Kenosha County, ranging from its early settlement to its industrial past. Brooks babbling. Wander the paths and trails at Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the University of Wisconsin Arboretum; admire the art at Chazen Museum of Art or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art; take a leisurely cruise around Lake Mendota or Menona; and be sure to work up an appetite-Madison's 600-plus restaurants offer something for every taste. Sitting on a rocking chair on a veranda at Indiana's Turkey Run State Park inn feels surprisingly like taking refuge deep in the forest. Oshkosh. 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. 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. Starting in downtown Eau Claire's Phoenix Park, the trail runs along the Chippewa River through prairies, sandstone bluffs and wetlands. The closest thing to that in the Midwest is the Door County fish boil, a one-of-a-kind culinary spectacle. This stretch of Lake Michigan coastline offers wide sandy beaches, towering dunes, great birding, easy bike trails and interesting history. The campground itself is decent depending on what you are looking for. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. The Anderson Arts Center is a non-profit organization supported through donations, gift shop sales, and rental income via letting the house and gardens for private events. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. Pontoon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent. Eye candy. Fantastic beach. He built Taliesin in 1911. 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 Heritage Workshop Series teaches local gardeners everything from harvesting heritage seeds, to building garden paths, to quilting and candle making. Established in 2003, Kenosha HarborMarket is the citys top market and, regardless of the season, is dedicated to providing both locals and visitors with top quality produce, freshly baked artisan treats, handcrafted soaps and candles, and other homemade goods.