things to do near wisconsin illinois border things to do near wisconsin illinois border

At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. The Wisconsin Great River Road parallels the majestic Mississippi River along 250 miles of the state's western border. the garden is beautiful in spring. These hallowed halls house a permanent collection of hundreds of bikes, including the first motorcycles built and Elvis Presley's custom bike. Housed in an historic 9,000-square-foot French Tudor mansion, the center features six significant local and regional art exhibits every year as well as performances, educational workshops, symposiums, lectures, and special events. The Mississippi River forms a natural border with Missouri and Iowa in the west. The stone and stucco 2-story house contains 30 rooms. Also, of course, its residents are famous for their Midwestern hospitability. Pontoon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent. 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. 7817 Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0900, Free things to do, beaches near me: UT, WV. The restaurant also offers breakfast specials every weekend and delicious homemade lunch plates, along with a variety of beverages and freshly brewed, house-roasted coffee. Electric only at camp sites with water spigots scattered around the park and one dump station. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Also, on the menu are Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Screwdrivers for those who want something more than coffee. The campground itself is decent depending on what you are looking for. You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin " Back to Top. A replica wigwam on the trail offers an example of the Potawatomi shelters that existed hundreds of years ago. Located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border, 7 miles north of the border and about 50 miles southeast of Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is popular for weekend getaways, with visitors describing it as the "Newport of the Midwest" for its opulent lakefront mansions. Come for the summer activities or the annual Groundhog Day Festival in early February. Credit: St. Charles Riverboat Cruises. [See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Regardless of where you stay, winter in Lake Geneva means it's time for their annual one-of-a-kind Winterfest, one of the country's largest ice sculpture festivals. Guests appreciate the old-school lake vacation experience they get in the condos, cottages and cabins of The Beacons of Minocqua. Diners rave about the generous portions and highly recommend the German pork schnitzel and spaetzle noodles. But take time to hike, cruise the river or ski the slopes, sip local wines, taste beer and do some shopping. The Pike River Benefit Concert Series fundraises for Hawthorne Hollow. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Some of the more unusual rooms include a gun room, a linen storage room, silver storage room, and flower arranging room. 12. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. (Getty Images), America's Dairy State may not be on everyone's vacation radar, but the state boasts pristine state parks, iconic architecture and rich culinary traditions supplemented by craft beer and farm-to-table experiences. The family-friendly event invited Santa Claus and offered free lunch to anyone who brought a toy for Kenoshas Toys for Tots program. 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. 6603 Third Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0481, Attraction Spotlight: Hawthorn Hollow Nature. The motorcycle was invented in 1903 by Milwaukee residents William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. Juried shows take place annually. 5500 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4140, Top sights: AZ Parks, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin, Places to visit in Wisconsin, Wisconsin. The Civil War Museum is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of the Upper Midwest to the Civil War. The Art of the Car show takes place each August, while October hosts Oktoberfest. The beautifully restored electric streetcars are also known as electric trolleys and stop at the McCarthy Transit Center, 8th Avenue, 54th Street, and the METRA train station, allowing visitors to hop on and off at will to explore the city. For August, the water was a bit cold, but still able to swim. Every day, hundreds of drivers speed past the turnoff on US-20 for Apple River Canyon State Park, bound for getaways in Galena. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age. Additional attractions include the Southport Light Station Museum, a light keepers home from the 1860s, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Civil War Museum, and the Kenosha Public Museum, which displays fine art, decorative arts, and artifacts of natural history. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. To preserve the sites buildings, wildlife and natural resources, the sisters deeded the property to the Hyslop Foundation in 1967. 3. Hop on State Trunk Highway 54 for a self-guided food tour as the 50-mile Wisconsin Cranberry Trail winds past family farms and cranberry marshes. The French-Renaissance revival house was built by architects Archibald Morphet and Ralph Milman of Chicago. Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588. Green Bay is the smallest city housing an NFL team, and the Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned major professional sports team in the U.S. Cheeseheads are a dedicated bunch, but you don't have to own a green and gold jersey to appreciate the memorabilia and exhibits at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Hotels, resorts and restaurants hug the lakeshore. Those who aren't architecture enthusiasts will still have reason to visit Spring Green. You can even see the bullet holes that remain in one of the windows. 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. No, you don't have to walk the full loop around the entire lake, but you can definitely find a stretch of it to enjoy. Take a spin on the carousel at St. Joe, tour a working windmill in Holland or just stretch out on a beach - preferably with a view of a lighthouse. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Cedarburg, WI, USA 2. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Past and Future Exhibits: The Centers 3-D Gallery hosts exhibits of sculpture. Looking for family-friendly activities in Milwaukee? Anderson Arts Center 24 Art Museums By Fifite77Chloe enjoy the moment with family. 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. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. A Scandinavian tradition, fish boils are a way of cooking fish in a large cooking pot over an open fire. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. How far you drive is up to you each town has its own personality. Located on Lake Michigan, the largest lake in the United States, Milwaukee is easy to explore; everything seems to be only a 5-minute drive away. Follow the River Roadside Attractions The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. Related: Top Things to Do in the Fox River Valley. Young men show off their sawing skills and log-rolling agility while including plenty of comic moments for laughs. 5400 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4141, Things to do near me today: From Phoenix, WV, IN, AK, Boulder, Family Beaches. The Kenosha Public Museum is dedicated to showcasing a selection of fine art, decorative art, and natural science specimens. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Vehicles recently sold from Kenosha include a 1926 Ford Model T Coupe, considered the 20th centurys most influential car, and a 1934 3-window Ford Coupe, rebuilt as an iconic hot-rod with black pearl exterior, air-conditioning, power steering and a 3-speed automatic transmission. A warm-weather visit calls for a stay at The Abbey Resort, the only lodging directly on the shores of Lake Geneva. Brooks babbling. 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806, Phone: 715-685-9983. Located a short distance from our home, the Illinois Beach Resort is a gem. 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. Circling the entire lake would take all day, but you can pick a section and go for a jog or a stroll. Prospectus may be found on the Anderson Centers website. And if you're in Madison on a Saturday morning between April and November, mosey over to the Capitol building to shop. The Nature Center is home to a small plot of original prairie, a historical ecosystem that serves as an example of the original Midwest. Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Past exhibits have included a group show by the Womens Journeys in Fiber artists group. 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. RNoggin Brewing Co. has a tap room where visitors can taste their brews as well as tuck into fare provided by food trucks during events. Illinois borders Wisconsin to the north, Michigan via a water boundary in Lake Michigan to the northeast, Indiana to the east, and Kentucky to southeast. The musky is four and a half stories tall and as long as a Boeing 757. The hotel has older rooms and could be updated. Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: 130 miles southwest of Chicago, Rockford, Illinois: 90 miles west of Chicago, Fox River Valley, Illinois: 60 miles west of Chicago, Champaign-Urbana: 140 miles south of Chicago, South Bend, Indiana: 95 miles east of Chicago, Turkey Run Inn, Indiana: 150 miles south of Chicago, Lake Mills, Wisconsin: 125 miles northwest of Chicago, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie: 60 miles southwest of Chicago, Woodstock, Illinois: 60 miles northwest of Chicago, Indiana Dunes: 54 miles southeast of Chicago, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: 80 miles northwest of Chicago, Michigan's southwest shore: 70 to 150 miles east of Chicago, Galena, Illinois: 163 miles west of Chicago, Mount Morris, Illinois: 100 miles northwest of Chicago, Cedarburg, Wisconsin: 113 miles north of Chicago, Madison, Wisconsin: 147 miles northwest of Chicago, Amish Country, Indiana: 110 miles east of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: 100 miles southwest of Chicago, Zion, Illinois: 50 miles north of Chicago, Grand Rapids, Michigan: 175 miles northeast of Chicago, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: 150 miles north of Chicago, Glencoe, Illinois: 15 miles north of Chicago, Apple River Canyon State Park, Illinois: 146 miles west of Chicago, Beloit, Wisconsin: 96 miles northwest of Chicago. Wisconsinites are lovingly referred to as Cheeseheads. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. 6603 3rd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0481, Fun day trip ideas: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas. Plenty of parking. Lake Geneva Shore Path. Great outdoors, grown-up eats and classic clubs make these two cultured cities especially appealing in the summer when University of Illinois students head home. The area is home to Illinois Beach State Park, Volo Auto Museum and The Chocolate Sanctuary. Buckle up because you're in for an adventure along the Great River Road, one Wisconsin's national scenic byways. Learn about these and other interesting places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Wisconsin. You can glimpse that luxurious lifestyle while walking the Geneva Lakeshore Path, a 25-mile walkway that circles the lake, bringing you through the backyards of opulent estates. Topics include seed dispersal and the plant life cycle, sugar maple trees and Wisconsins history of maple sugaring, and the history of the Potawatomi and the Old Indian Trail. Visitors praise the mostly local teenagers who participate for mastering some incredible tricks and keeping a beloved tradition alive. The site includes a Nature Center, three historic buildings from the turn of the century, a heritage farmstead, and observatory. Special exhibits and galleries at the Kenosha History Center include the Yesteryear Gallery, which highlights the settlement of the area to 1900, and the Rambler Legacy Gallery, which showcases how Kenoshas auto-making legacy shaped its history. Established in 1933 and opened to the public in 1936, the Kenosha Public Museum is situated at Kenosha's lakefront and features several excellent exhibits and collections, including a replica of the Hebior mammoth and the remains of the world-renowned Schaefer mammoth. RNoggin Brewing Co. is a small family-owned brewery that produces hand-crafted beer in a fun, friendly casual atmosphere. Opt for the longer, more expensive options if you want to see the press box, locker rooms and more. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. Including Blue Sky Mausoleum, The Darwin D. Martin . Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Shows make for another fun, unique family outing in Minocqua. Whats Nearby: Kenosha, Wisconsin is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, just over 30 miles south of Milwaukee. 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. The company expects sales of over $60 million in 2018. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. Credit: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism, Credit: Courtesy of Visit South Bend Mishawaka. 6521 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142, Phone: 262-960-1298, Near me on a budget: Arlington, Park City, Places to Visit in USA, Brattleboro VT, Maine lighthouses, St. Paul, Wyoming vacations, Des Moines, Tallest roller coasters, Train Museums near me, Romantic Getaways St Augustine FL. Most recently, the trail was used by the Potawatomi tribe of the Algonquin nation, followed by European settlers to the area. 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. Biking is one of the top things to do in Door County because there are plenty of opportunities for both road biking and trail biking. The brand new facility offers close to 40,000 square feet of showroom space, allowing for between 100-150 classic cars to be displayed on the showroom floor at all times. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the best choices for a winter visit to Lake Geneva, with a bevy of amenities and a modest ski hill. Want improv Shakespeare? 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Ongoing Programs and Education: Summer camp programs are offered each year for children between the ages of 5 and 12, as well as a full range of after-school programming during the school year. When the weather is warm enough, travelers can camp at the area's state park to save some time and be best prepared to catch a sunrise over Lake Michigan. With more than 200 breweries, there are brewery tours for every palette, from micro to macro and fruit beers to pale ales. For more experienced practitioners, ballroom dances, featuring a live band, take place periodically on Saturday nights. Not everything in Green Bay is devoted to the Packers. The Bird Lovers Series offers several different programs from a Bird Walk, to classes on attracting bluebirds, the Wisconsin state bird. Wisconsin (WI) 15 Best Flea Markets in Wisconsin: MadCity Bazaar Elkhorn Antique Flea Market 7 Mile Fair Crazy Frank's Flea Market Adams Flea Market Jackson Flea Market Dodge County Fair Flea Market Pea Pickin' Flea Market! The two rivers provide plenty of outdoor opportunities, from fishing and swimming to kayaking and tubing. Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes). Squirrels chattering. The Kenosha History Center has a gift shop that sells a variety of souvenirs, items, and related gifts. (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too. No soap. Zionis locatedin Lake County, which bridges the gap between Chicago's Cook County and the Wisconsin border with family attractions and nature trails. 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. Become a Cheesehead by exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer. Grocery stores and restaurants are located within 10 minutes of the resort. Not many asphalt sites and hard to get into if making reservations for the weekend. 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. 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. Located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, the Discovery Center Museum is one of the top family attractions in Illinois. The Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only farmers market, a great way to take yourself on a food tour of the finest Wisconsin farmers have to offer. Wright is widely revered as America's greatest architect and the founder of the Prairie-style school of architecture. 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. 1. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Three historic buildings were moved to the property in 1967. Besides the authentic cuisine, guests will appreciate that meals come with a side of history. The St. Joseph River provides a great place for water sports and serves as a sparkling backdrop for a weekend of shopping and dining in the hometown of the University of Notre Dame. These include the original Pike River School, established in 1847, its second incarnation, which was built in 1906, and the original Somers Town Hall, built in 1859. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. Wildlife viewing at Hawthorn Hollow is focused primarily on bird watching. The view of Lake Michigan is incredible and if you like to walk the beach or collect rocks it's a great spot. *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is also home to the Carthage Institute of Paleontology, a gift shop, and a variety of complimentary educational programs for adults and families. Owls hooting. The free outdoor concert series raises funds for the Anderson Center by way of a raffle. Time your visit to witness the spectacle of the building's wings (large movable sunscreens) opening and closing at 10 a.m., noon or closing time. Eye candy. In the late winter months, the popular Maple Sugarin class offers an interactive history lesson in the traditions behind tapping maple trees for sugar. Snack on crackers and sip wine at Lewis Station Winery, and don't miss the old-fashioned James J. I took my daughter and 2 granddaughters there in early August. The homes interior preserves the craftsmens attention to detail in woodworking, with high ceilings and oversized windows. Oshkosh Airshow. 7150 18th St, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-859-2645, Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Portland, Martha's Vineyard, Miami, WA, MN , From D.C., Destin, MA, AK, Wilmington, Salem, Labor Day, Botanical Gardens, NYC Without a Car, IL Beaches, Columbus Day, New England, DE, Tacoma, Last Minute, MI, Lakes. [Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells.]. They have a hotel with a decent restaurant, and a campground. No problem - there is one in the lobby for guest use. When you need a day trip from Chicago or a weekend getaway from the big city, you don't have to go far. In tiny Nappanee, an Amish man parks his buggy by a gas pump, a living metaphor for the way new and old coexist in northern Indiana. A hearty pancake breakfast is followed by a walk through the trails to bird watch. Biking and hiking Whitefish Dunes State Park and Potawatomi State Park are some of the top outdoor activities in Door County. 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. 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the Walk in the Woods Art Fair. Another go-to stop is the Aldo Leopold Foundation. He built Taliesin in 1911. Sun, sand and.. race cars? The resort's hill is decidedly not the Rocky Mountains, but there are three chair lifts, two carpet lifts, 20 runs and a terrain park. What's more, the University of Wisconsin Madison Memorial Union on the shores of Lake Mendota is a favorite for students and locals; grab a brat and brew and enjoy the view. Guests are invited to fill their trunks with candy for children, and display their personal classic vehicles. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits, displays, and a movie on the Civil War as well as hosts several educational programs, classes, and workshops throughout the year. Highlights include a two-story maze, a play area aimed at babies and toddlers, and an exciting planetarium. Illinois Beach State Park 185 Reviews #1 of 6 things to do in Zion Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, More Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099 Open today: Closed Save Review Highlights "Beautiful lake front park & campground." This is a gorgeous state park with mature trees, miles of paved trails, and lovely sand beaches. 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. Taliesin Preservation manages the grounds and offers six touring options of the estate, along with other arts and cultural programming and special events like a farm dinner series, biking tour and Winter Festival tours. It's one of the most scenic roads in the Midwest, flanked by 400-foot-high sandstone bluffs and historic little river towns. The common thread? Dedicated to preserving the historic nature of the site and its buildings, the Kemper Center also offers a range of educational programs that focus on the regions local history and its arts as well as several cultural, educational, and recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The Main, East and Upper Galleries are reserved for the work of regional artists. In the heart of northwestern Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire is perfect for weekend getaways, with both outdoor activities as well as a thriving downtown scene of arts and brewing. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market welcomes shoppers May through October every Saturday morning. Related: Get Our Bloomington-Norma Trip Guide. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. a monthly program for people living with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. Wisconsin's landscape has five major geographic regions. Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the beach. Previous guests rave about the manicured gardens and sumptuous breakfasts, and many also appreciate how the owners have preserved the elegance of this 1889 Queen Anne-style house. This is a great place to appreciate and wander in nature with friends or little ones. Theatergoers bring their picnic baskets for a theatrical evening under the stars in Spring Green's massive 1,147-seat outdoor amphitheater. The oldest park in the system, Petrifying Springs Park is a 360-acre park with a network of wooded trails, an 18-hole golf course, playgrounds and ball fields for children, and picnic areas for families. 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. The town of Clear Lake offers what you'd think Clear Lake Iowa Tourism Before you dismiss swimming in favor of Pumpkin Spice Everything, let's take a moment to acknowledge that there are a few days left to lounge on the beach and soak up the last of summer's delicious rays of sun. James Anderson, the homes owner, was an executive with American Brass, while his wife Janet Lance Anderson was the grand-daughter of Z. G. Simmons, founder of the Simmons Mattress Company. the vue is beautiful. Discover charm, history, and the great outdoors in Chippewa Falls. If you want to feel like you're actually sleeping in an art museum, book a room at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel, which is located in the heart of downtown. With more than 300 miles of shoreline to enjoy, visitors have long flocked to Wisconsin's peninsula, known as Door County, for weekend getaways. 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. Winters in Milwaukee can be harsh and long, so the most popular time to visit is in the summer months or fall. The site combines history, nature and horticulture, reflective of the interests of the original owner, Ruth Teuscher and her sister, Margaret. Wind rustling through the trees.