Places to Go and Things to Do in Wisconsin
Baraboo
The Baraboo Hills and Devil’s Lake State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, swimmers, hikers, bikers, kayakers, rock climbers, birders, and for those looking to just get away from it all. It is also a geological treasure. The 25 mile Baraboo quartzite ridge is the only 500-million-year old “fossil” mountain range in the world. And one can see, feel and even touch this treasure by visiting the State Park and several protected State Natural Areas like Parfrey’s Glen. But, when it’s time to replenish the soul, Baraboo and the surrounding area has family owned restaurants, distilleries, breweries and supper clubs that will make your day perfect. When you stay at the Inn at Wawanissee Point, while enjoying a late afternoon adult beverage, atop the best view in Wisconsin, we will share menus and gladly assist with your dining reservations.
Top 5 Attractions
1. DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK Offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake with sandy swimming beaches, 29 miles of hiking trails, and a breathtaking solitude. 2. BARABOO HILLS Rising 700 feet above the surrounding landscape and home to the Inn at Wawanissee Point, this National Natural Landmark is a geological treasure. 3. CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM Baraboo was the home of the Ringling Brothers Family and in 1884 the Ringling Bros Circus began. Owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Museum holds one of the largest collections of circus materials in the world and summer season shows begin in the Big Top May 15th. 4. INTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION This June, ICF will reopen its 300 acre Headquarters to an incredible $10 million renovation featuring 5 new crane exhibits. The water features and natural landscapes with elongated murals will make you feel like you are on another continent. 5. TOWN OF BARABOO Selected as #4 of the best small towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine. The old-style town square is surrounded by restored boutique storefronts with enthusiastic shopkeepers, the Al Ringling Theater, restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries….Baraboo is a slice of Americana.
Bayfield
Bayfield is known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore area of Lake Superior. Just off the coastline of this idyllic northern Wisconsin city are the Apostle Islands chain. There are numerous ways to experience the area, including excursions, charters and the ferry to Madeline Island. The Bayfield Peninsula is an abundant growing area. Numerous farms, orchards, and wineries surround Bayfield and supply local restaurants with a variety of fresh produce seasonally. Bayfield is home to many artists and musicians, and you’ll find galleries and venues showcasing their work. Each year in October, Bayfield holds the annual Apple Festival. Up to 60,000 visitors attend the 3-day event held the first weekend in October.
Top 5 Attractions
Big Top Chautauqua is a world class performance venue housed in a dome-protected circus tent near Bayfield featuring national and regional touring musical acts and much more. Madeline Island is just a short ferry ride from Bayfield and offers beautiful views and beaches at the Big Bay State and Town Parks. Visit Tom’s Burned Down Cafe or the Beach Club for a taste of the eclectic local culture. The Apostle Islands are a protected wilderness area accessible in a variety of ways including sea kayaks, boat charters and the Apostle Islands Cruise Service. The Bayfield Orchards and Wineries are located in the hills surrounding the city and feature a wide variety of fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, tree fruits and grapes. Several of the orchards have gift shops and offer samples of their wares. Outdoor Activities are numerous in the Bayfield area throughout the year starting with foraging and birdwatching in the spring, hiking, biking, kayaking etc. in the summer and fall, and skiing, fat-tire biking, ice activities, etc. in the winter.
Big Top Chautauqua is a world class performance venue housed in a dome-protected circus tent near Bayfield featuring national and regional touring musical acts and much more. Madeline Island is just a short ferry ride from Bayfield and offers beautiful views and beaches at the Big Bay State and Town Parks. Visit Tom’s Burned Down Cafe or the Beach Club for a taste of the eclectic local culture. The Apostle Islands are a protected wilderness area accessible in a variety of ways including sea kayaks, boat charters and the Apostle Islands Cruise Service. The Bayfield Orchards and Wineries are located in the hills surrounding the city and feature a wide variety of fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, tree fruits and grapes. Several of the orchards have gift shops and offer samples of their wares. Outdoor Activities are numerous in the Bayfield area throughout the year starting with foraging and birdwatching in the spring, hiking, biking, kayaking etc. in the summer and fall, and skiing, fat-tire biking, ice activities, etc. in the winter.
Cedarburg
Visitors delight in a visit to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, voted by Architectural Digest as one of the Top 10 “Most beautiful historic downtown in America”. The Cream City brick Washington House Inn sits proudly in the heart of the Cedarburg Historic District located in the center of it all. With walking distance to area specialty shops, galleries, museums, brew pubs, wineries, and both fine and casual dining, a visit to Cedarburg encourages relaxed strolling, and tranquility. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places there are 29 guest rooms in the main inn (built in 1884), and an additional 5 guest rooms in the adjacent Schroeder House (built in 1856), all are furnished with style and complete guest comfort as the goal. The rooms feature amenities such as spa tubs, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, both steam and therapeutic showers, and luxury linens (to name just a few) and are certain to please any discerning traveler whether visiting for business or pleasure. A complimentary afternoon social hour featuring award winning local wines, and Wisconsin cheeses, along with an outstanding continental breakfast buffet prepared by in-house bakers in the morning are both complimentary and highlights of a stay at the Inn.
Top 5 Attractions
Cedar Creek Settlement
Cedar Creek Winery
Ozaukee Interurban Trail (bike and hiking trail just 1 block from the Inn)
Cedarburg Cultural Center
Cedarburg Art Museum Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Art
La Crosse
La Crosse is centrally located between two state Capitals (Madison and St. Paul) We are a college town, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an award winning campus, we also have Western Technical College and Viterbo University which brings our student population up to about 25k. We are also a river town, the Mississippi River with the bluffs, trails, wineries, and boating are a big draw. There are dozens of organic farms surrounding La Crosse, so our restaurants have marvelous food. There are several festivals, the MOSES organic food conference and National Track Meet, plus the arts are strong here. The La Crosse Symphony has a full season scheduled. Mostly it is the location, we are the weekend destination of choice for the Twin Cities. The River Boat cruises, including the American Queen paddleboat which stops in La Crosse, the largest river paddleboat ever built. Also, the La Crosse Queen for dinner cruises, part of La Crosse history.
Top 5 Attractions
Hiking in the bluffs for recreation, birding and photography is truly unlike any other area of the midwest University and community activities bring a huge number of tourists to La Crosse The Great River Road is one of the top ten drives in the US Festivals and the Rotary Lights during the holidays bring people from the entire region The La Crosse Center hosts numerous conferences, music concerts and events all year long
Madison
Top 5 Attractions
Sturgeon Bay
Top 5 Attractions
Wausau
Several years ago, we overheard someone describing Wausau to a friend. Rather boastfully, they said Wausau was “Wausome!” And frankly, our guests would say the same. This beautiful vibrant riverfront city found at the crossroads of Central Wisconsin is a hidden gem. It has a rich arts and cultural scene (including two renowned museums – the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and Wausau’s Museum of Contemporary Art – and a world class theater – the Grand Theater), great restaurants, a fabulous downtown, two gorgeous and well-preserved historic districts, the best ski resort in the Midwest (Granite Peak), an Olympic qualifying kayaking and canoeing course, three fantastic micro-breweries, a class “B” biking rating, a wonderful distillery, friendly people, affordable recreation, and, of course, the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin. Nestled against the banks of the Wisconsin river, Wausau originally started as a lumber town and still hosts many of the original lumber baron mansions in the downtown area. In the 30’s and 40’s, it evolved into an insurance town while simultaneously serving as the shopping and cultural hub for northern Wisconsinites. More recently, Wausau has become a major getaway for Midwest ski enthusiasts and for people looking for a friendly town with fun things to do. Whatever the reason is for your visit, we are confident you will come back.
Top 5 Attractions
1). Sking at the Midwest’s premiere ski resort – Granite Peak.
2). The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and in particular their annual “Birds in Art” exhibit
3). Our annual festivals highlighted by Wisconsin’s oldest and arguably its best Bluesfest, Chalkfest and Artrageous weekend.
4). The historic downtown shopping district situated on the banks of the Wisconsin river and “just north enough” to legitimately be Northern Wisconsin.
5). Great restaurants, micro-breweries and cheese shops.
