Travel Destination: Wisconsin
Wisconsin is in the heart of the Midwest, with access to Lake Michigan and a diverse geography. If you are a travel clinician looking for the countryside, nightlife, festivals, and cheese, Wisconsin is definitely the place for you! Take a look at these 10 popular, hand-picked attractions to visit the next time you are on assignment in Wisconsin!
1. Circus World Museum
The Circus World Museum first opened in 1954 and today it is constantly expanding with new exhibits, including those that feature restored original Ringling Brothers structures, electronic media, and live programs.
The museum started with six old wagons from the circus and under an acre, but today there are 30 permanent structures over 64 acres of land, as well as winter quarters and the train shed complex. One of the high-points of the museum is the Siemor Bros. Miniature Circus which took Mel and Lottie Romels 40 years to finish and can now be found in the Spectacle Room.
2. Wisconsin Ice Age Trail
Wisconsin Ice Age Trail is the most famous National Scenic Trail in the state – the major trail extends for 1,200-miles across Wisconsin, with approximately half of it already developed. It’s mainly used for hiking and sightseeing, offering an excellent opportunity to see the state’s diverse landscape. Wisconsin Ice Age Trail has trailheads at Potawatomi State Park and Interstate State Park. The trail winds throughout the state passing through a variety of landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Lookout Mountain, and other landscape features left behind by glacial activity.
Visit a nearby section of the trail as an excellent destination for outdoor recreation. It’s a year-round destination where you can enjoy hiking in the Summer and snowshoe trekking in the winter. Most visitors enjoy regional sections of the trail, although long-distance hikes are permitted. You can find designated camping sites on the trail.
3. Bay Beach Amusement Park
Get ready for some old fashion family fun when you visit the Bay Beach Amusement Park. The amusement park is in Green Bay, open seasonally from May to September. For over a century, families have visited the park to enjoy lots of rides and attractions since it first opened in 1892. The park is unique compared to other amusement parks because it maintains its original prices – ride tickets cost only a quarter.
Bay Beach Amusement Park has something to do for everyone. There are 23 rides, a vintage wooden roller coaster, food stations, bumper cars, and a Ferris Wheel. Take a ride on the Zippin Pippin roller coaster for a thrill ride or hop on the Ferris Wheel for beautiful views overlooking Lake Michigan. The park includes kid’s rides.
4. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Mitchell Park is home to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, a collection of three botanical gardens housed in large domes – locals refer to the attraction simply at ‘The Domes.’ The conservatory showcases over 1000 beautiful plant species from around the world.
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is divided into three domes: Show Dome, Tropical Dome, and Arid Dome. Each of the domes presents a particular climate zone and ecosystem for housing plants native to the conditions. Explore the Tropical Dome to see close to 1000 different plants native to tropical climates. Many of the plants featured in the dome are fruit-bearing trees such as cacao and bananas.
The Arid Dome has plants from various regions of the world, including across the Americas and Africa. The plants are endemic to desert climate, with the temperature inside the dome regulated for sustainability. The Show Dome features seasonal shows and exhibits, changing four times every year. It also hosts special shows for the holidays.
5. Wisconsin Dells Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells is known as the best spot in the state for fun at waterparks, and it is actually the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” This is where the very first indoor water park was pioneered and houses the biggest concentration worldwide of indoor and outdoor waterparks. This means that you can look at just indoor waterparks or just outdoor ones and still have dozens of choices. Many of these parks have lodging right on site. This is also where you’ll find Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the largest outdoor one in the country.
6. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens cover 16 acres of gorgeous gardens, including the only Thai Pavilion within the continental US as well as the only one of its kind surrounded by garden outside of Thailand. There is also a rose garden, herb garden, Sunken Garden, and Perennial Garden. While at this attraction, visit the Bolz Conservatory, which is a 50-foot-high pyramid with a rushing waterfall, blooming orchids, free-flying birds, and tropical plants. You can look at carnivorous plants as well as those responsible for growing your favorite foods like vanilla, coffee, and bananas.
7. The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
The Green Bay Packers are very important the majority of Wisconsites and most visitors take advantage of their vacation to learn more. Lambeau Field is where the Packers play, and you can attend events here, watch a game, or visit the Atrium. There you will find the Packers Pro Shop as well as the Hall of Fame, which commemorates top players throughout the years.
You can also go on a guided Stadium Tour to learn more. Exit Lambeau Field and go to the public art walkway just to the east of the building to enjoy the Walk of Legends. This is a collection of 24 statues that honor legendary eras of the Packers as well as the legends that made them great.
8. Geneva Lake Shore Path
For a relaxing day in Wisconsin, head to Lake Geneva and take a stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path. This covers 21 miles and gives you the unique opportunity to walk through the backyard of numerous mansions which are at least a century old. The earliest settlers of the area decided that the 20 feet closest to the shoreline would be public domain and this has continued today, giving you gorgeous views of the shoreline, gorgeous homes, and exquisite landscaping.
9. Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds National Landmark was discovered in 1939 and is now the premier cave within the upper Midwest. You can go on guided tours of the cave that show you the colorful crystals formed along the paved walkways. The cave tour is perfect for the entire family and shows you columns, stalagmites, stalactites, and more. There is also a butterfly garden, fossil dig, gemstone mine, biking and biking trails, and a gift shop.
10. Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s largest state park, covering over 9,000 acres of the Baraboo Range. It’s the most visited park in the state with more than three million visitors every year, arriving for recreational activities, exploring the wildlife, or sightseeing. Devil’s Lake State Park was established in 1911, becoming a popular destination thanks to its proximity to Madison.
The park’s highlight is Devil’s Lake – visitors can enjoy lots of outdoor recreation at the lake, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and climbing. The lake is a well-known research site as it was formed from glacier activity in the park. The beautiful park contains many other sights worth checking out during a visit. It has many unique quartzite rock formations such as Balanced Rock, or you can visit the winding Effigy Mounds. Devil’s Lake State Park has many visitor facilities, including a visitor center and over 400 campgrounds permitting overnight stays.
SOURCE: https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/attractions/wisconsin.php