(Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This being Wisconsin, Eau Claire houses a handful of craft breweries, including The Brewing Projekt, where you can order up a flight of creative beer flavors in a hip, loft-like setting. It all goes down easily with an old-fashioned drink. 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-654-5770, Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Milwaukee, Things to Do in Norfolk, Cumming. Billing itself as the capital of cheese, this shop is a must-see for cheese lovers, featuring dozens of one-of-a-kind artisanal Wisconsin varieties. Fish boils traditionally include potatoes, coleslaw and classic Door County cherry pie for dessert. Highlights include a two-story maze, a play area aimed at babies and toddlers, and an exciting planetarium. Located at Simmons Island Park, the seasonal attraction now stands as a maritime museum with artifacts, maps, and a variety of information about Kenoshas important 19th century harbor and lighthouse. Diners rave about the generous portions and highly recommend the German pork schnitzel and spaetzle noodles. With more than 200 breweries, there are brewery tours for every palette, from micro to macro and fruit beers to pale ales. Roth Cheese, Monroe, Wisconsin Roth Cheese Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. 1. The view of Lake Michigan is incredible and if you like to walk the beach or collect rocks it's a great spot. Fantastic beach. Wind rustling through the trees. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. We had a delicious breakfast outside on the restaurant patio the next morning and then swam in the pool for another 3 hours. 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. more. 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. Facebook/Chippewa Falls Main Street There's so much to do in this small town in Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. Being a peninsula in the Great Lakes, the area's 11 lighthouses play a big part in Door County's history. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a stop at Green Bay's National Railroad Museum. Civil War Museum, Kenosha, Wisconsin Civil War Museum The Civil War Museum is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of the Upper Midwest to the Civil War. The French-Renaissance revival style home is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns on a 4.7 acre property. A warm-weather visit calls for a stay at The Abbey Resort, the only lodging directly on the shores of Lake Geneva. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Buses, trains and very few automobilescheck out these out-of-the-ordinary holiday lights displays. 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. These hallowed halls house a permanent collection of hundreds of bikes, including the first motorcycles built and Elvis Presley's custom bike. 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. Ongoing Programs and Education: Educational opportunities for all ages are offered in keeping with Hawthorn Hollows mission. However, beyond the Wisconsin Jeep trails, there is the appeal of the ultimate adventure route: the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail. In addition to its water parks, the Wisconsin Dells offer a wide variety of kid-friendly entertainment options, from mini-golf to indoor amusement parks. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. The museum has a range of permanent and traveling exhibits, such as the interactive exhibit known as Little Clint: The Story of a Baby Dinosaur, which follows the journey of a juvenile T. rex from birth to fossilization, excavation, the lab, and finally the museum. To preserve the sites buildings, wildlife and natural resources, the sisters deeded the property to the Hyslop Foundation in 1967. 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. 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. 25 Weekend Getaways Near Chicago | Midwest Living Field trips invite students to attend nature-based learning programs. the garden is beautiful in spring. History: Formerly the residence of the Anderson family, construction on the home began in 1929 and was finished in 1931. Great River Road Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. Brooks babbling. Get a taste for this classic culinary tradition at Little Bohemia Lodge in the nearby town of Manitowish Waters. Built in 1960 by Alex Jordan, this massive home now houses his eclectic collection of everything from suits of armor to ivory carvings. Even its farmers market is a Bohemian rhapsody of local produce, entertainment, art and political activism on the state capitol square. Tourists descend on Lake Geneva during the summer season to rent boats, but fall and spring are also magnificent for weekend getaways. 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. 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. Hike the bluffs. Related: Get Our Trip Guide to Apple River. 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. Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares how to make blooms last longerand repeat. Anderson Arts Center 24 Art Museums By Fifite77Chloe enjoy the moment with family. Rent your own boat and water ski on Elkhart Lake or hit the nearby Kettle Moraine State Park trails. 18 Best Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin - VacationIdea A hearty pancake breakfast is followed by a walk through the trails to bird watch. Credit: Photo Courtesy of Lewis Station Winery. 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. Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter. The site includes a Nature Center, three historic buildings from the turn of the century, a heritage farmstead, and observatory. Since then, the company has sold over 25,000 vehicles, and is now the worlds largest classic car dealer, with over 2,700 vehicles for sale at any one time. 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. Visitors point to the Palace Theater as a great night out, applauding the talent and production value of the concerts, comedy shows, plays for children and Broadway-style productions. 7. Road Trips & Scenic Drives in Illinois Read on to explore the top things to do in Wisconsin. Most visitors loll on the beach or cruise the lake during summer, but you can also experience the warmth of its winter in January and February during the annual Winterfest. The Kemper Center is also home to the Griffin Observatory, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the universe and gaze at the stars using modern technology from within a historical setting. 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. Special events include an annual summer Twilight Jazz series. A Spring Green restaurant well worth visiting for architecture buffs is Last Leaf Public House. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. Credit: St. Charles Riverboat Cruises. 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. Frank Lloyd Wright is known as the master of minimalism, but Spring Green's other architectural marvel is definitely not understated. Another fun venue is the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, which guests praise for funny bits and impressive illusions. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. By no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the downright best day trips in Wisconsin: 1. Experience landscape that once rolled across the Midwest like an ocean at this restored prairie. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. Map of Illinois (IL) - Nations Online Project Look for fossils. For more fun, be sure to visit Six Flags Great America. Janet Lance Anderson lived in the home until her death at the age of 96 in 1989. Make sure to visit to Grosse Point Lighthouse during sunset in Evanston and take a walk along the Green Bay Trail between Winnetka and Highland Park. The family-friendly event invited Santa Claus and offered free lunch to anyone who brought a toy for Kenoshas Toys for Tots program. Wildlife viewing at Hawthorn Hollow is focused primarily on bird watching. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Neighborhood children are invited to trick or treat, and coffee and donuts are provided. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is dedicated to the exploration and explication between modern birds and meat-eating dinosaurs. (Courtesy of Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce). 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. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 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. Head over to Mirror Lake State Park for a scenic hike along a tranquil lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs. Older park but very clean and well maintained campground. 1. When you need a day trip from Chicago or a weekend getaway from the big city, you don't have to go far. 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. The Buzz Caf is open Monday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Or just a performance of his classics? The Nature Center is home to a small plot of original prairie, a historical ecosystem that serves as an example of the original Midwest. If a car is listed as Numbers Matching, it means the vehicle still has the original engine and transmission. read more A Heritage Farmstead on site offers lessons in beekeeping, and grows heritage vegetables in a community garden. The dances feature a cash bar and dessert buffet. Other draws to the area: Bloomington's restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. For August, the water was a bit cold, but still able to swim. Pure Americana is served up in central Wisconsin's Minocqua; the town offers everything from the fudge and ice cream shops to the popular screen-door cottages families love to rent. Winters in Milwaukee can be harsh and long, so the most popular time to visit is in the summer months or fall. The Anderson Arts Center opened inside the home in 1992. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Attraction Spotlight: Anderson Arts Center. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Tens of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage each year to central Wisconsin's Green Bay, considered a mecca for football fans. We needed extra bath towels and received them immediately from the front desk. Cyclist on a scenic backcountry road in Door County. Visitors praise the mostly local teenagers who participate for mastering some incredible tricks and keeping a beloved tradition alive. 10. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. Though restaurants from the southernmost Sturgeon Bay to the north tip of the peninsula offer up these unique dinners, visitors give the White Gull Inn some of the best reviews. The only sounds? A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Surprising Designs. The Civil War Museum also hosts SPARK! No soap. 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. Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The city has a lively music scene, with summer festivals focusing on jazz, rock and country music. An activity at the National Railroad Museum was incorrectly listed. 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. 6501 3rd Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-925-8040, Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: Brooklyn, MS, MO, Sacramento, Oceanside, MT, St. Louis, MA, From Columbus, Montreal, PA, RI, SC, Day Trips from Dallas, Mackinac Island, St Louis, Things to Do in Albuquerque, Grand Canyon. Shows have been mounted by the League of Milwaukee Artists, the Chicago Society of Artists, the Racine Art Guild, Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists and the Coalition of Photographic Arts among others. Established in 1992, the Anderson Arts Center is dedicated to the promotion of the arts, including fine art, music, dance, literature, and drama. Buckle up because you're in for an adventure along the Great River Road, one Wisconsin's national scenic byways. The Main, East and Upper Galleries are reserved for the work of regional artists. 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. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to keep them busy in Door County's charming villages. Wisconsin / Illinois border (approximate round-trip mileage from Milwaukee: 100 miles) If you need a staycation with the family, but have only a day or two to spare, a quick jaunt down I-94 to the . 25 Best Things to Do in Illinois - VacationIdea History: Ruth Teuscher bought the first 40 acres of the Hawthorn Hollow property in 1935. Tags: Travel, Wisconsin Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations. This town embraces the quirky and classy in its arts, museums, shops, dining venues and outdoor activities. We then went to the pool and swam for another hour. Located a short distance from our home, the Illinois Beach Resort is a gem. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. The Lake Geneva Shore Path can be accessed all around the lake. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. Including Blue Sky Mausoleum, The Darwin D. Martin . 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. 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. 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. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago: Road Trips & Itineraries - Thrillist 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. 5555 7th St, Pavilion #1, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-221-5040, Free points of interest close to me: Frankenmuth, Gettysburg, Big Sur, Romantic East Coast resorts. Most people come here for quiet weekends of swimming, sunning, boating and water-skiing in the crystal-clear lake, but the legendary Road America course is popular with amateur racers and their fans. Also, of course, its residents are famous for their Midwestern hospitability. The holiday season offers a Snowflake Jazz Concert, Christmas Ballroom Dance, and the Gallery of Trees, during which professionally decorated trees are auctioned off to raise funds for the Centers youth programming. Hot Rod may also be used as a technical term for any motorized vehicle with an engine not original to the body. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Sing-along Shakespeare? We will definitely be back and will recommend the Illinois Beach Resort to our friends. 6603 3rd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143, Phone: 262-653-0481 Fun day trip ideas: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas 2. There is hiking, camping, biking, cross country skiing in the winter, fishing, The NorthPoint Marina is five miles north in Winthrop Harbor, IL, which has slips for 1500 boats and an excellent restaurant called The Tropics.There is something for everyone to do at Illinois Beach State Park, so bring your family! Lots of rocks, so best to take beach shoes. 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. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. 1. Hotels, resorts and restaurants hug the lakeshore. The homes interior preserves the craftsmens attention to detail in woodworking, with high ceilings and oversized windows. The Kenosha History Center has a gift shop that sells a variety of souvenirs, items, and related gifts. 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144, Phone: 262-552-8196, Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? The site combines history, nature and horticulture, reflective of the interests of the original owner, Ruth Teuscher and her sister, Margaret. The Mississippi River forms a natural border with Missouri and Iowa in the west. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. [See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]. Most recently, the trail was used by the Potawatomi tribe of the Algonquin nation, followed by European settlers to the area. 150 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Wisconsin - Atlas Obscura The one-of-a-kind Min-Aqua Bats have been entertaining crowds in Minocqua with their first-rate water-ski show since 1950. Located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, the Discovery Center Museum is one of the top family attractions in Illinois. Another outstanding presentation is the Wisconsin Story exhibit, which tells the story of Native Americans through time from the coming of Europeans to Wisconsin and a display of a Potawatomi village in four seasons. No trip to Madison is complete without visiting the beautiful, white-domed Wisconsin State Capitol building. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies. There are frequently cash prizes offered for winning works of art. Bath houses are very old ad a little creepy. Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the beach. Things to Do on the Great River Road | Travel Wisconsin Cars and Coffee Event: Visitors are invited to show off their own cars in the showrooms parking lot, enjoy a cup of coffee and browse the showroom floor to see the newest classic, exotic and collectible arrivals. Sun, sand and.. race cars? 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. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The annual fundraiser, Birds and Breakfast, takes place each spring at the peak of the migratory birding season. Besides the authentic cuisine, guests will appreciate that meals come with a side of history. The home was donated to Kenosha County in 1977 to become part of the Kemper Center campus. Want improv Shakespeare? And just minutes from Oswego's charming Main Street-with brick-paved sidewalks-is a family-run winery. Home to the Cranberry Blossom Festival every June, you can explore the history of the tart berry year-round at the Cranberry Discovery Center in the neighboring town of Warrens. Two bedrooms, a living room and bathroom for servants are located in the west wing of the house. Vehicles on site at the Kenosha showroom range from a 1919 Dodge Coupe, the oldest in the current inventory, to a candy apple red 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the most expensive in the current inventory at close to one half million dollars. Bike the Scenic Backroads. Owls hooting. Limestone buildings create a scenic backdrop in Cedarburg. Some visitors describe it as a Midwestern jewel and incredible journey, while others find it overstimulating and claustrophobic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions and parking reservation requirements. Guests appreciate the old-school lake vacation experience they get in the condos, cottages and cabins of The Beacons of Minocqua.