Category Archives: Attractions

Art & History in Mineral Point

Posted on by
Reply

Rolling hills, majestic bluffs, and a town filled with charm and history…that’s Mineral Point.

It’s no wonder that Mineral Point was named Best Historic Town by Wisconsin Trails magazine. You can hop onto a guided historic tour or step back in time at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum, Wisconsin’s oldest depot. Learn about the city’s rich mining history at Pendarvis, a collection of stone-and-log cottages built by English miners in the 1840s.

Sneak in a visit and you’ll also find a rich community of artisans and craftsmen of all mediums: Pottery, glass, wood, painting, you name it. Whether it’s the vibrant stained glass from Jill Engels’ studio or one of Karma Grotelueschen’s captivating landscape portraits, you won’t leave without a new conversation starter for your home. Most galleries are open to the public year round, and unlike many modern galleries, you can learn more about the work and process from the artists themselves!

There’s a ton more to explore in Mineral Point including a beautifully restored opera house, wonderful bicycling trails, and cute, quaint eateries. Enjoy and as always, let us know if you go!

A Feast for the Eyes & Mouth: Wisconsin Dinner Theaters

Posted on by
Reply

When it comes to theaters and great shows, Wisconsin has no shortage. And how do you make a great show even better? With FOOD! Here are two fabulous dinner theaters you can’t miss:

Fanny Hill – Eau Claire

Fanny Hill is a theatre, restaurant, banquet facility, comedy club and 9-room inn, all in one! The cozy dinner theatre is in its 34th season with a schedule offering performances year-round and a menu that includes mouth-watering items like Italian Tilapia, Ribeye Steak, and Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps. The Best Part: Stay at the inn and you can go straight from the theatre to your comfy bed! For ticket and pricing information, click here.

St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre – Hudson

Sit back and enjoy the live performance while sampling specialty drinks, appetizers, dinner, and desserts right at your table. The Off Broadway Dinner Theatre is one of the few in the nation providing wait staff served dinners. Their shows range from musicals to comedies, and their menu has everything from Ala Mode Gunner to Bunyan Bay Steak. For ticket and pricing information, click here.

For more delicious dinner theaters, visit the dining directory on our website. Cheers!

Take In the View, Wisconsin

Posted on by
1

A mountaintop overlooking the majestic Burnett County forest or a cliff overlooking the coastline in beautiful Door County. How about a spot on the 40-yard line at Lambeau Field, about 15 rows up? We’re on a mission to find the best views in Wisconsin, and these are a few of our favorites:

Lapham Peak is nestled within the 1,000-acre hilly expanse of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The 45-foot observation tower is the highest point in Waukesha County and provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside. Formed by a glacier over 10,000 years ago, the terrain is excellent for hiking. Spring is a perfect time for a visit because guided hikes are offered for those curious to wander.

Lapham Peak State Park - Donald S. Abrams

For the best man-made views, it’s hard to not think of Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers. It’s been said that there really isn’t a bad seat at Lambeau, and it’s true. With seats close to the field and no obstructions, there’s not much between you and the action on the field. Whether you’re a football fan or not, there’s something to be said for the rich history and family friendly- nature of the stadium. Settle in with a brat and brew and you can’t go wrong.

For one of the best Wisconsin views of the mighty Mississippi River, it doesn’t get much better than Perrot State Park. With narrow river valleys and magnificent limestone bluffs, you’ll get a panoramic view of the river and its leisurely barge traffic. A challenging, but worthwhile hike, Brady’s Bluff provides a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and nearby Trempealeau Mountain, a landmark 384-foot peak completely surrounded by water. The park adjoins the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge making for some great bird watching too.

From ancient art to modern masterpieces, the Milwaukee Art Museum offers a different kind of spectacle. Whether you’re standing four feet in front of an original Andy Warhol or Georgia O’Keeffe, it doesn’t get much better. Of course, the museum itself makes for a pretty great view. The world-famous architecture of Santiago Calatrava features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. The Burke Brise Soleil is a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests atop the museum. The “wings” open and close each day, depending on weather.

Your Turn: What are some of the best views in Wisconsin? Let’s keep the conversation going on Facebook!

Time To Relax: Wisconsin Spas

Posted on by
Reply

Wisconsin has a number of world-class spas where you can pamper yourself in both body and mind. Here are a few of our favorites:

Nestled in a pine forest in the Wisconsin Dells, the award-winning Sundara Inn & Spa has been voted Most Romantic Spa in the World and Most Affordable Spa in America. Offering a wide range of packages, you can pick the experience that’s right for you. Eastern and Western massage techniques are practiced using botanicals and minerals that sooth the body and mind. If you’re not ready to leave after your day at the spa, you don’t have to! Book a stay at one of Sundara’s 26 stylish suites or really pamper yourself by choosing a private villa.

Spa Verde is Door County’s only “green” spa and salon. Their services include everything from hair coloring to soothing sore muscles. Skin treatments are done with chemical-free products and all massage oils and creams are organic. After your treatment, head to Greens ‘N Grains, Door County’s first and only full-service natural food store. There you can stock up on local organic produce, meats and poultry to prepare your own green meals!

The Spa at Sacred Grounds in Ephraim specializes in nurturing massages and therapeutic bodywork. Swedish, deep tissue, lymphatic: whichever massage you desire, you’ll find it here. A dedicated and caring staff will meet your every need to ensure you leave feeling completely new.

Where do you go for ultimate relaxation in Wisconsin?

Vegetarian Restaurants in Wisconsin

Posted on by
2

When we wanted to write about the best vegetarian restaurants in the state, we took it to Facebook and asked our fans for their favorites. We got a lot of delicious suggestions from all over the state; here are some of the top spots you shared:

Café Manna in Brookfield, is one of the first 100% vegetarian restaurants to hit southeastern Wisconsin. Everything about this restaurant is eco-friendly, from the building materials to the carryout containers. The menu is loaded with interesting and delicious dishes, plus it supports organic and sustainable farming practices.

The Green Owl Cafe in Madison was voted “Favorite New Restaurant” in the Isthmus Readers Poll! They’ve teamed up with local food vendors, to make sure their ingredients are handled with care for the best tasting dishes. While they cater to vegetarians they also offer meat dishes, which is great news for those with family, friends, or dates that might not be a strict vegetarian.

Cheese Factory Restaurant. A landmark located in Wisconsin Dells, this crowd favorite offers freshly prepared gluten-free, vegetarian dishes and a fully stocked bakery. World famous chef Rachael Ray named the Cheese Factory’s “Big Cheese Sandwich” one of her favorite grilled cheese sandwiches in the country. With so many great options, saving room for dessert can be a challenge!

Hungry for more? Check out the stops below for even more veg-friendly fare:
Kavarna Coffeehouse (Green Bay)
Beans and Barley (Milwaukee)
Riverwest Co-Op (Milwaukee)
Black Cat Coffeehouse (Ashland)
Lemon Grass Bistro (Oconomowoc)

Wisconsin Indoor Waterparks

Posted on by
2

Indoor waterparks continue to grow in popularity throughout the country and Wisconsin is leading the way. You’ve probably heard of Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World, but here are a few other hot spots to beat the winter doldrums:

Where can you find the largest go-kart track in the Midwest, a fully equipped entertainment center, and comic book themed indoor waterpark all under one roof? That would be the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, one of the premier destinations for fun in western Wisconsin! Dive into a world of superheroes and villains with bright, hand-painted murals covering every inch of wall space at Chaos Waterpark.

Located just 4 blocks from Lambeau Field, the Tundra Lodge Resort & Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark in Northeast Wisconsin. You have 3 stories and 30,000 square feet of exploring, including the Moosejaw Mountain, an interactive water playground, and whirling Alaskan Pipeline waterslide. If you get tired or just want to relax, drift down the Elk Island River, Green Bay’s only lazy river.

Timber Ridge Resort in Lake Geneva is home to Moose Mountain Falls, a 50,000 square feet indoor waterpark boasting 35-foot-high “Timber Rapids” and “Avalanche Falls” waterslides that land you in a heated pool. Children ages 7 to 10 can shoot some hoops in the water basketball court or climb rope at the activity pool. One of the more popular ways to relax at Moose Mountain is by taking a dip in one of the indoor/outdoor hot tubs. Just take your pick at this great mix of adventure and relaxation.

With so many great waterparks to choose from, you really can’t go wrong in Wisconsin.

Catch a Show in Wisconsin

Posted on by
Reply

Spring is almost here and it’s time to kick cabin fever to the curb! Get out and get inside a theater because Wisconsin features an outstanding lineup of plays and performances.

STOMP – Grand Theater (Wausau)

From March 20st-22nd, the explosive and unique dance troupe, STOMP, shows why they have become a percussion sensation over the years. Using everything from garbage cans to hub-caps to make music, this eight-member band has garnered national attention for their creativity and choreography. Ticket prices range from $45 to $65. After the show, check out the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. for a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere filled with delicious food and of course, a great selection of beer.

Kickin’ Back with the Rat Pack 2 – Apple Holler (Sturtevant)

Remember American legends, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin as impersonators take you back to the 60s with classic hits like “That’s Amore”, “New York, New York” and “My Way”. This dinner theatre costs $49.95 a ticket and includes a four-course meal paired with wine samples, beverages, and dessert. The show runs until March 25th.

Kids in the Rotunda – Overture Center for the Arts (Madison)

This is a free artistic program running every Saturday through April. It features a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, storytellers, theatre troupes and even magicians. Top off the show with a stop at the award-winning Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. We promise you’ll be tempted you to sample every flavor in the store.

Curtains up! Enjoy yourself, everyone.

The Lake Superior Ice Caves

Posted on by
Reply

Picture this: A frozen lake meets the base of a cliff where giant pillars of ice majestically hang, extending into every crevasse and cavern. That’s the scene at the Lake Superior ice caves, and it is definitely a Wisconsin winter spectacle you have to see to believe.

The easiest way to get to the caves is by hiking from Myers Beach Road. Along the trip, you’ll see an arctic-like landscape featuring large pillars of ice where waterfalls were literally frozen in their paths. The moderate, one-mile trek east leads to red cliffs and caverns with imprints of the waves crashing into them. The amount of ice on Lake Superior usually peaks around mid-March so there really isn’t a better time to walk on water!

Hiking boots will be necessary for this journey and be sure to proceed with caution. Double check ice conditions before venturing out. If conditions aren’t favorable, you can still view the caves from the ridgeline. Just make sure you don’t leave the camera at home because this is a photo-op you’ll want to record.

For more information on the Ice Caves, visit the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce’s website.

St. Patrick’s Day in Wisconsin

Posted on by
2

Top o’ the mornin’! St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and there’s no better time to embrace the history and culture of the Irish right here in Wisconsin. The state is loaded with fun events and venues to celebrate, so throw on some green because this month, we’re all Irish!

Milwaukee is home to the Shamrock Club, the largest and longest-running Irish American organization in Wisconsin. On March 10th, their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes over downtown Milwaukee. Awards are given out for the best float, best musical group, and best marching ensemble.

Starting on March 12th, the town of New London transforms into “New Dublin”. Events include Hooligan Day, where corned beef and cabbage is served at establishments throughout the city, including Pup’s Irish Pub and The Waters. The week culminates with the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade, the largest of its kind in Wisconsin! It features a huge lineup of bagpipe and marching bands, festive clowns, and floats. The party continues downtown at Irish Fest where you can show off your Irish dancing skills to Celtic bands.

Know of any other not-to-miss St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? Share them in a comment below!

Day Trip Idea: Menomonie

Posted on by
Reply

Menomonie is a quaint town with a whole lot to offer: Historic and local art, delicious dining, and plenty of breathtaking scenery. It’s a short drive from many of Wisconsin’s major cities, making it the perfect place for a day or weekend trip. Here are a few recommended stops in the area:

Mabel Tainter Theater – Truly a hidden gem of Menomonie, this restored Victorian theater is a piece of art in itself. A designated Wisconsin Historical Marker Site, the building contains intricate hand-stenciling, hand carved white pine archways and gleaming brass fixtures. It’s open daily for self-guided tours, but you can also catch a matinee show or stop by the gift shop. Don’t miss the working Steere and Turner tracker pop organ with 1,597 pipes!

Red Cedar State Trail –This trail joins with the Chippewa River State Trail to form a route of 37 miles connecting Menomonie and Eau Claire. Perfect for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, the trail offers beautiful views of forests, farmlands and unique rock formations. Be sure to read up on trail etiquette and get your State Trail Pass and then start exploring!

Das Bierhaus – If you’re hungry, stop by Das Bierhaus, an authentic Bavarian Brewery and Restaurant. Treat your taste buds to fine brews like Dunkel or Hefeweizen and get your fill of hearty sausages, spiced camembert cheese, pork schnitzel sandwiches and other delicious Bavarian cuisine.

Lucette Brewing Company – Stop by the brewery and sample Lucette’s hand-crafted beers. Tour times vary so be sure to check the schedule in advance and see how the tasty tappers are made!

Acoustic Café – Delicious hoagies, brag-worthy beer cheese soup, coffee, beer – you name it! Most weekends, you can enjoy live music while you cozy up by the fireplace and take in the great décor from local artists.

Legacy Chocolates – Who can resist delicious, and dare we say nutritious, handmade chocolates? Legacy Chocolates boasts chocolate delicacies made with local butter and cream – no preservatives here! The shop also features cup-at-a time coffee, fine teas, local food items, milks and meats. Stop in for a treat and take some home for later!

These are just a few of our favorites, but you can always find more Menomonie accommodations, attractions, dining and events on TravelWisconsin.com.

Approximate drive time from:
- Madison: 3.5 hours
- La Crosse: 2.2 hours
- Wausau: 2 hours
- Eau Claire: 30 min.