Day 1 – Beloit, Wisconsin

Get ready to step into a world where history, pop culture and automotive marvels collide in the most extraordinary way at the Historic Auto Attractions. From the moment you set foot inside, you’ll be captivated by the sheer diversity of the collections. Prepare to be starstruck as you explore an extensive display dedicated to Elvis Presley. Marvel at his iconic costumes, immerse yourself in his music and discover rare memorabilia that will transport you straight back to the rock ‘n’ roll era. Witness automotive history unfold before your eyes as you encounter the world’s largest collection of presidential and world leaders’ limousines. Brace yourselves for an encounter with vehicles straight out of Hollywood blockbusters! From Batman’s sleek Batmobile to the quirky Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and even the time-traveling DeLorean from Back to the Future, this museum has it all.

Then travel back in time with a visit to the grounds of Beckman Mill in Beloit. Nestled amid picturesque surroundings, this remarkable destination boasts an authentically restored 1868 grist mill, an1840s cooperage, a captivating blacksmith shop and more. Take in the mesmerizing sight of the meticulously preserved grist mill, where the echoes of its working gears and grinding stones whisper tales of yesteryear. Marvel at the craftsmanship on display at the cooperage, where skilled artisans once crafted barrels that stood as testaments to their mastery. Explore the blacksmith shop and witness firsthand the artistry and skill required to forge intricate metalwork. And don’t forget to stroll through the charming grounds, taking a moment to soak in the serene beauty that surrounds you.

Day 3 – Spring Green & Middleton

Down the road, Alex Jordan opened his dream house built atop a chimney of rock. Over the years, his vision expanded beyond the house and a collection beyond words was accumulated to create The House on the Rock. From that spark of imagination, it has evolved to include displays and collections of the exotic and unusual, including a carousel with over 260 animals, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers. The Infinity Room extends 218 feet out over the scenic valley with over 3,000 pieces of glass. Be mesmerized by the dazzling displays of music machines. During the holidays The House on the Rock is decked out with over 6,000 Santas of all sizes and types.

Middleton is home to the internationally known National Mustard Museum, where you can taste, see and learn about mustard from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Explore more than 6,700 jars, pots and tubes of mustard, and hundreds of items of mustard memorabilia. At the tasting bar, sample some of the most popular brands before making that tasty purchase in the gift shop.

Then enjoy a craft beer and a tour at Capital Brewery, which brews medal-winning, German- style lagers. Explore quaint downtown for unique shopping experiences; drop in at Hubbard Avenue Diner even if just for a slice of pie.

Day 1 – Spooner, Shell Lake, Superior & Ashland

Our adventure into the magnificent Northwoods of Wisconsin begins in Washburn County at the renowned Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Spooner, which proudly holds the title of being the world’s largest musky hatchery. Brace yourself for a truly extraordinary experience as you delve into the fascinating world of fish conservation.  Witness firsthand the extraordinary efforts that go into raising over 100 million eggs from the wild to this colossal hatchery during the spring season.  From late April through October, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the intricate process of spring egg incubation operations. Marvel at the dedication and expertise of the hatchery staff as they carefully nurture these delicate eggs. During fall pond harvest, you witness hatchery fish being harvested before they are released into Wisconsin’s sparkling waters.

Get creative and inspired or find that perfect gift at The Potter’s Shed in Shell Lake.  With more than 200 artists from the US and Canada featured, you’ll find lots of pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass, candles and much more. For hands-on fun, groups can choose from a variety of art projects.

We’ll make our way north to Superior and visit the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, a WWII museum that honors the memory of Major Bong and all veterans.  Located on the shores of Lake Superior, it shares the story of Richard Bong, “America’s Ace of Aces” and hometown hero.

Day 3 – Neillsville & Eau Claire

In Clark County, we’ll visit Highground Veterans Memorial Park, a 155-acre manned park west of Neillsville that pays tribute to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. There is also a National Native American Vietnam Memorial.

The historic 1897 Clark County Jail Museum in Neillsville occupies a building noted for its castle-like appearance, complete with turrets and fortress-like architecture. Each sheriff and his family lived in the residence portion, a two-story Victorian home with period furniture, an ornate staircase, a formal parlor and Italian marble fireplace. The jail portion houses old law enforcement equipment and two floors of cell blocks.  Stop for a tour, shop or a bite to eat at Marieke Gouda, where you can see the milking parlor, cheese making and cow spa barn.

We end our Northwoods tour in Eau Claire. Experience the life of a lumberjack at the Wisconsin Logging Museum, which replicates a 1890s logging camp. Learn about the history of the lumber industry in the Chippewa Valley and the pine trees that were transported down the Chippewa River, the lumberjacks that made a home at the camps, and the technology behind building and operating a logging camp in the late 1800s. You’ll find life-like cabins with living quarters, kitchens and entertainment for the true logging camp experience. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

Take in a Northwoods League baseball game at Carson Park, the field where Hank Aaron, Bob Uecker and Joe Torre once played. Enjoy a cocktail, craft beer or delicious glass of wine at one of the area’s distilleries, breweries or wineries.

Day 1 – Baraboo

Did you know that Baraboo is the birthplace of the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? This charming town holds a special place in the hearts of circus enthusiasts around the world. Begin your day at the historic Al. Ringling Theatre, built in 1915. Take a guided tour of this magnificent showplace, designed in the style of grand French opera houses, to learn about its rich history and marvel at the stunning architecture. If there’s a performance scheduled, consider attending a show at this iconic venue.

Immerse yourself in a carefree world of fun at Circus World Museum. It’s a treasure trove of memorabilia that will transport you back to a time when circus magic came alive under the big tops. Located at the original winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus, this National Historic Landmark site examines the innovations, excitement and wonder of the American circus. Touring the grounds, you’ll explore seven massive buildings that bring to life the fascinating heritage of the more than 100 circuses that made their home in Wisconsin. Through engaging exhibits you’ll experience the legendary lives and pageantry that fueled America’s most popular form of entertainment

Your visit wouldn’t be complete without a performance under the big top. This year’s theme is “Blast Off.” Watch camels and acrobats as they gallivant through the galaxy of horses, aerialists, acrobats, dogs, llamas and clowns.

Day 3 – Eagle, Wisconsin

Before heading home, spend the morning experiencing the world of Wisconsin’s early immigrants at Old World Wisconsin, where history comes alive. Set against the backdrop of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and 600 acres of picturesque woodlands, prairie, and wetlands, Old World Wisconsin is a one-of-a kind-place where the modern world fades away to reveal over a century of history.

The site includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores and workshops. Step into the daily lives of the early immigrants who arrived between the 1840s and 1910s by trying your hand at crafts and trades, chores and cooking. Lend a hand in the blacksmith shop, dye and spin wool, knead bread, collect eggs, try on wood shoes, ride high-wheel tricycles and have a beer in the Brewhouse. Groups can explore the site by complimentary tram.

If you’re planning a tour to Baraboo, check the calendar for the most thrilling event of the season – the not-to-be-missed Big Top Parade! Prepare to be transported back in time as you witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the circus coming to town. Set for Saturday, June 8, 2024, this one-of-a-kind parade is a true extravaganza that will leave you breathless and filled with wonder.

Day 1 – Platteville, Prairie du Chien

As you travel north on the Great River Road in Wisconsin, stop at The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville, where an underground experience awaits your group. Besides exhibits on the nature, culture and mining history of the region, you’ll enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the mine.

Next stop is the beautiful town of Prairie du Chien, the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi. The Fort Crawford Museum features exhibits and stories from the early settlers of Wisconsin’s second oldest city to the War of 1812 to the Civil War. Visit St. Feriole Island to explore the banks of the Mississippi River; keep your eyes open for bald eagles, stroll through the Mississippi River Sculpture Park featuring life-sized sculptures of area historical figures and explore the Memorial Gardens. No visit to Prairie du Chien is complete without a visit to the Victorian estate Villa Louis.

Tonight, perhaps enjoy a dinner at a local supper club or one of the many dining establishments along Main Street.

Day 3 – La Crosse

This morning get out on the river and take a sightseeing cruise on the La Crosse Queen, a modern-day replica of a grand paddlewheeler riverboat. Visit the Historic Hixon House, the home of lumber baron Gideon Hixon. The Hixon House reveals a true family home including the unique “Turkish Nook,” a fashion of the late 19th century.

Continue north on the River Road with a stop at the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden and Museum in Cochrane. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the site along with the nearly 40 sculptures created by self-taught artist Herman Rusch. Including sculptures of dinosaurs, a Hindu Temple and a 13 ½-foot watch tower. Visit the small river village of Stockholm and enjoy a slice of their world-famous pie at Stockholm Pie & General Store or plan a group luncheon in the historic Opera Hall above the shop.

Day 1 – Eau Claire, Washburn County, Superior

Begin your itinerary with Clark County to explore the many greenhouses and garden centers around the area, Highground Veterans Memorial Park or visit Marieke Gouda and tour the farm and get a behind the scenes look at how cheese is made. Head to Eau Claire, a former sawmill hub and French trading post that now welcomes visitors with its historic sites. Groups can tour authentic 1890s cabins at the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, admire unobstructed views of Braun’s Bay and catch a baseball game at Carson Park.

Continue north to Washburn County, which features railroad excursions, farm tours and DIY art activities. Orient your group at the Namekagon River Visitor Center before stopping at the Washburn County Historical Museum (a preserved 1888 Lutheran church) and Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum (which features 25 antique watercraft). Conclude your day in the town of Superior and Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. The World War II flying ace and Superior resident was one of the most-decorated fighter pilots in American history, and this center honors his legacy with an immense hangar populated with military vehicles abd aircraft.

Day 3 – Minocqua, Marinette County

Start your final day in the charming town of Minocqua, which is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s lake country. Nicknamed “The Island City” because its downtown is almost entirely surrounded by water, Minocqua offers a variety of engaging attractions near its numerous group lodging options. Groups can spot elegant boathouses and wildlife with Minocqua Pontoon Cruises, which organizes group excursions on Lake Minocqua and Lake Kawaguesaga. Up-close animal encounters also await at Wildwood Wildlife Park and Nature Center—the second-largest zoo in the state and home to friendly miniature goats and parakeets. You can also watch the Min-Aqua Bats for daring water ski choreography.

Conclude your Northwoods adventure in Marinette County. Visitors can meander through the beautifully maintained Harmony Arboretum, view 15 waterfalls and enjoy a picnic lunch at the Menominee River State Recreation Area. You can also spend time in a preserved Catholic church to see hundreds of artifacts that chronicle the Peshtigo Fire of 1871— the deadliest wildfire in recorded history.

Day 1 – Green Spring, Mineral Point

Begin your itinerary at Taliesin, the extraordinary estate of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Welsh for “shining brow,” the property integrates its building designs with the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin and includes buildings that span Wright’s entire career from the 1890s to the 1950s. Groups can register for a variety of tours that pass through Wright’s self-designed Prairie-Style home, the Hillside School that was used by his apprentices and the Tan-y-Deri house built for his sister.

Also near Spring Green is the House on the Rock, where visionary architecture, eclectic collections and incredible stories await your group. Explore unique collections that include the world’s largest carousel, a 200-foot sea creature and a room full of automated music machines. Enjoy the view as you step into the Infinity Room, which offers stunning vistas of the Wisconsin River Valley. Groups interested in history can also visit Pendarvis, a picturesque cluster of stone buildings constructed by Cornish immigrants in the early 1800s. Group tours can include the property’s preserved cabins, a village pub and the surrounding prairie.

Day 3 – Madison, Fort Atkinson

Begin your day in Madison with a visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol building for a tour and enjoy special exhibitions on Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Historical Museum while they are building a new facility to be opened in 2026. Your last day will then be spent in Fort Atkinson, which was founded in 1832 by General Henry Atkinson. You can see a replica of the original fort at the Hoard Historical Museum, which also includes exhibits on the city’s dairy heritage and connection to former Wisconsin Governor William Hoard. Fort Atkinson also features a charming downtown along the Rock River with welcoming Irish pubs and preserved 19th-century architecture.

Conclude your itinerary with a spirited performance at the Fireside Dinner Theatre. A motorcoach staple for decades, the Fireside houses a 1,000-seat restaurant, 700-seat theater-in-the-round, four gift shops and a bakery. Fine dining, old-fashioned hospitality and Broadway-quality productions will entertain your group.

Day 1 – Williams Bay, Lake Geneva, East Troy

What do Carl Sagan and Edwin Hubble have to do with Wisconsin? They both studied at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, home to the world’s largest refracting telescope. Take a tour of the observatory and learn about the discoveries made by some of the top minds in astronomy. The architecture and the story of the building add another layer to the tour.

Cruise Geneva Lake with Lake Geneva Cruise Line; themed excursions include the famous Mailboat Cruise, an ice cream social cruise and the Black Point Estate tour. Step back in time at Black Point Estate, one of the oldest homes on the lake. Built as a retreat in 1888 for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, the home remains a place to relax, refresh and explore. Just like the Victorian VIPs who established the estate, you’ll arrive in style and enjoy stunning Geneva Lake views on your cruise to this magnificent mansion, considered one of the finest examples of period architecture and furnishings in the Midwest. Reflect on simpler times aboard the East Troy Electric Railroad. The historic rail cars travel 10 miles through beautiful Southeast Wisconsin; one option is a dinner excursion.

Day 3 – Cedarburg, Hartford

Today we’ll head north to the lovely Main Street town of Cedarburg and visit the Wisconsin Museum of Quilt and Fiber Arts. Here you’ll learn about and appreciate the artistic, cultural, historic and social importance of quilts and fiber arts. Continue to Horicon Marsh and the Explorium. Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States and home to over 300 kinds of birds, including egrets, cranes and the American pelican, plus mammals, fish, reptiles and plants. Explorium exhibits highlight the history and conservation of the marsh.

Then it’s on to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. The largest auto museum in the state, it features an ever-changing display of classic and vintage autos and artifacts, plus the largest assembled group of Hartford-built Kissel luxury automobiles. Over 100+ vehicles on exhibit include Studebakers, Kaisers, Nashes and other U.S.-made cars.

Day 1 – Manitowoc

Board the SS Badger in Ludington, Michigan for your journey across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Relax aboard this historic steamship car ferry, enjoy a game of Badger Bingo, watch a movie or just enjoy the morning strolling the deck. After crossing one of the Great Lakes, head over to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Discover engaging experiences, exhibits and learning opportunities as you explore the museum. Head outside to tour the USS Cobia, which served in the Pacific in WWII. The Cobia serves as an international memorial to submariners.

Just down the road you’ll visit the world’s largest collection of type at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum. The rich history of American printing, from newspapers, advertisements and posters, will take you back in time, and you will see how wood type is influencing modern designers and printers.

The Rahr-West Art Museum is housed in a Queen Anne-style mansion built in the 1890s. Enjoy the wonderful blend of fine exhibits including works from Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.

Day 3 – Brillion, Appleton

This morning, head to Brillion to visit the highly interactive AriensCo Museum, which tells the story of the country’s journey from horse-and-plow to horsepower. Unique galleries transport you to an 1890s factory, 1930s farm and groovy 1960s backyard. Step inside Wisconsin’s largest snow globe for a unique photo opportunity.

Arrive in Appleton for a laid-back cruise on the Fox River, with light narration focusing on history, the environment, area geology, beautiful scenery and lovely riverfront homes. Located in the historic Sawyer home, a beautiful English Tudor Revival residence, the Oshkosh Public Museum is home to the Apostles Clock. Over 100 years old, the eight-foot-tall clock continues to toll out each hour with a brilliant display of lights, music and master clockworks.

Day 5 – Sheboygan, Milwaikee

Before leaving Sheboygan, you’ll want to stop at the new Art Preserve, the world’s first museum to focus entirely on work from art environments. See bone towers built in a kitchen, concrete sculptures constructed in a yard on the shore of Lake Michigan and elaborate fiber hangings woven in a New York City loft. These works exemplify the wide-ranging and complex artist-built environments contained at the Art Preserve.

Before departing Wisconsin, get some fresh air and take a stroll or tram ride through the Milwaukee County Zoo. Take in the Sea Lion Show, experience a 4D Gorilla Trek through the forests of Rwanda or have an up-close encounter with a variety of furry, feathered and finned animals.