Train rides, boat tours and historic beaconsadd extra dimensions to Wisconsin itineraries

Railroads built Wisconsin’s inland connections, waterways connected it to the world, and lighthouses guided ships safely to shore. Today, Circle Wisconsin members keep that legacy alive, offering planners a wide variety of ways to tap into the state’s transportation history and enjoy scenic views along the way.

On the Water

Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s U.S. Mailboat Tour is a 2 ½-hour cruise that circles southeastern Wisconsin’s beautiful, spring-fed Geneva Lake. Besides narration highlighting the history of the magnificent lakeside mansions and their lavishly landscaped grounds, the tour features the added drama of young mail carriers hopping on and off the moving boat as they deposit letters in pier mailboxes. The only mailboat cruise in the county, passengers cheer on the “mailjumpers,” hoping they make it back onboard without falling into the water (which they sometimes do). The line’s two-hour “Full Lake Tour” does the circuit without the mail stops, and there’s also a cruise that visits 1888 Black Point Estate, a beautiful Victorian home.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, located on the Manitowoc River in downtown Manitowoc, is one of the largest such museums in the U.S. Focusing on the Great Lakes and Wisconsin, the museum displays antique boats, ship models, historic shipwrecks, and nautical artifacts, and spotlights Manitowoc’s shipbuilding history as well. One exhibition spotlights the USS Cobia, a restored World War II submarine permanently moored on the river. Walking through the sub, visitors see the torpedo launchers, bunk room, radio room, officers’ quarters, mess hall, and engine room.

The S.S. Badger, another fixture on the Manitowoc waterfront, is a historic car ferry that crosses Lake Michigan twice a day, from mid-May to early October, between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan. The last coal-fired steamship still in operation in the U.S., the Badger carries up to 600 passengers and 160 vehicles, including trucks, tour buses, RVs, and farm equipment. During the four-hour, 60-mile crossing, passengers spend their time relaxing on deck, eating and drinking, playing bingo in the main lounge, and watching movies in the theater.

Two Rivers, Manitowoc’s sister community, is also home to Point Beach State Forest. The six-mile stretch of sandy shores along Lake Michigan features Rawley Point Lighthouse, which has been operated by the U.S. Coast Guard since 1853. Another Two Rivers attraction is Rogers Street Fishing Village, a museum complex that comprises a collection of historic buildings on the site of century-old shipping yards on the East Twin River.

The Lake Winnebago Region, boasting one of the largest inland lakes in the country, is a haven for water sports and has acres of beautiful parkland fronting its shorelines. They call it Wisconsin’s Third Great Lake. Fond du Lac’s signature attraction is the lighthouse at Lakeside Park. The region also claims the Horicon Marsh, where visitors can explore the nation’s largest freshwater cattail marsh. Enjoy a scenic view upon the water in a pontoon boat with Horicon Marsh Tours.

In Wisconsin Dells, Dells Boat Tours offers Wisconsin River cruises that pass by majestic sandstone cliffs, gorges, and outcroppings that have been sculpted by wind, water, and time. On the two-hour Upper Dells Boat Tour, passengers disembark to walk through narrow passageways at Witches Gulch and watch a dog leap between towering rock pillars. The one-hour Lower Dells Boat Tour features landmark formations like Hawk’s Bill and Baby Grand Piano.

Also in the Dells, Original Wisconsin Ducks operates rollicking one-hour rides on World War II amphibious vehicles that have wheels and can float. Showcasing secluded canyons and unusual rock formations, the Ducks careen down steep hills and make dramatic plunges into water.

From the Door County village of Sister Bay, Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours’ 149-passenger Norra Dörr cruises Green Bay, sailing past the bluffs, caves, and lighthouse of Peninsula State Park. On the 90-minute voyage, hear stories of French explorers and early Native American inhabitants. Also popular with groups is the iconic Cana Island Lighthouse, one of Door County Peninsula’s 11 lighthouses. A climb of 97 steps rewards trekkers with sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

Sheboygan, commanding an impressive presence on Lake Michigan, naturally attracts visitors to its lakefront and riverfront. Where the Sheboygan River approaches the lake, original and recreated fishing shanties house coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Charter fishing businesses line the riverfront. Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center rests on the lake’s sandy shores and has ayear-round waterpark with a lazy river, water slides, and surfing simulator. With big waves on the lake between September and March, Sheboygan is known for its surfing culture and calls itself the Malibu of the Midwest.

Groups also get their fill of maritime heritage at North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Wind Point Lighthouse in Racine, Southport Light Station Museum in Kenosha and 1860 Lighthouse and Light Station Museum in Port Washington, all of which offer panoramas of sparkling blue Lake Michigan.

Up north, the Madeline Island Ferry crosses Lake Superior on a 25-minute voyage between Bayfield and Madeline Island. When motorcoach passengers on the ferry disembark in the town of La Pointe, alocal step-on guide can meet your coach for a tour of the largest and only inhabited island in the 22 Apostle Islands. Groups enjoy shopping in the boutiques and art galleries. The Madeline Island Museum focuses on Ojibwe culture and the island’s past as a French trading post and British settlement.

A must-stop is the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. Its exhibits provide a look at the Apostle Islands and Lake Superior’s cultural and natural history. Other features include an observation tower, a wildlife viewing platform, a 100-seat theater, and an accessible boardwalk trail.

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino in Red Cliff, on the shores of Lake Superior, makes a good jumping-off point for visits to lighthouses and the Apostle Islands.

Also in northern Wisconsin, St. Croix River Cruises in Hudson offers lunch, brunch, and dinner cruises along the scenic Wisconsin and Minnesota shores of the St. Croix River. Catering is from the kitchen of the Afton House Inn restaurant.

Scenery along the Mississippi River, forming Wisconsin’s western border, enthralls visitors traveling the Great River Road. In La Crosse, breathtaking views of the Mississippi Valley are available from Grandad Bluff, a perfect spot for group photos. Prairie du Chien, a small town at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, abounds with historical charm, with attractions like Villa Louis, one of the most authentically furnished Victorian houses in America. Potosi, another Mississippi River town, is home to Potosi Brewery and the National Brewery Museum.

All Aboard for Fun

From the 1916 SOO Line Depot in Osceola, Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway takes passengers on a 20-mile trip along the sandstone bluffs of the St. Croix River, crossing a bridge into Minnesota, stopping in Marine on St. Croix, and returning to Osceola. Onboard the vintage cars of the diesel-powered train, a host shares stories about the railroad’s colorful history.

More nostalgia is on track at the Railroad Memories Museum in Spooner, a highlight on itineraries in northern Wisconsin’s Washburn County. In the old Chicago & North Western depot, retired railroaders act as tour guides, leading visitors through 13 rooms filled with railroad bells, whistles, lights, tools, timetables, photos, advertising, art, and antiques.

In Green Bay, the National Railroad Museum is one of the largest such museums in the country, showcasing everything from Union Pacific’s legendary “Big Boy” locomotive to General Eisenhower’s WWII command train.

In the Baraboo area, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom offers a seven-mile, 55-minute round-trip train ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway. In a valley between the Baraboo Hills in rural Sauk County, passengers ride in restored steel coaches built a century ago. Besides rides from the 1894 depot, the indoor/outdoor museum displays over 40 train cars and locomotives.

The East Troy Railroad Museum in East Troy keeps history alive with its livingly restored trolleys and interurbans. Groups can step aboard for a scenic 10-mile round trip through rolling countryside and explore exhibits on electric railways of the past.

Regardless of the weather, there’s always something sizzling, sparkling or singing across the state

If there’s one thing Wisconsin does with aplomb, it’s celebrate. From lantern-lit gardens to brat-filled block parties, the Badger State knows the best way to mark the seasons is together. Parades, fairs, light shows, and festivals don’t just fill the calendar here, they fill theair with laughter, music and that feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere people love to gather.

Across every season, Circle Wisconsin members are the keepers of that spirit. They host some of the Midwest’s most iconic celebrations, heritage parades that roll through historic downtowns, harvest markets where the cider flows freely, and festivals so beloved they’ve become traditions worth traveling for.

Where Every Season Has Its Stage

Some festivals are so quintessentially Wisconsin they might as well come stamped on thewelcome sign. China Lights (Milwaukee) turns autumn nights into a glowing dreamscape, where hundreds of illuminated sculptures shimmer across the gardens. Das Fest USA (Kenosha) raises a stein to Bavarian tradition with oompah bands, bratwurst, and spontaneous polka that can turn anyone into a dancer. When winter rolls around, Rotary Lights (La Crosse) transforms the riverfront into a glowing wonderland of more than three million lights, drawing over a quarter-million visitors each year.

And then there’s Baraboo’s Big Top Parade, where the circus isn’t just history, it’s home. Organized by Circus World Museum and the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce, this summer spectacular parades through downtown with wagons, marching bands, and calliopes, celebrating Baraboo’s legacy as the birthplace of the Ringling Brothers.

At the fabled Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, the beloved Nutcracker fairytale returns to the Paine “castle” with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds and surprises. Explore the settings of the story on self-guided tours, guided tours, and candlelight tours. Along the way, each elaborately decorated room of the historic Paine mansion reveals a newchapter of the story. From the opening party scene with a giant Christmas tree to the Land of Sweets and beyond, follow the adventure of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. As part of your journey, visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café for a scrumptious treat.

Want acure for those winter blues? Check out one of the premier winter festival in the Midwest–The Sturgeon Spectacular. Whether you join the always popular Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship, the Outdoor Curling Funspiel, Snow Land family activities, or come out to see the awesome snow and ice sculptures and enjoy one of many great restaurants or shops in downtown Fond du Lac, this festival has something for everyone.

The International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival in Wausau celebrates the region’s ginseng industry with a three-day event typically held in September. The festival features ginseng-themed food, tours of ginseng farms, demonstrations, music and cultural performances, with a main hub in downtown Wausau’s City Square Park.

Culture That Lives and Breathes

In Wisconsin, festivals do more than entertain; they tell stories. At Heritage Hill State Historical Park in Green Bay, reenactors trade modern-day sneakers for pioneer boots, recreating 19th-century life so vividly you can almost smell the wood smoke. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan turns art into a community connection, hosting fairs that blur the line between exhibition and celebration. And the Mulva Cultural Center (Green Bay), Wisconsin’s newest cultural showpiece, is already shaping up to be a hub for world-class exhibits and gatherings.

Smaller stops offer just as much soul. In Cedarburg, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts honors the region’s creative roots with quilt fairs, fiber festivals, and hands-on workshops that make you want to pick up a needle yourself. And at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center in Coon Valley, Scandinavian traditions live on through folk music, storytelling, and heritage festivals that feel both nostalgic and fresh.

Since 1981, Milwaukee Irish Fest has been dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich Celtic heritage with the world. Milwaukee Irish Fest is held annually the third weekend in August along the shores of Lake Michigan at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee.

Held annually the weekend after Labor Day, the Villa Louis Carriage Classici n Prairie du Chien highlights competitive carriage driving in arena and obstacle classes. The Villa Louis Historic Site was once home to the “Artesian Stock Farm,” a premier Standardbred training facility. The Carriage Classic celebrates the zenith of the stock farm with carriage-driving classes.

Celebrate the working past at the Grohmann Museum’s Lost Arts Festival in Milwaukee. The museum hosts its annual festival celebrating the activities and ways of work captured in the paintings and bronzes in its permanent collection. Artisans will share their expertise and demonstrate their techniques as the museum and its surroundings become a laboratory for the creation of “Lost Arts.” It is a fun and affordable family activity and gives visitors the opportunity to see some of the lost arts of the past.

In Baraboo, the Great Midwest Crane Fest sees thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather near the Wisconsin River before flying south for the winter. During the fest visitors will experience: Wisconsin’s largest crane congregation, guided crane-viewing tours, presentations and workshops and more. You’ll also explore the beautiful landscapes and rich histories that connect the festival hosts, the International Crane Foundation and the Aldo Leopold Foundation.

Fun Food Options

On the last Saturday in September, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For 60 years, Beef-a-Rama has been a premier event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a-kind fun youcan only find in the Northwoods.

The Warrens Cranberry Festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the world. The event continues to grow in popularity every year and isa great place for groups to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of cranberry farming.

Autumn is the best time of year for those seeking beauty and fall festivals because it’s Bayfield Apple Festival time. Enjoy food and craft vendors all weekend long, live music from Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and other area musicians at Memorial Park Gazebo for Concerts by the Lake. Don’t miss the crowning of the Apple Festival Queen and/or King, the Spectrum Carnival and the Grand Parade down historic Rittenhouse Avenue on Sunday to wrap up the weekend’s events.

The DMOs Behind the Magic

Every great festival has a team that makes it happen, and Wisconsin’s CVBs and DMOs are some of the best in the business. They’re the quiet heroes behind the banners and bandstands, the ones making sure each celebration runs seamlessly, and that groups find themselves right in the heart of the action.

In Door County, fall means it’s time for the Fall Festival, when harbor towns hum with live music, arts, and all the pumpkin-flavored joy you can handle. To the south, Sheboygan serves up sizzling hometown pride with Brat Days, which has been celebrating Sheboygan since 1953. Brat Days does not charge entry fees to attend the festival or its celebrated live music acts. Enjoy fabulous food, watch competitors try to prevail in the brat eating contest and even play cornhole.

On September 5, 1962, a 20-pound piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed in the middle of thestreet on the corner of N. 8th and Park in Manitowoc. Sputnikfest is the town’s way of bringing the community together to celebrate this momentous event. Named one of the Top Five Funkiest Festivals in the country byReader’s Digest, this wacky festival has become a community and regional favorite, with fun for the entire family. Sputnikfest is a way to celebrate all things sci-fi and space with live music, food, a 5k run/walk, and elaborate alien-themed costumes.

In Green Bay, the festival spirit carries long after football season, with a year-round lineup of food and arts events that keep the city buzzing. Fond du Lac’s Walleye Weekend is pure Wisconsin, part fishing tournament, part concert series, and completely free.

What happens when you combine a vibrant, one-mile stretch of downtown Appleton with 200-plus up-and-coming artists performing free shows with live, original music over four days? You get to experience an unforgettable music-filled weekend with more than 700 incredible shows. Mile of Music kicked off in 2013 as a cover-free festival highlighting handcrafted artistry. The theme quickly caught on with music lovers everywhere and is still the focus today as The Mile continues to make music accessible to everyone. The fest welcomes the finest talent, including singer-songwriters, duos and multi-piece bands showcasing original roots music ranging from indie and folk-rock to soul, to folk, bluegrass and more.

And in the capital city, Destination Madison delivers art and flavor in equal measure with Art Fair on the Square and Taste of Madison, both turning the Capitol into the state’sultimate street festival.

Itinerary Summary

This four-day itinerary packs in a lot in Milwaukee and beyond. Groups will be captivated by attractions like the Civil War Museum, Milwaukee County Zoo and Boerner Botanical Gardens. They will enjoy an electric trolley ride, lake cruises and an orchard tour.

Day 2 – Shores of Lake Geneva

Travel to Lake Geneva for a scenic boat ride with Lake Geneva Cruise Line around Geneva Lake to marvel at the beautiful homes and mansions built, some of them dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Stop at one of these beautiful homes, Black Point Estate, and explore the opulent Victorian mansion and its lush gardens, learning about the life of a 19th-century Chicago beer baron.

Day 4 – A Morning at Apple Holler

As you head home, stop at Apple Holler in Sturtevant for a tractor-drawn tour of the orchards, pick some fresh apples and visit the petting farm. Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked lunch in the cozy restaurant.

Pick-your-own apples, peaches and pears. Visitors will enjoy four seasons of family fun on our 78-acre farm. With tractor drawn hayrides, Family Fun Park fun, crazy corn maze, farm animal visits and more.

Itinerary Summary

Embark on a four-day adventure along Wisconsin’s Eastern Shores, where iconic Harley-Davidson heritage meets stunning natural landscapes. This itinerary seamlessly blends history, nature, and culture, guiding you through vibrant museums, picturesque lighthouses, lush botanical gardens, and the serene Horicon Marsh. Whether you’re exploring the rich stories of the past, enjoying scenic boat tours, or immersing yourself in the beauty of untouched wetlands, this journey offers something for every traveler. Discover the best of eastern Wisconsin and create unforgettable memories on this diverse and captivating escape.

Day 2 – History and Nature

Travel to Greenbush to visit the historic Wade House, a preserved 1850s stagecoach inn. Experience life in the 19th century with guided tours, and see the working sawmill and blacksmith shop in action. Discover the history of horsepower in the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which boasts Wisconsin’s largest collection of vintage carriages and wagons.

Continue your journey at the Wisconsin Farm Discovery Center in Manitowoc. Get an immersive experience into Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage with interactive exhibits, a dairy barn and hands-on activities.

Day 4 – Horicon Marsh

Head to Horicon Marsh Educational Center for an afternoon of wildlife and nature exploration. Discover the diverse habitats of one of the largest freshwater marshes in the U.S. through exhibits, trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Before heading home, enjoy a serene experience at Horicon Blue Landing. Enjoy a tranquil paddle or boat tour on the marsh, taking in the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Itinerary Summary

This three-day itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through southern Wisconsin, combining the area’s rich history with breathtaking attractions and charming towns. Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure you have ample time to delve into the region’s distinctive culture and heritage.

Day 2 – The House on the Rock and Madison

Travel to Spring Green for an extraordinary experience at The House on the Rock. This unique attraction is renowned for its eclectic architecture and astonishing collections. Wander through rooms filled with intricate dolls, mechanical devices, and an impressive array of cars. The Infinity Room is a must-see; its breathtaking views will leave you in awe.

Conclude your day with a visit to Madison, where exploration awaits at every corner. Dive into further discoveries at attractions like the Wisconsin State Capitol, Olbrich Gardens and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace.

Itinerary Summary

This three-day itinerary in northern Wisconsin spotlights an unspoiled land of dense forests, hundreds of lakes and small towns between the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. Highlights include attractions that honor our veterans and chronicle the area’s colorful fur trade, logging and mining history.

Day 2 – Discover Chippewa County

This morning take a tour of our historic brewery in Chippewa Falls and let one of our guides introduce you to 156 years of beer brewing and six generations of Leinenkugel family history. All tours start at the Leinie Lodge, which is filled with historical photos, vintage brewing equipment, and plenty of Leinie’s wearables and collectibles to take home. Come relax with friends and family, sample our award-winning beers and get the full flavor of all things Leinenkugel’s.

Make your way to Spooner and visit the fascinating Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum. Discover the rich history of canoe building and view an impressive collection of handcrafted canoes. The Spooner Fish Hatchery, Governor Tommy G. Thompson Hatchery, is the largest hatchery of its kind in the world; it is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The facility annually produces walleye, musky and white sucker. You can see the hatchery incubation process from the viewing room, learn how to tell the age of a fish and what lures to use to catch one, and much more.

Day 4

As you begin heading back , your final stop is a visit to the Richard Bong Center in Kansasville, WI. This aviation museum honors the legacy of Major Richard Bong, America’s top fighter ace in World War II. Explore exhibits that highlight his remarkable achievements and the broader history of aviation.

Itinerary Summary

Explore some of the oldest communities in Wisconsin along one of America’s great scenic byways, the Great River Road. Enjoy the beauty or the river and the bluffs, visiting historic towns along the way. Whether your group is interested in nature, history, scrumptious dining or craft beer, this part of western Wisconsin has everything for an unforgettable itinerary.

Day 2 – Platteville and Potosi

Start the morning in Platteville and delve into its mining history. Visit the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museum, tour the 1845 Bevans Lead-Zinc Mine, ride in a 1931 mine train (weather permitting) and discover the history of the Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District. Explore exhibits on the nature, culture and history of the region, and take the one-hour tour of the underground. View The World’s Largest ‘M,’ a limestone landmark weighing approximately 400 tons. Constructed in 1937, the giant ‘M’ measures 241 feet by 214 feet. The letter represents the first mining school in Wisconsin. Travelers can climb the 290 steps beside the ‘M’ and enjoy a panoramic view of the Tri-State area.

The next stop is Potosi, a charming Mississippi River village on the Great River Road. Begin with a visit to Potosi Brewery for a tour of the historic brewing operation (since 1852) and taste some local craft brews. At the brewery visit the world-class National Brewery Museum, which showcases an eclectic collection of beer bottles and cans, glasses, trays, coasters and advertising materials. Visit the Potosi Area Historical Society to learn about the town’s heritage, especially the importance of the Mississippi River in its development.

Day 4 – La Crosse Area

This morning head to Norskedalen, a Norwegian heritage center and nature preserve. The center features old log cabins, an authentic Norwegian chapel and exhibits that celebrate the area’s Scandinavian heritage. You can take a guided tour to learn about the region’s early settlers, enjoy the nature trails and explore the cultural history.

Return to La Crosse and complete your time on the Mississippi with a leisurely sightseeing cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler.

Itinerary Summary

This four-day itinerary covers top attractions in Wisconsin Dells, Plover and the surrounding areas. It mixes nature, history and local food experiences, giving you a comprehensive overview of the heart of Wisconsin.

Day 2 – Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells

Visit the International Crane Foundation, which is dedicated to the conservation of cranes. Walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds, see crane species from around the world, and learn about their habitats and behaviors and the foundation’s conservation efforts. This educational experience is a must for animal lovers and anyone interested in conservation.

Experience the natural beauty of the Wisconsin Dells from the water. Dells Boat Tours takes you through the unique sandstone rock formations, offering views you can’t get anywhere else. Options include the classic Upper Dells Boat Tour and Lower Dells Boat Tour, each providing spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. Or enjoy a land-and-water adventure on The Original Wisconsin Dells Ducks, amphibious vehicles that have been a Dells staple since 1946.

Wisconsin Dells is also The Waterpark Capital of the World for good reason having America’s largest outdoor water park (Noah’s Ark), the country’s largest indoor/outdoor combination waterpark (The Wilderness Resort) and the state’s largest indoor waterpark (Kalahari Resorts and Conventions). Coast along the lazy river, race a friend down the mats waterslide or speed down a favorite in a tube slide together. No matter what ride you try, you are sure to slide, splash and have a blast at these thrilling water resorts.

Day 4 – Big Cat Rescue Center in Rock Springs

Before departing for home, visit the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Education Center, which provides a safe and comfortable home for abused, neglected and unwanted big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards.

Surprising discoveries abound in a state better known for beer, brats and cheese

Almost everyone has heard of Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most famous architect, but few know that Wisconsin was his home state.

A visit to Taliesin, Wright’s 800-acre estate in rural Spring Green, sheds light on his remarkable career and the architectural genius reflected in an ensemble of buildings he designed from the 1890s to the 1950s. Called an “autobiography in wood and stone,” the National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site includes two homes, a school, barn, windmill and a restaurant.

Taking inspiration from the surrounding hills and valley settled by his ancestors, the Wisconsin native constructed Taliesin as a “living laboratory” where he and his apprentices gathered in the studio to experiment with new building techniques. Before or after a tour, guests can enjoy lunch at Riverview Terrace Cafe, the only remaining Wright-designed restaurant in the world, its wide expanse of windows overlooking the Wisconsin River.

Taliesin is just many unexpected cultural treasures awaiting groups in Wisconsin. Art museums, historic homes, and insights into Native American life will enlighten any itinerary.

Groundbreaking architecture on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

Examples of groundbreaking architecture in other towns can be found on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, a 200-mile circuit encompassing nine sites in southern Wisconsin. In Racine, free tours of the SC Johnson campus, the world headquarters of the household products company, include the SC Johnson Administration Building (1939) and Research Tower (1950), Wright’s largest commercial project. In the nearby village of Wind Point, groups can tour Wingspread, the last and largest of his Prairie-style homes, completed in 1939 for H. F. Johnson Jr. and now a conference facility.

Racine also is home to the Racine Art Museum, which claims the nation’s largest collection of contemporary crafts. Works range from ceramics and fibers to glass, paper, metal, and wood.

One of Milwaukee’s great hidden gems is the Grohmann Museum, home to the most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work. Paintings show the chemist, blacksmith, taxidermist, glass blower and others engaged in their trades. A group of 17th-century paintings depicts the primitive beginnings of early medical treatments.

Take a visit to a legendary mansion and great museums

Guests are transported back to the Gilded Age on a tour of Pabst Mansion, the home of Milwaukee beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. Lavish interiors feature stunning chandeliers and ornately carved woodwork.

Jewish Museum Milwaukee, appealing to people of all faiths, offers interactive exhibits that explore themes of immigration, intolerance, diversity, respect and freedom. Of special note is the soaring Chagall tapestry.

In Cedarburg, 20 miles north of Milwaukee, groups can take a docent-led tour of the Wisconsin Museum of Quilt & Fiber Arts, where exhibits celebrate the artistic, cultural, historic and social importance of this art form. Discover local history at the Cedarburg History Museum and Visitor Center and then allow some time for drifting between the town’s delightful mix of specialty shops, gracious inns, cozy cafes and art galleries, many nestled inside historic buildings.

The 600-acre Old World Wisconsin campus, a property of the Wisconsin Historical Society near Eagle, features farmsteads and relocated historic structures staffed by living history interpreters. Many buildings were the work of 19th and early 20th century immigrants from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland and other European countries. The gardens and fields are planted with heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, grains and herbs.

Art and history come together at two mansions across the street from each other in Oshkosh. Paine Art Center and Gardens consists of 20 themed areas that surround a 1920s English country-style mansion. Paved walkways pass by fountains, sculptures and gardens that recall elegant British estates of the 19th century. The property hosts art exhibitions and festive holiday displays.

A 1908 English Tudor Revival home with beautiful interiors designed by Tiffany Studios houses community history exhibits at the Oshkosh Public Museum. The popular Apostles Clock, created by an Oshkosh resident, chimes on the hour as small figures representing the Apostles pass before Christ and bow their heads.

Sheboygan also boasts a pair of cultural blockbusters. Downtown’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center has rotating exhibitions of eye-opening contemporary art. Don’t miss the artist-designed bathrooms that everyone talks about. One of the men’s rooms is done in blue-and-white Delft tiles—walls, sinks, even the toilet bowls. Artistically tiled restrooms also are found at the museum’s satellite facility, Art Preserve, which presents large-scale installations called “artist-built environments.”

Manitowac and Two Rivers have an interesting history

The twin towns of Manitowoc and Two Rivers pack a big cultural punch. The first-rate Wisconsin Maritime Museum, located on the Manitowoc River in downtown Manitowoc, focuses on the Great Lakes and Wisconsin, showcasing antique boats, ship models and nautical artifacts. In the shipwrecks gallery, museum-goers learn how the ships met their doom and see recovered artifacts. A diorama illustrates the tragic story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a cargo ship that sank in a fierce gale on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Guests also can tour the cramped quarters of the USS Cobia, a restored WWII submarine docked on the river.

Manitowoc’s Rahr-West Art Museum features 19th, 20th and 21st-century art in the lovely Queen Anne-style mansion of the Rahr family, who made their fortune in brewing, malting, and other businesses. Works on display include the 1965 Jug, a ceramic jug decorated by Pablo Picasso; the Andy Warhol silver print 59th Street Bridge Tramway, a series of stitched photographs; and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Birch and Pine Tree #2, a 1925 oil on canvas. Paintings also feature scenes of Manitowoc by local artists. A special curiosity is the replica of the Russian Sputnik IV satellite fragment that fell to earth just outside the mansion on September 5, 1962.  The city’s Sputnikfest celebrates all things sci-fi the second weekend in September.

In Two Rivers, Rogers Street Fishing Village comprises a collection of historic sheds and other buildings on the site of century-old fishing yards on the East Twin River. They can explore the inside of a fishing tug, climb up the 1886 North Pierhead Lighthouse and, in a large modern building, tour the Great Lakes Coast Guard Museum.

Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum, also in Two Rivers, preserves the legacy of Hamilton Manufacturing Company. Founded in 1880, it was once the largest wood-type producer in the country, when everything was letterpress printed. Wood type and letterpress prints are still being created in this working museum, which has the world’s largest collection of such type and the tools to use it.

In the Green Bay region, the rich cultural heritage of the Oneida people takes center stage at the Oneida Nation Museum, where exhibits offer insights into the tribe’s history, art and traditions. Crafts from local Oneida artists and other Native American nations are sold in the gift shop. The Nation’s story also is told at Amelia Cornelius Culture Park, the site of a replica long house and several 100+-year-old log homes. Seasonal offerings include the Oneida Nation Apple Orchard and Oneida Buffalo Overlook, which offers views of the buffalo herd from a covered observation deck. The 51st annual Oneida Pow Wow takes place June 27-29, 2025.

The Mulva Cultural Center in De Pere, part of Greater Green Bay, is a $100 million beacon of arts and culture that opened in late 2023. Complete with a restaurant, event space, coffee bar and gift shop, the state-of-the-art facility hosts traveling exhibitions and a variety of performances.

Also in the Green Bay region are Heritage Hill State Historical Park, a 56-acre outdoor museum with 26 buildings and costumed interpreters, and the National Railroad Museum, which displays over 70 pieces of railroad equipment.

Groups can learn about the state’s Scandinavian heritage at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, a 19th-century Norwegian homestead just outside Coon Valley, 20 miles southeast of La Crosse. Tour an 1890s log cabin, enjoy a typical Norwegian meal, and take a refreshing walk along trails through the wooded bluffs. 

German culture is celebrated with German beer, wine, and food at Das Fest Wisconsin, set for July 18-20, 2025 at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot. There will be multiple entertainment stages, dachshund and corgi races, and demonstrations of wooden shoe carving and glass blowing, plus carnival rides, bingo, and other games.

In the town of La Pointe on Madeline Island, the largest of Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands, the Madeline Island Museum spotlights the cultures that have called the island home. Exhibits showcase the Ojibwe and other Indigenous tribes who lived there for hundreds of years before European contact, and also the Europeans who established a post for fur trading, commercial fishing, and missionary activities.

Northern Wisconsin’s Washburn County offers an active cultural scene powered by galleries, museums and public art. The Potter’s Shed in Shell Lake offers a hands-on zone where you can paint your own pottery, and its gallery abounds with creations from hundreds of artists. Works by more than 30 artists are found at Brickyard Pottery & Gallery, which occupies a historic brick schoolhouse. Guided walks around Shell Lake reveal beautiful handmade mosaics. Art galleries in downtown Spooner are housed in historic buildings with original tin ceilings. Spooner’s Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum celebrates the art of canoe design. The neighboring Railroad Memories Museum is located in the former Chicago & Northwestern Railway Depot.

From June 13-15, 2025 in Beaver Dam, the annual Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival offers three days of fun. Tours of Ovans Peony Farm, the largest stem-cut peony farm in Wisconsin, will showcase a hundred different varieties of peonies and thousands of blooms. At Saturday’s Art Market on Maple Avenue, enjoy a kaleidoscope of artistic creations along with live music and food trucks. The American Peony Society Peony Flower Show & Exhibition, held in a different state each year, is slated for June 14-15 at Beaver Dam High School.

A buzz-worthy food and beverage scene awaits tour groups in Wisconsin

Were you one of the millions of viewers who watched last year’s 12 Wisconsin episodes of Bravo network’s “Top Chef” series?

The popular TV cooking competition spotlighted Wisconsin attractions, restaurants, specialty grocery stores, and food favorites as 16 contestants from around the world demonstrated their kitchen skills in shows filmed in Milwaukee, Madison and Spring Green. They were tasked with using cheeses, sausages, cranberries, cherries,s and other Wisconsin products in their dishes. The chefs also had to design menus featuring staples of the fish boil and supper club meals that are so much a part of Wisconsin dining traditions.

While the state has long been serving up delicious dishes, the culinary scene has been heating up in the past few years, and the world has taken notice. In recent years, many Wisconsin chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists for the James Beard Awards, often described as the Oscars of the food world.  A growing number of farm-to-table establishments have been showcasing the bounty from Wisconsin farms.

As all Madison chefs know, a prime place to shop for fresh, local produce is the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the U.S. “Top Chef” head judge Tom Collichio called it “one of the best farmers’ markets in the world.” Contestants on the show raced through the assemblage of nearly 300 vendors that sell everything from vegetables and meat to honey and hot sauce. The market is held on Capitol Square every Saturday from mid-April through early November.

Say Cheese

Wisconsin churns out billions of gallons of milk every year, most from family farms. About 90 percent of the milk turns into cheese, at least 600 kinds of it, and Wisconsin cheesemakers routinely win more national and international awards than those of any other state.

When it’s time for a nibble, head to Monroe’s Alp and Dell Cheese Store, attached to the Emmi Roth USA cheese plant. Morning is the best time to watch cheesemakers from the glass-walled viewing hall. Stock up on a wide variety of cheeses and enjoy the free samples.

Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese, a fourth-generation cheese factory, store, and museum near Kiel, has been in business since 1914. On weekday mornings, groups can see cheesemakers tending to their massive stainless steel vats. A short video describes the whole process, from the time milk is received from 20 small dairy farms to the finished product—cheddar, colby, mozzarella, gouda, squeaky cheese curds, the list goes on. For a fun gift, consider a wedge of cheddar in the shape of a cow or Wisconsin map.

At LaClare Family Creamery in Malone, sample goat cheeses, treat yourself to ice cream made from goat’s milk and watch the goats on the 26-foot-tall climbing silo.

Supper Clubs

What could be more Wisconsin than cheese? Maybe a supper club.

Though it may offer some low-key entertainment on weekends, a supper club is not a nightclub. It’s not a country club either. Actually, it’s not a club at all—you don’t have to be a member, and there are no dues to pay.

A supper club is generally a homey, old-fashioned restaurant with rustic decor and a meat-and-potatoes American menu that has stood the test of time. It’s a comfort zone where locals gather for special occasions or just a relaxing night out. Some supper clubs are now in their third generation of family ownership, and you’re likely to meet one of the owners or their children while you dine. There’s a feeling of warmth and coziness that’s not unlike being in a friend’s dining room. The convivial bar is just the place to have a brandy old-fashioned, unofficial state cocktail.

Food-wise, supper clubs emphasize home cooking. This is the place to get a good juicy steak with all the trimmings. The menu also will feature seafood and chicken, with walleye often a popular entree as well. The Friday night fish fry is a tradition, and some clubs have prime rib Saturdays. Besides meat, the meal includes soup or salad, a basket of bread or rolls, and a choice of potato (baked, hash browns, au gratin, french fries). Guests often start with a classic relish tray of fresh veggies and dip, and many places have a salad bar.

The Wisconsin Dells vacation area is blessed with some great supper clubs. Tender, hickory-smoked baby back ribs bathed in a secret sauce is the signature item at House of Embers, a fixture on Wisconsin Dells Parkway since 1959. In a specially designed smokehouse, the ribs are smoked over hickory logs for a half hour before being basted and slow-cooked in an oven for three hours. Across the road, the Wimmer family has been feeding folks at The Del-Bar since 1943. The menu standout is the prime-aged steak, followed closely by the pan-fried walleye. A Friday fish fry features North Atlantic cod (batter-fried or panko-broiled). The Del-Bar’s Prairie-style architectural touches reflect the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright protégé James Dresser, who designed the wood-paneled rooms adorned with geometrical details.

While supper clubs tend to be the treasures of small towns, some are in urban areas. Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club is a premier choice in Madison. “Top Chef” contestants served their supper club meals at The Harvey House, a historic Madison train depot building turned restaurant. In Spring Green, west of Madison, the chefs offered architecturally inspired fare at Riverview Terrace Cafe, part of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark Taliesin estate.

On the shore of Lake Winnebago in Pipe, group-friendly Jim & Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club is famous for its prime rib and seafood. The outdoor patio offers beautiful views of the lake and is the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Entrees range from Pesto Crusted Salmon to the Balsamic & Bleu Burger.

Supper clubs in the Fox Cities include Mark’s East Side, Black Otter Supper Club, Colonial House Supper Club, The Red Ox Seafood and Steakhouse, George’s Steak House, Out-O-Town Supper Club, Village Limits Supper Club, Marty’s Place, Lox Club, Heiting Place, Dick & Joan’s Supper Club, and Granary Supper Club.

Sausages

In Wisconsin, top-quality sausages, especially bratwurst, are ubiquitous. Sheboygan has been the world’s official Bratwurst Capital since 1970, when, in a grueling duel, it won out over Bucyrus, Ohio. In Sheboygan, the bratwurst sandwich is made the Sheboygan way. First of all, brats there are fried, not grilled, and they are served, with onion and brown mustard, on a hard roll, not an oblong hot dog bun. Among classic places to have brats in downtown Sheboygan: Rupp’s Downtown, an old-school supper club, and Sly’s Midtown Saloon & Grill. Many of the sausages served in Sheboygan are from Miesfeld’s, a family-owned meat market that’s been around since 1941.

Johnsonville Marketplace, a popular shopping stop near the Sheboygan Falls plant of sausage manufacturer Johnsonville, sells not only the company’s many varieties of bratwurst but its summer sausage, breakfast sausage, jerky, and other meat products as well. The store also stocks Johnsonville-branded grilling tools, clothing, drinkware, golf balls, and even cornhole sets, plus other Wisconsin-made food specialties.

Contestants in last year’s “Top Chef” competition served their sausage-based creations at American Family Field, a nod to the Famous Sausage Race, the between-innings highlight of every Milwaukee Brewers ball game. Dishes were inspired by the five racing sausages—bratwurst, Polish sausage, Italian sausage, hot dog, and chorizo.

Cranberries and Cherries

The cranberry is Wisconsin’s state fruit, and for good reason, the state leads the nation in cranberry production, accounting for more than half of the country’s output. In central Wisconsin, following the Cranberry Highway’s 50 miles from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens and Pittsville to Nekoosa is best experienced during harvest season in late September and October when the cranberry bogs are blazing red. Groups can learn about the tart red berries at Discover Cranberries, a museum housed in a former cranberry warehouse in Warrens. Its old-time ice cream parlor, complete with a marble counter from the old Steele’s Drug Store in Tomah, offers five flavors of cranberry ice cream.

Cherries, another round red fruit, is the pride and joy of the Door County peninsula. Shops purvey all kinds of cherry-infused foods and drinks, from jams and candy to wines and juices. Bakery items include cherry donuts, muffins, strudel, and cookies. Orchard tours can be arranged for groups, and pick-your-own opportunities are available during harvest season, from mid-July to mid-August.

Fish Boils

Many Door County establishments offer a fish boil. A tradition started by Scandinavian immigrants in the 1800s, the festive event began as an economical way to feed hordes of lumberjacks and fishermen, then became popular with social and church gatherings at beaches and parks. When the huge kettle full of salted water is boiling over a bonfire, the boil master adds a basket of baby red potatoes and onions. Then, mild whitefish steaks, fresh from Lake Michigan, are lowered in.

At just the right moment, the boil master tosses kerosene into the fire, creating a blaze causing the water to boil over, dramatically carrying off the fish oil that has collected on top and leaving the fish perfectly done, steaming hot and ready to serve. Top off the meal with a slice of Door County cherry pie.

Wine, Beer and Cocktails

Door County also abounds with wineries. The state’s largest, Door Peninsula Winery, makes more than 50 wines from grapes, cherries, apples and other fruits. It is one of eight stops on the Door County Wine Trail between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Von Stiehl Winery in Algoma, 38 minutes east of Green Bay, is Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery and maintains historic aging cellars in a limestone building dating back to 1868.

In Baraboo, groups can savor the fruit of the vine at Baraboo Bluff, Balanced Rock and Broken Bottle wineries. Baraboo’s Driftless Glen Distillery offers a variety of spirits made in small batches, from bourbon and rye to vodka, gin and brandy. Bailey’s Run Vineyard, nestled in the rolling hills of New Glarus, commands one of the most scenic views of any winery in Wisconsin. In the Mississippi River Valley around La Crosse, the Coulee Region Craft Beverage Trail includes 10 wineries, four breweries and a distillery.

Milwaukee once had more than 80 breweries, earning it the nickname “Beer City.” For a fun behind-the-scenes tour, groups should consider Lakefront Brewery. Filled with facts and lore sprinkled with plenty of jokes, the entertaining 50-minute experience includes four eight-ounce ours and a souvenir pint glass. Lakefront’s spacious Beer Hall restaurant has 18 taps dispensing beers like Hazy Rabbit IPA, Bumble Bear brown ale and Riverwest Stein amber lager.

Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers a variety of bus and walking tours, including the “Craft Breweries & Cocktail Tour” and “Tacos & Tequila Tour.” The latter pairs Mexican favorites with margaritas and other tequila-infused cocktails at three stops in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, home to one of Wisconsin’s largest Latino populations. Other themed tours focus on pizza, chocolates, bakeries, Christmas and frozen custard.

Sweet Indulgences

Rich and creamy frozen custard—don’t call it ice cream—is a Wisconsin favorite, and Milwaukee is called the Unofficial Frozen Custard Capital of the World. The city has more custard stands per capita than anyplace else, among them the iconic Gilles, Kopp’s and Leon’s. But you can find freshly made frozen custard (unlike ice cream, it’s made with eggs, in addition to cream, sugar and flavoring) throughout the state. Wisconsin-based Culver’s, a national fast-food chain with more than 100 Badger State locations, is famed for its frozen custard, fried cheese curds and ButterBurgers.

A discussion of Wisconsin foods is not complete without mentioning two other iconic sweet treats: kringle and cream puffs. Racine’s five kringle bakeries produce the oversized, oval Danish pastry ring hand-formed from 48 delicate layers of dough and hand-coated with white icing after being baked to a golden brown. Pecan, almond, raspberry and apple are popular fillings in kringle, the official state pastry.

The Original Cream Puff is a must-have at the annual Wisconsin State Fair. It has been a fair staple since 1925, when Wisconsin’s farmers and bakers came up with a way to promote the wheat and dairy industries. More than 350,000 Original Cream Puffs are sold at the 11-day event in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis (July 31-August 10, 2025).