Table of Contents
Map Of Southern Wisconsin
Are you planning a visit to Southern Wisconsin and wondering where to start? Look no further, as this comprehensive travel guide has got you covered. From top attractions to hidden gems, food scene to budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures to historical landmarks, family-friendly activities to off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders to vibrant nightlife, local markets to beaches and mountains, cultural immersion to art and music scene, walking tours to architectural marvels, historical sites to biking routes, wellness retreats to adventure sports, there’s something for everyone in Southern Wisconsin.
Top Attractions
Southern Wisconsin boasts some of the most popular attractions in the state. Some of the must-visit places include the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the House on the Rock, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the Taliesin Estate.
Hidden Gems
If you want to explore some lesser-known places, head to the Cave of the Mounds, the Circus World Museum, the Devil’s Lake State Park, the Pabst Mansion, and the Villa Louis Historic Site.
Food Scene
Southern Wisconsin is known for its cheese, bratwurst, and beer. Don’t miss out on trying some of the local delicacies at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the Old Fashioned, the Grilled Cheese Championship, the World Cheese Championship, and the Great Taste of the Midwest.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? No worries. Southern Wisconsin offers plenty of free and low-cost activities, such as hiking at the Devil’s Lake State Park, exploring the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol, and attending local festivals and events.
Outdoor Adventures
If you love the outdoors, Southern Wisconsin has plenty to offer. From hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking, you can explore nature at its best at places like the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Ice Age Trail, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Historical Landmarks
For history buffs, Southern Wisconsin has a rich heritage to explore, from Native American sites to European settlements. Some of the top landmarks include the Taliesin Estate, the Villa Louis Historic Site, the Black Point Estate and Gardens, and the Old World Wisconsin.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? Southern Wisconsin has plenty of options to keep them entertained. Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Wisconsin, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Wisconsin Dells Water Parks.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, Southern Wisconsin has plenty of quirky and unusual attractions, such as the Mustard Museum, the Swiss Historical Village, the National Mustard Museum, and the Mars Cheese Castle.
Natural Wonders
From rolling hills to sparkling lakes, Southern Wisconsin is blessed with natural beauty. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Horicon Marsh, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Door County Peninsula, and the Wisconsin River.
Vibrant Nightlife
For those who enjoy a good night out, Southern Wisconsin has a lively nightlife scene. Head to the State Street in Madison, the Brady Street in Milwaukee, the Water Street in La Crosse, and the Broadway Street in Wisconsin Dells for some fun and excitement.
Local Markets
Discover the local flavors and products at the many farmers’ markets in Southern Wisconsin. Some of the best markets include the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the Milwaukee Public Market, the Sheboygan Farmers’ Market, and the La Crosse Farmers’ Market.
Beaches and Mountains
Yes, you heard it right. Southern Wisconsin has both beaches and mountains. Check out the beaches at the Wisconsin Dells, the Geneva Lake, and the Apostle Islands, and the mountains at the Blue Mounds State Park, the Devil’s Lake State Park, and the Rib Mountain State Park.
Cultural Immersion
Get a glimpse of the local culture and traditions at the many museums and cultural centers in Southern Wisconsin. Some of the top places to visit include the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Chazen Museum of Art, the Ho-Chunk Nation Museum and Cultural Center, and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.
Art and Music Scene
Southern Wisconsin has a thriving arts and music scene, with plenty of galleries, theaters, and concert venues. Check out the Overture Center for the Arts, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Walking Tours
Explore the cities and towns of Southern Wisconsin on foot with the many walking tours available. Some of the best tours include the Madison Historic District Walking Tour, the Milwaukee River Walk, the Janesville Walking Tour, and the La Crosse Historic Downtown Walking Tour.
Architectural Marvels
For architecture enthusiasts, Southern Wisconsin has some stunning buildings and structures to admire. Don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings at the Taliesin Estate and the SC Johnson Campus, the Milwaukee City Hall, the Pabst Mansion, and the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Historical Sites
Discover the rich history of Southern Wisconsin at the many historical sites and landmarks. Some of the top places to visit include the Old World Wisconsin, the Villa Louis Historic Site, the Black Point Estate and Gardens, and the Circus World Museum.
Biking Routes
With its rolling hills and scenic routes, Southern Wisconsin is a paradise for bikers. Check out the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the Great River State Trail, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, and the Capital City State Trail.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, Southern Wisconsin has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Some of the best places include the Sundara Inn and Spa, the Osthoff Resort, the Aspira Spa, and the Kohler Waters Spa.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Southern Wisconsin offers plenty of adventure sports, such as zip lining, rock climbing, and kayaking. Check out the Adventure Zip Line Tours, the Devil’s Head Resort, and the Wisconsin River Outings.
With so much to see and do, Southern Wisconsin is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this travel guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.