Civil War Museum, Kenosha, Wisconsin Civil War Museum The Civil War Museum is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of the Upper Midwest to the Civil War. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. an hour from Madison, Wisconsin, 90 minutes from Chicago, Illinois and 75 minutes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Some of its greatest assets include the world-class riverfront, charming downtown, and historic residential neighborhoods. RNoggin Brewing Co. has a tap room where visitors can taste their brews as well as tuck into fare provided by food trucks during events. Summer is the busiest season, and events like the annual Door County Plein Air Festival every July, when artists try to capture the summer light on the area's water and fields, make every stay unique. Credit: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism, Credit: Courtesy of Visit South Bend Mishawaka. The Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is located just a few miles outside of Kenosha, Wisconsin in the town of Somers. French doors at the back of the galleries open onto a large flagstone patio at the rear of the house, which overlooks Lake Michigan. It's one of a handful of U.S. towns to earn a Platinum designation from The League of American Bicyclists as a bicycle-friendly community, so purchasing a $15 24-hour bike-share pass is a great way to explore the city. Located a short distance from our home, the Illinois Beach Resort is a gem. Related: Top Things to Do in the Fox River Valley. Five bedrooms include a master bedroom of over 400 square feet. Most people come here for quiet weekends of swimming, sunning, boating and water-skiing in the crystal-clear lake, but the legendary Road America course is popular with amateur racers and their fans. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. No complaints! New Englanders have their clambakes. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. For more fun, be sure to visit Six Flags Great America. Being a peninsula in the Great Lakes, the area's 11 lighthouses play a big part in Door County's history. Hike the bluffs. How far you drive is up to you each town has its own personality. And just minutes from Oswego's charming Main Street-with brick-paved sidewalks-is a family-run winery. [See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]. The city has a lively music scene, with summer festivals focusing on jazz, rock and country music. With its rolling terrain, state parks and preserves traversed by the mighty Rick and Mississippi rivers, plus biking and hiking trails crisscrossing the area, the Blackhawk Waterways region of northwest Illinois promises outdoor recreation bliss. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Music education at the arts center includes guitar lessons for beginners of all ages, as well as ballroom dance lessons through Miss Geris School of Ballroom Dance. Three towns along the winding river offer restful diversions with a nod to history: Catch a household name playing at St. Charles' historical Arcada Theater, or just 3 miles south, explore Geneva's shopping district, where boutiques fill preserved storefronts. We needed extra bath towels and received them immediately from the front desk. Fantastic beach. Spot birds, hear frogs, hike and bike, see wildflowers and unwind among the 19,000 acres at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. We went on a weekday and there were no crowds. Limestone buildings create a scenic backdrop in Cedarburg. The brand new facility offers close to 40,000 square feet of showroom space, allowing for between 100-150 classic cars to be displayed on the showroom floor at all times. In the late winter months, the popular Maple Sugarin class offers an interactive history lesson in the traditions behind tapping maple trees for sugar. Look for fossils. The campground itself is decent depending on what you are looking for. The venue, which is the twelfth of sixteen Gateway Classic Cars locations, opened in 2016. Part of the experience is coming early, sitting around the fire and watching the hour-long cooking process, led by a Boil Master who serves as both chef and entertainer. Located along 2nd Avenue between 54th and 56th Streets in downtown Kenosha, Kenosha HarborMarket sells a wide variety of produce and products from fresh organic fruits and vegetables to eggs, cheeses, meats, and flowers along with a selection of deliciously prepared foods and beverages. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Wisconsin's landscape has five major geographic regions. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Summer excitement reaches its peak at the end of June with Summerfest, a massive and affordable music festival. Established in 2008, the Civil War Museum features an array of exhibits that focus on the personal stories of people involved in the war, such as U.S. veterans and soldiers who took part in various conflicts from the Revolutionary War to present-day wars. 724 54th St. Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-653-4287, Top rated last minute places for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. Selling via consignment, the company has become a sellers choice by listing their vehicles on over 250 websites, garnering over 5.2 million views annually. Frank Lloyd Wright is known as the master of minimalism, but Spring Green's other architectural marvel is definitely not understated. Past and Future Exhibits: Past events at the Milwaukee showroom in Kenosha have included the annual Holiday Party. Housed in an historic 9,000-square-foot French Tudor mansion, the center features six significant local and regional art exhibits every year as well as performances, educational workshops, symposiums, lectures, and special events. Cedarburg, WI, USA 2. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. White sailboat by red lighthouse in lake at Holland State Park. A vintage electric streetcar system connects the towns attractions and entertainment. The homes interior preserves the craftsmens attention to detail in woodworking, with high ceilings and oversized windows. It's one of the most scenic roads in the Midwest, flanked by 400-foot-high sandstone bluffs and historic little river towns. The Pike River Benefit Concert Series fundraises for Hawthorne Hollow. A red-brick two-story Colonial home was built as a residence in the 1950s. The entire road traverses 3,000 miles through 10 states, and our 250-mile stretch takes you through 33 historic Wisconsin towns. The towns waterside parkland features beautifully manicured landscapes and blends perfectly with towns historic downtown area, which is home to charming shops, casual cafs and eateries, an outdoor market, and art galleries. The home was donated to Kenosha County in 1977 to become part of the Kemper Center campus. Regardless of where you stay, winter in Lake Geneva means it's time for their annual one-of-a-kind Winterfest, one of the country's largest ice sculpture festivals. Exhibit galleries also house rotating works of art by locally known artists and famous masters. Wisconsin (WI) 15 Best Flea Markets in Wisconsin: MadCity Bazaar Elkhorn Antique Flea Market 7 Mile Fair Crazy Frank's Flea Market Adams Flea Market Jackson Flea Market Dodge County Fair Flea Market Pea Pickin' Flea Market! Illinois is a landlocked state in the east north-central US, a region also known as the Midwestern United States. Gateway Classic Cars is privately owned by Sal Akbani, who serves as President and CEO. With more than 200 breweries, there are brewery tours for every palette, from micro to macro and fruit beers to pale ales. Door County Kayak Tours gets high ratings for their friendly, informative guides. Classes include a Wildflower Walk Series, which takes place in May and September and is hosted by Hawthorn Hollows Restoration Ecologist. Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. Built in 1960 by Alex Jordan, this massive home now houses his eclectic collection of everything from suits of armor to ivory carvings. Spend the night in rooms or cabins (and enjoy a hearty meal) at Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, the building is the home and office of Hawthorn Hollows director. Related: Weekend Getaway Guide to Lake Mills. Two own businesses with their spouses. Located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border, 7 miles north of the border and about 50 miles southeast of Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is popular for weekend getaways, with visitors describing it. Shops and restaurants in century-old buildings have long attracted visitors to this town of 3,500. more. Wisconsin Dells is home to the most indoor and outdoor water parks in the world more than 20 different parks. For August, the water was a bit cold, but still able to swim. Another fun venue is the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, which guests praise for funny bits and impressive illusions. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the beach. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. Lots of rocks, so best to take beach shoes. Head to neighboring Chesterton for creative burgers at the Octave Grill and a pleasant night at Dunes Walk Inn, a restored 1881 mansion. The historic town square (famously featured in Groundhog Day) is adorable, with great home decor shops and a cozy bookstore. The St. Joseph River provides a great place for water sports and serves as a sparkling backdrop for a weekend of shopping and dining in the hometown of the University of Notre Dame. But towns like Goshen, Middlebury and Elkhart also are modern communities. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588. Another go-to stop is the Aldo Leopold Foundation. If you're up for more exploration, also visit neighboring Matthiessen State Park, where 5 miles of trails carve into the mile-long canyon, passing rocks, waterfalls and beautiful, sometimes dizzying, vantage points. A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Surprising Designs. The Wisconsin Great River Road parallels the majestic Mississippi River along 250 miles of the state's western border. These escapesincluding Amish Country, Indiana; Galena, Illinois; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsinare within a one- to three-hour drive and offer a variety of activities that will recharge your life. A 12-acre arboretum is lined on the southern boundary with Ruth Teuschers original lilac collection. Tags: Travel, Wisconsin Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Theatergoers bring their picnic baskets for a theatrical evening under the stars in Spring Green's massive 1,147-seat outdoor amphitheater. Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304. The Kenosha Public Museum is dedicated to showcasing a selection of fine art, decorative art, and natural science specimens. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Special events include an annual summer Twilight Jazz series. Roth Cheese, Monroe, Wisconsin Roth Cheese The beds were very comfortable. Tens of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage each year to central Wisconsin's Green Bay, considered a mecca for football fans. We will definitely be back and will recommend the Illinois Beach Resort to our friends. Juried shows take place annually. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is dedicated to the exploration and explication between modern birds and meat-eating dinosaurs. The Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only farmers market, a great way to take yourself on a food tour of the finest Wisconsin farmers have to offer. Shows take place at the outdoor amphitheater through June, July and August. Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. Related: 8 Midwest Flea Markets to Add to Your Must-Visit List. Special exhibits and galleries at the Kenosha History Center include the Yesteryear Gallery, which highlights the settlement of the area to 1900, and the Rambler Legacy Gallery, which showcases how Kenoshas auto-making legacy shaped its history. We then went to the pool and swam for another hour. The motorcycle was invented in 1903 by Milwaukee residents William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. Nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest also offers outdoor rec of another type with trails for biking, hiking and running. They have a hotel with a decent restaurant, and a campground. A Heritage Farmstead on site offers lessons in beekeeping, and grows heritage vegetables in a community garden. 7. Save. The front desk staff was very helpful in choosing just the right room for us. The galleries show the work of students in area schools, as well as work completed at the Centers summer camps and afterschool programs. Wright is widely revered as America's greatest architect and the founder of the Prairie-style school of architecture. The 297-acre Apple River Canyon State Park offers quiet amid the woods along Apple River. The 30-mile Chippewa River State Trail takes full advantage of the city's riverfront location and provides an option for walkers and endurance athletes. The Tall Ship Red Witch is a replica of the Great Lakes working schooners from the mid-19th century, measuring 77 feet long and weighing 41 tons, and is equipped with the highest quality safety equipment and systems. Shows have been mounted by the League of Milwaukee Artists, the Chicago Society of Artists, the Racine Art Guild, Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists and the Coalition of Photographic Arts among others. History: Formerly the residence of the Anderson family, construction on the home began in 1929 and was finished in 1931. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. An annual Trunk or Treat event is a Halloween themed Cars and Coffee in October. World's Largest Fish - Hayward The largest building in the town of Hayward is a giant fiberglass musky, a part of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward. Buses, trains and very few automobilescheck out these out-of-the-ordinary holiday lights displays. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Hotels, resorts and restaurants hug the lakeshore. A UFO-inspired church, a futurist gas station, and more deep cuts. 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-654-5770, Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Milwaukee, Things to Do in Norfolk, Cumming. If you're looking to experience more than just the squeaky cheese curds the state is famous for, visitors recommend stopping by the Fromagination cheese store for its ambiance, multitude of options and generous samples. Bike the Scenic Backroads. Sitting on a rocking chair on a veranda at Indiana's Turkey Run State Park inn feels surprisingly like taking refuge deep in the forest. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). A Scandinavian tradition, fish boils are a way of cooking fish in a large cooking pot over an open fire. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Below $100k - Low $100s. Wander the paths and trails at Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the University of Wisconsin Arboretum; admire the art at Chazen Museum of Art or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art; take a leisurely cruise around Lake Mendota or Menona; and be sure to work up an appetite-Madison's 600-plus restaurants offer something for every taste. The farm also offers a variety of fun activities for the whole families, including hayrides, corn mazes, pick-your-own-produce days, a giant jumping pumpkin, a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, and a country store with freshly baked bread and cookies and delicious homemade goodies. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Catch this not-to-be-missed free show on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. A replica wigwam on the trail offers an example of the Potawatomi shelters that existed hundreds of years ago. The restaurant also offers breakfast specials every weekend and delicious homemade lunch plates, along with a variety of beverages and freshly brewed, house-roasted coffee. The Main, East and Upper Galleries are reserved for the work of regional artists. Departing from Kenosha Harbor May through September, the tall ship Red Witch can be enjoyed on public tours of the lake during the day and evening and on sunset trips and also offers private charters for special occasions. Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. History: Ruth Teuscher bought the first 40 acres of the Hawthorn Hollow property in 1935. Settle in at night around a fire pit to enjoy a clear view of the stars in the dark northern Wisconsin skies. Even its farmers market is a Bohemian rhapsody of local produce, entertainment, art and political activism on the state capitol square. Besides the authentic cuisine, guests will appreciate that meals come with a side of history. Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. Kohler Walkway through the dunes in Kohler-Andrae State Park The city of Kohler is best known for the Kohler Design Center and the premier golf courses in the community. There are still a few areas where there seems to be some continuing construction work, but they were very minor. The family-friendly event invited Santa Claus and offered free lunch to anyone who brought a toy for Kenoshas Toys for Tots program. The Civil War Museum also hosts SPARK! Very close to the Great Lakes Naval Training (Bootcamp) which may be one reason this park stays full on weekends since the military campground nearby is very small. Managed by the Kenosha County Historical Society, the Kenosha History Center is one of two buildings on the site, the first of which focuses on Kenosha County history, and the second the Southport Light Station Museum is a restored lightkeeper's home and lighthouse. Some people come here for classic Amish Country: 31kinds of pie at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, hand-sewn gifts and homemade jellies at Little Helpers Quilt Shop, treasure-hunting at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Illinois Beach State Park 185 Reviews #1 of 6 things to do in Zion Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, More Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099 Open today: Closed Save Review Highlights "Beautiful lake front park & campground." This is a gorgeous state park with mature trees, miles of paved trails, and lovely sand beaches. Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes). One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Or just a performance of his classics? The Mississippi River forms a natural border with Missouri and Iowa in the west. around there are lot of mansions. The annual fundraiser, Birds and Breakfast, takes place each spring at the peak of the migratory birding season. Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: R'Noggin Brewing Co. Southport Light Station Museum, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Tall Ship Red Witch, LLC, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: The Buzz Cafe, Things to Do in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Frank's Diner, Cover Photo: Courtesy of reb - Fotolia.com. The French-Renaissance revival style home is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns on a 4.7 acre property. One natural feature that makes Eau Claire truly special is that it's at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. Want improv Shakespeare? Kids can dive into the fun at Grand Geneva's Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark while the adults chill out in the resort's world-class spa. 514 56th St (Winter Location), Kenosha, WI 53140, Phone: 262-914-1252, What to do near my location, inexpensive, private adults only getaways: WA, MO, Detroit, Annapolis, SD, Newport Beach, Hershey, TN, Tucson, Hawaii, Duluth, NC islands, Iowa, Beaches Near Charlotte, Hudson Valley, Maine Lighthouses. The Kenosha Kingfish are a minor league baseball team that plays in the collegiate summer baseball league known as the Northwoods League. Cars and Coffee Event: Visitors are invited to show off their own cars in the showrooms parking lot, enjoy a cup of coffee and browse the showroom floor to see the newest classic, exotic and collectible arrivals. The famous cash-only joint serves a menu of casual cuisine, such as juicy burgers and fries, freshly baked bread, stacks of sweet and savory pancakes, fluffy omelets, meatloaf, and the eaterys signature dish Franks Garbage Plate. Related: Get our trip guide to the Indiana Dunes area. Also, on the menu are Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Screwdrivers for those who want something more than coffee. The common thread? Oshkosh. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Illinois borders Wisconsin to the north, Michigan via a water boundary in Lake Michigan to the northeast, Indiana to the east, and Kentucky to southeast. Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588. In the heart of northwestern Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire is perfect for weekend getaways, with both outdoor activities as well as a thriving downtown scene of arts and brewing. Many of the classic cars on the lot have been customized into Hot Rod vehicles and updated with modern conveniences such as power steering and windows, air-conditioning, and automatic transmissions. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Fish boils traditionally include potatoes, coleslaw and classic Door County cherry pie for dessert. University of Wisconsin Madison Memorial Union. For more experienced practitioners, ballroom dances, featuring a live band, take place periodically on Saturday nights. the garden is beautiful in spring. Classes include puppet making, cartooning, drawing and painting, crafting and the fiber arts as well as sculpting. Here are some options for things to do along the way. The Bird Lovers Series offers several different programs from a Bird Walk, to classes on attracting bluebirds, the Wisconsin state bird. Gateway Classic Cars is a national classic automobile museum that specializes in selling classic, collectible, and exotic cars for private sellers, collectors, and estates. Biking and hiking Whitefish Dunes State Park and Potawatomi State Park are some of the top outdoor activities in Door County. Little Bohemia Lodge was the site of a 1934 shootout between John Dillinger and the FBI. It's no exaggeration to claim Wisconsin offers something for every type of traveler world-class art for culture enthusiasts, metropolitan food tours for foodies, numerous waterparks for families and relaxing scenery for outdoors lovers, including rolling hills, lush farmland, forests and lakes. Not everything in Green Bay is devoted to the Packers. The Anderson Arts Center is a non-profit organization supported through donations, gift shop sales, and rental income via letting the house and gardens for private events. Things get particularly revved up on Wednesday nights with live music and dancing at Siebkens Resort's Stop-Inn Tavern. 6521 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142, Phone: 262-960-1298, Near me on a budget: Arlington, Park City, Places to Visit in USA, Brattleboro VT, Maine lighthouses, St. Paul, Wyoming vacations, Des Moines, Tallest roller coasters, Train Museums near me, Romantic Getaways St Augustine FL. Area Artist Group Galleries host the work of local artists while galleries in the West Wing are reserved for student artwork. The Osthoff Resort is the grande dame of Elkhart Lake with fine dining, a French cooking school and an award-winning spa. About the Area: Great Central Location! Open mid-June through October, the Jerry Smith Produce Country Store sells a range of homegrown produce and pick-your-own produce (depending on the season). The nature preserve is a prime destination for migratory birds passing through Wisconsin, as well as a robust population of year-round residents. read more The Nature Center is home to a small plot of original prairie, a historical ecosystem that serves as an example of the original Midwest. At the first annual event drivers met up at Quaker Steak and Lube in New Berlin, Wisconsin for breakfast, then drove to Gateway Classic Cars for lunch and a tour of the showroom.