Things to do & places to visit in Wisconsin, United States

When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks. Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings. Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells! Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.

Wisconsin #26 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 170.4k traveler reviews, of 3.890 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, April 26, 2024, 20:37.

Top things to do (36)

Top destinations in Wisconsin 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Taliesin Preservation, Inc. (4.227 reviews)
- Spencer Rules
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings

Taliesin, the home, studio and estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin near Spring Green. It is the name of Wright’s house as well as the 800-acre estate that includes buildings from all decades of Wright’s career. Its many wings and terraces reach out around the ridge of the hill, embracing the site and standing as “brow.” Taliesin was the residence of Wright and the valley was his inspiration and life-long laboratory for architectural designs and innovation. Taliesin represents the most complete embodiment of Wright’s philosophy of Organic Architecture. The Taliesin residence is the heart of a series of buildings that Wright designed for himself and his family members on the estate. Other buildings include: Romeo & Juliet Windmill (1896), Hillside Home School (1903), Tan-y-Deri (1908), Hillside Drafting Studio (1932), Midway Barn (1949), Hillside Theater (1952), and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center (1967). See more..
5.0 Lambeau Field (3.513 reviews)
- Awesome experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Arenas & Stadiums

Welcome to Lambeau Field, the crown jewel of the National Football League! After undergoing a dramatic facelift in 2003, Lambeau Field has been transformed into to a year-round tourist destination with a host of new amenities and attractions. The Lambeau Field Atrium is home to the Packers Pro Shop, Packers Hall of Fame, Curly's Pub, and other Atrium dining, event, entertainment and retail options. See more..
5.0 Olbrich Botanical Gardens (1.686 reviews)
- October Visits
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, tower garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and an indoor, tropical conservatory. See more..
5.0 Rick Wilcox Magic Theater (1.490 reviews)
- DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!
Friday: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

Open Year Round. A fabulous show for families and anyone looking for a fun, funny and amazing evening! Rick Wilcox Theater features the Wisconsin Dells illusion show that's on everyone's "things to do in Wisconsin Dells" list of must-see entertainment. Flawlessly executed by Master Illusionists Rick & Suzan Wilcox. Entertainment at the highest level that "will completely enthrall you", says Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel theater critic Damien Jaques. "The Rick Wilcox Show is the ultimate family show. As good as anything you will see in Las Vegas." This show features original fast-paced illusions that keep this awe-inspiring show fresh and fun. After getting to know Rick & Suzan on stage with their easy charm, quick wit and amazing illusions, you'll have a chance to actually meet the stars after the show. It's simply the best of Wisconsin Dells live entertainment! Open year-round. Family-approved! See more..
5.0 Cave Point County Park (1.259 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit!
Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Parks

The park is open everyday from 8 to 5. See more..
5.0 Elusive Escape Rooms (1.122 reviews)
- Excellent time(s)
Friday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Elusive Escape Rooms offers NEW, fun, and immersive escape rooms for everyone in Wisconsin Dells! You and your team are locked in a themed room where you have 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles, and discover keys and combinations to escape the room before your time is up! Elusive Escape Rooms are fun with your family, friends, and co-workers! See more..
5.0 Northwoods Zip Line, Aerial Trekking, Argo ATV, and Kayak River Tours (1.053 reviews)
- Fun and Safe
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Eco Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

This 67-year old grandma took her 9 & 11-year old granddaughters and had a blast. It was a first-time zip line experience for them and they were not disappointed. Of great importance was the safety practices the Northwoods team has implemented....we never felt any danger anxiety. The views are great, plus you get a little "hiking" and rope bridge experience too. I'm sure we will be back in the future!! See more..
5.0 Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame (953 reviews)
- If you're an old timer NFL fan, you can do a lot of fun reminiscing here.
Speciality Museums

Though I'm not a Packers fan per se, but more of a Bears and NFL fan, I really enjoyed my visit and would highly recommend it to any NFL fan. The Packers are undeniably a great and storied franchise and they deserve their own HOF. Come to think of it, a lot of pro sports teams don't have their own HOF, but it seems a good idea. As a 12 year old kid, I along with many American sports fans in 1967 watched the memorable Ice Bowl on TV. This game has since arguably been called the greatest football game ever played. The Ice Bowl exhibit was by far my favorite exhibit here and it brought back vivid and nostalgic memories. For that alone, the HOF was a very worthwhile visit. See more..
5.0 Tristan Crist Magic Theatre (891 reviews)
- Lake Geneva’s Amazing Gem
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features award-winning magic, comedy and illusion performances. The 175 seat intimate venue is located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI and is open year-round. See more..
5.0 Basilica of St. Josaphat (874 reviews)
- Amazing interior - one of Milwaukee's must do's
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Enter the Basilica of St. Josaphat through the Visitor Center, Monday-Saturday, 10:00am to 3:00pm for visits and tours; free tour after Sunday 10:00am Mass. The Visitor Center is in the Pope John Paul II Pavilion at S. 7th Street and West Lincoln Ave. Enter from the parking lot. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Lincoln Village, the Basilica is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans and has a captivating story of faith, historical significance, and unmatched architectural and artistic beauty. Polish immigrants built the Basilica over 115 years ago using salvaged materials from the razed U.S. Post Office and Custom House federal building in Chicago. Its 250 foot high copper dome is the icon of the diverse neighborhood the Basilica serves today. The Basilica hosts community events, performances of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and others. The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, a 501(c)(3) works with the Franciscans to preserve and restore the Basilica. All are welcome! See more..
5.0 EAA Aviation Museum (713 reviews)
- One of the World!s Finest Aviation Museums
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the site of the world's largest aviation event (EAA AirVenture) the Museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world, a year-round destination for the entire family. Come and explore our world-class displays and galleries. Marvel at aviation innovations in our collection of more than 200 historic airplanes. Spend time in one of our four movie theaters. Take a ride in a vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport-a real working aerodrome right out of the "golden age" of aviation. Witness a piece of history in the Eagle Hangar, our tribute to World War II aviation and get "hands on" in the KidVenture Gallery, our exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages! See more..
5.0 Memorial Union Terrace (711 reviews)
- Gorgeous!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Memorial Union Terrace is one of the most unique things that sets the UW-Madison campus apart! The location and view right on Lake Mendota are unbeatable, you won't find anything just like it at any other campus. Even during the summer when most students are gone, there are a decent amount of the stations inside the union open (ice cream, brats, pub food, bars, + more). We sat on the terrace on a few occasions. During morning/breakfast hours it is peaceful and serene, and at night it is a fun atmosphere to hang with family + friends. Love how there are water activities available right next door. Highly recommend! See more..
4.5 Harley-Davidson Museum (3.125 reviews) from $22.00
- HD & beers - more than enough reasons to visit Milwaukee
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Harley-Davidson motorcycles bring heart-thumping adventure, life-changing freedom and a bit of rebellion into the lives of people around the world. But whether you were born to be wild - or mild - makes no difference at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Much more than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture like you've never seen before - through the successes and trials of an iconic American company. Interactive, eye-catching exhibits present an unparalleled collection of legendary stories of our nation's last century. Located on 20 acres in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum offers free parking, Motor Bar & Restaurant, The Shop, park-like outdoor spaces, and space for special event rentals. This attraction is a must-see on your list of things to do in Milwaukee! See more..
4.5 American Family Field (3.082 reviews)
- Most informative and fun tour
Arenas & Stadiums

Home of the Milwaukee Brewers, this state-of-the-art stadium features a fan-shaped convertible roof and four choices of front-row seats for baseball fans. See more..
4.5 Milwaukee Art Museum (2.785 reviews)
- Well worth the money!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Museum boasts an extensive collection of nearly 20,000 works, representing such artists as Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol. See more..
4.5 Wisconsin State Capitol (2.054 reviews)
- Must See in Madison
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Government Buildings

The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the U.S. and inside has over 40 different types of stone from around the world as well as murals and handmade furniture. The observation deck, open in the summer, offers views of the city and surrounding lakes. Capitol Square plays host to state events throughout the year including Farmers Markets and Folk Festivals. See more..
4.5 Lakefront Brewery (1.896 reviews)
- Most entertaining tour we have ever been on.
Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

On December 2nd, 1987, brothers Russ and Jim Klisch opened Lakefront Brewery and sold their first batch of Riverwest Stein Amber Lager to a neighborhood tavern in Milwaukee. We have grown to brew 46,848 barrels of beer in 2017 and distribute our products to 35 states, Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden and Australia. Lakefront Brewery was the first certified organic brewery in America, the first brewery to produce a government-approved, gluten-free beer and the first indigenous beer using all Wisconsin grown ingredients. We currently produce 20 year-round and seasonal beers as well as our innovative one-off My Turn Series which gives each of our full time employees a chance to choose a style we've never brewed. Beer aside, Lakefront is also known around the country for their highly entertaining and sought-after brewery tours. See more..
4.5 Peninsula State Park (1.766 reviews)
- Beautiful!
State Parks

This park's 3,775 acres have miles of hiking and biking trails, and clean, uncrowded beaches. See more..
4.5 Milwaukee County Zoo (1.733 reviews)
- Fun family Zoo!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

So much fun! We went as a family (2 boys 10 & 13 also). We all loved it. Note: I did not see any place to get tickets inside and since we were traveling from Chicago, we did buy tickets and parking ($15) in advance. Get there before the 0930 open time, the cars were lined up outside. The indoor exhibits were open - but masks were required inside there and the gift shops. There is a lot of walking. Not sure if you can "rent" a stroller or wheelchair. A lot of areas were accessible outside, but some of the indoor buildings had smaller spaces. Since my kids are older, we were done in 2.5 hours (we did not do any of the ziplining, tram tour or train ride). We did do the Sky Safari, but the notice said they would close it after Labor Day. See more..
4.5 Henry Vilas Zoo (1.686 reviews)
- Family zoo time
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Truly a wild place to hang out! We are an admission-free, AZA-accredited zoo located next to Vilas Park in downtown Madison with a mission to conserve and protect the wonders of the natural world. Sign up for a Behind the Scenes tour, let us host your next birthday party, or just come by and learn more about our animals. With over 100 species, including polar bears, Aldabra tortoises, and African lions, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about your favorite animals! See more..
4.5 Wisconsin Deer Park (1.444 reviews)
- Favorite Dells Attraction
Zoos • Parks

Literally the best experience to have in Wisconsin. Do yourself a favor and plan to stop here no matter what age you are. I am approaching thirty and found this to be one of my favorite Dells attractions on a recent visit. Who wouldn’t want to get up close and feed an obnoxious number of deer? Also, who knew there were so many different types of deer? The deer here want to come say hello in the most personal of ways – eating the crackers you hold in your hand. Purchase some food when you enter, it literally brings the deer to you in swarms. Once you feed them, they start to follow you too. Hands down a favorite experience in the Dells. See more..
4.5 Historic Third Ward (1.302 reviews)
- Little Hamburg on Michigan Lake
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Every trip to Milwaukee should start in the Historic Third Ward. Explore our locally owned restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The neighborhood is home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk, the nationally acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market, and the world's largest music festival, Summerfest. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee. See more..
4.5 Devil's Lake State Park (1.268 reviews)
- Beautiful views and packed with activity.
Friday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM State Parks

Devil's Lake has great hiking trails. See more..
4.5 Bay Beach Amusement Park (1.177 reviews)
- A Nice Affordable Amusement Park with great views
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

The retro charm of Bay Beach includes old-fashioned prices: rides are only 20 cents each. See more..
4.5 Milwaukee Public Market (1.096 reviews)
- Totally Loved The Milwaukee Public Market! So Much Fun!!!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

MARKET HOURS Monday through Friday: 10 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm Early Open Hours: Weekdays at 7 am See more..
4.5 Grandad Bluff (1.085 reviews)
- Grandaddy of all bluffs
Geologic Formations

At 590 feet, this area offers scenic views. See more..
4.5 Milwaukee Public Museum (1.085 reviews)
- Impressed with collection
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums

Natural and human history museum in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MPM houses more than 4 million objects. See more..
4.5 Pabst Mansion (1.085 reviews)
- Christmas at the Mansion
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces, sea captain and beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst's beautiful home was built in the Flemish Renaissance style on Milwaukee's historic Grand Avenue. During docent-led tours visitors will see the first through third floors and learn about the Pabst Mansion and family. New tours are offered including a fine arts tour, happy hour tour, family-friendly tour and mimosa tour. See more..
4.5 Milwaukee RiverWalk (1.041 reviews)
- Enjoyed an Afternoon Walk
Historic Walking Areas

After stuffing ourselves on lobster rolls we crossed over to the Riverwalk to see what it was all about. It was a great sunny and warm afternoon. We passed through a park that was undergoing the final construction touches and found it to be a very inviting start. The path along the river was very well maintained, clean and well signed. There were lots of benches to take a rest and soak up the views. If you were in your own boat (or kayaking through) then docks were also available for those wanting to get something to eat or shop. We did get to watch a sightseeing cruise boat go down the river and bridge after bridge had to be raised and lowered. I understand that all the bridges are operated remotely instead of a person at each bridge. My only nit pick (loss of one circle) was that the Riverwalk path was not continuous and we had to climb up and down stairs and cross streets. See more..
4.5 Miller Brewery Tour (930 reviews)
- It's Miller Time
Breweries

The Miller Brewery Tour offers an 80 minute indoor/outdoor guided walking tour of Miller Valley, home to over 155 years of brewing history. Experience everything from Fredrick Miller's arrival in Milwaukee to the high-speed production lines used today. Our tour begins with beer education and a journey back in time in our Historic Caves and Bavarian Style Miller Inn. Next we’re off to Brewing, Packaging & Distribution operations. Each tour ends as it begins… with our famous beers. Enjoy beer samples throughout the tour and after if 21 with valid ID (soda and water available for those under 21). Commemorate your experience with a custom tour photo or one of the many great items found in our Girl In The Moon Brewery Shop. We look forward to seeing you for your Miller Time experience soon. CHEERS! See more..