The Best Things To Do In Wisconsin

With stunning lakes and mountains, abundant art and culture, and a robust sense of identity, Wisconsin is the perfect place for a vacation, whether you love the city or the country. We’ve assembled some of the most interesting and impressive things to do in the state.

Cave of the Mounds

A hidden cave that was accidentally discovered in 1939, this is one of the most beautiful caves in North America. Known for its attractive formations of limestones that decorate the interior like jewels, it is a popular Wisconsin attraction. Located close to Blue Mounds, the Cave of the Mounds is the place to appreciate natural beauty. With carefully planned walkways to guide your path and artistically minded lighting, it’s not somewhere you’ll forget in a hurry.

Historic Cedarburg

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

These beautiful, peaceful gardens were founded in 1952 by Micheal Olbrich, and they’ve been enchanting visitors ever since. Divided into seven sections, this is a place you’ll want to spend a while in to make sure you don’t miss a thing. With an English garden with a reflective pool, a Thai garden with a pavilion donated by the government of Thailand and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, and a rose garden, this botanical oasis is filled with flowers, plants and natural wonders. Found in Madison, Wisconsin, these gardens are worth going out of your way to see.

The Apostle Islands

Located off the Wisconsin coast in Lake Superior, the 21 Apostle Islands are made of red sandstone and were created by melted glaciers eroding the land, leaving many strange and wondrous natural rock formations behind. With plenty of historic lighthouses, sea caves, forests and of course the lake itself to explore, visitors to the Apostle Islands will never be bored. You can fish, rent a boat, kayak between islands and even scuba-dive to see shipwrecks here.

The Wisconsin Great River Road

A national scenic driving route, the Wisconsin Great River Road is 250mi (402km) long and takes in 33 cities along the way. Whether you’re a nature lover, fishing enthusiast or art and culture junkie, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained as you drive. The gorgeous scenery along this route is constantly entreating you to stop and look around – and there are plenty of hikes and camping spots along the way. Lakes and rivers accompany you the entire way – and don’t forget to check out the wineries too.

House on the Rock

The wildcard of the bunch, House on the Rock is perched upon Deer Shelter Rock. This unique architecture complex is home to some of the most whimsical and charming collections of items anywhere in the world. Both enchanting and slightly creepy, it is ideal if you love a taste of the macabre. Among other items, you’ll find the world’s largest carousel, rare automated music machines, a giant sea creature, many doll houses, model airplanes and a Japanese garden.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.