Wisconsin is known around the country as being one of the most popular vacation spots in the Midwest. If you are looking for amusement parks, museums, scenic tours and more, Wisconsin has it all. Looking for some fun and exciting things to do the next time your family visits? Check out this comprehensive list of the top five activities to take part in for families visiting Wisconsin.
Visit the Apostle Islands
Looking for some scenic beauty? The Apostle Islands is Wisconsin’s chain of islands that are located in Lake Superior. Although you cannot visit these areas by car, you are able to kayak toward them with your family or take a friendly boating tour. Go on a sightseeing tour or take the grand shuttle, which runs throughout the day. At the Apostle Islands, your family has the chance to venture off toward sand pits, sea caves, and lush forestry. Enjoy lounging by the water or go along one of the many hiking trails and see how many different wildlife creatures you can spot.
Ride along Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Located between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin, this 32-mile biking trail features a variety of unique scenery and places to visit. As you ride along, you may end up riding through old railroad tunnels or encountering the “world’s largest bike.” Regardless of what you choose to do, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is filled with plenty of adventures. Bike rentals are available for people of all ages. Although there is a daily fee to use the trail, you are able to bypass this by purchasing a yearly bike trail pass.
Enjoy some old time fun at Old World Wisconsin
Step back in time at this unique location as you and your family learn just how life was like in 19th Century Wisconsin. Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Wisconsin 67 in Eagle, Wisconsin. See the trades of the old-time blacksmiths at Crossroads Village. Involve your family in a variety of outdoor activities such as a game of barrel hoops, livestock feeding, or butter churning. Old World Wisconsin is open each year from May to October. Interested in getting a quick lesson on an old-time trade? Try your hand at one of the Blacksmithing workshops offer here.
Enjoy the thrills of Bay Beach Amusement Park
Carnivals are always fun to check out but unfortunately most aren’t held all-year long. When you visit Wisconsin with your family, consider visiting the Bay Beach Amusement Park. Did you know that this is the home of Elvis’s favorite rollercoaster, the “Zippin Pippin”? Located at 1313 Bay Beach Road in Green Bay, this fun attraction offers up fun rides like bumper cars, a giant slide and a tilt-a-whirl. Concessions stands are also available. Right next door is the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, which features 700 acres of wildlife to explore.
Splash Around in Wisconsin Dells Water Parks
Up for a little bit of fun that will keep you cool? Or maybe you just love to swim. Regardless, the Wisconsin Dells is home to a number of indoor and outdoor waterparks for your family to enjoy. Whether you arrive in the warm summer or cold winter months, you can enjoy waterslides and rides all year long. Popular Wisconsin Dells water parks include Kalahari Resort, Temple of the Black Pearl, and Glacier Canyon Lodge.
With these destinations, your family will never get bored during your stay in Wisconsin. Whether it’s venturing outdoors with biking and hiking trails or relaxing indoors at the water park, there is plenty of variety in Wisconsin to fulfill your family vacation needs. The state will provide an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family.
Author’s Bio:
Gerald Jackson is a stay at home dad who enjoys coaching his sons’ soccer team. He is also a dedicated member of his children’s Parent Teacher Association.
Old World Wisconsin and Apostle Islands sounds like the places I personally would love to visit with my family! Of course my now adult children, and the grandchildren would surely love to include the Bay Beach Amusement Park and the Wisconsin Dells Water Parks…but this grandma would just be there as the photographer, lol.
Next year we hope to head out to the Mid West… about a year from now. I am going to save this in case we are in the Wisconsin area. Not exactly sure where we are going yet.
These sound like some great activities. It’s important to plan ahead for a trip and know what activities are available for families with kids.
Thanks for this list, if we ever visit I think we will have to check out the Old World!
Wisconsin is one of my favorite states to visit! I’m hoping to visit the Kalahari Resort sometime next year. 🙂
I’ve never been to Wisconsin before but it’s good to know that there are places to visit of interest if I ever do take a trip there, especially the amusement and water parks. The kids would have a blast.
I was hoping to visit this summer while in Chicago, but wasn’t able to! Gotta plan on visiting!
I have relatives in Wisconsin, maybe I should seek them out and see some of the amazing sights in that area.
Never thought about visiting Wisconsin until my friend brought back some cheese curds as souvenirs for us.
I love Wisconsin! We went there a lot when I was little. I need to get back there soon.
I have never been to Wisconsin. My son wants to visit because of all the cheese & dairy farms. It’s his favorite food.
I love to travel.
I want to go Enjoy some old time fun at Old World Wisconsin
I heard it’s beautiful
I love to travel but don’t do as much as I would like. I have not been to WI before. You gave us some great ideas if we make it that direction.
We have been to the Dells Water Parks. I sure would like to kayak to the Apostle Islands. I think that would be very interesting.
I would love to get to Wisconsin some day – my maternal grandfather was from there originally. It sounds so lovely!
I have never been to Wisconsin, so hearing about all these places is great!
I’ve been to Wisconsin Dells. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so add in more Lake Superior beauty!!
I love these suggestions, but how about a Packers game? 😉
Oh wow there sounds like there is some amazing things to do – if I am ever in the are I shall definitely pop by a few 🙂 x
I always hear so many great things about The Dells. We’re close enough that we’re going to have to make it a point to go sometime!
I love Wisconsin and haven’t been there in years.
I’ve never been there but it’s a place I want to go! Lots to see
Sounds like you could do a lot of things here!
These activities look like a lot of fun. I love amusement parks so this would be up my alley.
Sounds fun! I think my favorite would be Old World Wisconsin. I love stuff like that!
I have never been there . Such an awesome place though 🙂
I would never have thought of Wisconsin as a vacation spot. Who knew there was so much to do there?!
I have always wanted to visit Wisconsin. Now I want to even more. I think my family would enjoy all of these activities.
I’ve been all up and down the east cose, but never in the mid west. Nice to see/read about the attractions out there 🙂
I haven’t visited Wisconsin yet but I would love to go there. I would love to visit the attractions and activities there.
I have family in Wisconsin! Bookmarking this one for future reference! Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Great suggestions. If I ever go I will do these things!
Great list. I will make sure to check them out if I am ever out that far.
sounds like stuff I’d love to be doing right now 😉
As a Wisconsin native I recommend Lake Geneva…beautiful.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60022-Lake_Geneva_Wisconsin-Vacations.html
I want to go there in the summmer to visit that water park!!
It’s always nice to see ideas for activities from areas i’m not familiar with. Sounds like wisconsin is a lovely place for a family visit
I have always wanted to go to Wisconsin dells
Been to Wisconsin once before. Very beautiful!