As part of our 2023 Bucket List series, we’re sharing where to go and what to see in each part of the Badger State.
Southwest Wisconsin is not only home to the state capital, but also the mighty Mississippi River and some of the most lovely parts of the state. The region’s rolling hills, award-winning water parks, and historic sites are more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Whether you live in the area or are visiting from another part of the state, here are some attractions you can’t miss!
Visit Gays Mills Apple Orchards
Location: Crawford County
Hours: All year
Price: It depends on the orchard
Gays Mills is located in the Kickapoo River Valley and is home to six apple orchardsMore than 100 years ago, farmers discovered the fertile land and decided it was the perfect place to grow delicious apples. While the orchards are busiest during the fall harvest, don’t be afraid to get here earlier in the summer to pick berries, mushrooms, hike, caving, kayaking, and more.
Travel the Great River Road
Location: WI Hwy 35, Prairie Du Chien to Pepin
Hours: All year
Price: Free
The Great River Road in Wisconsin is the state’s only National Scenic Byway, and much of it is in southwestern Wisconsin. Along the winding road, you’ll find charming restaurants, historic town centers, and scenic stops like the Birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder at Pepin’s or the best scones you’ve ever eaten Larke’s Little Bakery in historic Stockholm. Wherever you stay, you can’t go wrong.
Dine at A Pig in a Fur Coat Restaurant
Location: 940 Williamson St., Madison
Hours: Wed-Sat, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Price: Prices for main courses range from $17 to $63.
There is no shortage of restaurants in southwest Wisconsin, but for a unique communal dining experience, choose Madison’s Pig in fur to your to-do list. This cozy bistro is more than just a cheeky name. The menu features Mediterranean comfort food, from classic starters like foie gras and beef tartare to pasta dishes like risotto and casoncelli with oxtail and black truffles. Guests also rave about the lamb, jerk rabbit and quail.
Spend a day at the House on the Rock
Location: 5754 State Rd. 23, Spring Green
Hours: From mid-March to December from 9:00 to 17:00
Price: Prices range from $4.95 for children under 6 to $32.95 for adults
As you travel along the Wisconsin River, you will come across a Wisconsin architectural marvel—House on the Rock. Since 1959, this one-of-a-kind home has grown into an eclectic, quirky, and unquestionably enjoyable collection of exhibits. The Circus Room, The Music of Yesterday, and The Infinity Room are just a few of the spaces you can explore during your visit.
Explore Wisconsin’s history at Stonefield Historic Site
Location: 12195 County Hwy. VV, Cassville
Hours: From June 1 to October 1, Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00
Price: Prices range from $8 for children ages 5-12 to $13.50 for adults.
This Stonefield Historic Site offers a glimpse into what life was like on a rural Wisconsin farm in 1900. On site you’ll find an entire village, including a general store, school, home and jail. But it’s the extras that make Stonefield a must-see. The site is home to the largest collection of farm machinery and implements in Wisconsin! Visitors can also tour the home of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey.
Scream like a hyena in the Kalahari
Location: 1305 Kalahari Dr., Wisconsin Dells
Hours: All year
Price: Prices start at $60, with discounts for military members and free admission for resort guests.
Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. And if you’re looking for a thrill, head to Kalahari. Resort Screaming hyena drops passengers through a platform door from 60 feet above the water park until they plunge into a massive pool below. This free fall may be one of the few things on land that mimics skydiving. Then, relax as you float along the tranquil Lazy River or slide down some of the resort’s gentle water slides.
Enjoy the view of the spotted cow in New Glarus
Location: 2400 State Hwy 69, New Glarus
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00
Price: Free or $30 Hard-Hat Tour
Many notable beers come from the Badger State, but perhaps none is more emblematic of Wisconsin than New Glarus Brewing CompanySpotted Cow. It’s just the perfect name for a beer from America’s Dairyland. For the best experience, sign up for Helmet touroffered on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. The three-hour exploration will take you behind the scenes of both the original brewery and the current one. Don’t forget to stay for the beer and cheese tasting!
