What to do and see in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

July 27, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

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.


Restaurants in Wisconsin

1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704-5808 +1 608-246-4550 [email protected] http://www.olbrich.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,636 reviews

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.

Reviewed By Valedia - McHenry, United States

Some friends and I try to meet up somewhere every fall. This year I read about and picked this spot as Madison is a halfway point for all. I was absolutely amazed at this gem - free parking, free access to the outdoor areas and only $2.00 to explore the indoor conservatory. The volunteers greeted us when we walked into the conservatory, and one went so far as to walk us around and point out all the different areas so that we wouldn't miss any of it. There is a gift shop that is stocked with seeds, bulbs, cards that can be planted, clothing and much, much more. The conservatory has lush plants, trees, ferns, a koi pond and other water features. After exploring inside we went out and walked all of the different paths and areas that were very well maintained, and a true sensory treat! Photography is a hobby of mine, and I came home with almost 60 pictures and could easily have taken more. We are looking forward to meeting up again in other seasons. If you are in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this wonderful place!

2. EAA Aviation Museum

3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902-8939 +1 920-426-4818 https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa-museum
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 692 reviews

EAA Aviation Museum

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!

Reviewed By donfey - The Villages, United States

The Museum at EAA's World Headquarters is a history, aviation buffs must see. And, the gift shop will satisfy your desire for mementos or gifts. The Experimental Aircraft Association is the best organization going for the support of private (General Aviation) pilots, and is not limited to home-built aircraft. The extensive collection of WWII bomber art is, all by itself, worth the visit!

3. Cave Point County Park

5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-8266 http://www.door-county-wisconsin.net/cave-point-door-county.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,203 reviews

Cave Point County Park

The park is open everyday from 8 to 5.

Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States

Whenver we go up to Door County - whether to pick cherries or to relax on Washington Island - we almost always stop at Cave Point Park to get amazed at the way the lake pounds under the shore, creating these unique "caves" down below. It's hard to get tired watching the work of waves...

4. Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304-3927 +1 920-499-4281 http://www.packers.com/lambeau-field/hall-of-fame/visit.html
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 930 reviews

Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

Reviewed By danielrk2015 - Prairie du Sac, United States

Even my wife and daughter enjoyed the Hall of Fame and stadium visit! The HOF is located right next to Lambeau Field and is a really high quality interactive display of Green Bay Packers history, and there's a lot of it over the past 100 years. I wanted to stay longer than the 90 minutes allowed, but there are some COVID restrictions in place to keep everyone safe. Each HOF Packer player has a display and video of his highlights. All the championship trophies are kept here. The top games and seasons are highlighted and there's a 15 minute video giving a survey of the Green Bay Packer NFL franchise and how it became owned by the fans rather than a billionaire.

5. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

700 N 12th St Franklin & Twelfth Streets, Wausau, WI 54403-5007 +1 715-845-7010 [email protected] http://www.lywam.org/
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 257 reviews

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Reviewed By BethanyAnneB8 - Wausau, United States

I really enjoy that they get new exhibits every few months. It keeps me coming back. I’ve gone here with my boyfriend and both of our families. Well maintained and clean place to enjoy art. Could spend a short amount of time or a few hours and have a good time. Recently went to the origami exhibit, very cool!

6. Bookworm Gardens

1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081-3183 +1 920-287-7895 [email protected] http://www.bookwormgardens.org/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 437 reviews

Bookworm Gardens

Open seasonally, May 1- Oct. 31. Botanic Garden based on children's literature in Sheboygan, WI.

Reviewed By Elaissdriss

Bookworm Gardens is a vibrant and engaging destination for families and school children in Wisconsin and beyond. This 7 acre property with 2 acre garden based on children's literature offers educational programming as well as free, unstructured play in a beautiful environment for the young and young at heart. Really, i like this place of culture, it gives our childrens to developpe its competences and to have an excellente way of thinking in the futur. You can come to visite this great place . You will change your minde.

7. Memorial Union Terrace

800 Langdon St University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1419 +1 608-265-3000 [email protected] https://union.wisc.edu/visit/terrace-at-the-memorial-union/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 698 reviews

Memorial Union Terrace

Reviewed By Rita21_12 - Madison, United States

You have the view of the lake and can spend a relaxing time with friends enjoying the wide choice of foods available and the famous Babcock ice-cream and a nice breeze if the weather is on your side the day you visit

8. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

90500 Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814 +1 715-779-3397 http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 212 reviews

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

Reviewed By PrairiePaddler - Madison, United States

Outstanding, definitely one of the better narrated scenic cruises we've experienced. Our 2-1/2 hour Grand Tour was conducted by a lifetime local resident who grew up on the water and had a wealth of information to share. The ice caves on Devil's Island alone are worth the trip.

9. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

100 N Edwards Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-1907 +1 262-248-0505 [email protected] http://www.lakegenevamagic.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 837 reviews

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features world-class magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining 60 minute performance. Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI. Open year-round, reserve your tickets today to witness this incredible show.

Reviewed By gabrielew994

Me and my daughters first magic show.We loved the whole show,I highly recommend going,it is so worth it and its only 1 mile from Lake Geneva.Great show!!I want to go again in the near future.

10. Bay Beach Amusement Park

1313 Bay Beach Rd off I-43 at Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54302 +1 920-448-3365 http://www.baybeach.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,159 reviews

Bay Beach Amusement Park

The retro charm of Bay Beach includes old-fashioned prices: rides are only 20 cents each.

Reviewed By Traveler56938933042 - Green Bay, United States

This is the PERFECT place for a family to enjoy classic amusement park rides at such an affordable price. Everything from Kiddie rides to the Zippin Pippin which was Elvis's roller coaster in Memphis. MUST for all visitors to Green Bay!

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