Top Things to do in Wisconsin
Top Hotels in Wisconsin
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
- 3. Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- 4. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
- 5. Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
- 6. Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
- 7. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay
- 8. Radisson Hotel La Crosse
- 9. Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
Countries
What to do and see in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
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. Henry Vilas Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,659 reviews
Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including African lions, South American alpacas and tortoises from the Galapagos Islands.
Reviewed By conniem912 - Warrington, United States
We went here with our son and our 2 year old granddaughter. They had been here before but it was our first time. It was a very nicely maintained zoo in a lovely park. It is fairly small which was perfect for the granddaughter- we could walk around and look at everything without her getting too tired or overwhelmed. It has a varied selection of animals, a merry-go-round and a train ride, a Children's Zoo with a VERY active group of goats which our granddaughter loved, a playground, gift shop and restaurants. You're also allowed to bring your own food and eat at one of the picnic tables. It is very popular with the locals so we got there shortly after it opened to avoid the crowds later in the day. Glad we went and looking forward to returning.
2. Milwaukee County Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
Reviewed By Darlenelovesfishing - Marshfield, United States
It was worth the entry fee. The zoo keepers and the volunteers were so knowledgeable and friendly. They had such a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles and aquatic life. The zoo is so clean and beautiful. Yes I would definitely go back and tell lots of people about it.
3. Vilas Park
4. Wisconsin Deer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,393 reviews
Reviewed By KarenD563 - Johnsburg, United States
It's a park like setting where you walk along the designated path and are able to feed the deer with wasa crackers that you can purchase. They will come right up to you and are very friendly. We did notice one deer that seemed to not want anything to eat even when offered - it looked tired and maybe ill - we mentioned this to the staff as we were concerned for its welfare. There are other animals too, like moose, elk and others that you can observe in their enclosures.
5. Wildwood Wildlife Park & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo of the Northwood's for over 51 years. Experience the wonders of nature found throughout our park with animals from around the world. Wildwood Wildlife Park is all about providing experiences that last a lifetime with every visit no matter your age. Guests love the Animal Encounter Area, Animal Nursery, Petting zoo. Guests love feeding the bears "Bear Juice" and hand feeding "Critter Crackers to the whitetail deer, camel, sheep, pot-belly pigs, and goats. It's an Awesome Family Experience!
Reviewed By MagellanMom - London, United Kingdom
CLEANEST zoo I’ve ever been in! So much bigger than I realized. Staff is so friendly and helpful. Did the extra tram and was well worth it-we saw a herd of wildebeests running, amazing herds of beautiful Oryxs and Bongos. Lots of exotics-zebras, giraffes, tigers, leopards, monkeys, penguins...Our favorite was a giant bird cage with hundreds of parakeets. Didn’t see poop anywhere! Reptile house didn’t have a single smell-so clean! Lots of opportunities to walk among and touch animals. Went 9/2/20 and lots of babies running around. Happiest animals I’ve ever seen. Was there for 4 hours but could’ve stayed longer and still didn’t do everything that there is to do.
6. Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
This is a non-profit organization. Is listed as a zoo, but it is more educational. They rescue Lions, Tigers, and Leopards. They have night tours, and morning feeding tours. You can buy a meal [a chicken] which they will feed to one of the big cats. When that 4-wheeler comes by, all the big cats are at attention. It really is a great experience. Barb
Reviewed By Jennlk - Roanoke, United States
This is a rescue for big cats so I wanted to visit just to help support them. We went during the off season so we scheduled a self guided tour at 10am. The cats were pretty active and moving around. We were the only ones there so it was nice and quiet and we could take our time at each cat. It took us about 40 minutes to walk around and see all of them. The cats all looked healthy and well cared for, and it was definitely worth the low entry fee.
7. NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Our Mission is to connect the community with wildlife and nature through engaging, interactive experiences. Our Vision is to be THE regional destination that inspires appreciation and stewardship of wildlife and the natural world.
Reviewed By RoseCierra - Taylor, United States
Very nice, clean zoo. Enjoyed walking through and seeing a different variety of animals. The biggest attraction was by far the Giraffes. Being able to feed them was so cool! Very cheap too! Only $1 dollar for 2 pieces of lettuce. I had never been so close to a giraffe before and being able to touch them and feed them was a great surprise! Lots of variety of animals! Penguins, Bear, Pelicans, Leopard, Lions, and more! Also really enjoyed the petting zoo. The goats were so funny and friendly. Loved being able to feed them. Was a little disappointed in the Reptile area because of how small, but still enjoyed. Loved the art made out of caps on the wall. Also had a very nice gift shop that you first walk into. Lots of things to choose from. The zipline and rope courses were not open when I was there, but they looked like a lot of fun. I would really recommend this Zoo. It wasn't so huge that you didn't have enough time to see and enjoy everything, but also isn't super small either so it was perfect. Little kids, older kids, and adults will all enjoy this zoo!
8. Oceans of Fun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Dedicated to the field of marine mammal science and education, it is our goal to provide the best possible environment, training and care for our marine animals with the focus of educating the public about marine life, environmental protection and conservation. Oceans of Fun offers a variety of opportunities for children and families alike to discover the amazing world of seals and sea lions. We provide a wide array of interactive programs, allowing you to connect with our animals personally. We hope that you have the opportunity to join us and experience the wonder of working with marine mammals. The opportunity to touch, feed and interact with our sea lion family awaits you! The Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show is offered four times daily beginning in spring and running through fall, weather dependent. These shows are family-friendly, appealing to zoo patrons young and old.
9. Shalom Wildlife Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By randykoehler - West Bend, United States
Great place for children and adults with awesome feeding opportunities and many great photo ops. The owners are very friendly and accommodating. Golf carts are available and reasonably priced.
10. Ochsner Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Small zoo in 26-acre park adjacent to Baraboo Riverwalk with playground, picnic shelters and restrooms. Zoo features over 25 different animal species, including River Otter, Black Bear, Gray Wolves, Canada Lynx, Llama, Prairie Dogs, White Tail Deer, Snowy Owls, Great Horned Owls, Capuchin Monkeys, Spurred Tortoise, Skunk, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Cranes, Miniature Donkey, Parrots, Chicken, Ducks, Goats, Potbellied Pigs, Swan and more! Free admission 365 days a year.
Reviewed By owhawk - Whitehouse, United States
An unusual venue located in a small park in Baraboo, OPZ boasts a number of little seen animals all identified with interesting signage. Prairie dogs, a tiny donkey and a large llama sharing a space, Canada geese, and an exuberantly noisy duck are highlights. Don't miss the beautiful Canada lynx! Many of the animals could use more space. Lots of visitors leaving voluntary contributions might eventually improve that.
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