Working Vacation: Wisconsin
Things to Do When You're Traveling Through - Restaurants, Sites in Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s largest city is on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Tour a brewery or the Harley-Davidson Museum. Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo or Milwaukee Public Museum. This city has theaters, outdoor festivals, and lots of great restaurants.
Nari Haig is the director of Milwaukee’s Morning Glory Art Fair. This year’s event is Aug. 13-14. “Wisconsin is a multi-season, comfortable, and approachable place to visit any time. Summers offer all the fairs, festivals, and farm markets you can imagine, along with thousands of lakes to visit. Winters allow visitors to embrace the outdoors or hunker down in a cozy spot. Spring and fall weather is for exploring without the extreme weather. Milwaukee has a solid theater presence, and Madison has its own cultural vibe,” Haig said.
Restaurants Haig recommends:
Café Corazon
2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and 3129 N. Bremen St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
“Great vibe for Mexican,” Haig said.
Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
“Casual, people-watching, Third Ward hangout,” Haig said.
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
bartolottas.com/lake-park-bistro
“One of Bartolotta’s upscale, fine dining establishments,” Haig said.
Cool sites Haig recommends:
Milwaukee’s Lakefront
county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Lakefront
“From the south side all the way up the north shore and beyond, you can’t get enough of the expansive water views,” Haig said.
Antiques on Pierce
1512 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
“Three floors of antiquing fun!” Haig said.
Josh Depenbrok is the public relations manager at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The art museum hopes to bring its Lakefront Festival of Art back in 2023. Depenbrok said Wisconsin is “America’s Dairyland — great food, great beer, great people.”
Restaurants Depenbrok recommends:
DanDan
360 E. Erie St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
“Incredible depth of flavors, especially sauces and broths,” Depenbrok said.
Swingin’ Door Exchange Saloon & Eatery
219 E. Michigan St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
“Burgers and comfort food in a unique Wisconsin atmosphere,” Depenbrok said.
Jean Wells is a ceramicist who lives in Milwaukee. “State parks, lakes, and waterways are wonderful,” she said of the state.
Wells recommends this site:
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
“Wonderful collections. Designed by Santiago Calatrava,” Wells said.
Madison
Wisconsin’s capital is west of Milwaukee. This city has lots to offer, including entertainment, outdoor recreation, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Diana Jones, Sunshine Artist’s publisher, lived in Madison for 15 years and shares some of her favorite locations.
Restaurants Jones recommends:
Ian’s Pizza
100 State St., Madison, WI 53703
ianspizza.com/location/state-street-madison
“Ian’s Pizza has three locations in Madison, with two located in close proximity to each other (one at the Capitol Square and the other on the UW-Madison campus). This is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. Its menu items include some unique pizza topping twists: Mac n’ Cheese pizza, Buffalo Chicken, Penne Alfredo, Macho Nacho, Smokey the Bandit, and more. They do have ‘normal’ pizza if you really want it,” Jones said.
Nitty Gritty
223 N. Frances St., Madison, WI 53703
“If it’s your birthday (or even if it isn’t), The Nitty Gritty has some amazing fare. Known as the ‘birthday bar’ — drink free on your birthday and get a mug to keep — they are also well known for their hearty, creative burgers, sandwiches, cheese curds, and a decent sized vegetarian selection,” Jones said.
Sites Jones recommends:
State Street
Memorial Union Terrace
800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703
union.wisc.edu/visit/terrace-at-the-memorial-union
“As a student at UW-Madison way too many years ago, spending time outside on the terrace in the summer was a relaxing treat; it still is as an alumnus. Located on Lake Mendota and just a block over from State Street, the views across the lake and of the capitol are spectacular. Depending on the day, you may find yourself enjoying good food, drinks, and possibly a band. Bring a few friends along and you’ve got yourself a solid night of fun,” Jones said.
State Street
This pedestrian zone in downtown Madison is near the state capitol.
“State Street is one of those places that is worth traversing at least once in your life. Lined with many unique stores and restaurants, you can spend a good day enjoying all that it has to offer. Start at the bottom of Bascom Hill and walk your way to the capitol building. There are a few museums when you get near the capitol that are worth stopping in to see,” Jones said.
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53703
“The state capitol in Madison is gorgeous. Rebuilt and completed in 1917, you will find the architecture superb, and every detail elaborate — glass tile mosaics, marble walls, stairs and pillars, and a dome reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol building,” Jones said.
Warrens
Wisconsin’s cranberry capital is a small community. Tour a cranberry marsh and visit the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center to learn about the state’s top fruit crop. Kim Schroeder is the general manager of the Warrens Cranberry Festival. This year’s event is Sept. 23-25.
Restaurants Schroeder recommends:
Cranberry Country Café
204 Main St., Warrens, WI 54666
discovercranberries.com/cranberry-country-cafe
Schroeder said it “has a little shop with the restaurant where you can purchase cranberry products.”
Marco’s Italian & American Grill
3514 Blarney Road, Warrens, WI 54666
Schroeder said this place has Italian and American dishes.
County Line Bar and Grill
W3686 Monroe Road, Warrens, WI 54666
facebook.com/CountyLineWarrensWI
Great prime rib and fish fry, Schroeder said.
Green Bay
Green Bay is known for its NFL team, but this city also has the National Railroad Museum, Heritage Hill State Park, a botanical garden, public museum, variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors, and arts and culture.
Sites Depenbrok recommends:
Lambeau Field
1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304
“One-of-a-kind experience at the Packers mecca with year-round tours,” Depenbrok said.
An artist recommends:
Farmers’ Market on Broadway
163 N. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303
downtowngreenbay.com/explore/broadway-events/farmers-market-on-broadway
“Variety and size,” said the artist.
Minocqua
Minocqua is in northern Wisconsin’s lake country. Kailey Barutha is the content manager for the Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce. Its June Bloom Craft Show is June 4, with After Loon Delight on Aug. 4, and Prime Choice Craft Show set for Sept. 24.
A restaurant Barutha recommends:
Norwood Pines Supper Club
10171 WI-70, Minocqua, WI 54548
“Supper clubs are a Wisconsin landmark, and Norwood Pines serves up the full supper club experience with relish trays, all-you-can-eat fish fry, and Tom’s famous ice cream drinks,” Barutha said. “It’s set amongst stately red pine trees in the heart of the Northwoods. Also, rumor has it a ghost named Edgar has been haunting the property for decades.”
Barutha recommends this site:
Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Shows
422 W. Park Ave., Minocqua, WI 54548
“It is the world’s longest running, amateur water ski show,” Barutha said. “Performances take place very Sunday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 p.m. from June to September.”
Arcadia
This community is in a western Wisconsin valley, located 30 minutes from the Mississippi River. Alana Back handles public relations for Ashley for the Arts, which includes an art fair, entertainment, and family fun. This year’s event is Aug. 11-13, in Arcadia.
Back recommends this restaurant:
Vino Over the Valley
S2428 State Hwy. 95, Arcadia, WI 54612
A site Back recommends:
Soldiers Walk Veterans Memorial Park
551 Memorial Park Drive, Arcadia, WI 54612
Trempealeau
Located along the Mississippi River, this small village has cool mornings and beautiful sunsets. Visit it for shopping, outdoor recreation, lodging, and dining.
Back recommends this restaurant:
Elmaro Vineyard
N14756 Delaney Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661
A site Back recommends:
Perrot State Park
26247 Sullivan Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661
La Crosse
This city on the Mississippi River has visual and performing arts venues, as well as annual festivals. There are countless opportunities to be active in the outdoors in this area. Include Grandad Bluff Park in a visit.
Schroeder recommends this restaurant:
The Hungry Peddler
3429 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601
“All around great food from breakfast to dinners,” Schroeder said.
Back recommends this site:
Riverside Park
100 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601
cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/parks-recreation-forestry
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin’s Driftless Area escaped the last continental glacier. Soldiers Grove is a small community in it. Lori Bekkum is the coordinator of Soldier Grove’s Driftless Area Art Festival. This year’s event is Sept. 17-18. She recommends visiting apple orchards in nearby Gays Mills. “Experience some of the beauty of the Driftless Area,” Bekkum said.
Restaurants Bekkum recommends:
The Old Oak Inn – Bed & Breakfast
500 Church St., Soldiers Grove, WI 54655
“Great atmosphere, food, and service,” Bekkum said.
Country Gardens Lounge
100 Sunbeam Boulevard E, Soldiers Grove, WI 54655
facebook.com/Country-Gardens-411970831257
“Exceptional people and food,” Bekkum said.
Bekkum recommends this site:
The Solar Village
More than 20 solar buildings were constructed in Soldiers Grove.
soldiersgrove.com/history/the-solar-village-2
“First solar town in Wisconsin,” Bekkum said.
Prairie du Chien
This city is Wisconsin’s second-oldest settlement and the oldest community on the upper Mississippi River. It has shopping, dining, recreation, and history.
Restaurants Bekkum recommends:
The Barn Restaurant
32800 County Road K, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
“Great atmosphere and food,” Bekkum said.
Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub
214 W. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
“Great atmosphere, food, and service,” Bekkum said.
Bekkum recommends this site:
Villa Louis
521 N. Villa Louis Road, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
villalouis.wisconsinhitory.org
“Experience the rich history in Prairie du Chien,” Bekkum said.
More Must-Sees in Wisconsin
Wells recommends these places:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main St., Racine, WI 53403
“Largest collection of craft in the country,” Wells said.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081
“Shows are amazing,” Wells said. “Bathrooms are a must-see!”
Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park
S7703 US-12, North Freedom, WI 53951
“Amazing scrap metal park, somewhat abandoned,” Wells said.
More recommendations from Depenbrok:
Kopp’s Frozen Custard
18880 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53045; 5373 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53217; and 7631 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220
“Delicious custard with a different flavor every day,” Depenbrok said.
Polonez
4016 S. Packard Ave., St. Francis, WI 53235
“Fantastic, everyday Polish food,” Depenbrok said.
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI 53119
oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org
“A fun, family-focused way to enjoy 19th century history,” Depenbrok said.
Holy Hill
1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033
“Beautiful cathedral with incredible views,” Depenbrok said.
Haig recommends this restaurant:
MOXIE Food + Drink
501 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
“Small but mighty neighborhood place,” Haig said.
Haig recommends this site:
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside, WI 53217
“Six miles of hiking trails and a large interpretive center,” Haig said.
Barutha recommends this site:
World’s Largest Penny
923 2nd Ave., Woodruff, WI 54568
drkatemuseum.org/world-s-largest-penny
“It’s the replica of a 1953 Lincoln penny that is 10 feet in diameter and 18 inches thick symbolizing 1.7 million pennies collected by school children in 1953 for the building fund of the Lakeland Memorial Hospital or ‘Dr. Kate’s Hospital.’ The children were inspired by Dr. Kate Newcomb, the ‘Angel on Snowshoes,’ who brought health care to local folks in all weather conditions, including the deepest of snow,” Barutha said.
An artist recommends visiting:
Maiden Rock
This small community is located on Highway 35 along Wisconsin’s Greater River Road, an hour south of the Twin Cities.
“Quaint village,” the artist said.
Schroeder recommends these places:
Wisconsin Dells
This city is in southern Wisconsin.
“Waterpark capital,” Schroeder said.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
415 Washington Ave., Bayfield, WI 54814
“Beautiful area,” Schroeder said.
More recommendations from Back:
Beedle’s Bar & Restaurant
W24966 State Road 54/93, Centerville, WI 54630
Garden of Eatin’
19847 E. Gale Ave., Galesville, WI 54630
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