Milwaukee is a great town for tourists and residents alike, with plenty of museums, landmarks and places of beauty to keep anyone interested and occupied. But what about those of us who want a quick getaway? We've gathered up some good ideas for sightseeing around the state.
Go ahead, get out of town and see what the rest of Wisconsin has to offer in the way of a cultural experience.
Circus World Museum
550 Water St., Baraboo, (608) 356-8341
circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org
The five Ringling brothers -- Al, Alf, Charles, John and Otto -- were just boys when they first saw a circus arrive in town. Fascinated and motivated, they agreed to start their own and in 1884 the Yankee Robinson and Ringling Brothers circus was born in Baraboo. Today the Circus World Museum pays tribute to The Greatest Show on Earth, which wintered in Baraboo for 34 years during its heyday. Owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the large museum complex features not only circus artifacts and exhibits, but also hosts daily live circus performances throughout the summer.
During performance season, May 22-Aug. 29, the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can explore six buildings, including the Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall and Visitor Center, the Ringling Bros. Ring Barn, the W.W. Deppe Wagon Pavilion, the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center, the 1899 Animal House and the 1899 Elephant House. Adult tickets are $14.95, children (5-11) $7.95, seniors $12.95.
House on the Rock
5754 Hwy. 23, Spring Green, (608) 935-3639
thehouseontherock.com
Architect Alex Jordan, Jr. was out to prove something when he took over a bizarre building project in Spring Green from his father in 1940 ... though he wasn't sure quite what. By 1960, the public had the answer: a unique "house" atop a 60-foot column of rock. Over the years, a recreation of an early 20th century town, a slew of shops and, among other things, the "world's largest indoor carousel," have been added to the attraction. The complex is open May through August from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September through November from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check Web site for admission rates, as they change depending on which package you purchase.
Old World Wisconsin
S103 W37890 Hwy. 67, Eagle, (262) 594-6300
oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org
A place to relive the "Spirit of America's Heartland," Old World Wisconsin invites you back to the late 19th century when many immigrants were building a better life in a new place. Experience living history on historic farms, at the one-room schoolhouse and see 1870s craftsmen and artisans creating their old world crafts in this village focused on the early immigration and settlement of the Germans, Finns, Danes and African-Americans to Wisconsin. The farms, the clothing, the implements and the animals are all authentic -- right down to the smells. Tickets for adults are $16, $14 for seniors and $9 for children 5-17. Visit the Web site for hours.
Racine Art Museum
441 Main St., (262) 638-8300
ramart.org
Located in the heart of downtown Racine, the Racine Art Museum houses the third largest and one of the most significant collections of contemporary craft in North America. With major exhibitions of new work, as well as from the permanent collection of the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, the museum focuses on ceramics, fibers, glass, metals and wood, which represent original and completing artistic expressions.
Hamburger Hall of Fame
126 N. Main St., Seymour, (920) 833-9522
It's no prestigious art museum, but it's a popular tourist attraction that out-of-towners can really sink their teeth into. If you happen to be in Seymour between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you're in luck; the Hamburger Hall of Fame is open Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. to offer you the finest in hamburger artifacts and memorabilia. And there are plenty ofsouvenirs to go around. If you're planning a visit, you might want to schedule it around the annual Burger Fest, the first Saturday of August. There's a parade, live music, kids' entertainment and the "famous" Hamburger Meet. Of course, there's also the promise of a good burger to eat.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave., Sheboygan, (920) 458-6144
jmkac.org
With the original John Michael Kohler home on the National Register of Historic Places list, the arts center has expanded into its modern building creating a 100,000-square foot, 10-gallery complex. Its exhibitions focus on a wide range of art forms, with particular emphasis on sculpture, photography, crafts, new genres, installation art, ongoing folk traditions and the work of self-taught artists. The performing arts emphasize dance, music, and theater performances from around the world. The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
