Wisconsin is a great place for a mini-vacation or a summer staycation. It’s a short drive from Chicago with many family-friendly experiences. Choose your favorite activity and try some new ones: ride old-fashioned trolleys, zip-lining through the trees, boating on the lakes, exploring museums, eating Jelly Bellys, or just relaxing by the pool. We’ve put together our favorite list of locations and events just north of the Illinois border.
Places for Fun in Wisconsin
East Troy Electric Railroad & Museum
East Troy, WI.: 262-642-3263
A great way to experience old-time rail travel on a 10-mile trip through beautiful Southeast Wisconsin. Great for groups and birthday parties! Operating Fri., Sat. & Sun. during the summer.
Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
Lake Geneva, WI.: 262-248-9271
N3219 County Road H. A sky-high adventure for the whole family, no experience necessary! Open year round and featuring guided Zip Line Canopy Tours, High Ropes Excursion, Pet Friendly Hiking and Mountain Biking. $10 OFF COUPON
Kenosha Public Museum
Kenosha, WI.: 262-653-4140
5500 First Ave. Natural science and fine arts museum that tells the Wisconsin story. From primitive monsters of the deep waters, through the Ice Age, to the Native Americans in the fur trade era, featuring a life-size replica of the Hebior mammoth. The gift shop has souvenirs for the whole family. Free admission.
The Dancing Horses Theatre
Delavan, WI.: 262-728-8200
5065 Hwy 50. The Lake Geneva area’s most unique attraction. Year round, sit back and experience the beauty of The Dancing Horses Show, a magical journey. This one of a kind show is fantasy with a mix of whimsical performances. Enjoy our Exotic Bird Show, starring Echo, the Singing Bird. May-October Animal Gardens Petting Zoo. Visit our Baby Animal Barn and take a ride through the wildlife park. $5 OFF COUPON
Jelly Belly Visitor Center
Pleasant Prairie, WI.: 866-868-7522
10100 Jelly Belly Ln. Learn the secrets of making Jelly Belly beans through video presentations. Free samples. Retail store. Store 9am-5pm; Tour 9am-4pm; closed New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. 20% OFF COUPON
Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Kenosha, WI: 262-653-4450
5608 10th Ave. See the largest collection of meat-eating theropods – all in one gallery! Life-scale replicas created from actual dinosaur fossil bones. See real bones in the on-site Institute of Paleontology lab and be a junior paleontologist from 1-4pm every Sat. and Sun.! Free general admission.
Civil War Museum
Kenosha, WI: 262-653-4141
Explore the stories of the people of the upper middle west before, during and after the Civil War. “Seeing the Elephant,” a 360-degree digital movie experience, thrusts viewers into the middle of a battle. An 11-foot screen, visual, sound and motion effects enhance the experience. $9/general admission; members and children 15 & under: free.
Lake Geneva Cruise Line
Lake Geneva, WI.: 262-248-6206
812 Wrigley Dr. Take a sunset dinner cruise or the fun mailboat tour. Many tour options to choose from.
Lake Lawn Resort
Delavan: 800-338-5253
2400 E. Geneva St. Located on Delavan Lake with a full array of recreation, dining and activities. Three pools, mini-golf, water sports, spa, Majestic Oaks golf course, tennis court, playground, kid’s zone game room, beaches, a variety of casual dining options and plenty of room to just run and play.
Old World Wisconsin
Eagle, WI.: 262-594-6301
W372S9727_Hwy 67. Step back in time in this 1870s crossroads village with costumed characters and old-time baseball games.
Apple Holler
Sturtevant, WI.: 262-884-7100
5006 S. Sylvania Ave. Pick your own memories year round! 74-acre apple orchard contains 30 varieties and tons of family fun.
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee, WI.: 414-278-2702
800 W. Wells St. A premier natural history and science facilities, world-
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Milwaukee, WI.: 414-390-5437
929 E. Wisconsin Ave. Interactive educational museum featuring hands-on exhibits designed for kids 10 & under.
TravelWisconsin.com
Lake Geneva
Wisconsin Events
Thursdays, July 7 – Aug. 25, 6-8pm
Concerts in the Park
Lake Geneva, WI: (800) 345-1020, www.visitlakegeneva.com
Flat Iron Park. Free concert series featuring great variety with country, rock, Caribbean and jazz music.
July 16 – Aug. 7, 10am-5pm
The World of Little House
Eagle, WI: www.oldworldwisconsin.org
Old World Wisconsin, W372S9727 Hwy 67. Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in Wisconsin’s “Big Woods” in 1867 and filled a Little House book with her adventures in the Badger State. Experience her books during this three-week event filled with fun hands-on activities and performances. Free parking.
July 23-24
Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration
Baraboo, WI.: www.bigtopparade.com
Two-day celebration commemorating Baraboo as the historic home of the world-famous Ringling Bros. Circus. Big Top Parade at 2pm on Saturday, featuring over 75 traditional circus parade units and circus-theme entries. Concerts, children’s activities, a classic car show, an antique and artisan fair and more.
July 27-31
Racine County Fair
Union Grove, WI.: racinecountyfair.com
Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805_Durand_Ave. Old-time family, country fun! Livestock judging, demolition derby, carnival midway, food and music.
July 29-31
Racine Italian Fest
Racine, WI.: travelwisconsin.com/events
Festival Park, 5 Fifth St. Enjoy three days of great food, music, fireworks and family entertainment on Racine’s lakefront.
July 29 – 31
Shake the Lake Music Festival
Delavan, WI: 800-338-5253, www.lakelawnresort.com
Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St. Three-day festival packed with fun, food and drink. Friday: tribute bands U2 Zoo and Blooze Brothers. Saturday: 80s music and costume contest. Sunday: classic rock by Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight. Bags tournament, carnival games, and food trucks.
Aug. 6-7, 7pm-9am
USS COBIA Submarine Overnight
Manitowoc, WI: 920-684-0218 x106, www.wisconsinmaritime.org
75 Maritime Dr. Join the Navy for a night! Spend the night aboard USS COBIA for the night with interactives, learn how to dive the sub, _re the torpedoes, and aim the deck guns. $44/ person, ages 6 and up. At least 1 adult required per family.
Aug. 6, 1:30-5pm
1870s Base Ball Game
Eagle, WI: 262-594-6301, www.oldworldwisconsin.org
Old World Wisconsin, W372S9727 Hwy 67. The striker is at the line, the ball is pitched, underhanded, and a daisy-cutter is muffed by the fielder. Watch a game on our authentic 1870 base ball diamond, then try your hand at batting and fielding.
Aug. 13-14, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-4pm
Art in the Park
Lake Geneva, WI: (800) 345-1020, www.visitlakegeneva.com
Flat Iron Park. A juried fine art exhibition featuring pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and more.
Aug. 4-14
Wisconsin State Fair
West Allis, WI.: 800-884-FAIR, wistatefair.com
640 S. 84th St. Wisconsin State Fair has it all, from our famous cream puffs to live entertainment, tons of food/beverages, shopping, livestock, midway rides and much more.
Aug. 17-21
Venetian Festival
Lake Geneva, WI: (800) 345-1020, www.visitlakegeneva.com
Five-day festival with a carnival, water ski show, live music, craft fair, lighted boat parade and the area’s largest fireworks display over Geneva Lake. Take a break from the festivities at the brat stand and beer tent.
Aug. 17–21
Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA)_Annual Championship
Lake Geneva, WI: (800) 345-1020, www.visitlakegeneva.com
This five-day regatta attracts nearly 875 sailors and 250 boats, all competing for some of the most prestigious trophies. See some of the fastest mono-hull sailboats in the world.
Aug. 17-21
Kenosha County Fair
Wilmot, WI.: 262-862-6121, www.kenoshacofair.com
30820 111th St. Take the whole family out to the FAIR! Enjoy great food, attractions, entertainment, and more at the 96th Annual Kenosha County Fair!
Aug. 20 – 21, 10am-5pm
Heirloom Garden Weekend
Eagle, WI: 262-594-6301, www.oldworldwisconsin.org
Old World Wisconsin, W372S9727 Hwy 67. Participate in special programs, walking tours, mini-workshops, family activities and sampling of heirloom plants. Parking is free.
Aug. 26 – 28
Maxwell Street Days
Lake Geneva, WI: (800) 345-1020, www.visitlakegeneva.com
Scoop up the season’s best deals as stores in Downtown Lake Geneva feature bargains and specials during Maxwell Street Days, the largest sidewalk sale of the year.
Sept. 9-11
Indian Summer Festival
Milwaukee, WI.: www.indiansummer.org
Summerfest grounds. Festival to educate, preserve and promote American Indian and diverse tribal cultures. See a smoke dance competition and drum jams, sample traditional food and festival favorites. Parade on Sunday at 3pm.