10 Places to Visit on Your Trip to Wisconsin

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A mix of natural adventures and city sights make the Badger State a great place for your next family trip. State parks provide plenty of space for visitors to hike and bike, while museums and zoos offer educational opportunities that are fun for everyone. Add these day trips to your list of things to do in Wisconsin, whether you're camping
, RVing or just staying for a day.
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee
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With more than 2,000 mammals, fish, amphibians, birds and reptiles, plus special events, there's plenty to see and do at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Not to mention, free family days help make it an affordable outing. Regardless of when you go, check out the zip line, Sky Safari glider and wild theater.
Cave of the Mounds
Blue Mounds
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The Cave of the Mounds has been a Wisconsin-favorite for more than 75 years. Down in the caves you can take a tour, mine for gemstones, and dig for fossils. Afterward, head above ground to the rolling hills of the Wisconsin prairie. Up here, the whole family can participate in free interpretive programs, walk through the Butterfly Gardens, or stroll along the Oak Savanna nature trails. Pitch your tent at Blue Mound State Park to get the full experience.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
Hales Corners
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With more than 40 acres of gardens, brilliant colors and sweet smells jump out at you around every corner. But, don't just mosey from garden to garden; take a guided tour to learn about the flowers and get 10 percent off at the gift shop when you sign up. Tours are only available mid-April through mid-October, so plan accordingly. Don't forget to see what's in bloom before you head out.
Mirror Lake State Park
Wisconsin Dells
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Water activities are the focus at this state park, named after the stillness and purity of its centerpiece, a small reservoir lake. Anglers can spend days relaxing on the shores with a fishing pole in hand and if you get lucky, you'll head home with a Northern pike, walleye or largemouth bass. Non-anglers can rent a canoe or kayak and spend the day swimming.

On land, this state park offers even more active opportunities. Explore 28.4 miles of hiking trails in the summer months, and 17.4 miles of cross-country ski trails in the winter. Bring your tent and spend a few days exploring the park.
Old World Wisconsin
Eagle
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Step into the late 19th century at this historical museum. Immerse yourself in the culture when you visit Crossroads Village, a replica of a typical town during this time period. Walk around the property to discover traditional cooking methods, hands on activities, gardens and more. At the end of the day, pitch your tent at Kettle Moraine State Forest, less than 5 miles from the museum.
Bay Beach Amusement Park
Green Bay
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Situated on the mouth of the Fox River, this amusement park is a great place to visit with little ones. With a variety of classic rides, kids will have fun running from the race cars to the merry go round to the giant slide and more. Don't leave without taking a ride to the top of the Ferris wheel, where you can see out across the river and surrounding landscape of lush forests.
Wyalusing State Park
Wyalusing
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Bring your inner adventurer to this state park—there are over 2,500 acres to explore and plenty of ways to do it. Rent a canoe to row through the canoe trail or stay on land and try one of the 10 trails accessible from the park. Hit the 3.5-mile Mississippi Ridge trail, with gently rolling terrain, ideal for a family afternoon outing.

In between hikes, explore the stargazing facility and biking trails, and keep an eye out for local birds and regional wildflowers. Can't fit it all in one day? Reserve a campsite at the park and take a few days to see everything.
Miller Park
Milwaukee
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Add a ballgame to your list of things to do in Wisconsin. But don't just sit back with a hot dog and soda for the game. Call in advance and reserve your spot on an MVP tour of the stadium where you can see the media interview room, batting cages and player suites. Be sure to note all of Miller Park's special features before you leave, such as its unique dome roof and large HD scoreboard, one of the biggest in the league.
Big Foot Beach State Park
Lake Geneva
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Though you probably won't see Big Foot here, you will find 5 miles of hiking trails, a sandy shoreline, volleyball courts and a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of the night. Plan your trip around one of the park's events like the Festival of Lights in the winter or the Corn and Brat Fest in the Fall.
House on the Rock
Spring Green
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Designed by visionary Alex Jordan, the House on the Rock was built using eclectic sights and sounds to stimulate the senses of visitors. "He wanted guests to question his creation, to come to their own conclusions and turn his world of dreams into their own," according to the website. As one of the most unique things to do in Wisconsin, this house perched on a rock is a must-see for everyone. Whimsical, exotic rooms and Asian gardens with cascading waterfalls make it an interesting and surreal experience.
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