Devil's Lake State Park

If you can’t wait to experience the natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer, Devil’s Lake State Park is the place to see. Spanning 3,730 hectares, the park is one of the state’s largest and it offers a diverse range of scenery to enjoy. One park attraction that takes top billing is its namesake, Devil’s Lake. Crafted by glaciers throughout the ages, the rectangular lake covers over 150 hectares.

Chippewa Falls

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls is a day trip destination full of hidden gems. Get comfortable at the quaint Glen Loch Inn and explore a wide variety of attractions clustered around the downtown area. These include the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology – a must-see stop for science and technology buffs. After all, Chippewa Falls is the birthplace of supercomputer pioneer Seymour Cray.

Take a tour of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, the seventh-oldest brewery in the U.S. and Chippewa Falls’ oldest operating business, then take a walk on the wild side at the Irvine Park Zoo, home to an amazing assortment of wildlife including tigers, black bears and cougars.

The best time to visit Chippewa Falls is around Christmas time, when the entire city gets into the holiday spirit with lights, parades and a host of fun activities. The Chippewa Falls Christmas Village in Irvine Park is a sight to behold with over 100 lighted displays.

Wisconsin Dells

Located just an hour’s drive away from Madison, Wisconsin Dells has a charm all its own. Named after the Dells of the Wisconsin river, the city of nearly 3,000 residents offers a nearly bewildering array of attractions to discover. You’ll find plenty of dining and lodging choices within the downtown area, which also features charming alpine-inspired architecture for most of its buildings, creating a whimsical theme that makes on-foot exploration a bit more interesting.

Wisconsin Dells is home to several exciting theme parks, including Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park Resort and Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark. Grab a few new outfits at Outlets at the Dells and explore the city’s historical landmarks, including the H.H. Bennett Studio.

Mineral Point

Located in the southwest corner of the state, Mineral Point offers a rich history and a quaint downtown area that highlights the city’s innate charm. Many of the lovingly-restored buildings in the city center date well before Wisconsin gained statehood. After exploring the town, drop by the Pendarvis historic site and discover more about the city’s role in the zinc and lead mining industry and the Cornish miners who settled the city in the 1820s and built the cabins on the site, with each one restored to its original state.

New Glarus

Located southwest of Madison, New Glarus is yet another intriguing destination that’s worthy of a road trip. First settled by Swiss immigrants during the mid-1800s, the village exudes a delightful Old-World charm. Stop by the Chalet of the Golden Fleece, designed and built by Jacob Rieder, and get a glimpse of rare and unique antiquities dating back millennia. The Bernese Mountain Chalet replica was also home to Edwin Barlow, a world traveler who brought the William Tell play to America in the 1930s. If you’re a beer buff, then you’ll love touring the New Glarus Brewing Company and sampling its year-round and seasonal brews.

Spring Green

Head west of Madison along U.S. Highway 14 and you’ll find Spring Green, a bucolic village that’s home to a vast array of must-see attractions. These include Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s sprawling 800-acre estate featuring buildings spanning the prolific architect’s career. There’s also the House on the Rock, a spectacular attraction combining natural beauty with a number of quirky curiosities, including a 218-foot “Infinity Room” and the world’s largest indoor carousel with over 20,000 lights and over 200 animals.