Whether it’s our fresh spin on food and drinks or the world-class museums, performing arts venues and cultural centers, Wisconsin knows how to make a day spent indoors a day well-spent. Here’s to memorable experiences no matter the weather.
Take in a local perspective on Civil War history in Kenosha (Kenosha County)
Explore the lesser-known stories of the Civil War at The Civil War Museum in Kenosha. This museum focuses on the perspectives of the people from Wisconsin and six other Midwest states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio.
These states sent more than a million men to the war and supplied a large amount of food for the Union Army. The museum uses personal stories and narratives to share how the Civil War affected these seven states before, during and after the war. You’ll find interactive, engaging exhibits, a veterans’ memorial gallery and events exploring this time in history.
Once you’ve finished up at the museum, check into The Stella Hotel & Ballroom. This stately, century-old hotel is right in downtown Kenosha. Find modern amenities like a rooftop bar, stylishly decorated rooms, two restaurants and a historic game room.
For dinner, it’s a quick drive from the hotel to Boat House Pub & Eatery situated right on the harbor. The restaurant is a local gem for seafood, sandwiches, salads and more. Try the house-favorite Mexican street corn served on crispy tostadas. Then for a main dish, the cilantro lime shrimp salad and scallops with herbed risotto are new favorites on the menu.
Museum hop in Madison for the weekend (Dane County)
Take in history and culture by touring the museums in downtown Madison. Next to the Capitol, you’ll find the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Historical Museum across from each other. Explore our state’s rich Indigenous history, browse curated items from the Civil War through present day and form a connection between the past and present.
And make a trip to the Historical Museum soon. Many of the artifacts will be put into storage at the end of November to prepare for the eventual reconstruction of the museum.
For the next stop on your museum tour, visit the Chazen Museum of Art and its stunning collection of over 24,000 works spanning different time periods, mediums, genres and cultures. Open seven days a week, wind your way through several floors of the museum to find galleries and featured exhibitions.
To complete the trip, stay at Hotel Indigo for art-inspired lodging. A landmark former paint warehouse was converted into this boutique hotel. You’ll find creative murals throughout and paint-themed artwork that embraces the hotel’s historic past, along with comfortable modern amenities.
Head to Wausau for a cultural and culinary trip (Marathon County)
The Grand Theater has been the cornerstone of the Wausau arts community for nearly a century. This gorgeous venue in the heart of downtown draws big name acts. Hundreds of theatrical performances, bands, comedians, ballet companies and community events are hosted each year.
Plan your trip around one of these shows for a remarkable experience. Visit in November or December, and you’ll catch one of the many holiday concerts and plays the Grand Theater is hosting.
A short walk from the theater, Back When Café has embraced farm-to-table cuisine for three decades. Reserve a table for dinner at this local favorite. The menu is full of gourmet appetizers and tantalizing entrees. All the dishes prioritize fresh and local ingredients. And the same level of care put into the food applies to the welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
To wrap up your night, head to Timekeeper Distillery for craft cocktails. Sip on a tried-and-true drink like the bee’s knees. Or go with the distillery’s original cocktail creations, including one that uses a beet-infused gin! The distillery is located inside a historic train depot constructed in 1901. The building was designed by the same architect behind Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Start your fall getaway at TravelWisconsin.com
