Explore Wisconsin
These destinations around the state are worth the drive.
Weekend Getaways
CASTLE LA CROSSE
In the heart of La Crosse’s historic district, Castle La Crosse Bed and Breakfast offers a luxurious stay in a beautiful 19th century castle originally built for a lumber baron. The Queen Anne-style B&B, with a beautiful tower, has five guest suites, all with luxurious private bathrooms. Daily breakfast is made with ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. Visitors can enjoy a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, a family vacation or outdoor adventure in one of the state’s most charming towns.
La Crosse has 200 miles of biking trails, hiking in the bluffs, kayaking and boating, plus many parks and a beach to explore. The walkable downtown along the Mississippi River is home to boutique shops and award-winning restaurants including Lovechild, featured in Milwaukee Magazine in 2022. castlelacrossebnb.com
GREATER RICHLAND AREA
With the buzz of the holidays past, there’s no better time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the stillness of nature. The Greater Richland Area is known for its slower pace of living, peaceful seclusion and friendly folks – a serene place to take a break. Throughout the Greater Richland area are several season-specific lodging rentals that are conducive to a relaxing winter stay.
Anaway Place is a collection of seven charming cabins, complete with beautiful views and amenities, including woodstove fireplaces, firepits and outdoor patios. Ridge Valley Hospitality, a collection of Scandinavian-style tiny homes, offers Finnish saunas and complimentary snowshoes. Other Driftless Area rentals are available including a restored mill/cottage available through Airbnb. More seasonal lodging options can be found at richlandcenterwi.gov/ tourism under “unique lodging.” greater richlandtourism.com
WHITEWATER
A weekend winter getaway in Whitewater is just an hour’s drive west. Book a room at the historic Hamilton House B&B, which features in-room jacuzzi tubs for you and a loved one, or bring the whole family to the Baymont Inn & Suites, where you can enjoy the heated indoor pool.
Weather permitting, grab a sled at the Sled Shed and take a trip down the “Killer Hill” at Trippe Lake Park, or take a walk through the trails at Natureland Park. Check DNR Events ( dnr.wisconsin.gov/ events) for dates of the park’s candlelight ski/hike along the Nordic Trail.
There are many options for dinner, including La Piazza Pizzeria, Bingg’s Farmstead Restaurant, Taco Fresco and dozens of others. Make it a weekend of relaxation with a visit to Botanica Beauty Parlor, Blue Sage massage or Lovely Lashes, where you can enjoy a variety of beauty, massage and facial treatments that will leave you refreshed and ready to face the week ahead. discoverwhitewater.org
Staycations
THE PFISTER HOTEL
Milwaukee’s newly renovated Pfister Hotel is one of the city’s iconic institutions, blending historic elegance and modern luxuries. And you don’t need to stay the night to enjoy the hotel’s many amenities.
The lobby features marble columns, grand chandeliers and a cocktail bar, the Lobby Lounge, great for local visitors and hotel guests alike. Or venture to the 23rd floor where you’ll find Blu, a lounge featuring signature craft cocktails and panoramic views of the city. Along the way, stop to see the Artist in Residence studio to interact with the current artist and see their works on display. This renowned program is a complement to the hotel’s impressive Victorian art collection – the largest of its kind at any hotel in the world.
Consider a visit to WELL Spa + Salon, where visitors can relax with a deluxe spa
service or beauty treatment, including massages, hair and nail services, skin care, and bodywork. Wrap an evening at the award-winning Mason Street Grill with wood-grilled steaks and fresh seafood, an extensive wine list and nightly live music. thepfisterhotel.com
MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
On its beautiful lakefront campus, the Milwaukee Art Museum is the state’s largest art institution and is home to an incredible collection of international art. Its four floors of art span centuries and styles, so it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring the halls and wings, discovering new favorites and learning about different art movements and creators. In addition to a world-class collection, the museum offers engaging educational programs, art-making workshops and community events, including the return of MAM After Dark, which opens the institution for after-hours parties on select Fridays.
Now through Feb. 23, the exhibition “Robert Longo: The Acceleration of History” will be on display, showcasing nearly 40 drawings, sculptures, and videos he’s created since 2014, with a focus on The Destroyer Cycle , a collection of charcoal drawings that visualize the country’s struggles with police violence, injustices and power imbalances. And on display through March 16 is the exhibit “True Story: Photography, Journalism, and Media,” demonstrating the ways that photographers and artists communicate the impact of global events through their images. mam.org
POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL
Live entertainment, bars and restaurants, comfortable lodging, sports wagering, thousands of slots and table games all in one beautiful Downtown location – that’s Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Start your night at one of the drinking and dining options throughout the casino. Enjoy a large menu of pan-Asian dishes at RuYi, American dishes at The Kitchen (located in the sportsbook), chophouse offerings at Dream Dance Steakhouse and over 50 brews and classic pub fare at Rock & Brews Restaurant, owned by legendary rockers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS. Last year, Potawatomi opened the city’s only sportsbook, a game changer for sports enthusiasts. The renovated space seats over 200 visitors across 6,500 square feet and two floors. The 2,000-square-foot LED screen, visible from every part of the space, and over 20 televisions broadcast a variety of games, alongside 20 sports betting kiosks. In addition to the 15-table deluxe poker room, table gamers can play blackjack, blackjack with EZ baccarat, craps, four card poker, Mississippi stud, pai gow poker, roulette and ultimate Texas hold ’em. paysbig.com ◆
