Volume One’s travel guide to help you make like a banana and split.
Editor/Writer: Briana Krantz & Trevor Kupfer Design: Brian Moen
VolumeOne.org 29 April 30, 2009
MAKE MY DAY! a guide to the best nearby cities for day trips
Baraboo, Wi.
138
138 miles – about 2 hours 23 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
more than 300 tons of scrap metal.
International Crane Foundation
– Housing all 15 crane species, including one of the world’s rarest birds, the Whooping crane. Devil’s Lake – With hiking, camping, sightseeing, and swimming, Devil’s Lake makes for a great weekend trip, too!
Hudson, Wi.
66
65.6 miles – about 1 hour 14 minutes*
comes to town every day at Circus World. On the grounds of the original Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters, Circus World has the world’s largest collection of circus wagons and every summer includes live performances.
ming or Frisbee golfing, try the trout fishing, canoe on peaceful Little Falls lake, hike the 13 miles of scenic trails, or rock climb the gorge!
parade is a celebration of brats, beer, bands, and Bavaria.
108
108 miles – about 1 hour 55 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
National Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum – Ever stood inside a giant
Oktoberfest – The state’s largest
Tomah, Wi.
81
81 miles – about 1 hour 27 minutes*
110 miles – about 2 hours*
ATTRACTIONS:
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge – A refuge for numerous endangered and rare species, including the Karner blue butterflies. You’re sure to see some beautiful animals and insects.
Stockholm, Wi.
59
58.7 miles – about 1 hour 52 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Pizza Farm – Pizzas with ingredients fresh from the farm, out in the middle of nowhere. Does it get any better than that? We think not. EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Stockholm Midsommer Swedish Festival – Celebrating summer in true
grown, and see some cool exhibits.
old country fashion, with foods, raising of the majstång (Midsommer pole), and an evening bonfire.
Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center – Learn how cranberries are EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Shakopee, Mn.
110
110 miles – about 2 hours*
ATTRACTIONS:
92
91.9 miles – about 1 hour 51 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
110
ATTRACTIONS:
fish? Well, here you can. The giant, leaping Muskellunge’s open jaw can accommodate about 20 people and looks out onto Lake Hayward, the city, and museum grounds. Enjoy another 300 mounted fish and about 1,000 antique motors on display throughout the grounds, plus over 50,000 vintage artifacts in the museum.
La Crosse, Wi. The Land of Evermore - Amazing scrap metal statues of animals, whatcha-ma-call-its, and more, featuring the Forevertron machine made of
road artifacts. Two separate buildings, but one bunch of fun.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Hayward, Wi.
Necedah, Wi.
The Little Falls Doll and Railroad Museum – That’s right, dolls and rail-
ATTRACTIONS:
Willow River State Park – Go swim-
Circus World Museum - The circus
mobiles, 650 pedal cars, airplanes, tractors, antique motorcycles, scooters, bikes, and over 35,000 dolls and toys. The largest museum of its kind, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at this museum. Fort Mc Coy – Have your picture taken with a tank and pretend you have the power to take over the world, complete with shooting noises through your teeth. Niagara Cave – See a 130-foot waterfall from 60 feet under the ground, or explore the many caves, canyons, and gorges.
Elmer’s Museum – Over 100 auto-
Warrens Cranberry Festival – Good food, music, places to shop, and cranberries galore!
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Valleyfair Amusement Park – Do you enjoy screaming like a little girl
on rollercoaster rides? This is the place for you. You’ll probably end up screaming next to a little girl. Either way, it’s a blast. Sever’s Corn Maze – Because corn mazes never go out of style.
Stillwater, Mn.
States. Yeah, it’s that cool.
– Minnesota’s largest free festival, jam-packed with good eats.
ATTRACTIONS:
Warden’s House Museum – This
house served as residence for 13 wardens of the first territorial prison in the Northwest. It now houses a diverse collection of prison artifacts.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Lumberjack Days – National-act
concerts and lumberjack shows, plus one of the largest musically choreographed fireworks shows in the United
56
56.2 miles – about 1 hour 56 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
LARK toys – Over 20,000 square feet of toys, including a hand-carved carousel, fresh homemade fudge, miniature golf, and an antique toy museum.
74
74.3 miles – about 1 hour 27 minutes*
Kellogg, Mn.
Red Wing, Mn.
Mpls & St Paul, Mn. 84
84 miles – about 1 hour 39 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
84 miles – about 1 hour 30 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Walker Art Center – One of the nation’s best contemporary art museums also has an outdoor sculpture garden, fine dining, cinema, dance, and theater productions. EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Taste of Minnesota (Harriet Island)
84
Basilica Block Party – This weekend-long outdoor music festival at the Basilica in St. Paul always features sweet tunes.
Outdoor Activities – Go rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, bald eagle watching, horseback riding, and more. Historic Train Depot – Train and architecture fun. Cannon Valley Trail – A converted rail line running along the Mississippi River.
* indicates approximate distance and travel time from Eau Claire. Actual time may vary based on driver foot density, financial means and/or impatience level.
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VACATION TIME the very best spots for week/weekend trips that Wisconsin and Minnesota have to offer
cars, live music, crafts, and festival food items to make your mouth water.
Cedarburg, Wi.
267
267 miles – about 4 hours 33 minutes*
Blue Mounds, Wi. 179 179 miles – about 3 hours 21 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
hang out and watch the planes.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Sawdust Days – Five days of music, food, parades, and fireworks on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Waterfest – Celebrate summer with music. Lots of music.
Appleton, Wi.
199
199 miles – about 3 hours 31 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Cave of the Mounds – Colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and many other formations, millions of years old, await you in this underground gem of a natural landmark. Little Norway – Travel back in time as you tour the authentic Norse architecture and beautiful grounds.
Oshkosh, Wi.
199
199 miles – about 3 hours 27 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Experimental Aircraft Association
– See an air show, take a ride, or just
Hearthstone Historic House Museum – Explore the first home in the world lit by hydroelectricity, a beautiful 1880s Victorian home with a hands-on hydro-adventure center.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Cedarburg’s annual festival celebrates the most luscious fruit of the season. Check out the art, quilts, live music, and more.
RECOMMENDED WATERPARKS:
Strawberry Festival – Historic
Door County, Wi. 267 267 miles – about 5 hours 33 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Lighthouses – Tour any of the many lighthouses located in and around Door County. Chartered boat tours – Catch some dinner, and have fun doing it. EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Festival of Blossoms – Celebrate
spring by checking out all the pretty flowers, art, tasty food, and fun music.
Wisconsin Dells 127
The History Museum at the Castle
– A former Masonic Temple, now housing many cool exhibits, including artifacts owned by Harry Houdini.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
License to Cruise and Octoberfest
– A weekend jam-packed with classic
about the Ducks, but also try a geological trip through Coldwater Canyon or a romantic sunset boat stroll. HH Bennett Studio – A museum commemorating the photographer that made Wisconsin Dells famous.
127 miles – about 2 hours 11 minutes*
Wo-Zha-Wa Festival – Celebrate autumn with arts and crafts, markets, live entertainment, and the state’s second-largest parade. Kalahari Resort (for indoor fun) Noah’s Ark (for outdoor fun) Mt. Olympus (for the most variety) Wilderness Resort (for golf) Chula Vista (for families)
Detroit Lakes, Mn. 312 312 miles – about 5 hours*
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
10,000 Lakes Festival – Great music, camping, and all-around good times are bound to happen at this festival. Wilco and Dave Matthews are on this year’s bill.
Minocqua, Wi.
164
ATTRACTIONS:
164 miles – about 2 hours 53 minutes*
– A live outdoor show of professional water skiers, and a hands-on science center your kids won’t want to leave. Dells Boat Tours – Everyone knows
Beef-a-Rama – Local businesses partake in themed beef cook-offs, which are then paraded around town and eventually made into sandwiches.
Tommy Bartlett Show & Exploratory
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
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Eagle River, Wi. 182
Bayfield, Wi.
180
182 miles – about 3 hours 25 minutes*
180 miles – about 3 hours 25 minutes*
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
ATTRACTIONS:
fun with drinks, quilts, markets, food, a huge cheesecake, and other such entertainment. Annual Paul Bunyan Fest – A family event packed with chain saw carving, arts and crafts, cook-offs, food, and entertainment.
– Hike, camp, see some lighthouses, and just generally enjoy some cool islands.
Annual Cranberry Fest – Family
Ashland, Wi.
166
166 miles – about 3 hours*
ATTRACTIONS:
Apostle Islands & Madeline Island
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Apple Festival – One of the most popular autumn festivals in America. Plus, who doesn’t love apples? Big Top Chautauqua – Big tents house a bunch of great music throughout summer.
Milwaukee, Wi.
247
247 miles – about 4 hours*
ATTRACTIONS:
Ore Dock – One of the largest concrete structures on earth, the ore dock stretches 1,800 feet into Lake Superior. Cruises – Take a cruise to the Apostle Islands. Waterfalls – Waterfalls are pretty any time of year, and Ashland has a bunch.
museum that is a piece of art in itself.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Summerfest – This week-long music
festival is the biggest in WI or MN.
Madison, Wi.
180
180 miles – about 3 hours*
ATTRACTIONS:
20,000 works (including pieces by Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Frank Lloyd Wright) reside in this
155
155 miles – about 2 hours 54 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
Canal Park – Stroll the lakeshore and check out the shops, restaurants, lighthouses, and more. Buy popcorn and feed the seagulls (at your own risk).
Olbrich Botanical Gardens – If you enjoy really pretty scenery and sniffing flowers, the beauty of the gardens will surely please your senses.
Orpheum Theatre – A
great place to see a film, show, or concert, dine, or get married. If any of those things are on your todo list. Henry Vilas Zoo – As if zoos weren’t already awesome, this one is FREE and supported by community donations.
EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Milwaukee Art Museum – More than
Duluth, Mn.
Johnsonville World’s Largest Brat Fest – Support local organizations by eating brats and hot dogs, while seeing some cool entertainment. Sheboygan, the Brat Capital of the World, has a big one, too.
Glensheen Mansion – The Historic Congdon Estate is a beautiful house showing life in the early 20th century, and also the murder site of Elisabeth Congdon. EVENTS/FESTIVALS:
Bayfront Blues Festival – An annual four-day festival of nothin’ but blues on Lake Superior. RECOMMENDED PLACE TO STAY:
The Edge Edgewater Resort & Waterpark – Two four-and-a-half story waterslides, pools galore, and a 400foot lazy river.
Continued on page 35
* indicates approximate distance and travel time from Eau Claire. Actual time may vary based on driver foot density, financial means and/or impatience level.
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REST STOPS & ROAD TRIP
RARITIES
a guide to some of the oddest attractions in Wisconsin and Minnesota E X PE R I E N C I N G
Wisconsin NOTABLE DESTINATIONS
Phillips, WI – Concrete Park
Monster, Rival of the Hodag Sparta, WI – FAST: The Fiberglass Statue Factory
Cornell, WI
– World’s Only Pulpwood Stacker
West Bend, WI – Regal Ware Museum (kitchenware, West Bend’s first pudding pan, and the world’s first whistling tea kettle) Wisconsin Dells, WI – Museum of Historic Torture Devices Elkhorn, WI – Watson’s Wild West Museum Burlington, WI – Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum Mt. Horeb, WI – Mount Horeb Mustard Museum Spring Green, WI –
Minnesota Mora, MN – Giant Dala Horse International Falls, MN –
– Sissy the Cow; Pink Elephant with Glasses
Smokey the Bear, World’s Largest Thermometer, Coldest spot of continental US
GEOGRAPHICAL ODDITIES
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Rhinelander, WI – Home of the Hodag Monico, WI – Rhinelapus: Tree Root
E X PE R I E N C I N G
NOTABLE DESTINATIONS
Deforest, WI
Hayward, WI – National
Birnamwood, WI – World’s Largest Badger Hurley, WI – World’s Largest Corkscrew Lac du Flambeau, WI – World’s Largest Sturgeon Baraboo, WI – World’s Largest Metal Sculpture, Forevertron
Lake Delton, WI – Wonder Spot (You can’t stand erect or walk in a straight line, water flows up, and objects balance oddly) Poniatowski-Rietbrock, WI – Exact Center of the Northern Half of the Western Hemisphere
The House on the Rock
WORLD’S LARGEST
Minocqua, WI –
Clintonville, WI – Portion of the Great Wall of China
Manitowoc, WI – Sputnik Crashed Here
New Ulm, MN
– Glockenspiel Clock Tower (45-foot musical performing clock tower) Longville, MN – Turtle Race Capital of the World (hold races every Wednesday in summer) Akeley, MN – Paul Bunyan Statue and Birthplace Hibbing, MN – Greyhound Bus Origin Center
GEOGRAPHICAL ODDITIES
Plainfield, WI – Serial
Killer Ed Gein’s Hometown and Grave
World’s Largest Penny Sparta, WI – World’s Largest Bicyclist Sheboygan, WI – Largest American Flag Milwaukee, WI – World’s Largest Four-Faced Clock Marshfield, WI – World’s Largest Round Barn Laona, WI –
MUST-SEE MUSEUMS
Superior, WI –
Angle Inlet, MN – Northernmost Post Office in the Contiguous US Fergus Falls, MN – Continental Divide Marker Kerkhoven, MN – Singing Highway (tire sound changes pitch five times) Soudan, MN – Deepest Place You Can Go in America MUST-SEE MUSEUMS
Austin, MN –
Spam Museum
World of Accordions Museum
World’s Largest Six Pack Kewaunee, WI – World’s Largest Grandfather Clock Lake Nebagamon, WI –
Montgomery, MN – Big Honza’s Museum of Unnatural History Northfield, MN – Jesse James Museum Grand Rapids, MN – Judy
Garland Museum Wykoff, MN – Ed’s Museum. Ed labeled everything in his old store and apartment upstairs, as if it were a museum. Even his gallstones. And his dead cat.
WORLD’S LARGEST World’s Largest Twine Ball (in terms of weight) Spring Green, WI – World’s Largest Carousel
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Crookston, MN – World’s Largest Ox Cart Erskine, MN – World’s Largest Northern Pike Statue
Mankato, MN –
Nevis, MN – World’s Largest Tiger Muskie Rush City, MN – World’s Largest Walleye Statue Darwin, MN – World’s Largest Twine Ball (made by one person)
VACATION TIME continued from page 33 Two Harbors, Mn. 181
Lanesboro, Mn. 145
181 miles – about 3 hours 31 minutes*
145 miles – about 2 hours 57 minutes*
ATTRACTIONS:
ATTRACTIONS:
Gooseberry Falls State Park – Follow
the trails of this beautiful park full of wildlife, waterfalls, and other pictureperfect scenery.
World’s Largest Revolver Frazee, MN – World’s Largest Turkey Statue
Split Rock Lighthouse
North St. Paul, MN – World’s Largest Stucco Snowman
Madison, MN –
World’s Largest Codfish/Lutefisk Capital
Pelican Rapids, MN – World’s Largest Pelican Statue Virginia, MN – World’s Largest Floating Loon Statue
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–Almost 100 years old, it has been restored to its 1920s appearance. One of Minnesota’s best-known landmarks.
Root River State Bike Trail – A 60-mile trail through 300-foot bluffs along the Root River. Enjoy biking and hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more.
Forestville/Mystery Cave – See natural wonders above and below ground. Historic Forestville is a restored 1800s village. Mystery Cave holds fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools.