4 minute read
The Ultimate Wisco Road Trip
COMBINE OUTDOORS WITH ICONS FOR AN AUTHENTIC WISCONSIN BUCKET-LIST ADVENTURE
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
From rooftop goats to a musky-shaped museum, Wisconsin is full of unique roadside attractions. Many popular stops also have nearby outdoor activities, so you can explore beautiful scenery, load up on fresh air and stretch your legs while checking off must-see wonders on your bucket list.
Use this guide to plan a road trip that combines iconic roadside stops with outdoor fun nearby.
MARS CHEESE CASTLE
Located at the Wisconsin-Illinois border in Kenosha, you can’t miss this massive cheesethemed castle while driving along I-41/94. Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a great place to stop if you’re in the area. The 4,500acre park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and more.
PINKIE THE PINK ELEPHANT
Found in DeForest, Pinkie lives at the Shell Station along I-90/94 by the Highway V exit. Nearby, you can visit the MacKenzie Center, less than 20 minutes due north in Poynette, to learn about the natural world through interpretive trails, exhibits and museums. Governor Nelson State Park is about 20 minutes to the south and features a sandy beach on Lake Mendota, a boat launch, a fish cleaning facility, picnic areas, playground equipment and more than 8 miles of trails.
MASSIVE MUSKY
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward welcomes visitors with its landmark giant musky building. After visiting this “shrine to anglers,” take in the beauty of the Northwoods at places like Copper Falls State Park and the Flambeau River State Forest, both just a little over an hour’s drive away.
LARGEST LOON & JUMBO PENNY
In Mercer, you’ll find the Claire d'Loon, a 16-foot, 2,000-pound singing loon billed as the “world’s largest talking loon.” And just down the road in Woodruff, you’ll find the world’s largest penny. While in the area, there are outdoor areas to explore galore, including the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area and the Bearskin State Trail.
MEGA POTATO MASHER
Learn about agriculture in Plover and visit the world’s largest potato masher, an iconic 3-ton masher, at the Food and Farm Exploration Center. Then head to the Green Circle or Tomorrow River state trails to enjoy 60 miles of riverfront, prairie, wetland, forest and glacial terrain scenery.
GET YOUR GOATS & MORE
While you’re in Door County to see the famous rooftop goats at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, head over to one of the area’s five state parks: Newport (Ellison Bay), Peninsula (Fish Creek), Potawatomi (Sturgeon Bay), Rock Island (off the northern tip of the Door Peninsula) and Whitefish Dunes (Sturgeon Bay). From exploring miles of hiking trails along the Lake Michigan shoreline to admiring lighthouses, your water adventures await in Door County.
BEER HERE
La Crosse is home to the world’s largest six-pack, which is a colossal metal ode to beer, and several fun outdoor activities. From fishing on the Mississippi River to exploring the Great River State Trail or nearby Perrot State Park, you’re sure to enjoy this outdoor lovers’ haven.
M IS FOR MINING
Platteville is home to a huge letter M — 241 feet high and 214 feet wide — topping Platte Mound as a tribute to the area’s mining history and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Belmont Mound State Park is about 10 minutes away, where the top of Belmont Mound rises 1,400 feet above sea level and provides fantastic views of the area.
