You may know Wisconsin as the Cheese Capital of the World or home to the Green Bay Packers football team, but it’s also TotalMed’s homebase! We know you’re probably thinking, “Why would I want to travel to Wisconsin for my next assignment?” Well, Wisconsin is its own hidden gem of a state with gorgeous state forests, lakes, and unique sites to see! Still need convincing? Check out our top bucket list things to do during your Wisconsin travel assignment!
1 – Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI
Balancing Rock at Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo Wisconsin
One of the more popular state parks in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake has it all from relaxing on the beach by the lake to hiking alongside stunning rock formations that stand over 500 feet tall! The lake itself is roughly 360 acres, which means plenty of trails around it to explore. If hiking Devil’s Lake, we recommend checking out the East Bluff to view the popular Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway rock formations. Devil’s Lake also has several campsites for camping via tent or RV, but make sure to get a reservation early as spots fill up rather quickly during the summer.
2 – Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
As stated above, Wisconsin is home to the Green Bay Packers, who is also the only team in the NFL that’s publicly owned! For being home to a football team, Green Bay is relatively small compared to other sports team cities. If you’re assigned near Northern Wisconsin, be sure to either take a tour of Lambeau Field or catch a game if in season. Honestly, the energy of the Green Bay fans is so much fun to be around. Lambeau Field is filled with history of not only the team, but the city itself. Plus, if you schedule a tour, you’ll get to experience walking through the tunnel onto the field as the crowd cheers you on. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
3 – Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern, Appleton, WI
While most items on our bucket lists are site to see, we couldn’t not add Cleo’s Tavern as this place is pretty great. Located in downtown Appleton, Cleo’s is a local favorite for amazing drinks and lively atmosphere. When you first walk into the bar, you’ll quickly notice all the holiday decorations that gives this place its charm. All of their drinks are phenomenal, but we highly recommend their Dirty Snowball or Jingle Juice! Once you’re finished there, continue on down the stretch for cute shops, restaurants, and you guessed it, more bars.
4 – House on the Rock, Spring Green, WI
House on the Rock Famous Carousel in Spring Green, Wisconsin Photo Credit: The Roller Codester
This may be one of the most unique attractions ever created! House on the Rock was created back in 1945 by architect, Alex Jordan. He stumbled upon Deer Shelter Rock in the 1940s, fell in love with the area, and is now where House on the Rock resides. Jordan has a very unusual, but amazing imagination. House on the Rock is filled with intriguing exhibits featuring a 200-foot sea monster battling a squid, or the ever-famous Largest Carousel in History with 269 animals (weirdly no horses), and music machines that match the madness of your experience.
5 – Elroy-Sparta State Trail, runs between Elroy and Sparta, WI
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was created on an old railroad line, and actually is the first rail-to-trail in the United States. If you love bicycling, we highly recommend checking out this unique trail featuring three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route between Elroy and Sparta. This trail is only open during from spring to fall, and closed during winter to help keep the tunnels warmer. Be sure to bring flashlights if you decide to bike this trail as the tunnels are very dark!
6 – Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds, WI
A National Natural Landmark, the Cave of the Mounds is a stunning limestone cave that’s opened year-round! Along with taking a tour of the cave, there are also hiking trails and gardens around the area, along with gemstone mining and fossil hunts. Cave of the Mounds also offers events throughout the year including Blacklight Tours, Dino Week, or Christmas in the Cave during the holiday season. You can also take a piece of the cave home with you from their gift shop!
7 – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, off Bayfield Peninsula
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore off Bayfield Peninsula Photo Credit: Apostle Islands Photography
While the drive may be long depending on where your assignment is, if you love National Parks, you need to add Apostle Islands to your bucket list. Located in the northern most part of Wisconsin in Lake Superior, Apostle Islands is consisted of 21 islands featuring sea caves, lighthouses, hiking, camping, and kayaking. Cruises are also available with many stops to explore the islands and visit historic lighthouses. There are three visitor centers as well which provide park information and souvenirs for your trip. Unlike some National Parks and Lakeshores, there’s no fee to experience the hidden jewels of Lake Superior!
8 – Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Not many people would add a museum to their bucket list, but trust us, this one is a must see! The Milwaukee Art Museum is filled with more than 32,000 pieces including Wisconsin native artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. You’ll also see pieces by Picasso, Monet, Homer, Degas, and Warhol, and even art dating back as far as ancient Egypt and Rome! The museum is close to downtown Milwaukee right on Lake Michigan. Once you’re finished at the museum, take some time to explore the rest of the city. With tons of shops and unique restaurants like the SafeHouse and Don’s TV and Repair , there’s much to do in this city!
9 – Supper Clubs
No matter where your assignment is located in Wisconsin, there’s bound to be a few supper clubs nearby. What’s the difference between supper clubs and restaurants you ask? Well, for one, supper clubs are usually independently owned, in rural areas, and only open for dinner. It’s a unique experience in itself since you typically arrive about an hour before your reservation to sit in the lounge area with your party, grab some drinks, and wait until your table is ready. Some supper clubs have you order while waiting so once your table is ready, your food will soon follow. Most supper clubs will provide fixings such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and a breadbasket for everyone to share at the table. Just think of it as a very casual, slow-paced dinner with your friends and family. If you’re an Old Fashioned drink connoisseur, you won’t find them made anywhere better than at a supper club!
10 – Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park, Baraboo, WI
If you’re looking for something quick to do and near the area, check out Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park . This park consists of mechanical creatures created from salvaged factory parts by self-taught artist Dr. Evermor. The sculptures range from waist-high to 50 feet tall, including the second largest scrap metal sculpture in the world, Forevertron. There’s a lot of history in this park from where the scrap metal came from for these sculptures. So, if you love history and art, then this park is for you!
Discover Wisconsin’s charm with this bucket list of must-see attractions and activities during your next travel assignment. From outdoor adventures at Devil’s Lake and Apostle Islands to quirky stops like House on the Rock and Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park, there’s something for everyone.
Apply today to get started! And if you happen to be traveling to Wisconsin during the winter, check out our Wisconsin Winter Wonderland blog!
