Southeast Wisconsin marries the great outdoors with Midwest nice.
From the scenic lighthouses of Door County to the farms of Fond du Lac and the thriving college town capital of Madison, the Badger State provides a plethora of ways to enjoy the fresh air, no matter the season. Avid adventurers and casual nature lovers alike will relish taking in its botanical gardens and nature preserves, its hiking trails and lakeshores, and its agritourism experiences.
Here are five Wisconsin destinations to add to any outdoorsy group’s itinerary.
Door County
Surrounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is an 80-mile peninsula on the Eastern side of Wisconsin. With over 300 miles of shoreline, it’s a gem many don’t expect to find in the Midwest. For an outdoorsy group, it’s filled with adventures, from underwater shipwrecks to majestic lighthouses and fragrant lavender fields. It’s also an incredible destination for fall foliage. Groups can finish their experience with a fish boil, a traditional meal in Door County featuring locally caught whitefish, potatoes and onions boiled over an open fire.
Groups can also explore several of the county’s top attractions, including the Cana Island Lighthouse, which is surrounded by Lake Michigan. Visitors can climb 79 stairs to take in the breathtaking views. There’s also Peninsula State Park, home to Eagle Tower on top of Eagle Bluff. Groups can climb 100 stairs to the top or opt for an 850-foot canopy walk and ramp for a more accessible experience. Either way, they’ll be treated to panoramic views from 250 feet above the water.
Washington Island, just off the county’s northernmost tip, offers a serene getaway for an afternoon. Accessible to groups by a 30-minute ferry ride, the island is home to a lavender field and farm store; Schoolhouse Beach, one of a handful of smooth-rock beaches in the world; and a replica stavkirke chapel modeled after the Borgund Stavkirke church, which was constructed in 1150 in western Norway.
Groups can also explore Door County from the water via several distinct cruises. Death’s Door Boat Tours takes groups around Plum Island, Door Bluff and Death’s Door for stunning views of the region’s limestone cliffs and historic lighthouses. Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours can give narrated tours en route to attractions like Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and Peninsula State Park.
Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac, nestled in the Lake Winnebago region, is just a short drive from Door County. Located on the south shores of Lake Winnebago, it’s an authentically Wisconsin destination that packs a surprising punch with its outdoor offerings.
Groups can learn a lot about life on the farm in Fond du Lac with several notable agriculture experiences and tours. One of Wisconsin’s most famous agriculture products is dairy, and Fond du Lac has many farms that welcome groups to get a firsthand look at its production. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center offers tours to teach visitors more about where their favorite farmed products come from. They can even watch calves being born. True Wisconsin cheese can be sampled at Henning’s Cheese, where visitors can watch the behind-the-scenes cheesemaking process. LaClare Creamery lets groups meet goats, tour the farm and creamery, stroll through a cheese shop and grab a bite to eat. For a sweeter finish, Kelley Country Creamery produces award-winning, hand-dipped ice cream in-house.
To sample another side of agriculture, groups can head to Ziegler Winery on Lake Winnebago’s east side. They will enjoy a tasting of the cold-weather grape varietals at the family-owned winery, or they can arrange a catered meal. Ledgerock Distillery, which combines a distillery with a family farm, handles operations from grain to glass and offers tastings.
Lake Geneva
Sometimes called the “Newport of the Midwest,” Lake Geneva is a popular resort town in Wisconsin’s southeast corner, built primarily by wealthy Chicago residents seeking a spot for a getaway in the late 1800s. With its massive Gilded-Age estates, high-end shopping and dining, and lakeside offerings, it retains an air of luxury even today.
“It’s a place where history really melds and intersects with modern day, but that history and luxury is still felt all around,” said Deanna Goodwin, vice president of marketing, communications and development for Visit Lake Geneva. “It’s a very luxurious yet very laid-back seaside feeling. It’s a place of respite and relaxation without the hustle and bustle of the big cities.”
One of its most prized attractions is Yerkes Observatory, built by the University of Chicago and home to the world’s largest functional refracting telescope. It was preserved by a local nonprofit, and today it’s open for guided tours as well as public events. Another top choice for groups that feels integral to the Lake Geneva experience is the Lake Geneva Shore Path. Winding 21 miles around the lake and passing through the grounds of many private estates, the trail gives visitors unprecedented views of historic estate homes and their manicured gardens. Black Point Estate, one of these historic mansions, is accessible only by boat for the public, though bus groups can be dropped off at the front door.
Groups can dine on the water with a lunch, brunch or dinner cruise provided by Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Standalone restaurants that can accommodate groups include Pier 290, Lake City Social and The Getaway.
While warm summers on the lake are enticing, don’t think summer sees all the fun. Lake Geneva is a year-round destination with seasonal shopping and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and skiing.
Janesville
Less than an hour west of Lake Geneva, Janesville is a laid-back community of about 60,000 with plenty for groups to do outdoors.
“We are known as Wisconsin’s Great Outside, so we’ve got great opportunities to just recharge your spirit,” said Christine Rebout, executive director at the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve got hundreds of acres of parkland, miles of trails and a beautiful shoreline to discover.”
One of its top group attractions is Rotary Botanical Gardens, which features 20 acres of decorative, themed gardens, many of which are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Groups can peruse its children’s garden, Japanese garden, labyrinth and seasonal displays.
Janesville is also home to several agritourism attractions, including Skelly’s Farm Market, which offers a range of seasonal activities. Open from late May through the end of October, this farm offers you-pick opportunities for groups, from strawberries in the summer to pumpkins in the fall. They also offer custom wagon rides and sell seasonal treats like fresh produce, fudge, donuts and ice cream. The area is home to a few wineries offering group programming like wine tastings, live entertainment and tours, including Fermenting Cellars Winery and Timber Hill Winery.
Janesville’s dining scene is exceedingly group friendly. In the heart of downtown, Draft House is a gastropub serving craft brews and burgers. For a supper club feel with a stocked bar, groups will love My Apartment. For breakfast and lunch with a hometown atmosphere, Citrus Cafe has a separate room that groups can reserve. Many restaurants cater, and groups can combine a delicious meal with a trip to the gardens or a farm tour.
“When you think about what your group wants to experience, we can make that work for you,” Rebout said. “There are so many customizable experiences that it’ll be an opportunity for them to do something they haven’t before. Groups are really special to us.”
Madison
Five lakes, 270 parks and 200-plus miles of hiking and biking trails make Wisconsin’s capital city an outdoor oasis for groups. Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin, and the vibrant college town is known for its active lifestyle, farm-to-table fare and safe, small-town feel.
Top outdoor attractions for groups include Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which feature 14 themed gardens and a Thai pavilion. Visitors can wander through its 16 acres to spot wildflowers and birds on their own, or they can take a guided tram tour. The UW-Madison Arboretum is another great spot for nature walks and tours.
Another popular stop is Henry Vilas Zoo, which is home to over 650 animals from around the world encompassing 115 species, and admission is free. A great place for groups to take in the outdoors is the waterfront Monona Terrace, the city’s convention center, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. For something outside of Madison’s urban area, they can visit a working farm, like Seven Acre Dairy Company or Wegmueller Farm, to see farm life in action.
There are also many popular, group-friendly tours offered in the Madison area. Guided e-bike tours are great for active groups looking to explore the downtown area, the UW-Madison campus and the city’s lakes. A variety of haunted history ghost tours offer a spooky evening activity, while Madison Eats Food Tours provide walking and biking options for exploring the city’s diverse cuisine.
Speaking of food, Madison has a range of options for group dining. Graze offers views of the state capitol, a private dining room and elevated, farm-to-table pub fare. Located behind Madison’s historic train depot, The Harvey House provides an upscale supper club experience. And The Deliciouser combines a restaurant and spice shop and even offers cooking classes for a more hands-on dining experience. Many other pubs, bistros and even dinner theaters offer delicious culinary experiences for groups.
