My Favorite Places to Visit Around Southern Wisconsin
Old Fashioned at Ishnala Supper Club. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!
Southern Wisconsin is home to some of Wisconsin’s biggest and most well known cities, like Milwaukee and Madison. In addition to these cities, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Southern Wisconsin destinations that include gorgeous scenic areas and unique attractions. Time for a road trip!
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Wisconsin Dells
Looking for some family friendly fun? Head to the waterpark capital of the world-Wisconsin Dells! Wisconsin Dells is full of exciting attractions, late night entertainment, and some amazing waterparks. Wilderness Resort, Kalahari Resorts and Great Wolf Lodge are three of our favorite waterpark resorts. You also can’t miss Noah’s Ark, the biggest waterpark in Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Dells is the most alive during the summer, but don’t rule out visiting during the winter season. There are plenty of indoor waterparks and entertainment to keep you busy all year around.
Ishnala Supper Club
Grab an old fashioned at Wisconsin’s #1 Supper Club, Ishnala. Only a few minutes from Wisconsin Dells, located in Mirror Lake State Park, you’ll find Wisconsin’s most famous supper club. This place is such a fun stop, but be prepared to wait for dinner, it’s popular! I recommend going early and grabbing drinks and appetizers outside while you wait for a table for dinner. If the wait is too long, Ishnala’s drinks and appetizers are delicious on their own and there are plenty of tables with a view of the lake and around the restaurant to relax at.
Ishnala Supper Club is known for their sweet and spicy Old Fashioneds and classic supper club vibes. They’re open seasonally, April through October. Make sure to plan your visit before they’re closed for the season!
Mirror Lake State Park
If you’re making a stop at Ishnala, you might as well spend some time at Mirror Lake State Park. Swim, hike, and camp at this serene State Park. It’s the perfect, little getaway near bustling Wisconsin Dells. Plan ahead and grab your vehicle admission sticker before enjoying Wisconsin’s State Parks.
Hiking at Devil's Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park
A little more adventurous State Park in Southern Wisconsin is Devil’s Lake State Park. This State Park is wonderful! Hike gorgeous, Wisconsin bluffs above Devil’s Lake and see views for miles. Check out the best hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park here. Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle admission sticker before your visit.
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
My go-to winery in Southern Wisconsin is Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. It’s located in Prairie du Sac, between Wisconsin Dells and Madison. The grounds at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery are just so beautiful and it feels like a little slice of Europe. They have a bistro to get food at and of course, tasty wine to pair it with. I love Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
House on the Rock
Step into a home filled with things beyond your wildest imagination at the House on the Rock in Southern Wisconsin. Explore the House on the Rock’s unique exhibits that include an Infinity room, Japanese Gardens, Carousels, and Heritage of the Sea. It’s fun, wacky, and quite the experience! If you’re into all things eclectic and sensational, you’ll love this stop.
Postcard from my House on the Rock visit
Madison
One of my favorite Southern Wisconsin cities to visit is Madison, Wisconsin’s Capital. I love this college town and always have such a fun time whenever I visit. Tailgate before a Badger football game, have drinks at Memorial Union Terrace along Lake Mendota, see a comedy show at Comedy on State, these are just a few of my recommendations to do while in Madison. Head over to my Madison blog to learn more about what to do on your visit!
New Glarus Brewing Company
Big Spotted Cow Fan? If so, head to New Glarus Brewing Company to see where it’s made. Haven’t tried Spotted Cow beer before? Just maybe you’ll become a fan after your visit. Take a tour at the New Glarus Brewing Company, see the behind the scenes of one of Wisconsin’s most beloved beer, and relax outside with gorgeous views of New Glarus. If you’re from out of state, make sure to bring some Spotted Cow back with, as it’s only sold in Wisconsin.
Alpine Valley Music Theatre
45 minutes outside Milwaukee, is Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Want to see some of the biggest names in music perform at a lovely outdoor amphitheater in the middle of nowhere? Grab tickets to Alpine Valley! lol. For real though, Alpine Valley Music Theatre hosts amazing shows all summer long. It’s one of my favorite music venues!
Noah Kahan at Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Milwaukee
Set along the beautiful Lake Michigan, Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, is a must visit. Watch the Buck’s play, attend a Brewer’s game, see a show at Summerfest, or stop in at Trixie Mattel’s gay bar, This Is It! Milwaukee is such a fun city, especially in the warmer months. Don’t miss a visit here if you get the opportunity.
Overall Thoughts on Southern Wisconsin
Southern Wisconsin has such beautiful scenery and lively cities. You can really get the best of both worlds here. Growing up in Northern Wisconsin, I still have so much to explore. If you’re a Southern Wisconsin local, leave me your recommendations below!
Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark III & IV 35mm lens and iPhone
