Surrounding Area, Milwaukee

Located on the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds in West Allis, Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Mile, "America's Legendary Oval," is the world's oldest active motor speedway, dating back to 1903.The Milwaukee Mile has a history of hosting world-class IndyCar Series and NASCAR events each year and continues to do so today. As one of only a handful of independently owned major league speedways left in the United States, the unique 1-mile "flat oval" is known in racing communities as a "driver's track" that naturally creates what many refer to as the best racing in the country. The list of driver's that have competed at the speedway is a who's who of racing's elite including icons such as Mays, Rutherford, Mears, Andretti, Unser, Foyt, Earnhardt, Kulwicki and Kenseth.

At Eagle, south-east of Milwaukee is the Old World Wisconsin open-air museum, where 65 historic buildings have been constructed, many of them showing where their inhabitants came from: Germany, Denmark, Norway and Finland.The large complex of restored buildings at Old World Wisconsin recreates life in the days of the pioneers. Costumed performers undertake duties of yesteryear and answer questions from visitors.

Not to be confused with Burlington, Vermont, this mid sized city in Wisconsin has a few attractions to hold the visitors interest. Located on the shores of Echo Lake, the city has done a nice job of creating a pleasant park, Echo Park, along its shores. Burlington also has a historic downtown core with some well-restored buildings.

It is as if time has stopped at Ten Chimneys, once the home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in Genesee Depot. The home is furnished in the style of the 1930 and 40's and is chock full of photos and memorabilia from these actors lives. The home does indeed have ten chimneys and is located on a beautiful piece of property with several outbuildings.

The city of Racine has several key attractions that will entertain the visitor. One is the Wind Point Lighthouse where you can climb up to the top for fantastic views. Another is the Racine Heritage Museum where the history of the city and county are laid out in detail. The city also has fine zoo, and an active arts and cultural scene.

Those with a sweet tooth should be sure to visit the Honey Acres Museum located in Asshippun. Here visitors are treated to a fascinating look at the production of honey. Historical dioramas provide an overview of the process and history of honey making. Honey tasting is included in the tour.

In operation since 1957, the Webster House Museum in Elkhorn, provides visitors with a history of the life and times of composer Joseph Webster. The house is furnished according to the time period of the early 1800's and contains relics from the US Civil War. The Walworth County Historical Society manages the house and museum.

Car buffs should head directly to the Hartford Heritage Auto Museum. Visitors will find many fine examples of perfectly restored automobiles. Of particular note are the collections of Kissel cars and the one dedicated to the Nash. The Hartford Heritage Auto Museum is the largest auto museum in Wisconsin.

The city of Kenosha is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and has just fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. The city has some historical buildings that have been restored in the old downtown area, and a pleasant waterfront park. Kenosha is Wisconsin's fourth largest city.

The city of Oconomowoc is a water-based locale. Dotted with over 33 parks, the city is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. The city has several great museums and cultural operations and is located close to Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest and Lapham Peak State Park.

The Green Meadows farm in Waterford makes a great outing for a family with small children. The farm offers a petting zoo, hayrides, and all manners of farm animals to smell, touch, and see. Green Meadows Farm has over 200 animals. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hand milk a cow.

The Octagon House in Watertown was built in the mid 19th Century and is an unusual design. As the name suggests, the home is built in an octagon and has four stories with a central staircase. The Octagon home has been open to the public since 1938 when it was sold for $1.00 to the Watertown Historical Society.

The city of Waukesha was once a thriving resort town. Colonel Richard Dunbar promoted the healing powers of the local spring water and from that visitors came to try them out. This lasted until 1916. Today the city is still going strong and has a well-preserved historical downtown core with interesting architecture.

The town of West Bend is located on the Milwaukee River and has done a very good job of making the most of its waterfront location. Numerous parks and walking trails dot the city and excursions on the river are available. The town has a symphony orchestra and is home to the University of Wisconsin, Washington County.

The East Troy Electric Railroad offers train rides from East Troy to Mukwonago in southeast Wisconsin. Passengers can board the train either at the Elegant Farmer Station or at the East Troy Depot.