Surroundings, Madison
|
|
There are a number of towns and attractions in the region surround Madison.
Related Attractions
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, Spring Green, Wisconsin
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin located just outside Spring Green, is a place of pilgrimage for those interested in this groundbreaking leader in architecture. Spread over 600 acres, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin contains a home, theater, school, studio and gallery. It is said that the beautiful area that Taliesin is located in inspired Frank Lloyd Wright's designs.
House on the Rock
The House on the Rock is perched on an outcropping of Deer Shelter Rock and is a sight to behold. Containing over 3200 windows the home is a testament to one man's indulgences or in some people's opinion, folly. The home has huge fireplaces, a waterfall, and the world famous Infinity Room. The House on the Rock is part of a greater complex with other attractions spread out over 200 acres.
Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
This attraction in Fort Atkinson has two main items of interest to visitors the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine. The Hoard Historical Museum showcases the history of the area using informative displays. Some of the displays are of Abraham Lincoln and the Sauk Warrior Black Hawk. The National Dairy Shrine provides visitors with the history of the dairy industry. This is accomplished through a wide variety of exhibits. Be sure to check out the very unusual dog-powered butter churn.
Janesville, Wisconsin
The mid sized city of Janesville with its 52,000 inhabitants has a multitude of attractions to keep visitors entertained for days. The city has pleasant parks and gardens and museums galore. If you are in town in the summer, the Rock Aqua Jays water-ski performing group put on a dazzling display at the waterfront. Auto buffs will also like Janesville for the General Motors assembly plant where tours are available.
Milton House Museum, Milton, Wisconsin
Those visitors interested in the history of buildings and their construction will want to be sure to visit the Milton House Museum. This six sided building was the very first poured concrete building to be built in the United States. Built in 1844, it is on the National Historic Landmark list.
Portage, Wisconsin
Portage is a pleasant mid sized town. The history of Portage is that it was settled at a key carrying points for canoes between the Wisconsin & Mississippi Rivers, hence the French name. Prior to being called Portage, the location of the town was called Wau wau onah, which is from the Winnebago aboriginal language meaning "carry on shoulder". Today the city of Portage is an agricultural center serving the needs of the surrounding farms.
Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
The history of Fort Winnebago is highlighted in the Fort Winnebago Surgeon's Quarters from the 1800's. Various implements and furniture are on display and the history of Fort Winnebago is presented. This is the only remaining building from the original Fort Winnebago and the Daughters of the American Revolution have lovingly restored it.
Historic Indian Agency House
The Historic Indian Agency House, located in Portage, is listed on the National Register of Historic places. This restored home was built in the early 19th Century and now contains a variety of items from that time period. The US Government originally built the home for John Kinzie who was an agent to the Winnebago Indians.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
For a touch of Europe in the United States, be sure to visit New Glarus, Wisconsin. Often referred to as Little Switzerland, the town has interesting architecture reminiscent of the small European country. New Glarus has a big Oktoberfest celebration in the fall and a variety of events celebrating its Swiss heritage throughout the year.
Chalet of the Golden Fleece
The Chalet of the Golden Fleece in New Glarus has three floors of antiques and treasures. The collection is diverse and ranges from painted furniture to a watch once owned by King Louis XVI. The architecture of the building is Swiss Bernese mountain chalet.
Swiss Historical Village
The Swiss Historical Village is a collection of 14 buildings in New Glarus. The history of New Glarus is told through interesting displays located in all the buildings. The Swiss Historical Village hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year including Oktoberfest in the Fall and a Christmas celebration in December.
Belmont - First Capitol State Historic Site
For those interested into the history of Wisconsin's government, the First Capitol State Historical Site provides an excellent resource. Exhibits show how the government was formed and then evolved over the years. The buildings still stand and show where legislators met for 46 days in a row when drafting the government.
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin
The Blue Mounds are the two highest hills in Southern Wisconsin. Located nearby is the Blue Mounds State Park that has hiking, biking, camping along with many other outdoors opportunities. The town of Blue Mounds is a local center, servicing the park and surrounding areas.
Cave of the Mounds
The Cave of the Mounds is much more than just beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground the property features pleasant walking trails throughout the fields and woods. If walking is not your chosen activity, visitors can also mine for gemstones and fossils at the old fashioned mining sluice. Guided tours underground are available and the caves can be cool so be sure to bring a sweater.
Blue Mounds State Park
The Blue Mounds State Park encompasses the highest spot in Southern Wisconsin. The park is crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails and has a nicely wooded campground. Blue Mounds State Park also has a nature center, which provides insights into the flora, fauna, and geology of the park.
Little Norway
Located in the town of Blue Mounds, Little Norway is a recreation of a household and church from the early 19th Century. The Nordic architecture of the buildings is quite stunning with cupolas and blue trim and is considered most unusual. Be sure to check out the building with green grass lawn growing on the roof.
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
The town of Dodgeville is a town of 4,000 inhabitants that acts as a support center for the surrounding tourist areas and state parks. The town has an active arts and culture scene featuring the American Theater Players, the second most popular outdoor theater in the United States.
Governor Dodge State Park
Like most state parks in Wisconsin, Governor Dodge State Park offers a wide range of terrain and a multitude of outdoor activities. Things to do include camping, biking, hiking, fishing, and swimming among many others. The park is located in the South West corner of the state and is spread over 5000 acres.
Museum of Minerals and Crystals (closed)
The Museum of Minerals and Crystals in Dodgeville is just that - a showcase of unique and interesting minerals and crystals from around the world. Although it does not have a large number of pieces, the museum is considered to have the best collection of items in the Midwest.
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
The somewhat bohemian town of Mineral Point is a great place to visit for fans of architecture and art. The town has a long history and many of the original buildings have been restored into specialty shops. Mineral Point is also a bit of an artists haven with a wide variety of styles being exhibited in the galleries.
Pendarvis State Historic Site
The Pendarvis Historic Site consists of buildings from the mid 19th Century that have been restored to their original state.In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from other parts of the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings throughout the region. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint on southwest Wisconsin. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages, learn about their lives, and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.Today, the mining is no longer but the history remains.
Mining Museum, Platteville, Wisconsin
The Mining Museum in Plattsville offers visitors a glimpse into the history of mining for lead and zinc in the local area. Numerous displays explain the processes and what life used to be like for a miner. Visitors can go on a underground tour of the Bevans mine and ride on a 1931 mine train.
Rollo Jamison Museum
The Rollo Jamison Museum is located on the same property as the Mining Museum of Wisconsin in Plattsville. The museum has an eclectic collection of items from the early 19th Century including furniture, cash registers, and all kinds of memorabilia. In fact, the collection has over 20,000 pieces and there is sure to be something of interest to everyone.
Beloit, Wisconsin
The mid sized city of Beloit boasts of an interesting historical district. It also has several interesting museums along with a minor league baseball team. Beloit is also considered Wisconsin's most ethically diverse city.
Angel Museum
The Angel Museum located in Beloit is truly a unique institution. The museum boasts of the world's largest of angels. The angels are in a dizzying array of poses and are made from a wide variety of materials including wood, glass, and even spaghetti. Of note is a collection of black angels donated by Oprah Winfrey.
Logan Museum of Anthropology
The Logan Museum of Anthropology, located on the beautiful grounds of Beloit College, in Beloit has an extensive collection of over 225,000 pieces. The museum also hosts a number of traveling exhibits throughout the year. T
Pardeeville - LaReau's World of Miniature Buildings (Closed)
LaReau's World of Miniature Buildings has closed.
Surroundings Pictures
