Great exercise. Rich history. Amazing food. There are reasons abound for taking in a walking tour here in Wisconsin. Here is just a handful of captivating communities for a walking historic tour:
Baraboo
The city of Baraboo has such a colorful past and you will love learning about it via a guide from Baraboo Tours. Take in the story of the Ringling Brothers with an outing that begins at the Al. Ringling Mansion. Or enjoy a tour of the churches of Baraboo - four to be exact, each unique and beautiful in their own way. For those of you with a penchant for a bit of fright, you're going to appreciate the community's Haunted Downtown Walk.
Evansville
Welcome to my hometown. Ask any of us locals and we'll tell you that Evansville once was called "The Grove." Settled in 1839, this south central Wisconsin town now boasts three historic districts with nearly 200 destinations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a customized, personal walking tour with a knowledgeable guide or pick up the Historic Walking Tour guide at the local chamber and embark on a self-guided tour.
Hudson
A walk around Hudson is a walk back in time. Enjoy the sights of the many beautifully-restored Victorian homes in the historic residential district of Hudson. You may even want to consider staying overnight at one of the Victorian homes featured in the historic district, like the Phipps Inn Bed & Breakfast. Just across the street from the Phipps Inn, is a wonderful museum worth visiting called the Octagon House.
Milwaukee
My best friend and I were drumming up ideas to celebrate her birthday recently and we decided to head to Milwaukee for a tour of the vibrant Brady Street neighborhood. The two of us had an absolute blast with our guide, who pointed out architectural highlights of the neighborhood, cultural hotspots and history as well as, of course, fantastic restaurants. The guides lead you to several of the restaurants where you'll get to sample good eats (and a few beverages, too). Milwaukee Food Tours offers year-round food and cultural tours; you can join a guide and opt to explore the city by foot or by bus.
Portage
Heading to Columbia County, we find ourselves in the downtown historical district of Portage. Pick up a tour map at the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce and discover 25 sites downtown, each with intriguing stories and exceptional architectural facets.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
Baraboo
The city of Baraboo has such a colorful past and you will love learning about it via a guide from Baraboo Tours. Take in the story of the Ringling Brothers with an outing that begins at the Al. Ringling Mansion. Or enjoy a tour of the churches of Baraboo - four to be exact, each unique and beautiful in their own way. For those of you with a penchant for a bit of fright, you're going to appreciate the community's Haunted Downtown Walk.
Evansville
Welcome to my hometown. Ask any of us locals and we'll tell you that Evansville once was called "The Grove." Settled in 1839, this south central Wisconsin town now boasts three historic districts with nearly 200 destinations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a customized, personal walking tour with a knowledgeable guide or pick up the Historic Walking Tour guide at the local chamber and embark on a self-guided tour.
Hudson
A walk around Hudson is a walk back in time. Enjoy the sights of the many beautifully-restored Victorian homes in the historic residential district of Hudson. You may even want to consider staying overnight at one of the Victorian homes featured in the historic district, like the Phipps Inn Bed & Breakfast. Just across the street from the Phipps Inn, is a wonderful museum worth visiting called the Octagon House.
Milwaukee
My best friend and I were drumming up ideas to celebrate her birthday recently and we decided to head to Milwaukee for a tour of the vibrant Brady Street neighborhood. The two of us had an absolute blast with our guide, who pointed out architectural highlights of the neighborhood, cultural hotspots and history as well as, of course, fantastic restaurants. The guides lead you to several of the restaurants where you'll get to sample good eats (and a few beverages, too). Milwaukee Food Tours offers year-round food and cultural tours; you can join a guide and opt to explore the city by foot or by bus.
Portage
Heading to Columbia County, we find ourselves in the downtown historical district of Portage. Pick up a tour map at the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce and discover 25 sites downtown, each with intriguing stories and exceptional architectural facets.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.