Wisconsin, on a sunshiny summer day, offers endless outdoor activities no matter where you go; however, the rainy days can be just as eventful if you look hard enough. From movies to mini-golf, west to east and north to south, Wisconsin's got you covered on the rainy days.
1. Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort
Whether you're looking for a way to keep the kids busy or you're due for an adult getaway, Wilderness Resort offers something for everyone - even on a day when the weather is less than ideal. Cubby's Cove, one of Wilderness' five indoor waterparks, features a sport pool with basketball hoops, a lily-pad rope challenge and a play feature with slides and water blasters to give your kids a fun summer day despite the rain. As for adults, Margarita's Swim-Up Bar is an adults-only indoor/outdoor pool that can accommodate 88 guests looking for a tropical-themed getaway.
2. New Glarus Brewery Tour
What's more Wisconsin than the New Glarus Brewery? With beers like Spotted Cow and Moon Man, as well as specialty and seasonal selections, New Glarus is unique to Wisconsin and a local favorite. The brewery, located in New Glarus (where else?), invites visitors to check out the gift shop and tasting room as well as free, self-guided tours. Duck inside from the rain and enjoy some of Wisconsin's tastiest and most sought-after products.
3. EAA Air Venture Museum
One of the most impressive aviation attractions in the world is located right in Oshkosh. With more than 200 historic aircrafts, four movie theaters and a "hands-on" KidVenture Gallery, the museum offers fun for all ages. Children under 5 and EAA members get in for free while other admission rates, including a family flat rate, are very reasonable. Use this rainy-day opportunity to check out the EAA Air Venture Museum.
4. Miller Park
A baseball field? On a rainy day? Miller Park's retractable roof makes this viable (as long as you don't mind tailgating in the rain). Whether the Brewers are playing a home series or you're interested in a ballpark tour, there is plenty to do and see at Milwaukee's Miller Park. Tours, available anytime there is not an afternoon home game or event taking place, are reasonably priced and give visitors access to the luxury suite level, dugout, press box, visiting clubhouse, Bob Uecker's broadcast booth and other magnificent attractions. Catch the retractable roof in action and check out Miller Park.
5. Falls Theater
What better way to enjoy a rainy day than watching movies? Falls Theater, located in River Falls, is an icon in western Wisconsin. Built in 1927 and family-run since 1972, the theater shows first-run movies at affordable prices ($4 for adults, $3 for children and seniors) so the entire family can enjoy a night at the movies.
6. Door County Trolley
A family business dedicated to entertaining people, Door County Trolley offers "themed trolley tours" and private group tours, as well as wedding charters. With a fleet of 12 trolleys and 11 themed trolley tours, you'll be sure to find a tour that suits your group, whether the theme be lighthouse, wine, food or a haunted ghost tour (which might be especially awesome on a rainy day).
7. Vitense Golfland
While mini-golfing is always a fan favorite, the rain typically rules this activity out. Vitense Golfland in Madison features the No. 1 indoor miniature golf course in Wisconsin (the centerpiece of which is a replica of the Capitol building), as well as eight baseball and softball batting cages, Jump Shot (a trampoline game), "The Rock" (a five-station, three-story climbing wall), a full arcade and Vitense Catering and Grill (not to mention all the outdoor amenities to take advantage of on the upcoming rain-free days).
8. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Located in Sheboygan, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center offers an abundance of creative activities for the whole family to enjoy. Various art exhibitions, musical performances and other events are available to the public, while family cooking and art classes as well as artistic workshops and camps provide a more hands-on experience for children and adults alike.
9. Lotto's Log Cabin Rustic Furniture Classes
Lotto's Log Cabin in Eagle River offers one-day furniture classes, which teach safety and use of basic hand tools while guests create a rustic table, a twig chair, a log quilt rack or any project a student has in mind. Listen to the rain on the roof of the lakeside log cabin where classes are offered every Sunday or other times by appointment. The price includes all materials.
10. Bayfield Maritime Museum
From commercial fishing to historic lighthouses, Wisconsin's north shore has an abundance (150-years worth) of maritime stories and artifacts to share. Escape from the bustle of everyday life and check out the rich history of the Bayfield Peninsula at the Maritime Museum. Admission is free.
Whether you're in Milwaukee, Bayfield or anywhere in between, Wisconsin doesn't disappoint. Next time you find yourself with canceled outdoor plans, discover the attractions Wisconsin has to offer of the sheltered variety.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1. Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort
Whether you're looking for a way to keep the kids busy or you're due for an adult getaway, Wilderness Resort offers something for everyone - even on a day when the weather is less than ideal. Cubby's Cove, one of Wilderness' five indoor waterparks, features a sport pool with basketball hoops, a lily-pad rope challenge and a play feature with slides and water blasters to give your kids a fun summer day despite the rain. As for adults, Margarita's Swim-Up Bar is an adults-only indoor/outdoor pool that can accommodate 88 guests looking for a tropical-themed getaway.
2. New Glarus Brewery Tour
What's more Wisconsin than the New Glarus Brewery? With beers like Spotted Cow and Moon Man, as well as specialty and seasonal selections, New Glarus is unique to Wisconsin and a local favorite. The brewery, located in New Glarus (where else?), invites visitors to check out the gift shop and tasting room as well as free, self-guided tours. Duck inside from the rain and enjoy some of Wisconsin's tastiest and most sought-after products.
3. EAA Air Venture Museum
One of the most impressive aviation attractions in the world is located right in Oshkosh. With more than 200 historic aircrafts, four movie theaters and a "hands-on" KidVenture Gallery, the museum offers fun for all ages. Children under 5 and EAA members get in for free while other admission rates, including a family flat rate, are very reasonable. Use this rainy-day opportunity to check out the EAA Air Venture Museum.
4. Miller Park
A baseball field? On a rainy day? Miller Park's retractable roof makes this viable (as long as you don't mind tailgating in the rain). Whether the Brewers are playing a home series or you're interested in a ballpark tour, there is plenty to do and see at Milwaukee's Miller Park. Tours, available anytime there is not an afternoon home game or event taking place, are reasonably priced and give visitors access to the luxury suite level, dugout, press box, visiting clubhouse, Bob Uecker's broadcast booth and other magnificent attractions. Catch the retractable roof in action and check out Miller Park.
5. Falls Theater
What better way to enjoy a rainy day than watching movies? Falls Theater, located in River Falls, is an icon in western Wisconsin. Built in 1927 and family-run since 1972, the theater shows first-run movies at affordable prices ($4 for adults, $3 for children and seniors) so the entire family can enjoy a night at the movies.
6. Door County Trolley
A family business dedicated to entertaining people, Door County Trolley offers "themed trolley tours" and private group tours, as well as wedding charters. With a fleet of 12 trolleys and 11 themed trolley tours, you'll be sure to find a tour that suits your group, whether the theme be lighthouse, wine, food or a haunted ghost tour (which might be especially awesome on a rainy day).
7. Vitense Golfland
While mini-golfing is always a fan favorite, the rain typically rules this activity out. Vitense Golfland in Madison features the No. 1 indoor miniature golf course in Wisconsin (the centerpiece of which is a replica of the Capitol building), as well as eight baseball and softball batting cages, Jump Shot (a trampoline game), "The Rock" (a five-station, three-story climbing wall), a full arcade and Vitense Catering and Grill (not to mention all the outdoor amenities to take advantage of on the upcoming rain-free days).
8. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Located in Sheboygan, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center offers an abundance of creative activities for the whole family to enjoy. Various art exhibitions, musical performances and other events are available to the public, while family cooking and art classes as well as artistic workshops and camps provide a more hands-on experience for children and adults alike.
9. Lotto's Log Cabin Rustic Furniture Classes
Lotto's Log Cabin in Eagle River offers one-day furniture classes, which teach safety and use of basic hand tools while guests create a rustic table, a twig chair, a log quilt rack or any project a student has in mind. Listen to the rain on the roof of the lakeside log cabin where classes are offered every Sunday or other times by appointment. The price includes all materials.
10. Bayfield Maritime Museum
From commercial fishing to historic lighthouses, Wisconsin's north shore has an abundance (150-years worth) of maritime stories and artifacts to share. Escape from the bustle of everyday life and check out the rich history of the Bayfield Peninsula at the Maritime Museum. Admission is free.
Whether you're in Milwaukee, Bayfield or anywhere in between, Wisconsin doesn't disappoint. Next time you find yourself with canceled outdoor plans, discover the attractions Wisconsin has to offer of the sheltered variety.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.