Wisconsin Travel Guide

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts, 227 State St. (tel. 608/257-0518; www.mmoca.org), has had a bit of a gypsy existence, moving from one building to the next over the last 100-plus years of its existence. All that changed in April 2006, however, when the doors opened to the new Cesar Pelli-designed Overture Center for the Arts, which displays the museum's impressive permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as a new lecture hall, an expanded museum store, and the beautiful green rooftop cafe and garden. Also new in the capital is Robert Redford's Sundance Cinema Center (tel. 800/373-6376), a multi-theater facility dedicated to screening new independent and foreign films, the passion behind the actor and filmmaker's Sundance Film Festival held each year in Utah.
In Baraboo, fans of the big top should check out the Circus World Museum (tel. 866/693-1500; www.wisconsinhistory.org/circusworld), 50 acres that once housed the winter quarters of Ringling Brothers themselves. Today, the spot is dedicated to the history of the American circus. During the summer, there are live performances of all kinds, and year-round you can view circus artifacts like the million-piece Howard Brothers Miniature Circus, antique circus wagons, steam calliopes, posters, and woodcarvings.

Its name is nearly synonymous with cheese, and seeing as the 30th state in the Union produces about 25% of the nation's supply, there's good reason. And it's no fluke: Wisconsin's gentle lands have long provided fertile farming ground for European immigrants wanting to take their skills from the Old World and use them in the new one. French explorers were the first Europeans to fall in love with the land and settle in. Until about the mid-18th century, the territory was controlled by France, hence the glut of French city names (La Crosse, Fond du Lac, Eau Claire, Benoit, et al.). But once the territory became a state in 1848, it was a different group of Europeans who moved in droves to set up farms and make a go of the American Dream. Today, Wisconsin has more people of German and Scandinavian heritage than any other state in the country, communities that greatly shaped its farming and dairy industries—and, of course, the brewing of beer as well, made even more famous with shows like Milwaukee-based sitcom Laverne & Shirley (could anyone forget the famous Milwaukee brewery glove-on-a-beer-bottle scene?). Read More

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lokking for a place to travel the 18 & 19th In November from Bonduel wi no more than a 3 hour drive looking for a historic home or crafty small town to visit possible hiking
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I would like to know what kinds of "day trips" there are for central Wisconsin, or even weekend trips. I am new to the area and would like to plan a romantic weekend getaway if possible. Can anyone help me with this? I would appreciate it.
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Would you suggest a cabin type resort where a family reunion could take place. Pool/beach area, fishing etc. Would like wooded area with hiking maybe camping available.
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Tom's Burned Down Cafe

On Madeline Island, east of Bayfield
1 Middle Rd, Box 222
La Pointe, Wisconsin 54850

Description: Tom's Burned Down Cafe features a cafe, bar, and unique "sculpture" gallery. There is an open mic night on Thursdays, and patrons can often hear live music, poetry, or other performance art. ... Read More

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Big Bay State Park

On Madeline Island, northeast of Bayfield
141 S. 3rd St.
Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814

Description: Big Bay State Park covers 2,350 acres and features a 1.5 mile beach. Visitors can enjoy bird and wildlife watching, camping, fishing, picnicking, and nature programs. ... Read More

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