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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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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I am traveling north of Eau Claire WI to Duluth and Bayfield. I am looking for activities to do for a 16 and 12 year old. What od you suggest?
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Circus World Museum

550 Water St.
Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Description: Bring the kids to see the big show, animals, and collection of wagons, photographs, posters, and advertisements from world-famous circus shows such as Ringling and Barnum & Bailey's.... Read More

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International Crane Foundation

E-11376 Shady Lane Rd., P.O. Box 447
Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Description: The International Crane Foundation promotes public awareness through the conservation of these stately birds and the wet- and grassland preserves where they thrive.... Read More

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