15 Amazing Field Trips Every Wisconsinite Took As A Kid (And Should Retake Now)
×
Nicole
Author
Everyone remembers field trip days. Freedom from boring school work and droning teachers and getting to escape the confines of your school building were enough to get you excited, no matter where you were headed. You may not have gone to all of these exact places as a kid, but you probably went somewhere similar. The best part of this list, though, is that you can fill in any gaps in your childhood education or revisit any of these places – these Wisconsin field trips aren’t just for kids!
Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI 53119, USA
An open-air museum, Old World Wisconsin's more than 60 historic farm and village buildings comprise the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life.
Furthermore, the museum also seeks to show how the different ethnicities that settled in the area may have lived. In addition to field trips, they host adventure camps, workshops, and historic baseball games.
Advertisement
Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
The current building, the third capitol building in Madison, began in late 1906 and was completed in 1917 at a cost of $7.25 million.
Advertisement
From 1988 to 2002 the capitol underwent a renovation and restoration project costing $158.8 million. The project converted the capitol into a modern working building, while undoing some work done in previous decades in order to restore it to its original 1917 appearance.
Many people think that statue is called "Forward" - the state motto - but there's a separate statue with that name on the Capital ground. The capitol building is located at 2 E Main St, Madison, WI, 53703.
Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209, USA
A 237 acre forest that contains grasslands, woods and wetlands, Havenwoods Environmental Center was created as an urban green space and environmental education center. It is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Services.
The House on the Rock, 5754 WI-23, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA
Opened to the public in 1960, House on the Rock is an architectural marvel that dates back to 1945 when a man named Alex Jordan decided to build a retreat as awe-inspiring as the view from the rock upon which the House would eventually be built.
It went on to become an intricate mix of displays and architecture.
It went on to become an intricate mix of displays and architecture.
Advertisement
National Railroad Museum, 2285 S Broadway, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304, USA
The Wisconsin train museum houses a massive collection of rolling stock including 11 steam locomotives, 14 diesel locomotives, 20 passenger cars, 15 freight cars, six cabooses and an electric locomotive as well as a large archive, artifact and photograph collection.
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
One of the best parts of visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo are the peacocks that roam free on the grounds.
The zoo has seasonal hours, so be sure to check their website for specific dates and times.
Cave of the Mounds Road, Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
The Wisconsin caves were discovered in 1939 by working mining limestone. Now a National Natural Landmark, the Caves have welcomed millions of visitors in their 75 years.
Advertisement
The caves have a seasonal schedule, so check their website for specific hours.
Related Stories
Wisconsin's Sculpture Garden And Grotto, Wegner's Garden Is A Work Of Art
There Are 5 Beaches Within 10 Minutes Of This One Wisconsin Town
A True Hidden Gem, The 550-Acre Pheasant Branch Conservancy Is Perfect For Wisconsin Nature Lovers
International Crane Foundation, E11376 Shady Lane Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
The largest crane conservatory in the U.S., the International Crane Foundation works to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend.
Yerkes Observatory, 373 W Geneva St, Williams Bay, WI 53191, USA
Yerkes Observatory is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago. From the time it was established in 1897 until the mid-1960s, it housed all of the Department's activities. Now it is provides laboratory space for research and instruction.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, USA
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum combines the history of Manitowoc as a submarine manufacturer during World War II along with preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.
Advertisement
The museum has seasonal hours, so check their site for exact information.
Peshtigo Fire Museum, 400 Oconto Ave, Peshtigo, WI 54157, USA
On October 8, 1871, a firestorm roared through Peshtigo and surrounding areas, killing over 2,000 people and destroying the entire city. It was the deadliest fire in U.S. history.
Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
A series of three domes connected with a central lobby, the Mitchell Park Domes are a conservatory, each with a different climate and setting for the plants they house. There is a floral show dome, an arid dome and a tropical dome.
Advertisement
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711, USA
The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration, the Arboretum includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world.
Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA
Horicon Marsh was formed from an extinct glacial lake and is the largest cattail marsh in the country. The marsh is on the migratory path of Canada Geese and can see upwards of 200,000 geese in fall. There are also egrets, pelicans, herons, reptiles, amphibians and marsh mammals.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 W Congress St, Wauwatosa, WI 53225, USA
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee was as designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is one of Wright's last works. It was completed in 1961, after his death.
Depending on where you grew up, your field trips varied. Where else did you go as a kid that you think would be amazing to revisit as an adult? What were your favorite Wisconsin field trips as a kid?
Looking for more underrated Wisconsin day trips? Here are some of our favorite places to take out-of-towners when they visit Wisconsin!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Wisconsin field trips
What are the best Wisconsin day trips?
The above list of Wisconsin field trips are all perfect day trip destinations, and if you're looking for more unique day trips, check out these places:
- Daggett Memorial Park. Boasting as much history as beauty, the park, more specifically its granite, gained worldwide fame after being named the world’s strongest. A visit to this amazing park is one of the most unique things to do around Wisconsin.
- Cherry Train Tours. The best way to see all Washington Island has to offer is the Cherry Train Tour, which operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Fun for all ages, the two-hour open-air tram tour takes passengers to some of the island’s best features and attractions.
- Wegner Grotto. Dubbed a “sculpture complex,” the Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto is small town gem is hiding in Sparta. A real feast for the eyes, it’s filled with incredible pieces of artwork – all of which are made from shards of glass. This really is an amazing spot to experience in person and definitely among the best day trips in Wisconsin!
- Witches Gulch. Witches Gulch is an incredible spot worthy of exploring. And while many choose to hike through the area, it’s not the only way to explore it. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the scenic canyon. If you're searching for unique things to do around Wisconsin, a trip to Witches Gulch should definitely be on your day trip list.
- St. Peter's Dome. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is a Wisconsin treasure that's beautiful all year-round, though especially stunning in autumn when it’s drenched in vibrant foliage. And the best place to soak in the seasonal hues that fill the forest is St. Peter’s Dome, the highest point in the area. All in all, according to locals, Wisconsinites, and tourists alike it is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin!
- The Dells. The Wisconsin Dells is the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" and it’s a top destination in the region for good times and family fun. If you're looking for some adults-only fun, however, there’s one special spot that caters specifically to adults. It’s a waterpark within a waterpark and the perfect place to go if you feel like escaping to the Caribbean without leaving Wisconsin!