Wisconsin DISer_ I need travel tips

[stamper]

We will be traveling to WI this summer and I want to know what you think are the "not to be missed" things in your state. We are visiting a friend(she is a breeder and we are picking up a puppy!) north of Milwaukee. Is there any good way around that city or do we *have* to go thru? How difficult is that? We are planning on visisting the Kettle Moraine area and also Door County. We don't have a ton of time(or $$ for that matter).

We are still deciding whether to camp(only at a place that rents trailers or cabins so we don't have to haul one all the way out through the cities) or to find a hotel....one that is not a dump, but not going to cost an arm and a leg.

Any suggestions are welcome!

TIA

 

[jfulcer]

Well, for one driving through Milwaukee isn't like driving through Chicago or Washington DC or some larger cities. It's all three lane freeways, and the only time you would have trouble is during rush hours. I wouldn't worry about driving 'through' the City.

Door County is a nice area to visit. Lots of 'natural' beauty in that area.

You could also visit Wisconsin Dells (of course, their website is down so I can't show you stuff about it now) which has some pretty impressive water parks, tours, and in general a ton of realy cool 'touristy' stuff. Ride the Ducks!

In Milwaukee itself, we've got some nice art musuems., lots of interesting theater groups, an awesome kids musuem/experience , and some pretty nice cool natural gardens and an interesting, diverse indoor gardens calledThe Domes.

Of course, you could also play bingo , one of Milwaukee's pasttimes. If you had the time and could get tickets, you could see a Packers game at the newly renovated Lambaeu Field in Green Bay, or even just visit the Packers Hall of Fame.

Theres lots to do here in Wisconsin.

 

[Minnie824]

There is a frozen custard place called Leon's on the corner of 27th and Oklahoma streets in Milwaukee (I think). Anyway, it is the BEST custard anywhere. Worth a stop.

 

[Big V]

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/placestogo/index.htm

 

[Jeafl]

Also, Milwaukee has a very nice zoo. My kids like it better than the two here in Chicago. It's got all the major animals, yet you can see the whole thing in about 4-5 hours at a leisurely pace.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I have to concur on Wisconsin Dells, it is truly a wonderful place to go, but can be expensive. The Ducks are very fun, and many different tourist things to do, Indian shows, Tommy Bartlett water show, water parks, boat trips along the river, and so much more.

Depending on when you are coming, there are alot of fairs and festivals that show off the different areas. How far north of Milwaukee? fondulac is about 1 1/2 hours north of Milwaukee and they have some really fun things to do as well. The park at the lake is great, a lighthouse you can climb up and some other fun water things.

Can you give more details about ages of people in your group? you mentioned Door County, so you will be going by Greenbay. There is a great place called bay beach. the price for rides just went up, it used to be 20cents for kiddie rides, now they are up to 50 cents, (25 cents per ticket, most take 2 tickets) BUT, it is still extremely reasonable and lots of fun!!!! there is also a baybeach park, we haven't been there in a while, but there were geese to feed, and deer that came right up to the fence, alot of fun.

Kettle moraine is beautiful with many pretty places to go. I live near Holy Hill, and that is a very beautiful church built on a high hill. You can get an amazing view from there.

Milwaukee has many festivals on the weekends down by the lakefront. depending on when you are here, that might be an option for you as well.

Enjoy your visit, it is a beautiful state!

 

[stamper]

Will be there in Aug. Kids are 6 and 13. Our friend is about 10 min. from the Kettle Moraine area.

Thanks for all the tips! Keep 'em comin'

Glad to hear that Milwaukee isn't as bad as other cities. We went thru NYC once and got lost in China Town.....not fun!!

I will make a list of these things and check the map, and visit the link

Thanks,

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

I'm not a resident, but we cross the border into WI fairly often. You've been given some good suggestions already. I would add a word of caution re: WI Dells. We've enjoyed visits there, but while it is a VERY beautiful area, in some places you have to look pretty hard through all the tacky tourist stuff to see the natural beauty. Also, you'll have to travel a couple hours out of your way to get there if your plan is to stay on the east coast of the state.

If you're a sports fan, Miller Park in Milwaukee is a unique venue in which to watch a ball game. If you'll be there in September, you can try to get tickets to watch the Vikings beat the packers in green bay on 9/7!!!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I asked this question to DH and he mentined these 2 items. In Milwaukee brewery tours is a fun thing to do. And in Manitowoc which is on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Greenbay, there is a great maritime museum with a submarine docked there that you can go on. very cool. Here is a link for that.
http://www.wimaritimemuseum.org/sub.htm

 

[Dan Murphy]

Chicago guy here, but close enough and been there MANY times over the years.

Kopps!!!!

A great zoo

Lake Geneva, a classic (we're going there next week!!)

 

[stamper]

Thanks for the links! the Maritime Museum would be interesting and it is near where we'll be.

Dan, have a great trip! Kopp's looks delicious....hope we will be near one!! Lake Geneva sounds nice....I can see that I don't have nearly enough time to see everything....man I wish I was rich Then I could take lots of time!! The zoo would probably be nice.....I am a country gal and I tend to stay away from the cities if at all possible! How awful is it really? The only city we go to at all is Boston(only once in a blue moon).


Thanks to all!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

The city depends on what you are doing. If you are going into downtown Milwaukee, or down to Milwaukee's lakefront, then traveling the streets can be a little confusing, but as far as navigating through the expressways. It is easy as pie! The zoo is right off the expressway and is away from downtown. The expressways are very well marked. Trust me, it won't be too hard. As soon as you find out where you want to go, check out mapquest for directions, or ask us, we'll help you get the directions you need.

 

[stamper]

Okey-dokey....Thanks!