Four Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Wisconsin

Whether you need to get away for a day or are looking for a vacation alternative, Wisconsin offers many affordable and fun places to visit.

Green Bay—National Railroad Museum

The museum has 70 locomotives and railcars on display, plus numerous artifacts and photos. Enjoy events, too. June 9-13 is a Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, where guests can take a 25-minute train ride pulled by Thomas, get photos taken with Sir Topham Hatt and more. In addition, there are train rides May-September. There are also events like swing dancing and a World War II reenactment. Visit nationalrrmuseum.org for more information and admission prices.

Southeastern Wisconsin—Jelly Belly Center

Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, off the I-94 Milwaukee/Chicago corridor, guests can tour the Jelly Belly warehouse and distribution center. The Jelly Belly Express train takes visitors through the establishment, and people learn how jelly beans, candy corn, taffy and gummies are made. Taste samples of the 100 Jelly Belly varieties, and shop for gifts. Visit jellybelly.com for hours and events.

Near Madison—Cave of the Mounds

Located 30 minutes from Madison off of Highway 151, tour a cave formation that is over one million years old. Declared a National Natural Landmark, see stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations, that are referred to as America’s “jewel box” of caves on your guided tour. It’s great to go in the summer, as the cave is always 50 degrees. You can also mine for gemstones and dig for fossils, as well as spend time outside of the cave on hiking and biking trails. There are also rock and rain gardens to tour and a Rock and Souvenir shop. For more information, visit caveofthemounds.com.

Near Stevens Point—The World's Largest Energy Fair

Located seven miles from Stevens Point in Custer, WI, the fair is put on by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association June 18 - 20. It features 275 exhibitors of sustainable living and energy products and 200 workshops. There’s a Green Home Pavilion, where you can learn how to build and remodel in a sustainable way. There are also chef demonstrations and a farmers market of sustainable food. Plus, listen to speakers and music groups. Children can participate in activities like building a solar oven or creating art from junk. Learn more at the-mrea.org.

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