Discover 20 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Wisconsin

Situated in the Midwest and Great Lakes region of the United States, Wisconsin ranks as the 23rd largest and 20th most populous state. Known as America’s Dairyland, this state is a leading dairy producer and shares borders with Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Lake Superior.

Wisconsin is divided into 72 counties, showcasing a diverse geography that includes the Northern Highlands, the Western Uplands, the Central Plain, and the prominent Lake Michigan. The state capital is Madison, while Milwaukee is recognized as the largest city.

The name Wisconsin translates to “meeting of the waters,” aptly reflecting its abundant water bodies—two Great Lakes, numerous inland lakes, and a multitude of waterways. Nonetheless, there lies much more to discover in this American state that remains underappreciated. Let us delve into the hidden attractions of Wisconsin and uncover what else it offers.

1. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron, North Freedom

Tom Every, a professional demolitions expert, spent much of his career dismantling structures. This industrial wrecker earned his livelihood by deconstructing old factories and breweries, but upon retirement in 1983, he experienced a profound transformation. He chose to dedicate the remainder of his life to artistry and creation.

In Every’s imaginative vision, Dr. Evermor is portrayed as a Victorian architect from Eggington, a quaint village in Bedfordshire, England, with a peculiar history involving a Presbyterian pastor and an electric storm.

This visionary believes that his artistic expression manifested in the Forevertron, a monumental sculpture park in rural Wisconsin, will enable him to ascend to the heavens via a magnetic lightning beam.

Constructed from industrial scrap, Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron features materials sourced from an Army Ammunition Plant, a decontamination unit from NASA’s Apollo mission, and dynamos crafted by Thomas Edison.

2. American Science & Surplus, Milwaukee

This location seamlessly blends elements of a retail store and a museum.

American Science & Surplus in Milwaukee is a unique repository of rare and challenging-to-find items, encompassing military, industrial, educational, and novelty products that cater to a variety of audiences, including artists, students, educators, and hobbyists.

Whether regarded as quirky or a treasure trove, American Science & Surplus serves enthusiasts and families eager to explore their creativity. The merchandise has facilitated science projects, costume designs, party decorations, telescopes, and dioramas.

The store is adorned with whimsical posters, intriguing signage, mystery boxes, and thought-provoking displays. Furthermore, a scavenger hunt is an engaging activity offered at American Science & Surplus.

3. FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard, Sparta

Fiberglass Animals, Shapes, and Trademarks (FAST) stands as one of the premier manufacturers in the United States for statues, water slides, roadside attractions, and life-sized structures crafted from fiberglass.

The creation of such compelling structures necessitates the production of molds larger than the final product. Therefore, once the orders are processed, these molds are stored in the company’s yard, resulting in a “graveyard” filled with large molds in every conceivable form.

Massive skulls lie alongside life-sized elephants and mice, and giant jaws are found next to oversized turtles. Exposed to the elements over the years, these molds have aged beautifully, resembling relics of a mythological era.

Visitors are welcome to wander through the garden and enjoy the curiosities of this unusual mold collection.

4. Apostle Island Sea Caves, La Pointe

Apostle Island comprises one of the 22 islands located on Lake Superior in La Pointe, Wisconsin, renowned for its stunning sea caves, which are among the most beautiful globally.

Apostle Island’s sea caves are regarded as the most magnificent of their kind within the Great Lakes region, particularly in winter when the caves that are accessible by boat during summer transform into ice sculptures reachable on foot.

These naturally formed lake caves resemble a delicate honeycomb structure, albeit constructed of stone.

While accessing the caves by boat can prove perilous in summer, the freezing conditions in winter allow for an enchanting two-mile journey from the shoreline to these frozen temples.

5. Wizard Quest, Wisconsin Dells

Wizard Quest in Wisconsin Dells defies the typical amusement park experience. Instead of conventional rides, this uniquely themed park invites visitors, regardless of age, to embark on a quest through a ‘Quadrasphere’ wielding a magic wand to navigate various challenges and traps in an effort to liberate four elemental wizards.

Spanning 13,000 square feet, the theme park immerses guests in an almost original storyline, allowing them to assume the role of a hero tasked with rescuing captive wizards.

Guests navigate puzzling chambers, concealed pathways, mirrors, and a range of other challenges controlled through an ingenious array of computer effects activated by their ‘wands’.

6. Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island

For those longing for a beach vacation free of sand irritation, nature has provided an ideal solution.

Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island is one of the few sandless beaches globally, characterized by a spectacular array of limestone rocks and pebbles as the beach floor.

Named after a small schoolhouse that once graced the shoreline, now replaced by a picnic area and barbecue facilities, this beach offers pleasant walking conditions as the pebbles gently massage the feet.

The rocks and pebbles lining the shore are geological formations shaped over thousands of years by glacial activity.

These stunning formations were so sought after that taking rocks as souvenirs was strictly prohibited, and violators face heavy fines.

7. Washington Island Stave Church, Washington

Inaugurated in 1994, the Washington Island Stave Church, associated with Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, was built to commemorate the region’s Scandinavian heritage.

Resembling architecture reminiscent of medieval Norway, this stave church was inspired by a similar structure in Borgun, Norway. Known as “stavkirkes” in the native Scandinavian tongue, many of these churches have succumbed to rotting, fire, or destruction over time. While only remnants of the original remain, replicas like the Washington Island Stave Church preserve these traditions.

Although primarily utilized for religious ceremonies, the unique Viking-inspired design cannot be overlooked.

This wooden church complex is frequently used for weddings and functions and operates seasonally, with the main church located across the street.

8. Lost City Forest, Madison

A vast area of wooded terrain is quietly nestled in the southeastern corner of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, set apart from urban life, popularly referred to as the “Lost City Forest.”

Although the name suggests a remote locale, far removed from civilization where only a woodpecker’s call and distant traffic can be heard, the appellation has a deeper significance.

This forest occupies the site of a failed housing development initiated in the early 20th century by the Lake Forest Land Company, which aspired to cultivate an appealing community here. However, the instability of surrounding marshlands thwarted construction efforts, despite the laying of initial foundations.

The onset of the Great Depression sealed the project’s fate permanently.

Participants can partake in the annual Lost City Halloween tour hosted by the University or enjoy complimentary access to the botanical gardens while wandering towards the ghost town, reflecting on what once existed there.

9. Mary Nohl House, Milwaukee

Conceived by Mary Nohl, an artist, the Mary Nohl House, often referred to as the Mary Nohl Art Environment, represents a collection of her remarkable work using concrete. She created unusual yet captivating concrete murals depicting monsters, fish, and fantastical figures that, while appearing unconventional, reflect her unique artistic vision.

Mary Nohl, born in 1949 and deceased in 2001, was formally trained in art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Yet, her unconventional art form led to her house being labeled the “Witch House.” Following incidents of vandalism, her property was enclosed with fencing.

After Nohl passed away in 2001, less appreciative neighbors sought to demolish the site, but it was fortunate that the location was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and is currently under the stewardship of the Kohler Foundation.

To protect against potential hazards, public access to the house is restricted; however, visitors are welcome to observe and admire the late artist’s creations from the street.

10. Lamp House, Madison

Frank Lloyd Wright, an iconic American architect, interior designer, educator, and writer, is recognized for his remarkable contributions to commercial and residential architecture spanning over seven decades. Among his most acclaimed works is Fallingwater, regarded as a quintessential example of American architectural excellence.

While many are familiar with his oeuvre, the Lamp House—a modest, block-like structure located just a block from the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin—was specifically designed for his close friend, Robert Lamp.

Amidst a backdrop of urban development, the Lamp House remains a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed, despite being crafted by one of the nation’s architectural giants.

Although its condition may not reflect the grandeur typically associated with Wright’s designs (as the house is unoccupied), it remains a significant landmark in American architectural history.

11. Jurustic Park, Marshfield

Clyde Wynia, a former attorney and self-styled amateur paleontologist, dedicated himself to crafting a fantastical realm celebrating the extinct animal species of Wisconsin’s marshlands—whether actual or imagined.

Constructed from repurposed metal and assorted scrap materials, this collection features over 1,000 fantastical creatures collectively termed ‘Jurustic Park’ that represent the region’s hypothesized ‘Iron Age’.

Among the exhibition pieces are striking sculptures of dragons, large representations of hobbits, Wynia’s Oxide (a watchdog), Porky-Pine (a hybrid of pig and porcupine), and Abe Lawbender (a fictional attorney from Shysterville).

The park opens to the public during the summer months, during which Wynia conducts personal tours and enthusiastically shares half-truths about the park’s origins and inspirations.

12. Lake Michigan Triangle, Manitowoc

Contrary to popular belief, the Bermuda Triangle is not unique in its maritime mysteries.

The Lake Michigan Triangle is an equally enigmatic area, notorious for the unexplained disappearance of numerous vessels and boats, some of which remain lost to this day, while others were discovered wrecked without reasonable explanations.

This perilous area stretches from Ludington to Benton Harbor in Michigan and down to Manitowoc in Wisconsin.

The phenomenon was first noted in 1891, following the sudden disappearance of the schooner Thomas Hume, which vanished with seven crew members onboard, leaving no trace behind.

Another notable incident occurred in 1921 when the Rosa Belle inexplicably vanished with eleven crew members, only to be found capsized in Lake Michigan; it appeared to have met with an accident, yet no nearby vessels reported any such occurrences.

Over the years, locals have recounted various legendary encounters while traversing the triangle, with some suggesting it serves as a hotspot for paranormal activities.

13. The Dickeyville Grotto, Dickeyville

Constructed between 1925 and 1930, the Dickeyville Grotto and its shrines are located on the grounds of Holy Ghost Parish in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. This imaginative project is the work of Father Matthias Wernerus, a Catholic Priest who served as the Parish Pastor from 1918 to 1931.

Composed of stones, glass, and numerous vibrant materials sourced globally, these shrines were created without blueprints. Among the materials included are gems, stalactites, starfish, porcelain, fossils, corals, rock crystals, copper, iron, coal, and petrified wood.

Various shrines populate the grotto, including the main shrine housing the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin, the Fatima Shrine, the Sacred Heart Shrine, and a patriotic tribute.

14. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wauwatosa

Frank Lloyd Wright, regarded as one of America’s foremost architects and interior designers, drew inspiration from nature, coining his philosophy as ‘organic architecture’.

However, when tasked with designing the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, he envisioned an extraordinary structure that some liken to an alien spacecraft.

While the church retains organic curves, much of its design reflects Wright’s fascination with Greek Orthodox symbolism, incorporating these elements directly into the architecture. The rounded, shallow dome emulates those found in traditional Greek Orthodox chapels.

The completion of the church came after Wright’s passing; it stands as one of his last works, strikingly resembling a UFO.

15. Shaker’s Cigar Bar, Milwaukee

Commonly referred to as “Milwaukee’s Haunted Bar,” Shaker’s is a Victorian-style bar and restaurant that was previously owned by Al Capone, serving as a cover for his illicit activities.

Acclaimed for its delightful food and sinister history, the Cigar Bar offers ghost tours that delve into the basement, the bar, and nearby apartments, which were once hotspots for illegal operations—including murder, drug trafficking, and grave robbing.

Staff members report various paranormal occurrences within the establishment, attracting even more guests curious about its haunted past.

Participate in a distinct tour of Milwaukee’s historic crime scene, exploring its infamous chapters of the 19th and 20th centuries.

16. The Rock in the House, Fountain City

Not to be mistaken for the “House on the Rock” in Spring Green, The Rock in the House in Fountain City, Wisconsin is just what it claims to be – a house enveloping a rock!

The renovation of this quaint home at the base of a hillside concluded in April 1995. However, an unforeseen event occurred when a colossal 55-ton boulder crashed through the roof into the house’s interior.

Thankfully, the homeowners escaped the incident without injury, though the emotional impact led them to relocate almost immediately.

The subsequent owners opted to preserve the boulder and restore the house around it, consequently giving the property its current title.

Visitors may initially find the house ordinary, but the true surprise awaits when the hosts reveal the bedroom door.

17. Wegner Grotto, Sparta

Art does not always necessitate formal training; sometimes, inspiration and commitment are all it requires. This was certainly true for Paul and Matilda Wegner, who were inspired by a makeshift grotto in Dickeyville.

Neither had formal artistic training, yet upon retiring to their farm in Sparta, Wisconsin, they embarked on a sculpture project with a thematic vision.

The central feature of their creation is the glass church, where Paul envisioned his funeral to take place upon his passing in 1936.

The couple dedicated seven years to the grotto, crafting various artworks including a replica of their 50th wedding anniversary cake and the Bremen ocean liner, among others.

Visitors to the Wegner Grotto can participate in guided tours, and the iconic glass church is available for couples seeking to wed in a distinctive setting.

18. Ladybug Building, Milwaukee

Commonly recognized as the “Milwaukee Building,” this structure was once just another drab office edifice within the city’s landscape. To alleviate the monotony of urban design, the city initiated renovations by enhancing the Milwaukee Building.

This transformation involved the installation of three enormous ladybug sculptures, each comparable in size to a 1968 VW Beetle, adorning the building’s glass façade, instantly invigorating the entire structure and community atmosphere.

The upper floors of the Ladybug Building accommodate various offices and businesses, while the ground level has hosted various nightclubs, the latest being 618 Live on Water.

19. World’s Largest Six-Pack, La Crosse

The concept originated from an anonymous innovator who recognized that the six massive beer tanks of the Old Style Brewery brilliantly resembled a traditional six-pack. Subsequently, the tanks were affectionately painted to mimic Old Style beer cans, resulting in the creation of the world’s largest six-pack.

Though the Old Style Brewery ceased operations in 1999, leaving the fate of its oversized six-pack in limbo, it was eventually acquired by La Crosse. However, in a rather disappointing twist, the brewery chose to cover the six-pack in vinyl sleeves rather than preserving the original artistic flair.

Various humorous anecdotes illustrate the impressive capacity of the six-pack, making it a beloved local attraction.

20. Sputnik Crash Site, Manitowoc

On September 5, 1962, a 20-pound fragment from Sputnik IV detached and fell onto Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Today, only a brass ring remains in the street to mark the spot where the satellite crashed.

This event not only represents one of the town’s notable claims to fame but has also inspired Manitowoc’s whimsical annual celebration known as Sputnikfest, where attendees dress in eccentric space-themed costumes, enjoy vodka cocktails, and partake in quirky contests, such as the Cosmic Cake competition and the Ms. Space Debris Pageant.