With your special someone, discover this beautiful city on the western coast of Lake Michigan and enjoy these fun things to do in Milwaukee for adults.

Fun things to do in Milwaukee: Drink + Eat

Since you’re in the city that beer built, your first question might be – where’s a good place to drink? Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge is the oldest cocktail lounge in Milwaukee, which opened its doors to drinkers in 1938.

You may try classic cocktails or unique depression-era cocktails or you can ask the bartender to surprise you. You may also want to be on a lookout for Dock18, a mobile cocktail lab that does pop-events in the city.

Collectivo has been serving great coffee since 1993 but they also offer letterbox fine tea, keg company beers and food.

Whatever you like to drink – toast with your partner for your happy times in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Public Market is a great destination for finding a variety of things to eat, drink and indulge in. 18+ vendors offering up everything from food, chocolate, cocktails, coffee and desserts.

Fun things to do in Milwaukee: Harley Davidson + Discovery World

Whether you and your partner are motorcycle enthusiasts or science and technology buffs or not, when you’re in Milwaukee, tours in the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Discovery World are a must.

Visit the 20-acre H-D Museum and be in awe at the collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia. In the experience gallery, people wouldn’t stop you from touching the exhibit, in fact it’s encouraged. So, you can go ahead and sit on a Harley-Davidson and snap some photos.

At the Discovery World, there’s just so many things to do and discover, you might want to come back on another weekend to visit this interesting place.

120,000 sq. ft. center showcases an aquarium, a virtual reality exhibit, engineering exhibits, a replica of the Great Lakes Schooner, innovation exhibits and many more. Here, you and your partner can enjoy learning together while having fun.

Fun things to do in Milwaukee: Food Tour

Things are better when there’s food involved. Tours just became more delicious when they became food tours. Go on a Milwaukee Food and City Tour and enjoy the city’s architectural treasures and beautiful places while enjoying good food along the way.

Couples will have a variety of food choices when they get to the Milwaukee Public Market. The Market’s Palm Garden on the second floor is a place to enjoy freshly-made food by different vendors at the market.

For breakfast, brunch and lunch, Blue’s Egg offers more than eggs. They also serve pancakes, French toast, hash browns, sandwiches, soups, salads and even Bloody Mary.

Troubadour Bakery serves breads and other baked goodies made from scratch. Get your pastries, cookies, bagels, baguettes and other delicious breads.

Indulgence Chocolatiers will truly satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious, mouth-watering chocolates.

Fun things to do in Milwaukee: Hunt for Ghosts

There is any number of ghost tours in the city. Spending time learning about haunted Milwaukee is never a waste of time and with any luck, you’ll bump into a friendly ghost or two.

Stay at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino

When you’re in Milwaukee and want a luxurious place to stay, choose the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. You’ll feel comfortable in the luxury hotels room or suite and just steps away from the casino where the Midwest plays. The 150, 000 sq. ft. casino floor offers 2,500 slot machines, 100 tables and more to over 6 million players a year.

Looking for more travel destinations?  Check out my list of things to do in Roswell, NM!

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This would really be the perfect opportunity to take the ferry. The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the amount of drive time we would save.

Our first stop was going to be Mall of America and by taking the Badger from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI we saved at least 6 hours of driving.

DEPARTING FROM LUDINGTON  – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

When we arrived at the Ludington port the traffic was funneled into one lane. A police officer with bomb/gun/drug sniffing dog stopped us to ask if we had any firearms with us. (uh, no!) After we passed him we proceeded to an attendant that confirmed our reservation.

We drove into our designated lane, left the car unlocked with the keys in it and grabbed what we needed for the four hour crossing. A quick stop in the ticket office to pick up our boarding passes and we made our way to the ferry.

Attendants drive your car onto and off the ferry so once you leave it in the designated lane you will not see it again until after you arrive at your destination and it is driven back off.

The passengers enter the ferry on the same level as the cars and make their way up a steep staircase. There is a chair lift for those that can’t use the stairs.

Cars load on the left and passengers enter the ferry on the right.

The car area is HUGE! We were amazed at how many cars they fit on the ferry.

THE RIDE ACROSS ON THE LAKE MICHIGAN CAR FERRY

A nice sign greets you on your way up the stairs to the passenger lounge or sun deck.

Quite a few lifeboats available and ALWAYS a good idea to know where they are located.

This was the view of Ludington as we were leaving.

The awesome sun deck! Em & I were lucky enough to snag a couple lounge chairs where we promptly took an hour nap.

Ludington lighthouse. It was fun waving to the people on the pier.

Once we were at “sea”, so to speak, there were all kinds of activities to keep us occupied. First we napped 🙂 Then we explored the ship. Their motto is “Big Ship, More Fun” and that about sums it up.

There were movies (Hop & Soul Surfer), a quite room where we could have napped if we were unable to sleep on the sun deck, an arcade, and a small playroom for toddlers.

MAIN CABIN FUN 

In the main cabin there is food service and games. Bingo with prizes and karaoke to name a few.

The karaoke also came with a prize for best singer. There was a student from Belgium that won, but personally, I think the lady that sang Patsy Clines “Crazy” should have taken the award. Holy bells, that lady could sing!!

Additionally, there were areas set up playing documentaries about the ship and lots of open areas to just relax and enjoy the view. It was a GORGEOUS day for a sail.

Oh, and, the best part, the Badger has Wi-Fi for a nominal fee. Well worth it!

STATEROOMS ON BOARD

If you prefer a private area to pass the time there are a limited number of rooms available with beds in them. I think they are perfect for families with infants or small children.

If you suffer from motion sickness you may want to take a Dramamine prior to departure or the gift shop has wrist bands you can rent. The sail was very smooth, but I took some Dramamine just in case.

I get car sick real easy and didn’t want to take any chances. I figured it was better to be safe than sorry. Em done just fine without anything.

ARRIVING IN MANITOWOC, WI ON THE LAKE MICHIGAN CAR FERRY

Entering the port in Manitowoc, WI.

This was a wonderful experience and a great way to spend four hours. We could have been stuck in Chicago traffic that long, instead we got to enjoy some sun and great views on a big ship with more fun!

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This is, hand’s down, the one way that I’ve survived thousands of miles in the car. Knowing that there is some really cool roadside attraction or World’s Largest item in the near future makes those long car rides easier to handle.

I’ve put together a list of the ones I’ve visited and I’ll be adding to this list as I check the rest of the World’s Largest in the Midwest off my list.

The list is put together by state. I’ve included notes, if needed, about visiting each of the attractions. What you may need to know, best time to visit, etc.

Without further ado I give you

The World’s Largest Things in the Midwest

INDIANA

Worlds Largest Ball of Paint, Alexandria, IN

Give them a call to schedule a time to view the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. You can also inquire and see about adding another layer of paint!

ILLINOIS

Casey, Illinois – “Big Things, Small Town“

This small town in Illinois is packed full of 12 of the World’s Largest things and 19 really, really big things that don’t quite qualify as World’s Largest.

Some things you’ll find:

Worlds Largest Wind Chime
Worlds Largest Rocking Chair
Worlds Largest Key
Worlds Largest Barber Pole
Worlds Largest Mailbox
Giant Mouse Trap
Giant Wooden Coin

Be sure to click over to their website to print a map and see where everything is located. If you’re within a short drive of Casey on your next road trip it is worth the stop and/or detour!

World’s Largest & Most Intricate Corn Maze, Spring Grove

At Richardson Adventure Farm you’ll find the World’s Largest and most intricate Corn Maze with almost 10 miles of trails through 28 acres of corn.

The maze design is unique for each year. In 2019 they celebrated the 50th-anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.

If corn mazes are your jam this one is not to be missed!

MICHIGAN

World’s Tallest Ore Miner “Big John”, Iron Mountain

While you’re visiting the World’s Tallest Ore Miner step inside and take a guided tour into the mines. Big John watches over the Iron Mountain Iron Mine where you can take a step back in history and learn about this way of life.

World’s Largest Indian – Ironwood

Not too far off US-2 and well worth the short detour, you’ll find the World’s Largest Indiana at a small park. Plenty of parking is available.

World’s Largest Stormy Kromer Hat (dubbed so by me 😉 ), Ironwood

Ok, I can’t say that it’s officially the World’s Largest Stormy Kromer hat, but I’ve not heard of any others in the Midwest or U.S. for that matter. Located at the Stormy Kromer headquarters. If you visit during business hours be sure to check out the store and take home your own hat. 

World’s Largest Front Porch, Mackinac Island

Located at one of the most iconic hotels in Michigan, the Grand Hotel is home to the World’s Largest Front Porch coming in at 660′ long.

Indulge in a stay here and enjoy an afternoon sitting on the porch, sipping a cocktail and watching the freighter and boats pass through the straights. Seriously, this should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Honestly, this is just one of the many reasons to visit Mackinac Island.

Note: If you don’t want to stay you can pay a small fee to tour the grounds and then stay for a cocktail or beverage on the porch.

World’s Largest Christmas Store, Frankenmuth

Open 361 days of the year, Bronner’s is THE place to find anything and everything to do with Christmas. Ornaments galore, decor, trees, outdoor light displays.

If you are looking for something Christmas related there’s a really good possibility that they’ll have it!

MINNESOTA

World’s Largest Turkey, Frazee

The World’s Largest Turkey is located right off the highway making it a quick and easy stop. It’s on a hilltop at the entrance to Lions Park (note, there are bathrooms there if needed) which also makes a great place to have a picnic.

World’s Largest Dilly Bar, Moorehead

Great place to stop for a refreshing treat AND get a photo of the World’s Largest Dilly Bar. Right next door to Fargo and off of I-94. 

World’s Largest Northern Fish, Erskine

Well, it’s a pretty big Northern fish at a small park. Not much to write about it except to check it off our list of World’s Largest Things in the Midwest.

On a fun note, it’s been there 30-years and going strong.

MISSOURI

World’s Largest Fork, Springfield

When you’re near the World’s Largest Fork you stop and take a photo. Located in a business district. I remember it being a little challenging to find, but as you can see we finally found it.

This is also a good reminder of how far I’ve come on my weight loss/getting healthy journey. Stunning the difference a couple of years makes. 

NORTH DAKOTA

Ok, it’s not a World’s Largest, but it is pretty cool and there is only one place in the World you can see it so there’s that.

If you’re anywhere in north-central North Dakota you MUST stop by and see the Geographic Center of the United States in Lebanon.

Worlds Largest Buffalo, Jamestown

Located in Frontier Village (free admission) if it’s not too busy you’ll be able to park close by and make the short walk to the buffalo. He’s also visible from I-94!

Located in a western town style district. 

Worlds Largest Cow, New Salem

 Known as Salem Sue she is visible from the highway. You can exit the highway and drive to the top of the hill to get up close with Salem Sue, but if the weather is bad you may want to skip it as it’s a steep road to the top. 

The views, however, once you are at the top are incredible. Highly recommend taking 15 minutes and making this stop.

World’s Largest Dala Horse (maybe), Minot

It’s not an “official” designation, but it’s a 30′ tall Dala horse!

If it’s not the World’s Largest Dala Horse it just might be the largest in the U.S. 

Still worth a visit to Minot to see it. While you’re in town swing by downtown and visit one of their many murals.

World’s Largest Sandhill Crane, Steele

I love that so many of these World’s Largest are right off the highway and often time visible from the highway. Of course, I always recommend taking the extra few minutes and making the stop.

Since they are usually so close to the exit it only adds 5-10 minutes to your trip. 

You can almost drive right up to the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane. Bring a travel partner with you as there are signs on where a photographer can stand and where the other person stands to create the absolute best photo!

World’s Largest Turtle Riding a Snowmobile, Bottineau

Because when you find something as quirky as the World’s Largest Turtle Riding a Snowmobile you absolutely MUST go.

While in Bottineau be sure to grab a coffee at Rx Coffee, lunch at Metigoshe Drive-In and take a paddle around Lake Metigoshe.

World’s Largest Toothbrush, Fargo

You’ll find the Worlds Largest Toothbrush right off the highway in Fargo at a dentist office. It’s so random and because it’s right off I-94 there’s really no reason not to stop.

OHIO

World’s Largest Washboard, Logan

You’ll find plenty of parking here making it a breeze to stop and take a photo. Plus, Logan is in one of the prettiest areas of Ohio, in my opinion, located in Hocking Hills.

World’s Largest Stamp, Cleveland 

Parking can be challenging to find. My suggestion, go really early and have someone drive you by really SLOW as you take a photo out your window.

World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier, Cleveland

After you do the slow drive by the World’s Largest Stamp drive over to the World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier and do another slow drive past it to grab a photo.

Disclaimer: I hate city parking so I always try to find a workaround lol.

World’s Largest Candy Store in Cleveland

Life is sweet when you visit Sweeties, the World’s Largest Candy Store in Cleveland.

Check their site for current hours. Know that there is also a pretty big ice cream shop inside as well.

World’s Largest Gavel, Columbus

Located downtown, I snapped this one out the car window as we were driving past. Not always my first choice, but sometimes you just have to make do with you got.

World’s Largest Corn Field, Dublin

Fun roadside attraction in Dublin, just outside of Columbus. I’m not sure how many ears of corn are here, but it’s a fun photo op!

World’s Largest Geode, Put in Bay

There’s a lot of reasons to visit Put in Bay but being home to the World’s Largest Geode tops our list. You have to pay to take a tour of the geode and you should be able to navigate stairs. It’s definitely NOT handicap accessible, but worth the price of admission to stand inside the geode.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Worlds Largest Drugstore, Wall

If you are driving west towards Wall, SD you’ll start seeing billboards almost as soon as you enter SD (maybe even before).

I know Em and I made a game of counting the billboards on a road trip we took some years back. Of course, I’ve forgotten how many there are, but there are quite a few. 

Once in Wall, Wall Drug is just about the entire town so there is no missing it. Be sure to explore and see all there is at Wall Drugs because it does not disappoint.

WISCONSIN

World’s Largest Corkscrew (just across the state line from Michigan)

If you find yourself in Ironwood, MI visiting the World’s Largest Indian and World’s Largest Stormy Kromer hat drive west a couple of miles and visit the World’s Largest Corkscrew. 

Located on US-2, you can’t miss it.

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Escaping to Chula Vista for a few days of relaxing fun was well worth the drive to the Wisconsin Dells.

Chula Vista provides everything you could possible need on vacation so once you arrive you never have to leave the resort until it’s time to go home.

Our time there went by so quickly during our visit, but we enjoyed every minute of it. From delicious food to a spa visit to fun in the sun everyone enjoyed our mini getaway.

ACCOMMODATIONS

We stayed in a Villa during our visit to Chula Vista and it was perfect. It was a 2 room villa with kitchen, sitting area, and balcony. It was so comfy and gave us all plenty of room to spread out. The beds were incredibly comfy and we all slept very well at night.

A nice bonus to staying in a Villa is that you can prepare meals and snacks in the kitchen to save some money. The Villas over look the golf course and offer a nice relaxing view.

Other accommodations available include hotel room and condos.

The Villas are located right across the street from Chula Vista and is just a short walk over to the water park and resort. If you’re not up for the walk there is a shuttle that runs between the villas and the resort.

DINING

There are great dining options at the Resort. In the interest of a good review we tried most of them. Trust me, that was no hardship.

In season, there is Margarita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina by the wave pool with very tasty margaritas and Cactus Bar & Grill at the lagoon is a great option for outdoor drinks and snacks.

Other dining options include: Market Fresh Buffet, Big Moe’s Restaurant, Howler’s Sports Bar, Luigi’s Pizzeria, Market Fresh-To-Go, Crash Landings Snack Bar, and Kaminski’s Chop House. So many options you’ll never get bored.

We visited Margarita’s for drinks and chips which were so very good. The kids loved the non-alcoholic frozen drinks. We also grabbed sandwiches for dinner one night at Market Fresh-To-Go there is a nice selection of sandwiches that even appeased the pickiest of eaters in our group.

The best meal, hands down, was Kaminski’s Chop House where we a delectable meal was enjoyed by all of us. We ordered three different entrees so we could try a variety of their meals.

Shortly, after we placed our order and poured our wine the waitress brought a cart over to create our garbage salads. Now, trust me, it taste much better than it sounds. There are a variety of salad toppings that you select and your waitress tosses it all together and tops it with a garlic cream dressing that is fabulous.

Our entrees did not disappoint. They were huge servings though, you definitely need to consider sharing entrees. Sides are served family style and I think Kaminski’s thought the “family” was a family of 10. Mercy.

We ordered the loaded mashed potatoes to go with our entrees and they were so yummy, but we didn’t even come close to finishing them. No worries though, we grabbed the rest to go and had them for a late breakfast the next morning.

After enjoying a fabulous meal we ordered ONE dessert to go and shared it much later that evening. Another bonus for the Villa, we had a fridge for leftovers.

SPA

On our second day at Chula Vista I was treated to a Swedish massage at the spa. The spa is such a relaxing way to spend some quality time with numero uno. The only downside is that the 50 minutes flew by.

It seemed like it was just minutes and it was time to go back to reality. If you have the chance I really recommend making an appointment for some downtown.

WATER PARK

Of course, the best part of staying at Chula Vista is their awesome water park. With multiple pools, slides, and rides Chula Vista doesn’t disappoint. Plus, they have the country’s fastest indoor water coaster. I didn’t try the coaster, but I’ve heard it’s great fun.

(c)ChulaVista.com

There are two outdoor water park areas. The first, just off the indoor water park area, features lots of slides, a couple pools, a beach area complete with sand and lounge chairs, bar area, putt-putt golf, hair braiding, and more.

The other outdoor water park is the wave pool area and is located behind the condos and hotel and provides a very pretty view of the river.

The indoor water park houses the coaster, the lazy river, and lots of pools and slides. There is plenty of seating, lockers, towels, and a cafe.

Right next to the water park is the arcade with fun games for all and a cafe. Additional arcade games are located in the underground tunnel between the hotel and the water park. That is where you can also find the 4D theater.

There is so much to do at Chula Vista that two nights is just a taste, but it was two nights filled with lots of fun memories.

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Just a short 2 1/2 hour jaunt from Chicago is Madison, WI, home to the University of Wisconsin and an endless array of cultural opportunities. Take a weekend to explore the numerous museums, shop boutiques, eat great food and fall in love with this midwestern town. Madison is sure to make a memorable girlfriend getaway.

WHERE TO STAY IN MADISON

Location, location, location. They say it’s the key for most things in life and it hold true for a visit to Madison. We stayed at the Madison Concourse Hotel in the heart of downtown and directly across the street from the capitol building. This location allowed us the opportunity to park the car and leave it. Everything we wanted to see and do while in the city was within walking distance of the hotel. Plus, as a bonus, the view from our room wasn’t one of those awful roof or parking garage views but offered us this view of the capitol. Swoon.

As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel offers Governor’s Club rooms which provide access to a private lounge (with Capitol views) and complimentary breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as top-shelf cocktails. I highly recommend splurging on a Governor’s Club room. It’s nice being able to have a leisurely breakfast before heading out for the day and, I have to say, coming back for a nightcap is the perfect way to end the day.

Hotel amenities include restaurant, bar, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness center, underground parking ($10/night), business center, free wi-fi and printing. The employees were very personable and offered excellent customer service. We loved everything about the Madison Concouse Hotel and can’t wait to return for another stay.

WHERE TO PLAY IN MADISON

There is so much to see and do in this city. I’m only going to be able to touch on a few of my favorites, but you can find an entire list of must-see attractions here.

A tour of the capitol building should be at the top of the list. The interior of the building is absolutely amazing. The dome artwork is stunning. The building is open to the public Mon-Fri from 8a-6p and on weekends and holidays from 8a-4p. Free tours are offered daily, except on major holidays, and start at the information desk.

An abundance of museums and galleries can be found along the “museum mile” from the capitol to the UW campus. Step into the Overture Center for the Art (free) and check out the art on display on three different levels. Walk down to the Chazen Museum of Art (free) with over 20,000 works of art in the museum collection you are sure to find works of art to inspire your inner artist. If modern art is more your style be sure to visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

For fun shopping head down State Street and browse the unique stores along the way. Readers will want to visit A Room Of One’s Own, a new and used bookstore, and those looking for something to spoil themselves should go to Little Luxuries. I found a great gift for my sister-in-law at Serrv, a fair trade store. Lucky for me they also have an online store. There are also chocolate shops, gourmet food stores,  museum gift shops (love!),  and so much more.

If you love architecture be sure to tour the Monona Terrace Convention Center downtown, designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright and considered to be one of his masterpieces. Tours of the Unitarian Meeting House, design by Mr. Wright in the 1940’s, are also available.

If you have a bit of extra time take the drive out to Spring Green and visit the Taliesin house and Hillside school. Mr. Wright lived at Taliesin for many years during the height of his fame and the home is definitely one that Frank Lloyd Wright aficionados should visit.

(c)photo by Sara Keinath

Continuing on the architectural front add the Library Reading Room of the Wisconsin Historical Society to your list. It’s simply stunning and well worth the visit. Be sure to look up at the gorgeous ceiling while you are there.

If you are lucky enough to be in Madison on a weekend be sure to visit the farmer’s market. Vendors circle the capitol building and offer everything from fresh produce to baked goods to honey and jam and, of course, cheese. You are, after all, in the cheese capital of the Midwest.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN MADISON

There is no shortage of delectable places to eat in the downtown Madison area. The list is long and diverse with 145 restaurants listed on the Visit Madison website. If you are going to be in town a while consider picking up a Madison City Tin filled with 20 coaster gift cards. Each coaster is a $10 gift card redeemable at a Madison Originals restaurant. Well worth the investment.

Short Stack Eatery: What I love about this restaurant is that it’s open from 7a.m. on Thursday and doesn’t close until Sunday at 11p.m. That’s right it is open the entire time! This dining hot spot is a local favorite and the line tends to be long.

Brasserie V: Perfect place for an evening with friends.The menu may be French inspired but the food is locally sourced. Signature items include cheese boards (shown above), the V burger and steak frites. Brasserie V also has an extensive beer and wine menu.

Himal Chuli (Nepalese food): According to my friend Sara, who spent 3 years in Nepal, and eats here every time she is in Madison, you’ll want to order the Samosas and Rice, Dal, and Chef’s Choice Tarkari.

Meditteranean Cafe: Located on State Street the Mediterranean Cafe is great for lunch. Order at the counter and the food will be delivered to your table. The cafe is cozy with limited seating, but even during a busy Saturday we were able to be seated right away. On a personal note, unless you like incredibly sweet hot tea, skip the Algerian tea.

Yahara Bay Distillery: Not a restaurant, but you didn’t really expect to read a where to eat/drink section without reading about a distillery did you? I brought some samples of Yahara Bay Whiskey home. On Thursday nights, from 5-10pm, there are free tours and tastings at the distillery. Otherwise, tours are offered most days for $7/person.

MUST BUY MADISON SOUVINIERS

I generally don’t purchase souvenirs. I usually consider the memories and photographs my souvenirs, but lately I’ve been binging on souvenirs that are crafted/grown in the destination. Of course, being that I was in Wisconsin, I had to bring home Spotted Cow beer and cheese. We stopped at Woodman’s Grocery store to pick up beer and cheese. The store provides an overwhelming variety of both at a great price (way cheaper than the specialty stores downtown). By the way, I think this is the largest grocery store I have ever been in. Be sure to pack a cooler to take your purchases home.

MADISON TRAVEL PLANNING LINKS

Travel Wisconsin

Visit Madison

disclaimer: I’d like to thank Travel Wisconsin for providing lodging during my visit to Madison.

If you have school-age children, you are acutely aware of the exact number of days left until school’s out for summer, mostly because your kids won’t stop reminding you of the fact. There’s also a good chance they’re reminding you that they have very high expectations for this year’s summer vacation. And that’s where the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau comes in, offering a list of 10 new ways the Dells, famously lauded as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” for its volume of waterparks, will blow their expectations out of the water, so to speak. The list includes attractions high in the sky, down-to-earth offerings, and even a few notable, quotable anniversaries. For more on these and all the attractions that make Wisconsin Dells one of the nation’s most popular family destinations, visit www.wisdells.com.

1. A Manticore First up, something called a Manticore. In mythology circles, that’s a legendary creature similar to a sphinx. In Wisconsin Dells circles, it’s the name of the new tower ride at Mt. Olympus Theme Park & Water Park. This vertical swing stands more than 140-feet tall, has 12 arms and 12 double seats, and is lit up with a barrage of LED lights. You’ll get a spectacular view of the entire Mt. Olympus Park on this one. Interesting side note: Given all the theme park and waterpark rides at Mt. Olympus, the easiest way for the owners to add to the collection was to build up and out, thus the choice of a monstrous swing configuration.

2. An Eco-Adventure Heightened Adventures at Chula Vista Resort, an aerial adventure park, is a first-of-its-kind for Wisconsin Dells. It’s part zipline, part obstacle course, with obstacles at varying heights and levels of difficulty, making it family-friendly for grade-schoolers through grown-ups. Bonus: Terrific views of the forest and the Wisconsin River.

3. The Man Who Made Wisconsin Dells Famous Can Wisconsin Dells’ fame be traced back 150 years to a single person? The answer to that tourism genealogy question is a resounding “yes,” and the person is Henry Hamilton Bennett. His exquisite images of the Wisconsin River with its towering sandstone cliffs and mystical caverns, raftsmen risking life and limb to ferry timber, the Ho-Chunk nation and their life along the dells of the river, and even his own family members standing in as models proved fascinating photojournalism. Bennett, and later his family, ran the photography studio in downtown Dells for 135 years before donating the studio and the extensive photographic collection to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It is the oldest continually operating photography studio in the United States. The sesquicentennial is being marked with a season-long anniversary gallery exhibit, “150 Years of Dells and Studio History,” plus a weekend of celebrations including activities in the studio and adjoining outdoor courtyard the weekend of June 13-14. Don’t miss the all-new 3-D stereo viewer station in the studio – it’s the best way to see the river as it was in Bennett’s day. On August 22, the Crystal Grand Music Theater will be the site of “Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial Reawakened,” a program of Native American song, dance and historic Bennett photos produced by Friends of H.H. Bennett Studio and Little Eagle Arts Foundation.

4. Some 70-Year-Old Ducks The Original Wisconsin Ducks®, the WWII land-to-water vehicles repurposed for tours of the Dells, start their 70th season this year. To mark the occasion look for 10 of the 92 Ducks to be painted in a retro color scheme reminiscent of the 1950s and ‘60s. Here’s some interesting Duck trivia: Upwards of 600 people have been Duck drivers since the ‘50s and it remains one of the most coveted jobs in the Dells, not only for the chance to be outdoors but also because it looks good on a resume. Today, along with three generations of visitors to Wisconsin Dells, there are even three generations of Duck drivers, with the youngest being 18 and the oldest 77.

5. A Trio of Broadway Caliber Shows Palace Theater enters its first full year in Wisconsin Dells. This 800-seat dinner theater was completely renovated with all new sound and lighting equipment plus major architectural and interior design updates. The summer line-up includes Pinkalicious, Ring of Fire, and The Little Mermaid. These Broadway-quality performances feature cast and crew hailing from New York, Chicago and other entertainment hubs of the U.S.

6. A Brandy Old Fashioned for the Grown-ups Wollersheim Winery opens its new 25,000 square foot distillery later this summer, featuring its own cellar and retail space. The fruits for the brandies are grown in Wisconsin and the grains for the whiskey and gin come from a farm just one mile down the road from the distillery. An intriguing factoid: Both wine and brandy were made on the property nearly 100 years ago. Post-Prohibition regulations made a return to these roots impossible, until 2009 that is, when a change in Wisconsin law once again allowed wineries to distill spirits. Wollersheim Winery sits on a hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River in nearby Prairie du Sac. It was just named “Small Winery of the Year” at the 2015 Riverside International Wine Competition in California, a prestigious competition now in its 34th year.

7. A Taste of Distillery Cuisine Driftless Glen Distillery on the banks of the Baraboo River just opened its restaurant with seating for 200 inside and outdoor dining for 55. Given their stock in trade as a distillery, it’s no surprise the owners are serving “distillery cuisine,” with the majority of dishes using the handcrafted spirits in creative ways. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner plus Sunday brunch. Tack on a tour and tasting while you’re there. By the way, their neighbor is Circus World and if you time your visit right you might see circus animals crossing the river while you dine.

8. A Friday Fish Fry with a View Cold Water Canyon Golf Course at Chula Vista Resort is debuting a new clubhouse this summer. The Clubhouse includes a 200-seat restaurant open to the public with outdoor veranda with firepits, TVs and great views to the bluffs. By the way, the resort has 65 years under its belt of perfecting the Friday Night Fish Fry, a Wisconsin classic.

9. A Disappearing Sibling Take a step back in time with the new illusion at the well-established, 550-seat Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Master illusionist and star of the show, Rick Wilcox, will send a youngster from the audience back in time 30, 40, even 50 years. Rick and the grade-schooler will step into a clear octagon glass box with wife Suzan Wilcox at the controls setting the dial for time travel. Rick and the child magically fade away. When Rick reappears the child isn’t with him – makes sense since he or she technically wasn’t born yet. The illusion ends with a surprise and, yes, you’ll have to see it to find out just what that surprise is. He’s spent three years working on it, ever the consummate perfectionist.

10. A Pair of Cute Boutiques Brand new to the downtown shopping experience is A Homespun Heart, offering primitive home décor, antiques and gifts. Nestled into a grand home that served as a family photography studio for many years, A Homespun Heart adds even more charm to the neighborhood. Across the street, The Ivy Cottage is a great find for purse fanatics, jewelry lovers and those who fancy themselves interior designers of their own abodes. It’s located in a 1930s cottage-style home with loads of architectural charm and, of course, the requisite climbing ivy on the outside to add to the curb appeal. The shop offers some upscale resale items too.