13 Wisconsin Date Night Ideas That Won't Break The Bank
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Nicole
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Wanting to get out and enjoy this awesome Wisconsin summer with your sweetie but you’re on a budget? Not to worry, the Dairy State is one of the best places to be when your pockets are feeling a bit light. There’s plenty to see and do around here that won’t bankrupt you. Here are 13 places around the state where you can have a reasonably priced date. If the exact location of these places isn’t near you, there’s probably something similar, so definitely take the suggestions and make them your own:
Wisconsin only has a handful of drive-ins left. If you're in Richland Center, Jefferson, Wisconsin Dells, Fish Creek, Monroe, Chilton, Freedom or Chetek, you're in for a treat. Tickets are $10 or under at all the above places, with many having specials. The Stardust in Chetek is located at 995 22nd St., Chetek, WI.
Bowling is a time-honored Wisconsin tradition and there's sure to be a bowling alley near you. In LaCrosse, Pla-Mor offers $1 games on Mondays after 5 pm, $1 games and shoes on Tuesdays after 5 pm and two games and shoes for $5 on Wednesdays. Located at 807 4th St S, La Crosse, WI 54601.
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Join folks from the UW-Eau Claire Physics and Astronomy Departments and the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society for open viewing hours. Check the website for schedules. If Planetariums and stargazing are up your alley, there are actually quite a few around the state, including at most four-year UW campuses, the Retzger Nature Center in Waukesha, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Madison Metropolitan School District. Hobbs Observatory is located at S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek, WI 54742.
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This 600-acre urban wildlife sanctuary is absolutely free and the animal observation area is open from 8:00am – 6:30pm daily. They care for more than 4,500 animals over the course of a year. Located at 1660 E Shore Dr, Green Bay, WI 54302.
When you're done at the Wildlife Sanctuary, head over to Bay Beach Amusement Park. The park is open until 9 pm into mid-August. Tickets are just a quarter and no ride costs more than four tickets. Located at 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302.
Getting a hearty laugh is always a great date idea and there are plenty of clubs around the state to choose from. Tickets at Skyline average around $10, though there is also a two-drink minimum over the course of the night. Skyline has been at it for nearly 30 years, which is remarkable in an industry with so much turnover. Located at 1004 S Olde Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915.
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If stand-up isn't your kind of comedy, the folks at Monkey Business provide all kinds of improv options to tickle your funny bone . They perform at Glass Nickel Pizza and tickets start at $5. Check out a duel of sorts with just two folks facing off, or see them perform a musical from scratch. I highly recommend the "adults-only" shows with just a bit more sass. Check out their website for a full schedule.
This unique and awesome way to see one of the city's most iconic and beautiful buildings will usually set you back just $10 if you buy the tickets in advance. Events tend to happen monthly and always have a different theme. Museum members get in free. Rumor has it that a few other museums may be joining in the after dark plan, so check with your favorite spots near you. The Milwaukee Art Museum is located at 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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This summer college baseball league has nine teams across the state, meaning you're never very far from an affordable way to spend an evening. The baseball is quite good, but there's also a ton of between innings entertainment to keep you occupied, as well. Tickets start at around $9. Teams are in Mequon, Kenosha, Madison, Green Bay, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac and La Crosse.
Wisconsin has some of the best free and public disc golf courses in the country and they're dotted all over the state. In addition, there are numerous courses with a nominal fee, like Standing Rocks in Stevens Point. A round will set you back just $4. If you're new to the sport, a disc can be had for less than $10. It's a great way to get outside, be able to have conversation and flex your competitive side. Standing Rocks County Park is located at 7695 Standing Rocks Rd, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
This gorgeous, elaborate building opened it's doors way back in 1898. Tours can be scheduled, otherwise they are offered for free on Saturdays at 11 am and include a trip to the top to view the gorgeous rotunda. Central Library is located at 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233.
The best little-known secret in Eau Claire is Action City's $11 all-you-can-play hours after 7 pm. That's unlimited go-carts, batting cages, mini-golf, mini-bowling and a lot more for just $11 on hour after 7 pm.
Madison is absolutely full of free things to do and it's easy to create a full day of activities without spending a dime on admission. The Vilas Zoo is a great place to while away a few hours. I could watch the harbor seals for a very long time. From there you could wander at the UW Arboretum. Or pack a meal and head to Picnic Point for some of the best views in the city. Plan ahead and go to the top of the Capitol Building for more gorgeous, sweeping vistas. Madison is the capitol of inexpensive date nights, as well. Vilas Zoo is located at
702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715.
What are your favorite inexpensive date ideas? Please share them with us in the comments!
Looking for more inexpensive Wisconsin fun? Check out You Can’t Afford To Miss These 16 Free Outdoor Activities In Wisconsin.
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