In Northern Wisconsin, there are trails that will take you to wild forests, unspoiled lakes, and tranquil clearings. But one trail has more than incredible scenery - it leads to a destination that’s especially worth seeking out. The Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Trail will take you right to the Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe, a picture-perfect Northwoods icon that draws ice cream lovers of all ages. So grab your walking shoes or bike and don’t forget your wallet - this adventure will have a sweet ending.
The Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Trail is a recreation trail that runs from Minocqua to Tomahawk. The trails are built on former railroad beds – they once carried the famous Hiawatha Train from Chicago.
Runners, walkers and bikers enjoy the trail – it’s smooth and level and has several scenic bridges. It also has a wonderful rest stop that’s a perfect reward for logging a few miles.
The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe is a Northwoods institution. It’s been serving ice cream lovers of all ages for more than 80 years. You’ll find it right next to the trail.
Once you have your cone, you can wander down by the water or relax in the shade of the shop’s gazebo. Take in the view and enjoy every lick of the cone – you’ve earned it!
The shop is open daily, seasonally. Check the shop’s Facebook page for the latest hours and information. Hungry for more delicious Wisconsin ice cream? Take a road trip to these awesome Wisconsin shops.
The Badger State has a ton of character, thanks largely to its wonderful citizens. And the ingenuity of the wonderful folks who live here is one of the reason that we have so many interesting, quirky, and even kitschy sights and landmarks to offer travelers. To honor these fascinating manmade wonders, we've put together an itinerary that will take you to half a dozen of our favorite roadside attractions in the state. The whole kitschy road trip through Wisconsin covers about 637 miles in just under 11 hours of driving time. You can follow our itinerary - or customize it however you like - in Google Maps.
There's no restaurant chain more distinctively Wisconsin than Culver's, so it's only fitting to start off this Wisconsin road trip at one of these beloved eateries - the world's largest, in fact. You'll find the gargantuan Culver's of Newville just off of Interstate 90, south of Madison, in Edgerton. This massive restaurant even has a conference space. So, have a look around, then grab a Butterburger and some custard, and let's hit the road.
Wisconsin Dells, as anyone who has visited will attest, is pretty much its own thing. Chock full of quirky attractions and tourist traps, it's clearly the kitsch capital of Wisconsin. A drive along the Lake Delton strip - from the Kalahari to Mexicali Rose - and then into the downtown Wisconsin Dells business area will show you all you need to know.
Another 90 or so minutes west of Wisconsin Dells, in Black River Falls, you'll see a very curious sight on the north side of Interstate 94 - and you'll definitely want to stop. At exit 116, there's a giant orange moose standing near a pond with other woodland creatures, like a massive deer. They're on the grounds of a motel with a restaurant inspired by the statue (or perhaps vice versa) - The Big Orange Moose. Stop in for lunch or dinner, and then wander over and size up the massive moose.
Next, our itinerary will take you to Hayward and the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Of course, you'll want to see all that the museum has to offer, but it's a stop on this road trip because it's home to the "world's largest fiberglass muskie." At more than four stories high and half a city block long, this beast is truly impressive - you can actually walk inside this leviathan and survey your surroundings from its maw.
By the time you reach Hayward, you'll probably be ready for a break. Fortunately, there are several excellent hotel options in and around the town, so you can relax, explore the area and hit the road refreshed.
On the next stop, you'll visit a cryptid of Wisconsin's Northwoods - the infamous Hodag. First "discovered" in 1893, the Hodag has since become intertwined with the history and cultural identity of Rhinelander. You'll find Hodags and Hodag references all over town, but a stop at the statue outside the Rhinelander Chamber/Visitor Center offers the best photo op with one of the beasts.
6. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, Butik & Stabbur - Sister Bay
The final - and longest - stretch of this road trip will land you in Sister Bay at the iconic Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, Butik & Stabbur. This eatery has been a Door County institution for decades and is definitely a worthy stop for the food alone. The reason it's included in this particular itinerary, though, is that the restaurant's roof is covered in grass - grass kept trim by a herd of goats that hang out on the roof and graze all day. Only in Wisconsin, right?
We think this road trip is a wonderful way to explore all the quirks and wonderful surprises the Badger State has to offer. How many of the places on this kitschy road trip through Wisconsin have you visited? Are there any you would add? Let us know in the comments!
There are tons of places in the Badger State to soak up some railroad history. But one of the best has got to be the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. In addition to several static displays, the museum offers a variety of train rides - and we think they're some of the best things to do in Wisconsin in fall. With rides focusing on everything from fall foliage to beer and wine, there really is something for everyone. Take a look at the variety of train rides in Wisconsin offered at this amazing attraction.
The perfect way to do some leaf-peeping in Wisconsin, this train meanders through the rural Sauk County countryside. During the 55-minute ride, you’ll enjoy great views of the surrounding foliage from the comfort of restored vintage passenger cars. Book your tickets on one of the most colorful Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Make this year’s visit to the pumpkin patch extra special with a ride on the Pumpkin Special. The seasonal ride takes passengers straight to Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins are ready for picking. The seven-mile round trip should take about 55 minutes; however, could take longer depending on the crowd size. Book your tickets on one of the most fun train rides in Wisconsin on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Get into the spirit of the season with a ride aboard Santa Express. Every minute of the 55-minute train ride is full of festive fun, which includes a visit from Santa and his elves and lots of Christmas carols. Santa Express trains operate as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. But don’t worry; you’ll be nice and cozy since all cars are kept warm using the centuries-old tradition of steam heating or coal-fired stoves, just like at the North Pole. Talk about embracing the magic of the season! Book your tickets on one of the best Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Held on select days throughout the year, this Wisconsin dinner train offers passengers the chance to enjoy a BBQ meal in an unforgettable setting. Watch beautiful scenery whiz by as you nosh on BBQ. Book your tickets on one of the most delicious Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
This pizza train in Wisconsin might be the tastiest day trip in the state! The Pizza Train uses the same cars as the Elegant Dinner Train but features a menu that younger passengers will enjoy. And just to be clear, we’re talking about pizza! Book your tickets on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Please note that some of these Wisconsin train tours are only offered on select dates; you can also visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website or the Mid-Continent Railway Museum Facebook page to learn more and see the current schedule! And if you're looking for a place to stay near the museum, check out the vacation rentals on Vrbo.
Of course, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum isn’t the only place for train-related fun in Wisconsin. Did you know about the Toy Train Barn Museum? The museum is located in tiny Argyle, Wisconsin, and is one of the most delightful day trips in Wisconsin for train enthusiasts young and old! Have you taken any of these train rides in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments!
