Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Wisconsin
By Ben Jones|Updated on November 17, 2022(Originally published November 11, 2022)
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
Some of Wisconsin’s best attractions are hiding in plain sight. Beautiful gardens, spectacular views, fascinating ruins, and incredible natural areas are waiting to be discovered. Here’s a road trip to some hidden gems in Wisconsin that you can discover on a drive from Madison to Green Bay. It’s an interactive route, so you can even rearrange the stops on this Wisconsin road trip to accommodate your needs.
This road trip covers 222 miles and takes a little over four hours to drive, but you’ll want to plan for a full day to allow time to take in the sites and attractions.
The Wisconsin State Capitol is an amazing building with a little secret. Visitors can get access to a viewing deck that rings the dome. And at over 230 feet in height, it offers panoramic views of Madison that are second to none. Fortunately, minimal effort is required to access the viewing deck - all it takes is an elevator ride and short stair climb. Once you arrive at the top, you'll certainly agree that it's one of the best hidden gems in Wisconsin.
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2. Horicon Marsh Auto Tour, Waupun
Redhead Trail, Redhead Trl, Chester, WI 53963, USA
Unless you have wings, this vast natural area might seem a little daunting to explore. It’s easier to experience than many realize, though. Near Waupun, there’s a driving route that offers nearly 3 miles of marshland wonder. It's definitely among the must-see places in Wisconsin that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Consistently revered as one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin, this historic Oshkosh mansion wows visitors with its Tudor Revival-style architecture. Some of the property’s beauty can also be found outside - stroll the 20 garden areas that fill the grounds and prepare to be amazed by a combination of history and beauty.
Follow the paw prints! One of the most unique places to visit in Wisconsin, the Fox Trot Trail is a self-guided, 2-mile walking trail of Appleton that showcases the history of the paper-making town that’s drenched in history. One stop will take you to the place Edna Ferber interviewed Harry Houdini!
5. High Cliff State Park Ruins, Sherwood
High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA
Decades ago, in what is now High Cliff State Park, there was a bustling town around a quarry located on the cliffs that flank Lake Winnebago. The quarry operation is quiet but it hasn’t quite disappeared. Visit High Cliffs State Park Ruins today and you can see ruins of the quarry’s lime kilns on a scenic hiking path.
6. Wequiock Falls, Green Bay
Wequiock Falls County Park, 3426 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
On the north side of Green Bay, there’s a little park that holds a natural wonder. Wequiock Falls is one of Brown County's smaller parks but it’s a little oasis, complete with a delicate waterfall! It's not just the flowing fall that makes the park one of the best hidden gems in Wisconsin. There's also the fact that the park is part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geologic formation that stretches all the way to Niagara Falls.
So, did you know about these hidden gems in Wisconsin? Ever visited any (or all) of them? Know of any other unique places to visit in Wisconsin? Whatever it is, tell us!
These hidden gems in Wisconsin aren’t the state’s only sites worthy of a spot on your bucket list. There are plenty of other must-see places in Wisconsin. For instance, you can keep driving north and embark on this awesome (and unique!) Wisconsin road trip.
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Hidden Gems In Wisconsin
Daniella DiRienzo|November 16, 2022
Are there any other hidden gems in Wisconsin?
The places mentioned above aren’t the only hidden gems in Wisconsin. There are lots more, including:
