Shhh... These 10 Hidden Places Are Wisconsin's Best Kept Secrets
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Nicole
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Our great state is full of so many amazing things that sometimes really awesome stuff goes a bit under the radar. These spots can get overlooked in favor of more popular or famous spots, but if you take the time to seek them out, you’ll find some of the coolest places Wisconsin has to offer with smaller crowds. These spots are delicious, beautiful, peaceful and oh-so-fun if you’re willing to trust us and step off the beaten path to find some of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets:
This charming little family-owned zoo is small enough to conquer in an afternoon, but big enough to have a wide variety of unusual animals. And it's way less crowded then bigger spots. Pack a picnic and get ready to get up close and personal with some very cool animals.
Located at 6831 Big Bend Rd., Waterford, WI 53185.
For more information, click here.
The Wisconsin State Park System is truly spectacular, so it's understandable if you've missed out on a few of the parks. Brunet Island is at the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers and most of the campsites abut the water. There's so much to explore off-land here. Located at 23125 255th St., Cornell, WI 54732.
For more information, click here.
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Tucked in a small down northwest of Eau Claire, this restaurant would be at home in much bigger cities. They source at least 70% of their menu locally and that's not just lip service. Everything here is a collaboration as the Farm Table Foundation works to create better soil and healthy foods and support rural communities. You'll find a list of local farms who provided the food on the wall. It's an elevated meal in a small community environment and you have to check it out. Located at located at 110 Keller Ave N (Hwy 46), Amery, WI 54001.
For more information, click here.
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Located right on the UW-Madison campus, these gardens are a little oasis amid dorms and lecture halls. Open year round, the gardens provide an escape for a few hours of studying among the plants or even just a mind-clearing stroll. Allen Centennial Garden opened in 1989 and serves as a living laboratory and public botanical garden of the Horticulture Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This place feels a bit like finding someone's secret garden. Plus it's a three minute walk to Babcock Hall Dairy, so it's basically perfect. Located at 620 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706.
For more information, click here.
In operation since 1899, first as a dance hall and then as a pub, this small spot survived Prohibition by becoming a pharmacy that prescribed bitters for stomach ailments. Shooting bitters became a novelty here and it's persisted. Nelsen's is the largest single purveyor of bitters in the world. You can join the club but taking your own shot. This place is a bit remote, but is one of the coolest, most unusual spots in all of Wisconsin. Located at 1201 Main Rd., Washington, WI 54246.
For more information, click here.
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The Inn at Wawanissee Point sits on 42 wooded acres atop the Baraboo Bluffs, right next door to Devil’s Lake State Park and Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area. With its perch above the valley, you can see clear to Lake Wisconsin and on a very clear day, may even get a glance of Madison. On its own, this inn is a stunning place to escape for a weekend. Its proximity to at least six state parks or natural areas makes it a wonderful spot to serve as a home base as you explore one of the oldest and most beautiful spots in the state. Located at E13609 Tower Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913.
For more information, click here.
You aren't expecting to find the sweet smell of fresh bakery when you step in a gas station at a stop most well-known for it's outlet mall, but the Pine Cone in Johnson Creek defies expectation. Folks drive past all the time not know there are cookies, cinnamon rolls and cream puffs bigger than their head just waiting to be discovered a few feet away. The restaurant serves down-home, comfort cooking, but really, you're here for the backed goods. Located at 685 Linmar Ln., Johnson Creek, WI 53038.
For more information, click here.
Folks probably don't think of Lake Superior when they think of swimming, but this beach is a hidden gem that you'll want to explore again and again. It's the world’s largest freshwater bay mouth sand bar and the remote location makes it one of the last unspoiled spots you'll find anywhere. Located off Highway 53 on Moccasin Mike Road at the southeastern edge of the City of Superior.
For more information, click here.
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The American Science and Surplus store is one of just three in the country. Tucked inside are bits and bobbles just like the name suggests – surplus items from manufacturers and retailers, many of which have a science bent. Whether you’re building a robot or a whole car, you’ll find a lot of what you need at AS&S. But you’ll also find military surplus, random toys, stationary and more. This is a weird, wonderful and quirky store that you can spend hours rifling through and you will never leave here empty-handed. Located at 6901 W Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53219.
For more information, click here.
Just a few blocks from Lake Mendota, sort of smack dab in the middle of Madison’s Isthmus, Period Garden Park is a tiny little garden hideaway. One of the city's smallest parks, it's often mistaken for someone's yard. Located in the Mansion Hill area of town, it's a small little escape from the bustle of the city. Fully supported and care for by volunteers, it's a gorgeous little spot right near the busiest areas that invites you to stop and smell the flowers for a few moments. Located at 110 E Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703.
For more information, click here.
Have you been to any of these tucked-away gems? Let us know about them in the comments? Have other under-appreciated spots you think we should check out? Let us know about those, as well.
Looking for more underrated outdoor spots? Check out these state parks that don’t get near enough love!
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