Spend any time in Wisconsin this winter, and it won't take long to realize that there's a massive winter wonderland outside that offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to downhill skiing and snowmobiling, Wisconsin has no shortage of fun this winter. But, for those of you who don't like snowsports or find it too cold outside, there are just as many wonderful things to do in Wisconsin in the winter indoors, including visiting the remarkable Milwaukee Art Museum. 

The Milwaukee Art Museum is genuinely stunning, inside and out. The exterior architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum, famous for its moving wings, known as the Burke Brise Soleil, is a highlight of the Milwaukee skyline. Step into this gorgeous museum, and you'll be treated to a diverse collection of art from antiquity to the modern day. 

But, just as Milwaukee is just one of the fantastic cities in Wisconsin, so, too, is the Milwaukee Art Museum, just one of the fantastic museums in Wisconsin. You could spend weeks traveling the state, marveling at the natural beauty of it, and exploring one museum after the next, and still thirst for more. 

Wherever your adventures take you this winter, know there's only one place worth considering for booking lodging, and that is our unique collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. The Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association features the best properties around the state; all inspected and backed by us for quality assurance and replete with the best hospitality in the midwest.

Whether you're only in town to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum or have plans to see other museums in Wisconsin, now's the time to enjoy a comfortable getaway at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. Find the perfect home away from home from our collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today! 

Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum This Winter

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a permanent collection of just over 30,000 works of art and has been collecting, restoring, and preserving art for more than 125 years. The Milwaukee Art Museum encompasses 341,000 square feet and includes three interconnected buildings; the War Memorial Center, the Kahler Building, and the Quadracci Pavilion. Over the year, more than 400,000 people visit the Milwaukee Art Museum to see its permanent and rotating exhibits. 

Exhibits at the Milwaukee Art Museum rotate throughout the year. Currently on display are the following exhibits:

1. Playing Favorites: Spotlight on the Petullo Collection
2. The Ashcan School and the Eight: "Creating a National Art"
3. James Benning and Sharon Lockhart: Over Time Chapter II
4. On Repeat: Serial Photography
5. Convoy of Wounded: An Artists's Experience of War
6. On Site: Derek Adams: Our Time Together

Apart from these exhibits, the Milwaukee Art Museum also offers various virtual exhibits that can be enjoyed at home. There is also a steady stream of upcoming exhibits planned for the Milwaukee Art Museum that promise to be just as impressive as those currently on display. Two are scheduled to start in mid-November and early December, which will run into 2023. 

While in the Milwaukee area, you should also keep an eye on the events calendar at the Milwaukee Museum of Art, as there are often fantastic events lined up throughout the year. For example, this winter, you can join the museum for various drop-in tours that offer notable highlights and insights into parts of their collection. There are also upcoming discount days for the museum store, which may just be a fantastic way to start or finish your holiday shopping. 

Where to stay in Milwaukee: The Muse Gallery Guesthouse, Sheridan's Bed and Breakfast, and The Inn on the Olde Homestead.

Other Great Museums in Wisconsin

As impressive as the Milwaukee Art Museum is, it's just one of the many wonderful museums in Wisconsin to visit this winter. Of course, there is more to see in the Milwaukee area, but there are also some truly great museums in Wisconsin in other cities around the state, including Madison, Wausau, Prairie du Chien, Hartford, and more. 

Below, we've listed ten unique and exciting museums in Wisconsin for you to explore this winter. 

1. Harley Davidson Museum, also in Milwaukee, is one of the most interesting museums in Wisconsin. It has an impressive collection of Harley's throughout the years and related memorabilia, perfect for the Harley enthusiasts in your life. 
2. The Milwaukee Public Museum is a natural history museum filled with natural and human wonders and is located in downtown Milwaukee.  
3. Chazen Museum of Art is on the University of Wisconsin, Madison's campus. It is home to the second largest of the art museums in Wisconsin, behind the Milwaukee Art Museum. They have 24,000 works of art in the permanent collection, representing the entire spectrum across ages and genres. 
4. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission and an incredible array of modern and contemporary art on display. 
5. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau is one of only two art museums in the country to win a 2017 National Medal, the nation's highest honor bestowed upon museums. This art gallery is famous for its annual Birds in Art Exhibit and features a remarkable collection of art representing the natural world. 
6. Step back in time at one of the most beautiful museums in Wisconsin, The Villa Louis Historic Site in Prairie du Chien. This museum preserves the life and legacy of one of Wisconsin's most storied families, the Dousmans. 
7. The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh is perfect for aviation enthusiasts, as it's one of the best museums in Wisconsin dedicated to aviation and aircraft displays. 
8. Experience the beauty of glass art at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah. There are also hands-on experiences in their glass studio and beautiful works for sale in their store. 

Of course, while visiting these incredible museums in Wisconsin, you'll also want to take the time to explore all the other things to do in these fantastic Wisconsin towns. There is several days' worth of things to do in Wisconsin listed here, so to take advantage of all this and more, consider booking a room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. Not only are they often rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin, but they offer a genuinely unparalleled lodging experience complete with exceptional and personalized hospitality. Find your favorite Inn and book your stay today! 

Though we're having a hard time pivoting away from all of the fantastic things to do in Wisconsin this summer, it's even harder not to start planning for all of the epic adventures awaiting us this fall! Fall also happens to be an exceptional time to hit the parks, preserves, and waterways around Wisconsin for birdwatching - and this includes the incredible Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. 

Each fall in Wisconsin, the annual bird migration is a magnificent sight to behold. From September through November, locals and visitors alike will witness an incredible variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, tundra swans, migrating raptors, various waterfowl, and migratory songbirds, among others, all heading south to their wintering grounds. 

There are plenty of places to enjoy the annual fall migration of birds, but one of our favorite birdwatching destinations each fall is the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. This stunning urban wildlife refuge features 600 impressive acres and is home to the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state of Wisconsin. 

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to escape for some time in nature this fall. It's also a wonderful place to enjoy some hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and biking. As wonderful as the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is, what makes it better is that it's just minutes from some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which means you can enjoy a romantic fall getaway simultaneously.  

Are you ready to get out and explore with us this fall? Seek the unique, and book a room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Visit the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay

There's something peaceful about sitting in nature and watching for various birds moving through an area - especially when the numbers swell during the annual fall bird migration in Wisconsin. Birdwatching is a great way to get out and enjoy the spectacular colors of fall, too. Though you can sit back, relax, and enjoy birdwatching just about anywhere,  it's even better when you go to places like the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. 

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 600-acre urban paradise in the heart of Green Bay. It offers an easy escape to nature and is a beautiful place to enjoy the fall scenery and some birdwatching. It's also the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state of Wisconsin. Accordingly, there are several educational programs and live exhibits at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. 

More than 200 species of birds have been spotted at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, including large populations of land birds that migrate through each fall. As you walk along the boardwalks and through the forests, fields, marshes, and open water habitats, keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl and other migrating birds in the area.  

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is open to the public year-round and is free to visit. There are 6miles of trails to explore at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, including many wildlife viewing areas. Apart from birds, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife native to Wisconsin, including cougar, fox, river otters, gray wolves, coyotes, deer, sandhill cranes, and so much more. 

Where to Stay:  Astor House Bed and Breakfast, Green Bay

 

More Things to do in Green Bay This Fall

Though the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers some of the best birdwatching in the state of Wisconsin, it's certainly not the only place to see some of the state's most colorful inhabitants. It's not even the only thing to do in Green Bay this fall! Green Bay is, of course, most famous for its Green Bay Packers - and fall is all about football.  

Even if you aren't lucky enough to hold tickets to any Green Bay Packers games this fall, don't worry. There are plenty more great things to do in Green Bay this fall. Here are just a few of our favorites: 

1. Even if you don't have tickets to the games, you can still take a tour of Lambeau Field - it's one of the top-rated things to do in Green Bay. While there, don't miss the Packers Heritage Trail and Walk of Legends. 
2. After you've toured Lambeau Field, don't miss a visit to the neighboring Titletown. It's a vibrant complex with great restaurants, activities, shopping, and plenty of outdoor and indoor recreation - including an ice skating rink and tubing hill in the winter! 
3. Visit the National Railroad Museum, which is one of the oldest and largest museums of its kind in the country. One of the top things to see here is the Eisenhower Collection. 
4. Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden, a spectacular four-season display of garden blooms. It's one of our favorite things to do in Green Bay. 
5. Take in a comedy performance or catch a show at the historic Meyer Theatre. It's a beautifully restored 1930s Vaudeville-style theatre worth seeing, and it's one of the best things to do in Green Bay!
6. Visit the beautiful Hazelwood Historic House, a beautiful historic mansion that dates to the 1800s.
7. Don't miss the chance to visit - and maybe even tour - one of the many fantastic Green Bay breweries. 
8. Learn more about the Oneida Nation and tour some of the historic sites related to this tribe around Green Bay. 
9. Walk or bike along the beautiful Fox River State Recreational Trail. It's one of our favorite things to do in Green Bay - and the scenery improves in fall. 
10. If you want to do more birdwatching, visit the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve. 
11. Surround yourself in the beauty of fall and take a hike at the Brown County Reforestation Camp. 

Fall is nearly here, so it's time to start planning your adventures for the year ahead - including a trip to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover one of the most romantic places to stay in Wisconsin this fall. Book a room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

There are some truly spectacular Wisconsin State Parks worth exploring, from the dramatic scenery at parks like Peninsula State Park in Door County and Devils Lake State Park near Baraboo to off-the-beaten-path parks like Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville and Wildcat Mountain State Park. Wildcat Mountain State Park, located in the stunning Driftless Region of the state, overlooks the Kickapoo River Valley and is a truly stunning Wisconsin State Park. It's a fantastic place for hiking, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more.

As beautiful as Wildcat Mountain State Park is, it's just one of the many incredible Wisconsin State Parks worth visiting this summer. With soaring gas prices, this summer presents the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore the outstanding areas closer to home, too. Altogether, there are 47 State Parks in Wisconsin and various state forests and recreational areas. Near each of them, you'll find some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin: Our collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. 

The Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association is a group of independent lodging properties that offer comfortable and unique accommodations and the best hospitality around. If you're ready to get out and explore everything Wisconsin has to offer, there's no better place to stay than one of our licensed and inspected Inns. Find the perfect Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today, and let's start exploring!

Explore Wildcat Mountain State Park in Wisconsin

Wildcat Mountain State Park is a good choice if you're looking for outstanding, off-the-beaten-path Wisconsin State Parks to explore this summer. Wildcat Mountain State Park is situated on a steep limestone bluff - something characteristic of Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region - overlooking the beautiful Kickapoo River below. 

Wildcat Mountain State Park is primarily wooded and offers just over 25 miles of hiking trails. The Old Settlers Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Wildcat Mountain State Park. It begins in the upper picnic area and is only 2.5 miles, making it a relatively quick way to get out and see some of the park's interior. Nature lovers won't want to miss the shorter Hemlock Nature Trail, while geology buffs will want to explore the caves on the Ice Cave Trail. 

Wildcat Mountain State Park isn't just for hikers, though. There are also several trails throughout the park for horseback riding. The color-coded horse loop trails total 15 miles and meander through some of the state's most magnificent scenery. You can rent horses to ride in the park at local stables in Ontario.

As Wisconsin's longest tributary, the Kickapoo River is an excellent choice for canoeing or kayaking. Its slow-moving waters are excellent for paddlers of all abilities, and the portion of the river that moves through Wildcat Mountain State Park is one of the prettiest. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available in Ontario if needed. The Kickapoo River is also a class II trout stream, making it a great place to fish for brown trout. 

Like all Wisconsin State Parks, a vehicle admission sticker is required for entry. 

Best Places to Stay near Wildcat Mountain State Park in Wisconsin: Justin Trails Resort in Sparta, The Westby House Inn B&B in Westby, and Four Gables Bed and Breakfast in La Crosse. 

10 More Great Wisconsin State Parks to Explore

The diversity of Wisconsin is one of the best things about it, and Wisconsin State Parks are a wonderful place to gain a deeper appreciation for this fabulous state. Spend your time hiking through lush forests, biking on popular trails, or paddling your way along winding rivers and crystal clear lakes. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure: Wisconsin State Parks are a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts!

Below, we've highlighted ten of the most spectacular Wisconsin State Parks to visit, each within easy reach of one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. Perhaps an epic road trip is in your future?

1. Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo is one of the most popular Wisconsin State Parks - and as soon as you take in the view looking back over the lake, you'll see why. The bright blue waters of Devils Lake are surrounded by towering quartzite cliffs offering views that are amazing any time of year. 
2. Governor Dodge State Park, located in southwestern Wisconsin, is home to two lakes perfect for swimming and paddling, and when you need a break from the water, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby.
3. Door County's popular Peninsula State Park is worth the trek. It's the state's second most popular park and offers a breathtaking experience on the shores of the beautiful Door Peninsula. Bike the sunset trail, hike along the Niagara Escarpment, and kayak along the gorgeous bluffs. It truly has the best of everything. 
4. Copper Falls State Park is a great Wisconsin State Park to explore on your way to or from Bayfield. Here, you'll find two beautiful cascading waterfalls to enjoy, and they make it more than worth the trip. 
5. Explore the Dalles on the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River at Interstate State Park. These glacial potholes were formed by melting glaciers long ago and are just one more interesting glimpse into how the last ice age impacted Wisconsin. 
6. Rib Mountain State Park, near the centralized town of Wausau, is home to the popular Granite Peak Ski Area. It's one of the oldest geologic formations in the world, and in the summer is a great place to enjoy an afternoon hike and picnic. And don't miss the spectacular fall views from the chair ride up this gorgeous peak!
7. Willow River State Park near Hudson is easily one of the most stunning Wisconsin State Parks. It's located on the St. Croix River and is home to the magnificent Willow Falls. 
8. If you find yourself near Wisconsin's popular chain O' Lakes area for some classic summer fun, don't miss a visit to Hartman Creek State Park. There are seven lakes, various boat launches, fishing, and plenty of trails to explore. It's the perfect summer getaway spot!
9. Perrot State Park near Trempealeau offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River - especially from the top of Brady's Bluff. It's also an excellent place for birdwatching, with more than 200 bird species passing through this area each year.
10. Big Bay State Park, located on an island and reachable only by ferry from Bayfield, is one of the state's best-kept secrets. This park offers incredible vistas of the state's untamed wilderness and a panoramic view of Lake Superior.  

Wherever your adventures take you this summer, know there's always a welcoming home away from home waiting for you in our diverse collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. So many of our Inns are rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin, but it's something you'll have to experience firsthand to believe. Choose from our wonderful collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today, and let's get ready for an epic summer of adventure!

Devil's Lake State Park is one of the most popular Wisconsin State Parks for a good reason. Located in the scenic Baraboo Hills, Devil's Lake State Park is breathtakingly beautiful and provides four fantastic seasons of fun for outdoor enthusiasts. Devil's Lake State Park sees more than 3 million visitors each year, seeking out a bit of fresh air and adventure on the park's trails and Devil's Lake itself. 

While most Wisconsin State Parks are flooded with visitors during the popular summer months, winter affords us time to enjoy these protected lands without the crowds, thus enjoying a quieter and more tranquil experience. It's a great place to spend some of that restorative and self-reflective time in nature that many of us crave after the busy holiday season, too. 

Devil's Lake State Park is truly a winter wonderland, and we invite you to spend some time exploring it this winter. Combine your trip with a stay at one of our excellent Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in the Baraboo area. Our collection of Inns, each unique in their offerings and personality, offer you the perfect chance to escape the mundane and seek something special during these dark and cold winter months. Book your room with a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Explore Devil's Lake State Park This Winter

If you haven't yet explored Wisconsin's most popular state park, this winter presents you with the perfect opportunity to do just that. Devil's Lake State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy hiking, biking, and boating during the warmer months, and it's vividly beautiful when fall foliage comes to town. However, come winter, Devil's Lake State Park transforms into an entirely new place, a veritable winter wonderland for all the snow lovers out there. 

There are 29 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout Devil's Lake State Park, which are the perfect place to enjoy some snowshoeing in winter. Devil's Lake State Park also has one multi-use trail that loops around the park, the Steinke Basin Loop, which is perfect for cross country skiing as well as snowshoeing. Sometimes, cross-country skiers can also ski the Johnson Moraine Trail and the Uplands Trail, depending on snow conditions. 

Aside from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Devil's Lake State Park is also a popular place for ice fishing. You don't have to enjoy winter sports to love Devil's Lake State Park in the winter, though. The park is also a perfect place to do birdwatching and other wildlife viewings. 

Where to stay: Inn at Wawanissee Point, Ringling House Bed and Breakfast

More Things to do in Baraboo, WI

As wonderful as Devil's Lake Park is throughout the year, it's only one of the many great things to do in Baraboo, WI! The best part about staying at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in the area, aside from enjoying the relaxing accommodations and exceptional service, is having the time to thoroughly explore and enjoy all of the many wonderful things to do in Baraboo WI. 

Whether you're here for a short visit or plan to spend a few days exploring the area and relaxing at one of our Inns, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Baraboo, WI:

1. Baraboo is a true hiker's paradise. Great places include Devil's Lake State Park, Natural Bridge State Park and Natural Area, Rocky Arbor State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, and so on much more. 
2. Learn all about one of Baraboo's most famous families, the Ringling Brothers. The Circus World Museum features many circus-related exhibits and artifacts and is a fascinating place to visit. They will reopen for the year on March 21, 2022. 
3. Enjoy a bit of wine tasting at some of the best Wisconsin wineries in the area! Nearby, you'll find Balanced Rock Winery, Von Klaus Winery, Baraboo Bluff Winery, and Wollersheim Winery. The Driftless Glen Distillery is also a great place to check out. 
4. Bird lovers won't want to miss the International Crane Foundation, which will reopen for the 2022 season on May 1. There are also some beautiful places for birdwatching in the area, including Pewitt's Nest State Natural Area and Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area, Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area, Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, Great Wisconsin Birding, and Nature Trail, Spring Green Preserve, and Riverland Conservancy-Merrimac Preserve.
5. As the weather warms up, one of the best things to do in Baraboo is to hit the water. You can kayak or canoe on the Baraboo River, which flows freely for 120 wonderful miles. There's even more boating on Devil's Lake and the Upper Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells. 
6. If you're here in the winter, enjoy some snowmobiling! There are a lot of trails in the area, but one of the most popular is the Wisconsin 400 State Trail. The trail is also amazing throughout the rest of the year, offering plenty of beautiful scenery. 

There's a reason our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are often considered among the best places to stay in Wisconsin, and it has a lot to do with being located near some of the state's best attractions, like Devil's Lake State Park. Of course, a great location is only one piece of the puzzle. Our Inns also offer exceptional hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and a superb range of amenities. 

They truly are the best places to stay in Wisconsin, and we hope you take the opportunity to seek the unique with us this winter. Book your stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Scrapbooking is nice as a solitary pursuit, but wouldn’t you rather cut and paste surrounded by a crew of your favorite fellow scrapbookers? If yes, then consider making it an away occasion. Miller’s Daughter B&B in Green Lake hosts scrapbooking weekends fall through winter, with an area designated specifically just for that.  At the Franklin Street Inn in Appleton, innkeeper July Halma, a former art teacher, says her B&B is a “Crop Til You Drop” retreat location. And at Lake Orchard Farm B&Bin Sheboygan, three-night scrapbooking retreats are held in their well-lit clubhouse area, with use of fully equipped kitchen included in the package. [caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignright" width="300"] Clubhouse is full for a scrapbooking retreat at Lake Orchard Farm B&B, Sheboygan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1109" align="alignleft" width="270"] A group at Miller's Daughter B&B, Green Lake enjoying a scrapping marathon.[/caption]