Lake Wisconsin is a popular vacation spot in Southern Wisconsin. Referred to as Wisconsin’s “best-kept secret,” Lake Wisconsin joins the Wisconsin River, offering vacationers lakefront views and beautiful waters for fishing, boating, and watersports. In addition to never-ending waterfront fun, the Lake Wisconsin area also offers a wide variety of family friendly activities and attractions that range from camping under the stars to touring fruit farms and train museums. If you’re planning to book a Lake Wisconsin vacation rental, check out this top 10 list of fun family friendly activities in the Lake Wisconsin Area to ensure a great time for all.
1. Devil’s Lake State Park
For a fun-filled family recreation day, visit Devil’s Lake State Park, the largest state park in all of Wisconsin. Fill up a picnic basket and pack up some outdoor supplies at your vacation rental, then head over to the park and explore its hiking trails, campgrounds, and 500-foot-high bluffs that surround the lake. Rent a boat for the day and reel in some largemouth bass and sunfish, or take advantage of the picnic areas and enjoy an outdoor lunch with your family.
2. Circus World Museum
If you’re looking for a place to have some good-old-fashioned fun, head over to Baraboo’s Circus World Museum. Take a walking tour of the museum, and check out historic Ringling Brothers memorabilia, then catch a live slapstick comedy act in the theater area. The Museum also offers a special program just for kids, where your little ones can join in on the fun and learn how to clown around just like the professionals. Humor and education combine at Circus World Museum to create the perfect day, and you’ll be laughing all the way back to your vacation rental.
3. Mid-Continent Railway Museum
If you’ve got a train lover in the family, spend the day at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. View the historic train depot built in 1894, then board one of the restored coach trains for a guided train tour around the Baraboo Hills. The track runs for seven miles, so be sure to bring your camera to capture some great memories. If you’re planning to stay in a Lake Wisconsin vacation rental during the fall or winter months, the museum offers “Santa Express” and “Snow Train” rides through Wisconsin’s winter wonderlands.
4. Treinin Farm
For a family adventure complete with food, farm animals, and some of the most unique corn mazes in the entire country, pay a visit to Treinin Farm. From pumpkin patches and duck races to food vendors and a petting zoo, this full-service family owned farm has something for everyone. Take a hayride through the cornfields, run through the mazes, or snack on homemade kettle corn and caramel apples while you visit with the animals and take in the scenery. With so much to do in one place, you may have to visit Treinin Farm a few times during your stay.
5. Parfrey’s Glen Scientific Area Trail
If you’re looking for a fun way to burn off some energy after relaxing at your vacation rental, take the family to Parfrey’s Glen Scientific Area Trail for an exhilarating hike. A marked trail takes visitors through a 100-foot-deep sandstone glen with some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Wisconsin, including quartzite stones and waterfalls.
6. Natural Bridge State Park
For an up close and personal view of one of Wisconsin’s most amazing natural attractions, charge up your camera or device, and head over to Natural Bridge State Park, located to the west of Devil’s Lake. Take in the views of the park’s natural sandstone bridge in a 530-acre forest that was spared by ice glaciers over 12,000 years ago, then hike along the 1-mile nature trail surrounded by farm fields and gorgeous wildflowers.
7. Wisconsin Dells
Known as the waterpark capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells has everything from out-of-this-world waterslides and amusement parks to wildlife parks and lost canyon tours. Splash around in the water and ride rollercoasters with the family at Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park, then slow it down with a leisurely guided boat tour or family horseback riding excursion.
8. Gibraltar Rock
One of Wisconsin’s most unique natural landmark is Gibraltar Rock, located in Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area in Lodi, just a short trip away from Lake Wisconsin. The rock stands over 1,000 feet above sea level, with views that span the entire Wisconsin River Valley. Pack a lunch and strap on your hiking gear, then head over to the nature area with your family. Hike up the trail that starts at the base of the rock, and don’t forget to enjoy the view.
9. Smokey Hollow Campground
If you’re hoping to spend a few nights away from your vacation rental camping in the great outdoors, Smokey Hollow Campground has everything you need for the perfect outdoor excursion. Choose from rustic cabins or overnight campsites with electricity and Wi-Fi, then settle in and mingle with fellow campers and travelers. Schedule your camping trip on a weekend so you don’t miss out on Fish Fry Friday, where you can even have your meal delivered directly to your campsite.
10. Ski-Hi Fruit Farm Tours
Ski-Hi Fruit Farm is a true Wisconsin gem, as this family run farm has been producing delicious produce, juices, and other tasty local products for over 100 years. Take some time to satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting the farm and touring the grounds. Sample some delicious apple cider and watch the “Pie Ladies” whip up Ski-Hi’s famous fruit pies, then learn more about the farm’s history by visiting the historic on-site cabin. If you’re visiting during the fall months, make sure to stop by the petting zoo that remains open between September and November.