Wisconsin

Greetings from Wisconsin

Once again, Wisconsin is a state that I have been in only on my way somewhere else.  There are a few special places in the state where I would really like to spend some time. 

In a town by the name of Baraboo, about 15 to 20 minutes off Interstate Highway 94, the Ringling Brothers Circus had its winter home in the early 1900s.  Circus World, Baraboo serves as home to circus memorabilia and is also active with daily performances and a parade.  A museum of circus history and a collection of circus wagons make this a fascinating place to see.  For schedule of events and an overview of all that is available, check out their website at 
http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/

Lone Rock in the Lower Dells

I also would enjoy a boat tour of The Dells.  I had heard of the Wisconsin Dells but did not know what they were for many years.  The Wisconsin River has carved its way through sandstone since the Ice Age, similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  The rock formations are smaller but spectacular in their own way.  

Lumber Raft running the Kilbourn Dam

Green Bay is home to the National Railroad Museum.  The museum not only has many engines and trains on display; there are rides on the vintage trains and special exhibits as well.  This city is home to the Green Bay Packers, the only National Football League team that is non-profit, community owned. 

Hawk's Bill in Lower Dells

We seem to be a very nostalgic nation.  Some of our favorite places to visit are the villages that have been restored to pioneer times.  Cedar Creek Settlement in Cedarburg boasts of a stone building that was previously a woolen mill.  There are other buildings as well including a blacksmith’s shop.  A wine museum is also part of this complex along with a variety of other shops.

Naturally Wisconsin has a few good sized cities and each of them has their own arts, museums, night life and other attractions.  Milwaukee is the capitol city, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, and is known for its history of breweries.  Many German immigrants settled in Wisconsin during the 1800s.  My Dad’s great great grandmother was one of these settlers.  To find all the attractions Wisconsin has to offer, use this link: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/