Bizarre, Quirky And Totally Fun Adventures In Wisconsin: Badger State Wonders!
Time to create some memories! Add these bizarre, quirky and totally fun adventures to your Wisconsin travel bucket list. 🚗🌍 #midwesttravel #quirkymidwest #familyfun
Madison, WI – Wisconsin, affectionately known as the Badger State, is a land of stunning natural beauty, friendly Midwestern charm, and a delightful array of quirky and captivating attractions. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the Driftless Area, Wisconsin is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
But beyond the famous cheese curds and beer culture lies a world of bizarre, fun, and utterly unforgettable experiences that will leave you amazed and amused. Join us as we embark on a journey through eight of the most incredible and unusual adventures the Badger State has to offer. Get ready to embrace your inner explorer and uncover the wonders and oddities that make Wisconsin truly one-of-a-kind.
1. The House on the Rock (Spring Green, WI)
Step into a world of unimaginable wonder at The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This sprawling complex, built by eccentric architect Alex Jordan Jr., features an eclectic collection of art, artifacts, and automated music machines that will leave you speechless.
Explore the house’s many themed rooms and exhibits, from the Infinity Room, which extends 218 feet over the valley below, to the world’s largest indoor carousel, featuring 269 handcrafted animals. Marvel at the incredible ingenuity and creativity of Jordan’s designs, which blend architecture, art, and engineering in truly mind-bending ways.
The House on the Rock is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for the extraordinary, the whimsical, or just plain jaw-dropping spectacles. It’s a place that will challenge your perception of reality, awaken your sense of wonder, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of human imagination.
2. The Forevertron (Sumpter, WI)
Witness the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture at The Forevertron in Sumpter, Wisconsin. This incredible art installation, created by former salvage yard owner Tom Every (also known as Dr. Evermor), stands 50 feet tall and weighs over 300 tons.
Marvel at the intricate details and sheer scale of the sculpture, which is made entirely out of recycled industrial parts and machinery. Learn about the fascinating backstory of Dr. Evermor, a self-proclaimed “time traveler” who built the Forevertron as a fictional spacecraft to launch himself into the heavens.
The Forevertron is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for outsider art, science fiction, or just plain mind-blowing creativity. It’s a place that will spark your imagination, challenge your assumptions about what is possible, and leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.
3. The Trollway (Mount Horeb, WI)
Take a stroll through a magical world of trolls at The Trollway in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. This charming outdoor attraction features over 15 life-size troll sculptures, each with its own unique personality and backstory.
Explore the village’s Main Street and discover the trolls hiding in plain sight, from the friendly “Trollcome to Mount Horeb” sign to the mischievous “Trollway Hitchhiker” looking for a ride. Learn about the fascinating history of Mount Horeb’s troll tradition, which dates back to the town’s Norwegian heritage.
The Trollway is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for whimsy, folklore, or just plain silly fun. It’s a place that will bring a smile to your face, a spring to your step, and a renewed sense of childlike wonder to your heart.
4. The Painted Forest (Valton, WI)
Discover a hidden masterpiece of folk art at The Painted Forest in Valton, Wisconsin. This incredible work of art, created by German immigrant Ernst Hupeden in the late 19th century, covers the walls and ceiling of a small wooden lodge with intricate murals depicting scenes from American history and mythology.
Step inside the lodge and marvel at the stunning colors, details, and symbolism of Hupeden’s paintings, which blend Native American, Biblical, and patriotic themes in a truly unique and captivating way. Learn about the incredible story of Hupeden’s life and the dedication and skill that went into creating this remarkable work of art.
The Painted Forest is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for history, art, or just plain hidden gems. It’s a place that will transport you back in time, awaken your sense of awe and reverence, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of one man’s vision and talent.
5. The Dickeyville Grotto (Dickeyville, WI)
Experience a world of divine inspiration at The Dickeyville Grotto in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. This incredible folk art environment, created by Father Mathias Wernerus in the 1920s and 1930s, features a series of elaborate concrete shrines and structures adorned with colorful stones, shells, and glass.
Explore the grotto’s many nooks and crannies, from the towering “Shrine of the Blessed Virgin” to the intricate “Tree of Life” mosaic. Learn about the fascinating story of Father Wernerus and the devotion and artistry that went into creating this awe-inspiring work of faith and beauty.
The Dickeyville Grotto is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for spirituality, creativity, or just plain wonder. It’s a place that will fill you with a sense of peace, reverence, and gratitude for the incredible beauty and diversity of human expression.
6. The Jurustic Park (Marshfield, WI)
Step into a world of prehistoric whimsy at The Jurustic Park in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This unique sculpture garden, created by local artist Clyde Wynia, features over 200 incredible metal sculptures of dinosaurs, dragons, and other fantastical creatures.
Wander through the park’s winding paths and marvel at the incredible detail and creativity of Wynia’s sculptures, which are made entirely out of recycled metal and found objects. Learn about the fascinating story of Wynia’s artistic journey and the inspiration behind his quirky and captivating creations.
The Jurustic Park is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for art, humor, or just plain fun. It’s a place that will spark your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and leave you with a renewed sense of joy and wonder.
7. World’s Largest Six-Pack (La Crosse, WI)
La Crosse, Wisconsin, is home to a unique and eye-catching landmark that pays homage to the city’s rich brewing heritage. Located at 3rd St S, La Crosse, WI 54601, the World’s Largest Six-Pack is a must-see attraction for both beer enthusiasts and those who appreciate quirky roadside attractions.
This giant six-pack consists of six enormous storage tanks, each meticulously painted to resemble a can of beer. The artwork on the tanks is so detailed and realistic that from a distance, it’s easy to mistake them for actual, oversized beer cans. It’s a great spot for a selfie.
The World’s Largest Six-Pack serves as a tribute to La Crosse’s long-standing brewing tradition. The city has been a hub for beer production since the mid-19th century, with numerous breweries calling La Crosse home over the years. The painted storage tanks not only showcase the city’s pride in its brewing history but also demonstrate the local community’s creativity and sense of humor.
8. The Hodag (Rhinelander, WI)
Go on a quest for the legendary Hodag in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This mythical creature, a fierce green beast with the head of a frog, the face of an elephant, and the back of a dinosaur, has been a beloved part of Rhinelander’s folklore since the late 19th century.
Explore the town’s many Hodag-themed attractions, from the larger-than-life Hodag statue downtown to the annual Hodag Country Festival. Learn about the fascinating history of the Hodag legend and the colorful characters who helped to create and perpetuate it.
The Hodag is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for tall tales, local lore, or just plain quirky fun. It’s a place that will capture your imagination, awaken your sense of adventure, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling and community pride.
Conclusion
From the mind-bending wonders of The House on the Rock to the legendary lore of The Hodag, Wisconsin’s quirky attractions offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history, diverse culture, and endlessly creative spirit. These eight adventures are just a small taste of the many wonders and oddities waiting to be discovered in the Badger State.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, these unique experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for Wisconsin’s one-of-a-kind character. So grab your sense of adventure, your camera, and your love for the unexpected, and set out to explore the weird and wonderful side of Wisconsin. You never know what amazing discoveries await you in the heart of the Midwest!
🗣 Which of these adventures sounds like the most fun to you? Have any hidden gems you’ve discovered that you’d like to share with the community? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
