wisconsin tourist attractions house on the rock

An Experience that will

Entertain, astound and amaze, infinity room, the infinity room is 218 feet long and has 3264 windows. it is counter balanced by 105 yards of concrete, making it possible for the last 140 feet to extend unsupported above the valley floor., heritage of the sea, has a 200 foot long sea creature and a collection of model ships., the history, a dream turned into an ever evolving reality.

In 1960, Alex Jordan opened his dream house built atop a chimney of rock to the public. Over the years, Alex expanded his vision beyond the House and collected and built on a massive scale. What began as a lofty retreat with an awe-inspiring view has become a spectacular attraction known as The House on the Rock.

5754 State Road 23 Spring Green, WI 53588

Spring Hours:

Open Thursday through Monday Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

We recommend that you allow at least 3 hours for the Ultimate Experience. We recommend that our Guests arrive no later than 2 pm for the Ultimate Experience. Arriving later in the day will limit your admission options and you may need to move through the complex more quickly than you would like. Certain areas begin to close as early as 2 pm and other routes may be shortened. The last admittance to the complex for the Ultimate Experience admission is at 3:00 pm. All on-site ticket sales end and the last admittance to the complex is at 4:00 pm. The complex completely closes at 5:00 pm.

Purchase a virtual tour: the house on the rock – where imagination comes to life this video takes a tour of the highlights of the house on the rock..

Exhibits you can expect to see

Over 200 model ship displays, a Titanic display, and a 200-foot tall sea creature that is as long as the Statue of Liberty is tall.

Japanese Gardens

This garden is designed in the "stroll style" with a 14-foot waterfall.

The Carousel

Showcases a dazzling one-of-a-kind carousel with 269 animals, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers.

A room which extends 218 feet out over the scenic valley with over 3,000 pieces of glass.

Relax after the tour & stay!

The house on the rock resort.

Located just a short drive from The House on the Rock Attraction, The House on the Rock Resort offers 80 spacious, comfortable two-room suites with splendid views of the surrounding countryside and golf course. There are many options for relaxation and recreation including our championship golf courses. Enjoy our two indoor pools, outdoor pool, whirlpools or relax at our spa.

Stay and Play

Golf at the house on the rock resort.

27 holes of championship golf! Three prestigious golf course architects took advantage of the spectacular natural surroundings to design and sculpt our 27 holes.

An experience that you will never forget

608-935-3639 5754 State Road 23 Spring Green, WI 53588

* | * * *, * *

800-822-7774 | 608-588-7000 400 Springs Drive Spring Green, WI 53588

Copyright © 2024 house on the rock. all rights reserved..

House on the Rock

One of Wisconsin's busiest attractions. Alex Jordan built the structure atop a rock column in 1959 (some say as an 'up yours' to neighbor Frank Lloyd Wright). He then stuffed the house to mind-blowing proportions with wonderments, including the world's largest carousel, whirring music machines, freaky dolls and crazed folk art. The house is broken into three parts, each with its own tour. Those with stamina (and about four hours to kill) can experience the whole shebang for adult/child $30/16.

Visitors should prepare for a lot of walking and stair-climbing and choose shoes accordingly. One of the highlights is the 'Infinity Room,' which extends for 218ft out into the valley, with correspondingly amazing views.

5754 Hwy 23. Spring Green

Get In Touch

608-935-3639

https://www.thehouseontherock.com

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The House on the Rock

Additional Information

5754 State Rd 23 Spring Green, WI 53588

(608) 935-3639

March - January

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House on the Rock

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House on the Rock - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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• (8.21 km) Taliesin Preservation, Inc.
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• (8.17 km) Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center
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Matador Original Series

Wisconsin's House on the Rock Isn't a Kitschy Roadside Attraction -- It's a Walk Through a Dream

A mericans love a good sense of kitsch. The world’s largest frying pan (Brandon, Iowa), the Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, California), the Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota) — every iteration of funky roadside attraction is a good one, holding a cozy place in our collective hearts. They’re simple, innocent, nostalgic. They require no vast spectacle, no budget-busting entrance fee, no unmet expectations.

For years, I put Wisconsin’s House on the Rock safely in this territory, hearing about its extravagant Christmas displays, its creepy often-topless mannequins, its bizarre collection of automated music machines — it sounded like a place one resorts to on a rainy afternoon or a desperate attempt to salvage an awkward second date.

The first hour or two of my first visit of the House on the Rock proved to be exactly that. I laughed, I judged, I squinted and furrowed my brows until my face hurt. But upon emerging from a dark hallway and into a room that holds the world’s largest indoor carousel (nary a horse is present, by the way), it hit me hard: I became jealous, inspired, awestruck. Whoever created this place got to live out their wildest fantasies — and charge others for the privilege of walking through them.

What’s the story behind the House on the Rock?

Photo: Doubletree Studio /Shutterstock

Alexander John Jordan is the man behind the House on the Rock. He used to just sit in quiet corners and watch the faces of visitors, delighted in every eyebrow raise, every smile, every blank stare. He loved the reactions — all of them — from sheer, childlike joy to heebie-jeebies to terror.

That being said, the House on the Rock didn’t start out as a tourist attraction. Jordan fell in love with the land as a young man, eventually buying the property from a farm family, the Christiansons. The land was and is called Deer Shelter Rock, and the house is both on and in the limestone bluff it sits on — the sunken orange-and-brown living rooms straight out of Austin Powers are lined with actual trees and actual rock faces. How it works, I still do not know.

The massive complex started out small, Jordan working with small teams room by room, year by year, each corner not necessarily similar to the next. It was originally built in Japanese style, though those notes faded as construction went on. Fourteen years in, he realized he could supplement his funds — building the thing wasn’t cheap — by charging a fee. Though the House on the Rock has technically been open since 1959, it’s always been a work in progress. The collections get grander, more eccentric, more accumulated (and not necessarily curated). Some are authentic, many are not, but it doesn’t matter: You are not there for the artifacts. You’re there to see what a wild, child-like fantasy looks like built into a hill, dream room after dream room, unconcerned with reality and logic. Maybe, if you’re honest, you’re there to find out what his vision looks like to get a better handle on yours.

What to expect at the House on the Rock

Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest /Shutterstock

From the lobby, the house is divided into three sections, and you’ll work your way through the one-way maze pretty directly, though staff are available if you get turned around. (Note: The house has many staircases.) The first section takes about 45 minutes and is almost completely unlike the other two. Though the Asian Garden — feel free to sit amongst the waterfalls and koi ponds if you’d like — and the original house are highlights, it’s the Infinity Room that takes the cake. Yes, it goes on forever.

Section two can take a solid two hours, if for no other reason than the fact that you’ll be kept busy trying to unsear your brain. Heritage of the Sea — a blimp hangar if empty — houses a 200-foot-long sea creature (a whale?) battling an octopus (maybe?), its edges lined with multi-story levels and maritime memorabilia. Eventually, section two leads to the magnificent carousel room, the piece de resistance that somehow isn’t the end. To exit, you’ll walk through the red-carpeted throat of a demon.

You’re now in section three, thoroughly confused, delighted, or scarred, now navigating the even-more-gigantic Organ Room, the Doll House Room, the Circus Room, eventually winding your way to Inspiration Point. Don’t miss this bit — it’s an outdoor breather and a moment with the beautiful bluffs of central Wisconsin. Another one or two hours later (that’s right!), you’ll finish in the Japanese Garden, wondering what the hell you just experienced, if it was even real, and if you loved it or hated it. But most importantly: If you had a billion dollars, what kind of fantasy would you build? Would you welcome others into it? And if so, what would they think?

Where is House on the Rock?

The House on the Rock is in Spring Green, Wisconsin, about an hour west of Madison (two hours from Milwaukee). In addition to the house, there’s an inn and resort on site, should you need a place to stay the night.

Nearby is the American Players Theatre (APT) — a nationally known company with a great outdoor amphitheater — and Governor Dodge State Park, both worth a stop if you’re making a day or weekend trip. The town of Spring Green itself has a few cute shops and restaurants, though it’s largely escaped becoming a tourist hotspot, despite its crowd-inducing attractions.

Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588

House on the Rock tickets and hours

Tickets can be purchased online or at the main entrance to the complex. A discount applies to tickets purchased online — $25.95 instead of $27.95 at the door for adults; $14.95 instead of $15.95 at the door for children between the ages of seven and 17.

No matter when and how you purchase your admission ticket, don’t forget to bring a few dollars cash to exchange for tokens which can be used to play automated musical instruments found throughout the house.

The House on the Rock is open from 9 AM to 5 PM; the last admittance is at 3:30 PM for the Christmas experience, and at 4 PM for the regular visit.

The days of operation of the House on the Rocks vary throughout the year. It is closed from the start of January to early March, when the spring opening days start (open Thursday to Monday and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The house is open daily in the summer (from May to September), but reduced days apply again in fall and during the Christmas season. Check the House on the Rock’s website before visiting to make sure it is open.

Visiting during the Christmas season is an especially memorable experience, with decorations practically a collection of their own.

How long does it take to walk through House on the Rock?

Photo: lito_lakwatsero /Shutterstock

It is recommended to budget 3.5 hours to visit the House on the Rock. The house is divided into three sections; the first section takes about 45 minutes, section two can take a solid two hours, and section three can take another one or two hours.

Who currently owns the House on the Rock?

House on the Rocks has been owned and operated by the Donaldson family since December 1988 when Alexander John Jordan sold it to his business associate Art Donaldson.

How many rooms does the House on the Rock have?

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near The House on the Rock Resort, Spring Green, WI

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Things to Do near The House on the Rock Resort

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Jul 26, 2022

Bordered by Lakes Michigan and Superior, Wisconsin offers diverse landscapes and attractions that are a delight to explore. To the north and west are large expanses of hills that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and areas of lowlands to the south and east have proven excellent for dairy farming. In summer, the beaches are some of the most popular places to visit.

While many of Wisconsin's top things to do are in its two largest cities, Madison and Milwaukee, smaller communities such as Spring Green , home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Taliesin, are also worth exploring. The state also offers many exceptional cultural activities and events, too, from the huge Oshkosh Airshow to Milwaukee's popular Summerfest .

Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from great fishing lakes and lakes to enjoy boating and leisure activities , as well as some of the best hiking and biking trails to be found anywhere in the country.

Learn about these and other interesting places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Wisconsin.

2. Taliesin: Frank Lloyd Wright's Perfect Country Home

3. wisconsin state capitol, madison, 4. the harley-davidson museum, milwaukee, 5. circus world museum, 6. the dells of the wisconsin river, 7. the great outdoors: door county, 8. the green bay packers: lambeau field and the walk of legends, 9. exploring the land o' lakes, 10. copper falls state park, 11. all steamed up at the national railroad museum, 12. take a hike on wisconsin's wonderful trails, 13. winter activities in northwest wisconsin, 14. cheesehead factory, 15. the house on the rock.

The small town of Oshkosh on Lake Winnebago, northwest of Milwaukee, is famous for two things: the popular line of kids' clothing and its place on the world's airshow circuit. The world's largest meeting of aviators, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has been held here every summer since 1970.

During the weeklong event, the Oshkosh control tower becomes the busiest on the planet as up to 15,000 aircraft of all shapes and sizes descend upon the airport. They're joined by an estimated half a million visitors, all here to catch thrilling aerobatic displays, as well as flybys from vintage and contemporary military aircraft.

Also fun to experience are the nighttime flying displays, evening movie shows and theatrical performances, and educational workshops. For those with the budget, a variety of aircraft rides, including aboard a huge B-17 bomber, are available. Also of note is the superb EAA AirVenture Museum with its collection of 200-plus aircraft.

Address: EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Official site: www.eaa.org/en/airventure

One of the most influential individuals to have called Wisconsin home was Frank Lloyd Wright. Numerous examples of the great architect's designs can still be seen across the state in which he was born and where he lived for much of his life.

But it's to Taliesin East in Spring Green — usually referred to simply as "Taliesen" — that most people flock. Set amid 600 acres of beautiful rolling countryside, this spectacular home was started in 1911 and was a work in progress right up to Wright's death in 1959.

Wright spent his summers here and then packed up and headed to Taliesin West, one of the top attractions in Scottsdale, Arizona , in winter. Students at The School of Architecture at Taliesin still do this each year. Guided tours are available, taking in the home, theater, studio, gallery, and school. Other highlights include an informative visitor center with a restaurant.

Other Frank Lloyd Wright buildings include the spectacular Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Madison 's lakeshore (it was actually built long after his death but was based on his original plans) and Milwaukee 's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church .

Address: 5481 County Road C, Spring Green Wisconsin

Official site: www.taliesinpreservation.org/visitors-guide

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Madison, WI

Madison has numerous great reasons to visit, with many of its top attractions found in the downtown core . One of the most attractive is the Wisconsin State Capitol. Completed in 1917, it's decorated with a 284-foot-high dome that's just three feet shy of Washington's Capitol building.

Free hour-long tours are available daily and take in many of the building's best interior features, including its large murals, exquisite marble work, and elegant rotunda with its states and monuments.

There's also an interesting museum about the building's history located on the sixth floor, which is well worth a look. One of the best views of the capitol is from the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center - it's simply stunning.

Address: 2 E Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Nothing says "freedom" quite like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a fact that is not lost on visitors to Milwaukee, the birthplace of the famous "Hog." The best place to find out more about this iconic machine is the city's Harley-Davidson Museum, home to more than 450 classic motorcycles.

This fun family attraction also has excellent displays of the brand's famous teardrop tanks, as well as exhibits telling the story of the people and places behind the machines. There's also a fun Harley-themed restaurant. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the museum's busy "bike nights," when fans and owners arrive in their droves to show off and admire these classic machines.

There are several self-guided tours available at the museum to give you more insight and a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic American company. You can tour the full 20-acre Harley Davidson complex by downloading a map to see buildings like the original shed where the company started in 1903, and the H-D archives houses documents, clothing, and marketing materials. A self-guided audio tour is available.

Address: 400 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Official site: www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milwaukee, WI

Located in the small town of Baraboo , Circus World Museum is an excellent attraction for kids of all ages to learn about the day-to-day activities of a working circus. With its focus on the country's rich circus history - it was once upon a time one of the nation's leading entertainment industries - the museum features numerous fascinating displays and exhibits.

The museum is reputedly home to the world's largest collection of circus-related artifacts, from posters to parade wagons. In summer, there's a Big Top with regular shows including traditional circus acts (check their website for scheduled performances). Baraboo is well qualified to host this museum given its former role as the headquarters of the huge Ringling Brothers Circus.

Address: 550 Water Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Official site: www.circusworldbaraboo.org

Sometimes called the Wisconsin Dells - though this is often confused with the touristy town of the same name - the Dells of the Wisconsin River is a spectacular five-mile gorge on the state's largest river. This area of outstanding natural beauty, much of it located in the state park of the same name, boasts many unique sandstone rock formations, canyons, and cliffs, some as high as 100 feet.

The Dells area is also home to an abundance of unique flora and fauna, such as cliff cudweed, found in only one other location on the planet, and six species of dragonfly. Given its fragile ecological state, it's not the easiest place to access, and those wanting to experience its beauty must do so by boat.

A variety of regular boat tours and excursions are available, taking in both the upper and lower areas of this spectacularly beautiful region.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells

One of the prettiest corners of Wisconsin is Door County. Located some 46 miles northeast of Green Bay, this area of outstanding natural beauty lies on a peninsula overlooking Lake Michigan and has become a popular vacation spot for its many charming hotels, as well as its plentiful campsites.

This pleasant rural countryside draws numerous visitors each year for its many outdoor activities. These include fun things to do such as trout fishing, sailing, diving, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking. This is also a great place for kayaking .

Some of Wisconsin's best small towns are found in Door County, including picturesque Sturgeon Bay , with its lovely old lighthouse (one of numerous such buildings sprinkled across the state), and Ephraim , with is old harbor and historic buildings. Washington Island is also worth visiting and has the country's oldest Icelandic settlement.

The story of the Green Bay Packers is a remarkable tale of a small town's ability to host a major league professional sports team. Take the team's stadium. Nearly large enough to house the city's entire population of 72,000, Lambeau Field opened in 1957 and is the longest continuously occupied stadium in the league.

Formed in 1919, the team is the third oldest in the NFL, and the league's only non-profit team (it's owned by the city of Green Bay). Whether you're a sports fan or not, you'll enjoy a tour of the stadium with its behind-the-scenes look at how a major league team operates.

Two superb self-guided sightseeing tours of Packers-related landmarks are also worth checking out: the Walk of Legends is an art walkway of 24 statues celebrating the history of football in Green Bay between 1895 and the present (and fun to explore at night), and the Packers Heritage Trail is a walking tour taking in city landmarks associated with the team.

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Official site: www.packers.com

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Green Bay

The lovely Land o' Lakes region is tucked away between Boulder Junction, Eagle River, and Rhinelander in the northern part of Wisconsin. Hugely popular with water sports enthusiasts, it boasts more than 200 unspoiled lakes of various sizes.

Campers and backpackers are particularly fond of the region, which is wonderful to explore by canoe or kayak. Highlights are its abundant flora and fauna, with good fishing and bird-watching, including an opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the few remaining white-tailed eagles in the area.

The town of Eagle River is a good place to begin exploring the region and offers a variety of things to do, from fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and swimming in summer, to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Address: 6484 Hwy 45, Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin

While the Badger State is known for many things — in particular its dairy products and cheese — it's certainly not short of natural wonders, either. It's especially popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its numerous lovely waterfalls . While some of the most attractive are set in relatively remote locations, many are within easy reach of major urban centers.

One of the most popular Wisconsin destinations for waterfalls is Copper Falls State Park . Just a few minutes' drive north of the small town of Mellen , this beautiful park is, in fact, home to no less than three waterfalls. Two of the most visited, Copper Falls itself and Brownstone Falls in the park's north end, are each accessible via the Waterfall Trail, an easy trek that's suitable for even the casual hiker.

The third falls, Red Granite Falls, is located at the park's southern end and is also worth seeing. For those wanting to make a full day of it, a total 17 miles of hiking trails is ready to be explored within Copper Falls State Park.

Address: 36764 Copper Falls Road, Mellen, Wisconsin

Official site: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls

There's no better family outing than the excellent National Railroad Museum in Green Bay . Home to more than 20 steam and diesel engines, plus numerous items of rolling stock, the museum houses a variety of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.

A highlight is the Eisenhower collection, which includes the Dwight D. Eisenhower , a streamlined vintage British engine used to pull the leader's military train across Europe during WWII. Fun events include excursions aboard a train decked out like the famous Thomas the Tank Engine, and haunted train rides at Halloween. An 80-foot-tall observation tower offers great views of the museum's collection and the surrounding area.

Address: 2285 South Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Official site: https://nationalrrmuseum.org

One of the best ways to explore wonderful Wisconsin is to hike or bike across the state's extensive trail networks, an activity that's becoming increasingly popular with backpackers looking for an exciting outdoor adventure.

Many of the trails that cross the state provide a look at how landscapes have been shaped by glaciation, including the Ice Age Trail , an epic 1,000-mile-long National Scenic Trail stretching from Potawatomi State Park to St. Croix Dalles.

Then there's the North Country National Scenic Trail encompassing states from North Dakota to New York, 117 miles of it passing right through the heart of Wisconsin. A gentler and extremely pleasant hike is the Geneva Lake Shore Path , a 21-mile walking trail that crosses many of the state's classiest country estates (allow at least a full day if you're planning to walk the entire route).

Official site: www.iceagetrail.org

For the outdoor winter enthusiast there are few places that offer the variety and access of cold weather sports then the Northwest region of Wisconsin. The Northwoods (comprised of Langdale, Lincoln, Forest, Vilas, and Oneida counties) and the towns of Cable and Hayward, among others in the region, make for an interconnected outdoor winter playground.

It is easy to rent equipment from local outfitters and enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. There are more than 200 miles of cross-country skiing trails and 80 miles of fat-tire biking trails just in the Hayward/Cable region. There are more than 600 miles of snowmobile trails in the area and hundreds of miles more that connect the many small towns in the Northwoods.

You could make a full vacation just traveling from town to town by snowmobile and staying in a different area each night. What makes the northwest region spectacular for outdoor winter sports it that there are trails for every skill level, and it is easy to find guides, equipment, and instruction.

Trails are always maintained in the winter. The town of Hayward has the largest fleet of snow- and trail-grooming equipment in the United States.

Wisconsin is synonymous with cheese, and Wisconsin sports fans are synonymous with the famous Cheesehead. The term is a nickname referring to fans of the Green Bay Packers NFL team, and it has developed its own cult following. Cheeseheads are easily identified by the oversized foam cheese slice that is worn as a hat.

You do not have to be a Cheesehead to enjoy a visit to the original Cheesehead Factory in Milwaukee. The factory and store are located inside a warehouse and have everything related to the Cheesehead brand, along with history about its humble beginnings.

The Cheesehead store features products like ornaments and foam cheese earrings, as well as clothing bearing the brand's name. You can even take your own foam cheese hat or head to a Packer's game and feel like a local.

Address: 1120 S. Barclay Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The curious House on the Rock is one of Wisconsin's most unusual tourist attractions. Set high atop Deer Shelter Rock in Spring Green, it's a fascinating mix of oddities and antiques housed in a sprawling complex of structures built to mimic the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose famous Taliesin East home is nearby.

A highlight of a visit is the 218-foot-long Infinity Room, which seems to disappear into the distance when you stand in it. This fun attraction is also part of a larger complex that includes a resort and an inn.

Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Official site: www.thehouseontherock.com

More on Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin Visitor Bureau

Your Travel Guide to Southwest Wisconsin

House on The Rock Resort

The high standards and impeccable taste of the house on the rock resort are reflected in every aspect of the resort experience – most notably in the 27 holes of championship golf. Beyond the course, the resort features an exceptional blend spacious suites, exceptional spa services and exquisite dining delights. With Frank Lloyd Wright influences throughout, are 2 room suites offer splendid views of the surrounding countryside and pristine golf course.

10 Weird Wisconsin Roadside Attractions

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: July 30, 2023  - Last updated: December 21, 2023

Guide to the most fun and quirky roadside attractions in Wisconsin, USA

Traveling to Badger State on a road trip is fun, as there are plenty of cool Wisconsin roadside attractions you can stop by on your way to your destination.

Some roadside attractions in Wisconsin may be considered weird and wacky.

Nevertheless, they’re worth visiting whether you want to dig more into the local’s heritage and traditions or just want to stop for a quick photo to post on your Instagram.

In this post, I’m going to list some of the best Wisconsin tourist attractions that you can visit as you travel Wisconsin by car.

From the famous House on the Rock to the world’s largest M in Platteville, here are some wacky Wisconsin roadside attractions you shouldn’t miss while traveling to the state!

Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:

• Wisconsin Road Trips You Should Do!
• Getaways & Places to Vacation in Wisconsin
• Best Lake Towns in Wisconsin

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Table of Contents

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Overview: Top 3 Wisconsin Roadside Attractions

• The House on the Rock
• Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron
• Mars Cheese Castle

1. The House on the Rock

Where: Spring Green, WI

Situated between Dodgeville and Spring Green along Highway 23, the House on the Rock is among the Wisconsin road trip attractions you should visit.

First built in the 1940s by Alex Jordan, the House on the Rock is an eclectic mix of art, architecture, and Wisconsin oddities that offers an immersive experience for its visitors.

It’s home to the world’s largest indoor carousel, with over 269 animals and 189 chandeliers.

Although visitors can’t ride it, the 20,000 lights features on the carousel will be enough to lighten up your Wisconsin vacation ideas !

Buy the ultimate Wisconsin road trip itinerary

2. World’s Largest Penny

Where: Woodruff, WI

When passing through Woodruff, WI, roadside attractions in this area include the Dr. Kate Museum and the World’s Largest Penny.

A tribute to Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, the woman who initiated her dream to build a local hospital in the 1950s.

Due to the lack of funds, the old teacher of the geometry class, Otto Burich, and his pupils initiated a campaign called “The Million Penny Parade” to raise funds for the continuity of building the hospital.

Made of concrete block, you can now visit the 17-foot-tall penny sculpture that commemorates this fund-raising stunt.

The campaign was a success, as not only did the students donate their pennies to the hospital, but the story also led to nationwide publicity.

In turn, this led them to raise over a million dollars to complete the construction of the current Lakeland Memorial Hospital.

3. Pinkie the Pink Elephant

Where: DeForest, WI

First erected in the 1960s with the purpose to attract customers to the Shell gas station nearby, Pinkie the Pink Elephant has become a beloved fixture.

He attracts not only customers who want to refuel their vehicles but also most passersby traveling through I-90/94 in DeForest.

The gigantic elephant sculpture is styled with its signature hipster glasses, making it one of the most popular Wisconsin roadside attractions.

Pinkie the Elephant is a great selfie spot in Wisconsin, and you can also get various Pinkie souvenirs from the gas station store nearby!

4. Mars Cheese Castle

Where: Kenosha, WI

Looking for an idea to get on day trips from Milwaukee ? Don’t miss one of the Wisconsin roadside attractions in Kenosha, Mars Cheese Castle!

A must-visit for cheese lovers, Mars Cheese Castle is a great place to stop if you’re looking for America’s roadside attractions in the Midwest.

Situated on I-94 between Milwaukee and Chicago, it’s one of the best Wisconsin road trip stops, especially if you want to enjoy various special delicacies from cheese to wines!

When visiting Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, don’t forget to check the easter egg in the form of what’s written on their billboard.

They’re notably known for their witty and sometimes hilarious billboard sign along the interstate highway, making it one of the most fun Wisconsin sightseeing!

Although visiting the Mars Cheese Castle is fun year-round, this is one of my favorite day trips from Milwaukee in winter as they serve the perfect winter food!

Book the best vacation rentals in Kenosha, WI

5. World’s Largest Six Pack

Where: La Crosse, WI

Traveling to Wisconsin isn’t complete without talking about its beers and brewery.

The Badger State is notably known for its beer industry due to its history of pioneering breweries from the mid-1800s.

La Crosse is the city known for hosting Oktoberfest in the US, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Wisconsin in the fall!

The beer festival is not the only reason why you should visit La Crosse, as the city is also home to one of the best Wisconsin roadside attractions: the World’s Largest Six Pack!

Situated not too far from the I-90 exit 3 onto Highway 53/35 in La Crosse,  the gigantic beer cans are not just a vanity that hits the world record.

The world’s largest six-pack is also used as the inventory storage for City Brewing Company, which contains almost 700,000 barrels of beer.

Don’t miss visiting this Wisconsin roadside attraction when traveling to La Crosse!

And, of course, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing and fun things to do in La Crosse while you’re there.

Book the best cabin rentals in La Crosse

6. World’s Largest Talking Cow

Where: Neillsville, WI

Located at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Neillsville, the city comes fourth in Wisconsin’s milk production.

The world’s largest talking cow, Chatty Belle, is a 20-foot-long fiberglass Holstein cow, making her 7 times larger than the average Holstein cattle.

Drop a quarter in the coin box, and Chatty Belle will share some fun facts about dairy in a soothing woman’s voice that can be an interactive way to spend your weekend trips in Wisconsin .

So, if you want to know the average daily production of milk or the best food with Wisconsin dairy products, Chatty Belle is the Wisconsin roadside oddities that you shouldn’t miss!

7. Jurustic Park

Where: Marshfield, WI

This one-of-a-kind outdoor art display features the work of an amateur paleontologist and artist Clyde Wynia, who creates whimsical metal sculptures of dinosaurs and other creatures from prehistoric times.

Jurustic Park is one of the best quirky and weird attractions in Wisconsin, especially since it features some extinct creatures that used to inhabit the Marshfield area during the Iron Age.

Located around 5 kilometers from the Marshfield town center, the park offers many things to do in Central Wisconsin !

8. Wisconsin Concrete Park

Where: Phillips, WI

Exploring the wacky Wisconsin roadside attractions isn’t complete without stopping by Wisconsin Concrete Park.

It’s an outdoor museum built by self-taught artist Fred Smith from 1948 to 1964, and today is one of the coolest Wisconsin tourist destinations.

If you look for some quirky roadside attractions, Wisconsin has them in spades – such as Concrete Park.

This unique attraction showcases over 200 sculptures made from concrete that depicts various things from people and history to the sculptor’s expansive imagination.

Whether you want to add a pile of photos to your Instagram or enjoy your Wisconsin sightseeing, this 16-acre park is worth visiting when traveling to Badger State!

Don’t miss one of the most unique outdoor things to do in Wisconsin !

9. World’s Largest M

Where: Platteville, WI

Also known as the Platte Mound M, the world’s largest M is located on a hillside overlooking the city and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus.

It’s one of the most popular Wisconsin roadside attractions, almost as popular as the Hollywood sign in California!

Constructed in the early 1930s by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville students who worked at a mine in Colorado, Raymon Medley and Alvin Knoerr got inspired by the large “M” they saw on Mount Zion.

As a result, they were inspired to build a larger “M” and made it the most significant symbol for their university.

The world’s largest M is currently made of concrete and measures approximately 241 feet wide, making it a prominent landmark in the Platteville community as well as one of the best attractions in Wisconsin!

10. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron

Where: Baraboo, WI

When it comes to roadside attractions, Wisconsin has plenty of sites that hit the world’s record, including Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron in Sauk County.

It’s a massive steampunk-inspired sculpture park not too far from Highway 12, passing through Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells.

The world’s largest scrap metal sculpture, Forevertron is a 50-foot high sculpture that incorporates a hodge-podge of materials.

The sculpture is even made of some antique machinery, including two Thomas Edison dynamos and the Apollo 11 decontamination chamber.

Created by Tom Every, the Forevertron is now one of the greatest Wisconsin points of interest, as well as the icon of Baraboo!

Make sure to leave time to explore some of the other fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area.

You’ll also find lots of great hiking in Wisconsin Dells and plenty of campsites in Wisconsin Dells if you want to hang out and enjoy one of the best Wisconsin attractions more!

Book the best vacation rentals in Wisconsin Dells, WI

If you’re looking for weird roadside attractions, Wisconsin has plenty to offer!

Whether you want to do some quirky tourist experience like visiting Wisconsin Concrete Park in Phillips or you don’t want to miss visiting the world record like the world’s largest six-pack in La Crosse, you can visit many weird Wisconsin oddities suitable to your liking.

So, which one of these weird and wacky Wisconsin roadside attractions is your favorite?

Short FAQs About Wisconsin Roadside Attractions

How many roadside attractions are there in wisconsin.

It is impossible to say exactly how many roadside attractions Wisconsin has, though there are at least 20.

Are there any famous roadside attractions in Wisconsin?

Yes, one of the most famous roadside attractions in the USA is The House on the Rock, which is located in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

Are the Wisconsin roadside attractions worth visiting?

Absolutely! Wisconsin is home to some of the quirkiest roadside attractions in the USA.

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀