Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Wisconsin field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Wisconsin field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Roche-A-Cri State ParkAdams-Friendship
Roche-A-Cri State Park, established in 1948, includes a 605-acre park area. Roche-A-Cri comes from French words meaning "crevice in the rock." The park has a 300-foot-high rock outcropping with a wooden stairway to the top. There are Native American petroglyphs and pictographs. The park has 41 rustic campsites within a forest of large oaks and pines. Carter Creek within the park offers fishing opportunities.
Wyalusing State ParkBagley
At Wyalusing State Park, you can camp 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. One of Wisconsin's oldest park, Wyalusing features Indian burial mounds, canoe trail, bird watching. It's a place to go for fishing, boating, bicycling, picnicking, and enjoying nature. There are an interpretive center and four historical markers within the park. Wyalusing's 2,628 acres include hardwood forests, pine plantations, bluffs, springs, waterfalls, wetlands, and backwaters. The park is home to deer, beavers, fox, and many other animals. More than 90 bird species live here during the summer and 100 more can be observed during spring and fall migration. They include wild turkeys, bald eagles, turkey vultures, hawks, owls, waterfowl, woodpeckers, and a colorful variety of songbirds.
Baraboo Children's MuseumBaraboo
The Baraboo Children's Museum is 11,000 square feet of hands on education and fun! Learn how food goes from farm to table, become a conductor on the train, fine tune your music skills, create art, and so much more. Groups of 20 or more can call ahead for a discounted rate.
Circus WorldBaraboo
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Devil's Lake State ParkBaraboo
Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil's Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, and year-round naturalist programs.
Apostle Islands National LakeshoreBayfield
Jewels of Lake Superior - Along windswept beaches and cliffs, visitors experience where water meets land and sky, culture meets culture, and past meets present. The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland host a unique blend of cultural and natural resources. Lighthouses shine over Lake Superior and the new wilderness areas. Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these Jewels of Lake Superior.
Harrington Beach State ParkBelgium
On hot summer days the prime attraction of Harrington Beach State Park is its mile of Lake Michigan shore. You can enjoy the refreshing lake breezes while strolling and sunbathing on the beach and picnicking on the groves of trees overlooking the lake. The park also offers swimming, scuba diving, surf fishing, hiking, nature programs and trails, the Junior Ranger and Wisconsin Explorer program, bicycling,
Luxembourg American Cultural SocietyBelgium
The Luxembourg American Cultural Center's Roots and Leaves Museum is the showpiece of the Cultural Center. The Museum is housed in the rebuilt Mamer-Hansen Luxembourgian stone barn originally built in 1872 by Jacob Mamer, an immigrant from Septfontaines, Luxembourg. The Roots and Leaves Museum tells the story of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, past and present, as well as the impact of Luxembourg immigrants and their descendants on life in the United States. The Luxembourg American Cultural Center welcomes group tours to visit the museum and learn more about Luxembourg! Group tours can choose a Guided or Self-Guided option and discounted admission is given to groups of 10 or more people. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule your group tour.
First CapitolBelmont
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators built the framework of law and order that evolved into our current state government.
Black River State ForestBlack River
The area's geology helps make the Black River State Forest unique among the state forests. The property lies at the edge of the glaciated central plains, east of the "driftless" area of Wisconsin. Hiking to the top of Castle Mound provides views of the former bed of glacial Lake Wisconsin, as well as the unglaciated buttes, sandstone hills and castellated bluffs that dot the vast forest landscape. The Black River State Forest offers many recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, skiing and ATV riding. But the Department of Natural Resources also manages this property to meet a host of other objectives, including maintenance of wildlife habitat, native biological diversity, soil and water quality, aesthetics and timber production.
Yellowstone Lake State ParkBlanchardville
Yellowstone Lake State Park lacks mosquitoes. This is due to a glossy-eyed mammal with wings. The 968-acre park is the summer home to more than 4,000 little brown bats. The bats roost in 31 bat houses throughout the park. The houses serve as nurseries, where the bats raise their pups.
Blue Mound State ParkBlue Mound
Perched atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park offers spectacular views and unique geological features. A swimming pool is available during summer. Over 20 miles of scenic hiking, off-road biking and cross-country ski trails, as well as a family campground, access to the Military Ridge State Trail with bike-in campsites and a rustic cabin for people with disabilities make Blue Mound a popular destination year-round.
Northern Highland American Legion State ForestBoulder Junction
With over 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries, the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest provides wonderfully scenic opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation from wild and remote campsites accessible only by boat, to developed family and group campgrounds, beaches, boat launches and trails. The forest is spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction. There are two main contact stations at Crystal and Clear lakes.
Rockin' JumpBrown Deer
Now open in Milwaukee's North Shore! Rockin' Jump-The Ultimate Trampoline Park includes trampolines, x-beam jousting pit, rock climbing tower, dodge ball arena, basketball dunk lanes, air track mats and a 10,000sq ft area specifically reserved for kids 6 and under only and much more! Plus a cafe, free Wi-Fi and private party rooms. Offering Rockin' Home Schoolers every Wednesday from noon-2pm for $10 per jumper.
Brule River State ForestBrule
The Brule River State Forest offers exceptional recreational opportunities, including river paddling, world-class trout fishing, wildlife viewing, a 23-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail and 9 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. All 44 miles of the Bois Brule River are contained in the forest. Two campgrounds offer family campsites and access to canoe landings on the Bois Brule River.
Logic Puzzle MuseumBurlington
Hands-on mechanical & brain puzzles for thinking fun, exhibit, plus make a puzzle to keep! A unique hands-on museum to experience. Features a free "puzzle window" available 24/7. Hands-on museum sessions are at specific times, or pre-arranged times with minimum group fees.
Spinning Top & Yo-Yo MuseumBurlington
Offers yo-yo classes and a gyroscope workshop.
Mill Bluff State ParkCamp Douglas
Part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, Mill Bluff State Park offers a spectacular view of picturesque rock formations. Campsites, picnic areas, a shelter, hiking trails, and a swimming pond can all be found at this park just outside Camp Douglas.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern UnitCampbellsport
The first and largest unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers year-round recreation among world-famous glacial landforms. Visitors can swim at three beaches, enjoy challenging mountain biking trails or groomed ski trails, hike the Ice Age Trail, take in a nature program, or just escape among 30,000 acres of rolling, wooded hills and prairies. The Ice Age Visitor Center is open all year. The forest has over 350 campsites, including family, group, equestrian and backpack opportunities.
Nelson Dewey State ParkCassville
Nelson Dewey State Park overlooks the Mississippi River from a 500-foot bluff. At this park combine your interest in history with your enjoyment of the outdoors. Camp, hike or picnic high above the Mighty Mississippi. Named for Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, the park offers a rich history, featuring the Dewey home and the nearby Stonefield Historic site.
StonefieldCassville
Stonefield celebrates Wisconsin's rich agricultural heritage. Learn about the rise of turn-of-the-century dairy farming and the development of modern farm implements, including tractors, reapers and threshing machines. Experience the sights and sounds of the railroad -- the era's most important transportation. Discover the grand summer estate of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. Explore Stonefield today to see what made the state become "America's Dairyland."
Lake Wissota State ParkChippewa Falls
This park northeast of Chippewa Falls has 1,062 acres of primarily young, rich forests and open prairie on a 6,300-acre manmade lake. The park offers secluded campsites, hiking trails, and a 285-foot swimming beach. The lake was created in 1918 when the Wisconsin-Minnesota Power and Light Company built a dam on the Chippewa River. The region's early history goes back more than 150 years to 1836, when Frenchman Jean Brunet built the region's first sawmill at the falls of the Chippewa River. Within a year it was ranked as one of the world's largest sawmills. The Chippewa long since has been harnessed to provide electrical power. Pine forests, mixed hardwood timbers, prairie, and marshes are found in the park. The park has a permanent fishing pier especially designed to provide easy access for anglers with disabilities.
Brunet Island State ParkCornell
Brunet Island State Park, on the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, offers more than 1,300 acres of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Quiet lagoons and channels are excellent for canoeing and wildlife watching. The rolling landscape in Chippewa County is a product of the most recent Ice Age. The park links to the Old Abe State Trail which runs from Cornell to Chippewa Falls.
Governor Thompson State ParkCrivitz
With more than 2,800 acres of woods, a family campground, picnic and beach area on Woods Lake, hiking and skiing trails, and 6 miles of shoreline on Caldron Falls Flowage, visitors will find an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and recreation. The park is adjacent to the Peshtigo River, a popular free-flowing river for fly-fishing and canoeing.
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State ForestCrivitz
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest is a long, linear state forest in northeast Wisconsin bordering some of the most beautiful and exciting sections of the Peshtigo River. Anglers know the river's free-flowing portion for its excellent fly-fishing; paddlers brave the Midwest's longest continuous whitewater rapids; and boaters can access more than 3,000 acres of flowage from 15 boat landings. The forest offers a family campground and several remote boat-in campsites along the river.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak UnitDelafield
Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level). Lapham Peak Unit's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. The Kettle Moraine and Lapham Peak were formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. More than 1,000 acres of this hilly terrain are within the Lapham Peak boundaries.
Governor Dodge State ParkDodgeville
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the state's largest parks, with over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall. Located in Wisconsin's scenic driftless area, Governor Dodge offers camping, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, biking, hunting, fishing, off-road biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding opportunities.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern UnitEagle
Covering more than 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes and prairies, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is interlaced with more than 100 miles of mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking and nature trails. Paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and winter sport opportunities are all available. There are three family campgrounds, a horseriders camp, two group camps and remote backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail.
Old World WisconsinEagle
Old World Wisconsin takes visitors back to a time of working farmsteads and settlements established by European immigrants. Replica of an 1870's village with working blacksmith, shoemaker and general store. Handicrafts done in the time of the homesteaders. Visit the one room school house called the Raspberry School.
Children's Museum of Eau ClaireEau Claire
The interactive environment for children and their grown-ups in the Chippewa Valley that inspires imagination, discovery, creativity, and the love of learning. With so much to see and do, the Children's Museum of Eau Claire is a great place for family and group visits! Everything in the museum is designed with our "learning through play" philosophy. When children take part in the activities of the museum, they are entering a world created just for them.
Newport State ParkEllison Bay
Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.
Peninsula State ParkFish Creek
Considered Wisconsin's most complete park, Peninsula State Park offers over 460 campsites, three group camps, a summer theater, an 18-hole golf course, sand beach, bike trails, a lighthouse and eight miles of Door County shoreline. The rollicking waves that skip towards Peninsula's sky high bluffs are part of the Niagara Escarpment.
Children's Museum of Fond du LacFond du Lac
A place where discovery and curiosity are brought to life through a touchable learn-by-doing atmosphere designed to foster creativity and a passion for lifelong learning. Children and adults play, learn and have fun together.
Merrick State ParkFountain City
Merrick State Park is located on the beautiful backwaters of the Mississippi River. All island campground sites and some sites in the south campground have river access for mooring watercraft or fishing directly from the sites. There are 3 miles of hiking trails, and two boat landings provide easy launching for boats of all sizes.
Straight Lake State ParkGrantsburg
Lake views and glacial features provide great vistas on the trails within this 2,000-acre park. Ten walk-in campsites, carry-in boat launches, and a picnic area with reservable shelter are found on the south side of the park's two wild lakes. A premier segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders through the park.
Governor Knowles State ForestGrantsburg
This 55-mile-long forest in northwestern Wisconsin parallels the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and offers camping, paddling, hiking, horseback riding, biking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities. Three campgrounds (St. Croix, Trade River Equestrian and Sioux Portage Group) and nine primitive backpack campsites are found within 32,500 wooded acres.
The Dance Company's Education programsGreen Bay
The Dance Company strives to enlighten and engage both current and future audiences through educational programs and events. Offering a behind-the-scenes experience for scouting programs, home school groups and other organizations. The tour covers what it takes to stage a production and highlights careers in the arts. Guests will see the sound and light boards, backstage area, green room, make-up room and more. Groups will be announced prior to the start of the performance. After enjoying the performance, guests can meet the dancers, get autographs and take pictures. If you would like to schedule a tour or have any questions, please contact Jodi Lipsh at jodi@gbdanceco.org
Green Bay Sail and PaddleGreen Bay
We offer a variety of sailing classes/lessons, kayaking classes/lessons, STEM Camps and adaptive programming. Many students have enjoyed our five-day STEM Camp where we discuss the math and science of sails, propulsion, water bouyancy, importance of clean water and so much more. These camps encompass ten (10) modules from the US Sailing REACH program and our quick-start method in learning how to sail on a Hobie Wave catamaran. Each student will have the opportunity to learn STEM through sailing by participating in on-shore activities, and on-the-water sailing.
Heritage Hill State Historical ParkGreen Bay
Heritage Hill State Historical Park is a 50 acre living history museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Beautifully nestled on the banks of the Fox River, Heritage Hill brings history to life for thousands of visitors annually. Do you have a one-room schoolhouse? So did generations of Wisconsinites! We encourage homeschool groups of 20 or more to take advantage of our field trip programs (and field trip rates!) during our open season May – October. For additional learning opportunities throughout the year, join us at one of our regularly scheduled encampments or military musters. Please note! Heritage Hill is an independently run non-profit corporation that leases land from the Wisconsin DNR and receives no state funding. We have our own admission rates and membership program. We are not part of the State Park annual pass sticker.
National Railroad MuseumGreen Bay
With roots dating back to 1956, the National Railroad Museum has grown to become one of the largest, oldest, and most well-respected rail museums in the United States. We have over 70 pieces of rolling stock, 100,000+ artifacts, seasonal train rides, indoor and outdoor exhibits, operating/display tracks, special events, rental opportunities, and more.
Wade HouseGreenbush
Visiting Wade House takes you on a journey through Wisconsin’s past with tours of the Wade House Inn, as well as a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum. Wade House is named for the stagecoach inn built by the first European settlers of the town, Sylvanus and Betsey Wade. The inn, built between 1847 and 1851, was constructed conveniently between the cities of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, along a well-used stagecoach trail. This made the 27-room Greek Revival inn a popular resting point for weary travelers. You’ll explore the inn and grounds, taste food from the kitchens, belly up to the bar in the taproom, play period games, meet friendly farm animals, see sparks fly from the anvil, smell fresh sawdust, and enjoy interactive exhibits for all ages!
Kettle Moraine State Forest Pike Lake UnitHartford
The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is in the middle of the Kettle Moraine, a strip of glacial landforms which extends through southeast Wisconsin. The forest is named after the 522-acre, spring-fed kettle lake. Powder Hill, a large glacial kame, provides terrific views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicking and more.
Mulberry Lane FarmHilbert
At Mulberry Lane Farm our mission is to provide an ideal country learning environment where people of all ages can interact and learn about farm animals through "hands-on" group and self-guided tours. Each person is encouraged to have first-hand experience by touching all of our animals. Kids especially love our hayrides and learning to milk a cow. You'll also enjoy the farm as you learn things you never knew about farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, donkeys, and more! In Fall our famous Pumpkin Patch is ready for you and your family to pick a free pumpkin.
Willow River State ParkHudson
This popular park in northwest Wisconsin features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center are all found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside. Visitors will also enjoy paddling, fishing and swimming opportunities on Little Falls Lake.
Aztalan State ParkJefferson
This park contains one of Wisconsin's most important archaeological sites. It showcases an ancient Middle-Mississippian village and ceremonial complex that thrived between A.D. 1000 and 1300. Archaeologists think the occupants have cultural traditions in common with Cahokia, a large Middle-Mississippian settlement near East St. Louis, Illinois. The people who settled Aztalan built large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around their village. They hunted, fished, and farmed on the floodplain of the Crawfish River. Portions of the stockade and two mounds have been reconstructed in the park.
Richard Bong State Recreation AreaKansasville
Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is fittingly named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, Wisconsin, native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The project was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations. In 1974 the state bought the land and it became the state's first recreation area. A recreation area differs from a state park or forest in that it offers additional activities not traditionally found in state park. Appropriate to its name, Richard Bong SRA offers an area where visitors may fly fly model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders, and hot air ballons. Richard Bong also has space to train both hunting and sled dogs, train falcons, ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and horses on trails, and hunt in season. All such activities take place in the special use zone or managed hunt areas.
Madeline Island MuseumLa Pointe
Discover the magic that has drawn people to Madeline Island's legendary shores for centuries. The Madeline Island Museum comprises the original museum and a modern expansion. The original museum is four historic log structures that have been relocated and connected together. It includes the only remaining building of the American Fur Company complex built at La Pointe in 1835, making it the oldest structure on Madeline Island. Come explore the storied past of Madeline Island and one of the richest collections of Wisconsin history.
Mirror Lake State ParkLake Delton
This park is named for its centerpiece, a lake which often is so calm that not a ripple marks its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high, a swimming beach, and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. Just three miles from Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake State Park also has three picnic areas (one with a shelter and all with grills); wooded campsites; bike, boat, canoe, and kayak rentals; a cabin for people with disabilities; and a cottage designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Only slow, no-wake boating is allowed.
Big Foot Beach State ParkLake Geneva
This 271-acre park on the shore of Geneva Lake offers wooded campsites, a sand beach, and picnic areas. No alcoholic beverages are allowed anywhere in the park. The park has 5.5 miles of hiking trails through forest and open meadow. Most of the trails are relatively short and none are very strenuous. There is also a self-guided nature trail with interpretive signs about interesting natural phenomena along the trail. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in winter.
Lumberjack Steam TrainLaona
Take the whole family on a trip back in time with a ride on a vintage steam train. Head for Laona and climb aboard the famed Lumberjack Steam Train for a journey into the late 1800’s. Sit in a rare cupola caboose as the vintage steam engine takes you to an actual site of a Northwoods logging camp. The “4-spot” Steam Locomotive, built in 1916 pulls two all-steel passenger coach cars, an open air observation car and three cabooses. The “4-spot” is the only “PRAIRIE” style steam locomotive operating in the state of Wisconisn. Visitors board the Lumberjack Steam train at the 1880’s Soo Line Depot, located 1/4 mile West of the junction of Highways 8 & 32 on Highway 8. Inside the depot, tickets can be purchased for the train ride, just as people did at the turn of the century. A ticket on the Lumberjack Steam Train takes you out to “Camp 5”, the site of an old logging camp. Later it became the site of the Lumber Company Farm. When you arrive, you find some of the old buildings which were a part of the Lumber Company Farm. There is the old Hog Barn which is now the Petting Corral, the Blacksmith Shop which is now a part of the Museum, and the Old Slaughter House. In the distance is the old Boarding House and several original barns, as well as the “Woods Boss’s House”. Your ticket is all-inclusive and includes the round-trip ride on the Lumberjack Steam Train and admission into the Logging Camp Complex of historic and natural attractions, including the Logging Museum and Blacksmith Shop, Green Treasure Forest Tour, Animal Barn and Corral, the Nature Center, Cracker Barrel Store and Choo Choo Hut Restaurant.
Big Bay State ParkMadeline Island
On the eastern side of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, large family campground and two group camps. A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park.
Overture OnStage Field Trip PerformancesMadison
From classic books brought to life through puppets to an internationally-renowned Latin band and an interactive dance quartet to bi-lingual hip-hop performance and esteemed lecturers, OnStage field trip performance series for students has it all. Each year, the series designed for schools and homeschool students, connects to content across the curriculum while offering a diverse range of performing art forms and various cultural perspectives. To deepen the student experience, Resource Guides are provided for each show filled with curricular-focused lesson ideas.
Madison Children's MuseumMadison
Madison Children's Museum, an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning.
Olbrich Botanical GardensMadison
Olbrich Botanical Gardens' Explorer School Program offers field trips for homeschool groups. Children ages 5-11 are invited to experience the extraordinary world of plants through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that support learning about the natural world and foster curiosity. Three different programs are offered throughout the year. Ecology Explorer is offered in the fall, Tropical Explorer is offered in the winter, and Botany Explorer is offered in the spring. Each program is 90 minutes and includes indoor learning stations and a guided tour through the gardens or tropical conservatory.
Capital Springs State Recreation AreaMadison
Just minutes from downtown Madison, Capital Springs State Recreation Area and Dane County's Lake Farm Park, offer many recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking and skiing trails, picnicking, fishing and a boat launch on Lake Waubesa. The Capital City State Trail connects Capital Springs and Lake Farm Park to the city of Madison.
Ice Age National Scenic TrailMadison
A Mammoth Walk - A mere 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age, much of North America lay under a huge glacier. Mammoths, saber tooth cats and cave lions roamed the earth! Some of the best evidence of this glacier is found in Wisconsin such as the state's many lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills, and ridges. The nearly 1,200 mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, established in 1980, traces the glacier's edge. Come, explore, and enjoy!
Wisconsin Historical MuseumMadison
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on Madison's Capitol Square and is full of wonderful information about the state's rich history. Explore Wisconsin's distinctive heritage and a variety of other American history topics through artifacts, photographs, full-scale dioramas, audio-visual presentations, and interactive multimedia programs.
Copper Falls State ParkMellen
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm. The park offers camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake. The 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail, along the Bad River, is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin. For overnight stays, there are 54 regular campsites, a group camping area big enough for 40 people, a backpack campsite, and, for people with disabilities, a rustic cabin. Average season snowfall of more than 100 inches enables the park to maintain 8 miles of cross-country ski trails.
Old Falls Village ParkMenomonee Falls
Discover Old Falls Village Park, an 18.8-acre oasis tucked away in a serene, forested landscape with a babbling brook. Once the private estate of the Davidson family, this unique park boasts several historic buildings, including the barn and caretaker's residence. The crown jewel is the summer home of Emma Davison, wife of Harley-Davidson co-founder Walter Davidson. The park offers periodic reenactments and historical interpretation events.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation AreaMenomonie
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area offers 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie traversed with hiking and cross-country ski trails. It's an excellent bird watching area. A 60-foot-high observation tower crowns one of the highest points in Dunn County, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, especially in autumn.
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters AreaMercer
Undisturbed, wooded shorelines and islands offer the opportunity to boat, camp, fish and enjoy the outdoors in wild and rugged northern Wisconsin. Spread across 40,000 acres in Iron County, the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers 66 remote campsites accessible by water only.
Council Grounds State ParkMerrill
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River near the site of Native American encampments, Council Grounds State Park is a favorite for water enthusiasts. The park offers many recreational opportunities including family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area and an accessible fishing pier. A boat landing offers access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River.
Jewish Museum MilwaukeeMilwaukee
Jewish Museum Milwaukee is committed to building bridges to diverse groups through shared histories. Examine contemporary issues like social justice and human rights through the lens of Jewish history, culture, art and values. Jewish Museum Milwaukee provides customized tours for your students to explore history, art and events that still reverberate today. We welcome school groups of up to 80 students from Milwaukee and across the Midwest. A trained docent will help your classroom navigate our exhibits; tours may also be complemented with workshops and exceptional guest speakers. The Museum’s content is directed toward students in grade four and higher.
Harley-Davidson MuseumMilwaukee
Learning how design, history, engineering and culture roar to life at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Specially designed educational activities and tours deliver a fun learning experience while meeting Wisconsin and Illinois state learning standards. Groups of 12 or more, K-12 level homeschools receive discounted admission of $5 per student. 1 complimentary chaperone ticket provided for each 10 paid student admissions. Additional chaperone tickets are $14 each. Schedule your visit or for more information: call 1-414-287-2799 or email.
Havenwoods State ForestMilwaukee
Havenwoods State Forest is a 237-acre open, green space in the City of Milwaukee. We provide environmental education and recreation opportunities and maintain natural habitat in the urban environment. The land includes grasslands, forest, wetland, Lincoln Creek, an urban arboretum, and yard care and garden areas. You can get bird and wildflower lists at the Environmental Awareness Center, which also has an auditorium, classrooms, displays, and a resource center. There are trails for nature study, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Lakeshore State ParkMilwaukee
In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Lakeshore State Park is adjacent to the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. The park is an urban oasis offering a small beach and accessible paved trails that link to Milwaukee's other lakefront parks and the Hank Aaron State Trail. The park offers great views of the city and Lake Michigan and has a reservable, overnight boat slip.
Haggerty Museum of ArtMilwaukee
The Haggerty Museum of Art is open to the public free of charge. Guided and self-guided tours for elementary, middle, and high school students are also available.
PendarvisMineral Point
A settlement of highly-skilled Cornish miners unearthed an ore that led to a mining frenzy. Discover the rush before the Gold Rush, at Pendarvis.
North Country National Scenic TrailMulti-state
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in the U.S., winding its way through seven states over 4,400 miles.
Buckhorn State ParkNecedah
Buckhorn State Park is a paradise for water enthusiasts, hunters, hikers, campers and nature lovers. The park and two adjacent state wildlife areas cover more than 8,000 acres on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River. Family and group campsites, unique cart-in camping, a cabin for people with disabilities, canoe trail and an accessible fishing pier, are all available at the park.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of GlassNeenah
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum originated more that a century ago, in the imagination of a young girl in upstate New York. Born in 1872, Evangeline Hoystradt Bergstrom grew up in comfortable surroundings in the college town of Ithaca. It was as a young girl that her now legendary love affair with paperweights began. Today, with nearly 3,000 pieces, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum is known worldwide for its Permanent Collections of paperweights and Germanic glass.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation AreaNew Auburn
Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area offers unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and many glacial features. Hiking, snowshoeing, backpack camping, fishing and bird watching are popular activities. The David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center houses first-class glacial, cultural and natural history displays.
Copper Culture State ParkNew Auburn
Copper Culture State Park was the site of a prehistoric cemetery of the Old Copper Complex people who occupied the northern Midwest from ca. 4000 – 2000 BC. Visitors can walk throughout the park and along the Oconto River, or tour the museum with artifacts end exhibits detailing the importance of the property. The42-acre property is just west of the city of Oconto. The park and museum is operated by the Oconto County Historical Society.
Browntown Cadiz Springs State Recreation AreaNew Glarus
Cadiz Springs is a day use area that provides picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. Located in southwest Wisconsin's driftless area, the landscape is uniquely different from the rest of the state. Here the bogs, marshes and many lakes are replaced by rolling hills and valleys with spring-fed streams. There is no camping at Cadiz Springs.
New Glarus Woods State ParkNew Glarus
New Glarus Woods State Park is a 435-acre state park offering camping, hiking, picnicking and snowshoeing just south of the city of New Glarus. The park has direct access to the Sugar River State Trail, a 24-mile linear trail surfaced with compressed limestone screenings, for bicycling, hiking and snowmobiling.
Wildcat Mountain State ParkOntario
Located on a ridge rising steeply above the Kickapoo River, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers camping for families, groups and horseback riders. Twenty-one miles of scenic hiking, nature and equestrian trails meander through the park. An observation point and picnic areas overlook the Kickapoo Valley. The Kickapoo River is popular for paddling and rentals are available in the village of Ontario.
Military Veterans Museum and Education CenterOshkosh
The Military Veterans Museum and Education Center offers an interesting learning experience about US History/US Wars. The museum boasts the largest military vehicle collection in Wisconsin along with numerous military artifacts. When you visit you may request a tour/information based on what you are studying; soldiers gear display, Soldiers' letters, US flag folding experience, Speakers from WWII though the present, Speakers about the civil war, Recruiting posters, and personalized dog tags per request ($8 each). Recommended ages; grades 5-12. We do ask for a $2 donation per student, teachers are free. Join the other home school groups who have visited.
Cascade MountainPortage
Cascade Mountain Field Trips are available Monday through Friday from open to close.Cascade Mountain has 36 beautifully groomed trails from beginner to expert as well as 4 terrain park to practice tricks and jumps. Not a skier or snowboarder? Cascade Mountain also has group rates for snow tubing. There are 10 lanes of snow tubing with a moving sidewalk to take you to the top. All fun and no work! Cascade Mountain also has retail shops, repair shops, and food available for your convenience. Cascade Mountain is open from November through mid-March (weather dependent). Field trip pricing is not available from Dec.24-Jan.2. Rates apply to groups of 15 people or more. Please call Cascade Mountain Group Sales Department for more details or to make a reservation at 608-742-5588 ext 1316.
MacKenzie Environmental Education CenterPoynette
The MacKenzie Center, just 25 miles north of Madison, is one of the most diverse education centers in Wisconsin. Located on a 285-acre property near Poynette in Columbia County, the MacKenzie Center has interpretive trails, exhibits, museums and programming available for school and youth groups. The MacKenzie Center is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the natural world.
Villa LouisPrairie du Chien
When you walk through the doors of Villa Louis, you step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – The Dousmans. Located on the beautiful banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this National Historic Landmark offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, from the advent of the first fur traders, to the War of 1812, through the splendor of the Victorian era.
Kinnickinnic State ParkRiver Falls
Located where the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers meet, Kinnickinnic State Park offers experiences in two types of worlds. Enjoy the quiet and solitude of the Kinnickinnic River Valley and the many popular water-based recreational pursuits on the St. Croix River. A large sandy delta is found at the junction of the rivers. Visitors can also explore 10 miles of hiking trails.
Eagle Eye FarmRiver Falls
"Here at Eagle Eye Farm, we are thrilled to have you on our side of the fence. We are home to award winning alpacas, but the show must go on at all times around our farm! So of course we have so many other magnificent animals roaming around. During your time here, you’ll be greeted by Kune Kune pigs, chickens, Valais Blacknose Sheep, English Angora bunnies, and miniature Highland cattle! We love all of our animals equally and our hearts have continued to multiple over the years, so we just had to open our gates to share and spread the love with you too! We can’t wait for you to get a chance to experience life on the farm with these amazing animals, learn about how our alpaca products are made, and you can even contribute to the bright future of our youth , as well as the health and well-being of our farm friends! Come visit us today and you’ll see that the grass is greener when you’re here on Eagle Eye Farm! We offer many educational opportunities about our animals and the products they produce. You can learn the process of how the alpaca fleece is turned into yarn or other products we sell. Or just about the day to day operations on the farm. We offer tours, educational classes, crafts, and you can pet and interact with the alpacas."
St. Croix National Scenic RiverwaySaint Croix Falls
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.
Hunt Hill Audubon SanctuarySarona
Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary is a nature sanctuary and learning center dedicated to fostering understanding, appreciation, and protection of the environment. Hunt Hill is open to the public year-round, protects nearly 600 acres of diverse habitats, and has over 13 miles of trails. Visitors get to float on the bog, hike through old growth forests, and explore the prairie. Home school groups are welcome to visit the sanctuary and explore the trails independently or schedule a day of naturalist-led programs that are aligned to Wisconsin state standards in science and environmental literacy.
Kohler-Andrae State ParkSheboygan
Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is the home of majestic sand dunes, miles of golden beach, shimmering blue Lake Michigan water, whispering pines, an abundance of wildlife, and recreational activities for everyone. Kohler-Andrae State Park is one of the last natural preserves along the Lake Michigan shore, and is open for everyone to explore and enjoy.
John Michael Kohler Arts CenterSheboygan
A 50-year-old, nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts complex in downtown Sheboygan, the Arts Center is devoted to innovative explorations in contemporary American art. Its exhibitions focus on a wide range of art forms, with particular emphasis on sculpture, photography, crafts, new genres, installation art, ongoing folk traditions, and the work of self-taught artists. The performing arts emphasize dance, music, and theatre performances from around the world. Programming also includes a renowned Arts/Industry residency program, classes, and special events.
Kettle Moraine Scenic DriveSheboygan County to Walworth County
Visitors can enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. Its northern end is near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and its southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. There are numerous places to picnic, hike, camp, bike, swim, fish,visit historical sites, shop and find lodging along the way. Explore and enjoy the forest!
High Cliff State ParkSherwood
High Cliff State Park is the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest lake. The park gets its name from the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment, which parallels the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago. The magnificent 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird, standing high on a huge granite rock, overlooks the lake and is a popular destination in the park.
Interstate State ParkSt. Croix Falls
Interstate is Wisconsin's oldest state park, established in 1900. Located along the picturesque St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the park provides scenic views of the river and the steep-sided gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix. The Ice Age Interpretive Center features a film, photographs, murals and information about Wisconsin's glacial history.
Ice Age National Scientific ReserveStatewide
The Ice Age National Scientific Reserve was established in 1964 to protect the glacial landforms and landscapes in Wisconsin. The reserve is an affiliated area of the National Park System and consists of nine units across Wisconsin. Most of these units are connected by the Ice Age Trail. The units protect different areas of scenic and scientific value and provide all kinds of opportunities, from studying Wisconsin's natural history at one of the interpretive centers, to hiking, camping, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Central Wisconsin Children's MuseumStevens Point
The mission of the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum is to provide a family-based discovery place where children and adults can play and explore together to strengthen confidence, capabilities and creativity through hands-on investigation.
Lake Kegonsa State ParkStoughton
Lake Kegonsa State Park offers a variety of recreational activities set along a 3,200-acre lake. A swimming beach, picnic areas with reservable shelters, and a boat launch are within 1 mile of the campground. Fishing opportunities are excellent, while hiking trails weave among oak woodlands, prairies and wetlands.
Potawatomi State ParkSturgeon Bay
Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay in southern Door County, has 1,200 acres of gently rolling upland terrain bordered by steep slopes and rugged limestone cliffs. The park is named in honor of the tribe that inhabited Green Bay’s shores and islands when Europeans first settled the area. The tribe called themselves Bo-De-Wad-Me which means "keeper of the fire."
Whitefish Dunes State ParkSturgeon Bay
Whitefish Dunes State Park, established in 1967, is an 865-acre day use park on Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula. Set aside to protect the fragile dune environment, Whitefish Dunes has more visitors than any other day use park in Wisconsin. Enjoy strolling along Lake Michigan, watching waterfowl at Clark Lake, using the boardwalk to discover the wetlands or relaxing on one of the many trails throughout the forested sand dunes and beech forest. Trails are open year round and 8 miles are groomed for skiing in winter. The park features programs, exhibits and brochures on archeology, highlighting the importance of eight significant Native American villages, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the nature center offers displays on ecology, geology and human history of the park. Programs for all ages are presented year round at the park.
Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical CenterSuperior
A visit to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is an exciting and educational experience for students and teachers alike. The Veterans Historical Center cordially welcomes student groups and is a regular destination for schools throughout Wisconsin. The center offers 22,000 square feet of military artifacts honoring service men and women throughout the various war eras. Named for America's Ace of Aces and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Major Richard I. Bong the center offers several field trip packages and programs presented by service veterans. Home School rates available.
Amnicon Falls State ParkSuperior
Amnicon Falls State Park features a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. You can view them from a covered foot bridge or 2 miles of trails along the river. The park is a place to picnic, camp, walk in the woods and learn about the Douglas Fault, the geological formation that created the falls.
Pattison State ParkSuperior
Pattison State Park features the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Big Manitou Falls is 165 high, and Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high. The 1,436-acre park also has a lake with a beach, nature programs and guided hikes, a nature center, camping, 9 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
Free Educational Tours at Halquist Stone CompanySussex
Free tours to students at the stone facility focusing on rocks and minerals. Tours last one hour with 30 minutes in the old school house rock museum and the other 30 minutes outside collecting 12 rock specimen samples that children take with them. Tour is aimed towards 3rd to 5th grade students. Call for a minimum number of students for homeschool groups.
Perrot State ParkTrempealeau
Perrot State Park's 1,200 acres are nestled among 500-foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet. Enjoy breathtaking river views from the hiking trails in this park, known for its natural, archaeological, and historical resources. There is direct access for bicyclists from the campground to the 24-mile Great River State Trail. There is also a marked canoe trail in Trempealeau Bay. Canoes can be rented at the park in season.
Point Beach State ForestTwo Rivers
Point Beach State Forest features 3,000 acres of land and 6 miles of sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. Point Beach offers family campsites, two large group cabins and an outdoor group camp. A popular feature within the property is the Rawley Point Lighthouse, which has been operated and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard since 1853.
Rock Island State ParkWashington Island
Take the ferry Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day to this primitive Lake Michigan island where no vehicles are allowed. This unique park features the Pottawatomie Lighthouse as well as stone buildings built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1964. Rock Island offers rustic, walk-in campsites, hiking trails, a swimming beach and miles of shoreline to explore.
Governor Nelson State ParkWaunakee
Located on 10,000-acre Lake Mendota, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the State Capitol. Governor Nelson is a day use park offering a sand beach, boat launch, fish cleaning facility, picnic areas and playground equipment, prairie restorations and over 8 miles of trails. Native American effigy mounds can be seen on the Woodland Trail.
Hartman Creek State ParkWaupaca
Located on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, Hartman Creek State Park is a quiet and friendly, natural gem and a popular destination in central Wisconsin. The park offers camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking opportunities, the historic Hellestad House log cabin, and four picnic areas including Whispering Pines along crystal-clear Marl Lake.
Rib Mountain State ParkWausau
This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geological formations on earth. Rib Mountain State Park is a premier day-use property with picnicking, hiking trails and reservable facilities that include a scenic amphitheater, indoor gathering space and picnic shelters. The top of the park offers spectacular views of the Wausau area and Wisconsin River. Granite Peak Ski Area is on the north face of the mountain and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Museum of Wisconsin ArtWest Bend
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is the state's primary venue for the exhibition of historic and contemporary Wisconsin art. It also includes the unequaled Wisconsin Art Archive which contains over 8000 files on Wisconsin art, artists and a significant library of research material on state art and history.
Flambeau River State ForestWinter
The Flambeau River State Forest provides excellent backcountry opportunities, including wooded hiking trails, ATV and snowmobile trails, family campgrounds and rustic river sites, hunting and fishing. Canoeing is the most popular activity at the forest. Different portions of the river offer varying degrees of difficulty. The North Fork is ideal for the novice, while the South Fork is for the advanced paddler. Nine landings offer access to forest lakes and the Flambeau River.
Great Wolf Lodge - Wisconsin DellsWisconsin Dells
Great Wolf Lodge is North America's Largest Family of Indoor Waterpark resorts, and the ultimate destination for your next family getaway. Designed to capture the atmosphere of the Northwoods, our waterpark offer an amazing guest experience in a one-of-a-kind, rustically elegant setting. The perfect place for families to re-connect, and create lifelong memories. With one of our fully-themed resort suites as your family's base camp, you can set out on your Great Wolf adventure. You'll likely first discover our gigantic indoor waterpark, where it's always 84 degrees. And that's just the beginning. Besides our waterpark, don't miss our themed restaurants, interactive arcades, full service spas (and even a version for kids!), fitness centers, and so much more. And with more than 10 locations coast to coast, Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect, weatherproof, year-round destination for your busy family. So whether your family splashes the day away in the waterpark, enjoys a delicious family meal in our restaurant, or enjoys our nightly Storytime together before calling it a night, we think you'll agree, there's no time, like a Great Wolf time.
Riverside & Great Northern RailwayWisconsin Dells
The Riverside & Great Northern Railway is a 15" gauge railway and living museum located in Wisconsin Dells. The train travels on a 1-1/2 mile historic railroad right-of-way dating back to 1857 that goes through scenic canyons and majestic rock cuts beside the Dells of the Wisconsin River. As an educational preservation society, staff will talk about the way a steam locomotive works and involve students in turning the locomotive on the turntable. Tours of the shops are available. After the train trip, there is a picnic area for snacks or lunch. Group rates are $2 off the regular ticket prices.
H.H. Bennett StudioWisconsin Dells
Combining advancements in technology with a love for natural landscapes, photographer H.H. Bennett captured the images that made Wisconsin Dells famous. Photography historians consider Bennett one of the best landscape photographers of the 19th century, considered the "Golden Age of Landscape Photography." Today the studio continues to house many of Bennett's original photographs, glass plate negatives, photography inventions, cameras and equipment.
Rocky Arbor State ParkWisconsin Dells
The 244-acre Rocky Arbor State Park is within 1.5 miles of the popular Wisconsin Dells vacation community. Eighty-nine wooded campsites offer seclusion, while pine trees and sandstone bluffs offer a cool escape to the picnicker or hiker in this summer park. The park has a 1-mile self-guided nature trail. Walk quietly, stop often, listen, and watch for wildlife. You may see deer, raccoons, squirrels, bats, and chipmunks. The campground has showers, flush toilets, and electricity.
