What is a landmark?
From architectural feats and famous buildings to ancient Native American mounds, Wisconsin has a wide variety of U.S. landmarks you won’t want to miss. Full of gently rolling hills and forested groves, Wisconsin provides visitors with natural landmarks and historic sites alike. Below we dive into 10 of the best Wisconsin landmarks to add to your RV trip.
What are Some Famous Landmarks in Wisconsin?
- Milwaukee Art Museum
2. Devil’s Lake State Park
3. Lambeau Field
4. Taliesin East
5. Aztalan State Park
6. The Milton House
7. Cave of the Mounds
8. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Wayside Cabin
9. Miller Brewery
10. Wisconsin State Capital Building
Wisconsin Landmarks
If you’re looking for famous places that make Wisconsin unique, make sure you don’t miss these 10 Wisconsin landmarks!
1. Milwaukee Art Museum
Art and architecture fans alike will want to pay a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum. This building is just as creative as the art it contains. The wing-like architectural features on the main building resemble a bird and open to a wingspan of 217 feet. The impressive artwork continues inside with 25,000 works of art of paintings, sculptures, photography, drawings, and decorative art. It’s also right on Lake Michigan and close to several other museums in downtown Milwaukee.
Things to do near the Milwaukee Art Museum
You’re right in the center of Milwaukee, so there’s plenty to see and explore. Being on the shore of Lake Michigan leaves plenty of opportunity for boating and relaxing at the beaches. Our local’s guide to Milwaukee has all sorts of things to do and see, and we’ve got you covered with RV rentals in the area.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is located in Baraboo, WI and is the most popular and largest park in the state. It includes over 9,000 acres of land and gives visitors the chance to camp, hike, explore the ephemeral waterfalls and visit the nature center. There’s also rock climbing and bouldering, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and even scuba diving in the lake.
Things to do near Devil’s Lake State Park
Wisconsin Dells is the largest nearby attraction, which includes water parks, activities for the whole family, and Duck tours of the beautiful dells along the Wisconsin River. You’re also close to the state capital, Madison, where you can find great RV rentals to start your trip.
3. Lambeau Field
Yes, there’s a sports arena on this list, but that’s because it’s the home of the Green Bay Packers. Wisconsinites love their Packers, and the Lambeau Field stadium offers tours, exhibits, and the Packers Hall of Fame. Cheeseheads and football fans can also walk, bike, or drive the Packers Heritage Trail through Green Bay and Du Pere to learn about the Green Bay Packer’s history. And be sure to visit Titletown, just west of Lambeau Field to enjoy the public park, restaurants, and outdoor games.
Things to do near Lambeau Field
You’re in Packers territory here, but there’s plenty to explore besides football. Point Beach State Forest is nearby, as well as Door County, Wisconsin and the gorgeous Peninsula State Park. In town there’s the National Railroad Museum and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is not far away in Manitowoc. Here are some great RV rentals in the area.
4. Taliesin East
Architecture fans must stop by Taliesin (sometimes called Taliesin East), the main home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, located in Spring Green, WI. The site contains several buildings designed by the Wright and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The preservation offers several different tours of the estate, house, and the Driftless landscape.
Things to do near Taliesin East
Governor Dodge State Park and Blue Mound State Park are nearby for hiking, fishing, camping, and canoeing. House on the Rock is also located in Spring Green, WI, which is half museum and half architectural feat that features the home built on top of a giant rock and a museum of the owner’s unusual collections. Cave of the Mounds is also nearby for those who enjoy spelunking.
5. Aztalan State Park
Aztalan State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most important archeological sites. It contains earthen mounds made by a settlement of an ancient Native American Middle Mississippian culture that lived there between 1000-1300 A.D. The people used the nearby river for trading, and built earthen mounds, stockades, and houses which were abandoned between 1200-1300. Today you can see three large flat-topped earth pyramids earth as well as the stockade area that has been reconstructed. There’s also a museum that explores this ancient culture.
Things to do near Aztalan State Park
Located halfway between Madison and Milwaukee, Aztalan is easily assessable by either city. The next landmark, the Milton House, is a quick drive away, and Governor Dodge State Park is nearby as well. If you’re looking for RV rentals in the area, we’ve got you covered.
6. The Milton House
This historic hotel in Milton, Wisconsin was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Built in 1845, the main building of the Milton House functioned as a hotel, with a secret tunnel connecting the building to a nearby cabin. The tunnel was used to hide runaway slaves and help them escape to Canada. Today the Milton House Museum is Wisconsin’s last authenticated stop on the Underground Railroad that can still be toured. Visitors can take guided tours of the main building, cabin, and secret tunnel to learn about how fugitive slaves used the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom.
Things to do near the Milton House
Janesville is the largest town to the Milton House, but Madison isn’t too far away, along with Aztalan State Park. You can also take the short drive to Blue Mounds, WI to visit our next landmark….
7. Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds is a natural limestone cave where visitors can head underground to view the stalagmites, stalactites, and crystal formations. Self-guided tours are available through the cave with staff and signs available to explain the history and geologic science of the area. Back above ground there are all sorts of activities for kids and the whole family such as trails through Prairie Restoration Center, a Rain and Butterfly Garden, and the Bird Observation Center where you can explore the local nature and wildlife.
Things to do near Cave of the Mounds
Madison, WI is nearby, giving you lots to explore in the city. Governor Dodge State Park and Blue Mound State Park are also a short drive. And if you’re looking for a bit of whimsy, the town of Mount Horeb is nearby where you can drive along the “Trollway” down the main street and view the life size trolls cut into tree trunks.
8. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Wayside Cabin
Fans of the Little House books will want to stop by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and the nearby Wayside Cabin. The setting for “Little House in the Big Woods” is located just outside Pepin, WI, and you can see a re-creation of the Ingalls log cabin built on the site where Laura was born. Built from details recorded in the book, the cabin is available to tour year-round. A few miles down the road you’ll find the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum which is open during the summer months
Things to do near the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Wayside Cabin
Situated on the Mississippi River, Pepin, WI is located between Lacrosse, WI and Minneapolis, MN. Those looking for a bit of city life can easily make the drive into Minneapolis, while RVers looking for nature will find plenty along the Mississippi River. Here are some nearby RV rentals to consider.
9. Miller Brewery
Milwaukee, WI has a rich history in brewing, and the best way to learn about this craft is on a brewery tour. Visit the Miller Brewing Company and take a guided tour to learn about the history of the brewery. You even get to sample some brew along the way! Tours run throughout the year and walk visitors through both the history and modern production of their beer.
Things to do near Miller Brewery
The Miller Brewery tour is in Milwaukee, so be sure to check out the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the local beaches and state parks nearby. Looking for an RV to rent? We’ve got you covered with local rentals and guides.
10. Wisconsin State Capital Building
Completed in 1917, the Wisconsin State Capital Building is built on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota and is just a few blocks from the lakeshore. It houses the Wisconsin government and features a visually iconic 284-foot-high domed roof. The building is open to the public and free tours are offered daily. On summer weekends a large farmers market surrounds the entire capital building on Capital Square, so you can stroll around the park and visit the vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts.
Things to do near the Wisconsin State Capital Building
There are all sorts of adventures to be had in Madison, starting with the 200 miles of biking and hiking trails around the city. There’s also museums, botanical gardens, restaurants, shopping, and 5 lakes nearby to enjoy. If you need an RV, here are some great rentals to check out.
Planning an RV Trip to Wisconsin
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the variety of famous landmarks and monuments in Wisconsin, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
We have a guide to some of the best state parks in Wisconsin, as well as local guides to a few Wisconsin cities. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals. Now it’s time to get planning and exploring.
