Harley Davidson Museum - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With 105 years of history under its belt the Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be honored with this new museum located in Milwaukee!  The museum opened its doors in July of 2008 to showcase the legendary Harleys by showing over 150 motorcycles, historical photos and biking apparel.

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Museum of Historic Torture Devices - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Be so glad you are not forced to experience these items personally.  This is a collection from all over the world and located in downtown Wisconsin Dells.

The displays include such things as Ÿ The Rack Ÿ Thumbscrews Ÿ The Inquisitor’s Chair Ÿ The Cucking (Dunking) Stool Ÿ The Breaking Wheel Ÿ The Heretic’s Fork Ÿ Iron Gag Ÿ The Dreaded Chinese Death Cage Ÿ Many More.

All of these things were legal at one time and were frequently used by powerful governments, armies and religious institutions to punish, kill, interrogate, humiliate, and maim those that didn’t agree with their way of thinking or didn’t follow their instructions. 

There are over forty shocking exhibits describing implements of suffering used in nearly every corner of the globe. Exhibits include torture devices, graphic images and detailed descriptions.  The descriptions are in English and Spanish.

There are new displays that arrive on occasion, the newest is the John Wayne Gacy: The torture King of Chicago.

Open: Mid-May through Mid-September 11 AM - ?

Rates: Adult $6.99 plus tax; Children under 12 - $5.99 plus tax.

Location: 740 Eddy Street, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Phone: 608-254-2349

Email: kkarissa@centurytel.net

Be so glad you are not forced to experience these items personally.  This is a collection from all over the world and located in downtown Wisconsin Dells.

The displays include such things as Ÿ The Rack Ÿ Thumbscrews Ÿ The Inquisitor’s Chair Ÿ The Cucking (Dunking) Stool Ÿ The Breaking Wheel Ÿ The Heretic’s Fork Ÿ Iron Gag Ÿ The Dreaded Chinese Death Cage Ÿ Many More.

All of these things were legal at one time and were frequently used by powerful governments, armies and religious institutions to punish, kill, interrogate, humiliate, and maim those that didn’t agree with their way of thinking or didn’t follow their instructions. 

There are over forty shocking exhibits describing implements of suffering used in nearly every corner of the globe. Exhibits include torture devices, graphic images and detailed descriptions.  The descriptions are in English and Spanish.

There are new displays that arrive on occasion, the newest is the John Wayne Gacy: The torture King of Chicago.

Open: Mid-May through Mid-September 11 AM - ?

Rates: Adult $6.99 plus tax; Children under 12 - $5.99 plus tax.

Location: 740 Eddy Street, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Phone: 608-254-2349

Email: kkarissa@centurytel.net

Mid-Continent Railway Museum - North Freedom, Wisconsin

As of July 4, 2008 the railway museum is closed due to the flooding that hit Wisconsin this spring.  Check their website: www.midcontinent.org for updated information on this attraction.

When the museum and train are working here is some information on the attraction.

This is the opportunity to take a seven-mile, 50 minute round-trip ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway through the scenic Baraboo Hills.  The 1915 steel coaches give you the true feeling of this bygone era.

The authentically-attired conductor calls the “all aboard” and the train trip will begin.  The depot that you will leave from was built in 1894.  When you get to the end of the ride you can get on the platform and look inside the cab of the locomotive from a viewing platform.

Your train fare includes admission to our Coach Shed which is filled with restored wooden passenger, freight cars and displays from the turn of the century.

There are specialty events such as the Dinner Trains, Autumn Color Weekend rides, Pumpkin special, Santa Express and Snow Train.  Check out the site for more detailed information.

Fares: Adults:$13; Student (13-18) $7; Children (3-12) $7; Children under 3 Free; Senior Citizens (62 and over) $11; Caboose: Adult $15/Child $8 (limited availability)

Cab ride: $30 (limit one person, subject to availability)

Adult Groups: $9 per person; Child groups: $6 per person, incl. adult supervisors.

Train fare includes admission to museum grounds and displays in the depot and the Coach Shed.

Direction: Located at North Freedom. About one hour north of Madison and ½ hour south from Wisconsin Dells.  From I-90/94, take Wisc. Hwy, 33 west to Baraboo.  From the intersection of US Hwy 12 and Wisc. Hwy 33 in Baraboo, take Wisc. Hwy 136 west toward Rock Springs about 4 miles.  Turn left on Cty. Hwy PF to North Freedom.  Follow the signs west from the 4 way stop in town.

There is ample free parking.

Phone: 608-522-4261

Email: inquiries@midcontinent.org.

Address: E8948 Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

Extreme World - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

If you are interested in going to an amusement park while you are in the Dells then you will want to visit Extreme World where you can ride on the Skycoaster, try bungee jumping or any number of other rides.  Join your kids driving the Go-Karts and enjoy the laughter that will follow.

Discover what you feel while freefalling 100 feet at speeds of u to 60-65 mph and then recovering barely 6 feet off the ground and going soaring 90 feet in to the air again in less than 4 seconds!  You have to have a pretty strong stomach to handle this ride!

Now do you feel like a REALLY scary ride?  The go to the ejection seat.  At 130 feet, the bungee jump is the only jump in the Midwest that provides an ankle-harness free fall.  You will fall toward the ground at up to 40 miles an hour and just as you reach the ground you will feel yourself decelerate and rocket instantly back into the sky.  You will “bounce out”, and then you and the elevator are lowered back to the deck.

Don’t want to have your ankles hold you back?  Try the Terminal Velocity where you do an unattached, controlled free fall.  You will ascent to the top in a special elevator.  A staff member activates the descend system and releases you after a short countdown.  Airtubes and break suspensions around the double net stop your fall so softly that you will feel no impact.  Upon landing, the entire device is lowered a short distance to the ground.   

The ride on the Terminal Velocity : $34.95 for the first drop, $20 for second drop, there are no second drops on Saturday nights.  Same pricing for the Ejection Seat and Bungee Jump.

Go-Karts are $7.75 per ride.

Skycoaster rides are: $19.95 one ride, $10 for the second.  No second rides offered on Saturday nights.

Hours: Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day) 10 AM – 10 PM

Address: 1800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-4111

Email: info@extremeworld.com

Open: Year-round (indoor activities)

Ghost Out-Post Haunted House - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This place will offer you the scare of your life!  It’s dark, there is a man-eating rat after you, and the maze has you trapped with a bunch of twisted torture victims!  You will begin your adventure by hearing the executioner read a victim his last rights, then witness his gut-wrenching execution.  The on past more executions and encounter the results of cruel justice as the lurking creatures scare you of your senses!

This attraction is not for the timid.  They have an enhanced and improved the Boris and Ernie show, a new unique animatronics talking duo of ghouls and more. 

It is open daily.

Rates: Adults $8.95 (plus tax), $7.95 for children under 12 (plus tax) and children under 3 are free.

Please keep in mind that this is NOT appropriate for young children…it’s scary so don’t give your children nightmares….thanks.

Location: 633 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-2127

Email: ghostoutpost@msn.com

Dells Mining Co. - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Want to go digging for gems?  This place was established in 1989 for the purpose of mining natural precious and semi-precious gemstones from all over the world.

You can sift through the gem rich soil and find all your gemstone treasures.  You keep everything you find!

There are several types of gemstones found: amethyst, blue topaz, garnet, ruby, emerald, sapphire and many more.  You will get assistance with your dig to make sure that you don’t miss any of the gems.

There is a Rock Shop that you can buy the special souvenir or one of a kind gift.

The pan fee bucket costs $15.00

There are two locations: highway 12, next to Noah’s Ark, open mid-May to Mid-September 9:30 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week- rain or shine.

The downtown location is open year round.

Address: 427 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965 and 1480 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Lake Delton, Wisconsin 53940

Phone: 608-253-7002

Ice Age Trail - Baraboo, Wisconsin

This is one of the eight national scenic trails in the United States.  The trail spans approximately 1200 miles in Wisconsin.  There are only about 575 miles of the trail open to the public now for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing.  The trail was established in 1958, there was the establishment of the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation.  It is a volunteer based organization whose mission is to preserve Wisconsin’s cultural and glacial heritage for the education, and enjoyment for present and future generations.  There are 24 chapters and have over 5,000 miles.

The Baraboo Hills Chapter portion of the trail lies nestled approximately seven miles south of Baraboo.  The trail begins at the Merrimac ferry and Lake Wisconsin, continues for approximately four miles through Riverland Conservancy’s wetlad and prairie before traveling along the bluffs surrounding Devil’s Lake.  A spur of the trail, which is approximately 4.4 miles in length begins on Hwy 113, and concludes at Parfrey’s Glen.

If you are interested in more information about the foundation contact 608-254-8784 or email shirleytollaksen@msn.com

Devil’s Lake State Park - Baraboo, Wisconsin

The park is located along the Ice Age Trail with spectacular views from 500 ft cliffs.  There are miles of hiking trails, swimming areas of which there are two large sandy beaches, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, mountain climbing and a great place to picnic or camp.

Get out your fishing pole and enjoy the quality fishing available at the park. The fish in the lake are: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Common Carp, Northern Pike, Blacknose dace, Spottail shiner, Spotfin shiner, Mimic shiner, Bluntnose minnow, Fathead minnow, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Channel catfish, Burbot, Lawer, White bass, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Gree sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Rock bass, White crappie, Black crappie, Walleye, Yellow perch, Iowa darter, Johnny darter.  A Wisconsin fishing licenses are required.

There are over 29 miles of trails which are good for the varied skill levels.  Not all of the trails are surfaced and there are some with steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered.  There is a 1 mile interpretive nature trail and 1.5 miles of trail that are accessible for people with disabilities.

The trails are not maintained for winter hiking, you can hike but be aware that you will be working with the wonders of nature.

Bicycles are allowed only on the Uplands Loop and the connector trail between the Steinke Basin Loop and the North Shore picnic area.

There is wonderful boating available with boat launches at each end of the lake.  Row Boat & Canoe rentals are available at the Chateau on the north shore of the lake during the summer season.  To find out about the rentals call the Chateau at 608-356-3381.  For lessons on kayaking are available at KayakQuixotica.com or email: derrick@kayakquixotica.com

If you are a rock climber it will be a wonderful place to visit.  There are a number of good cliffs to challenge your skills.

There is Cross-Country Skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing hiking, snowshoeing and more including the candlelight hike & ski in January of each year.  Winter at the park can be so much fun!  During the winter, bathrooms are open by the South Shore Concession building (concessions would be closed.)  At the North Shore, bathrooms are open in the Visitor Center and the Headquarters Building.  The date of the actual water shut-off and turn-on is usually mid-April and mid-October, but these times may vary according to the weather by 1-3 weeks either way.  Call the park to find out current information at 608-356-8301.

Address: S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Phone: 608-356-8301

Hours: Devil’s Lake is open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily.  Visitor Center hours are from 8 AM to 11 PM daily in the summer and 8 AM to 5 PM in other seasons.

Timbavati Wildlife Park/Storybook Gardens - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Are you interested in experiencing an up-close and personal encounter with a variety of animals such as kangaroos, tigers, ant eaters, giraffe, zebra, alpaca, muntjac, white lion, colobus monkey, lemurs, binturog, Yellow headed Vultures, Kookaburra, African Crown Cranes, Spurthiged Tortoises, White neck Raven, Crab eating MaCaques, MaCaws, and others.

There are daily interactive shows that are both entertaining and educational.  The show times are 11:15 AM and 2:15 PM.  Show times may vary, call for information.

You may be able to feed the giraffe, a baby zebra or sit next to a 60 pounds tortoise.  There are even camel rides for you and the opportunity to get your pictures taken with the camel.  The white lion is a rare animal.  There are less than 200 known White Lions exist in the world, and only a handful in the US.

Visit the baby animals too, they are so cute!

If you are a “bird person” you will enjoy seeing the White necked Ravens, Tawny Eagles, Kookaburra, Scarlet MaCaws, Swainsons Toucan and Cackler Geese.

Admission: Adults $11.95, Ages 2 -12 $9.95 and under 2 are Free.

Open: 9 AM – 7 PM May 1 – September 15, after September 15 call for yours.

Address: 1500 Wis. Dells Parkway (Hwy 12), Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Directions: From the South - Take 90/94 to Exit 92 (Hwy 12) Follow Hwy 12 past Noah’s Ark and turn right.

From the North – Take 90/94 to exit 87.  Turn right on Hwy 12.  Proceed 3 miles to Timbavati which will be on your left.

Phone: 608-253-2391

International Crane Foundation - Baraboo, Wisconsin

You are invited to visit a world renowned conservation center.  You will meet the ancient family of cranes at ICT.  You will be able to see the world’s rarest crane…the Whooping Crane….in a tranquil wetland.

There are both paved and unpaved trails that wind through acres of restored tall grass prairie delighting birders, nature enthusiasts, walkers, and photographers of all ages. 

The crane is an outstanding example of why we want to preserve the ecosystems.  Watching them in their natural habitat is a wonderful unique experience.

This is a family-friendly, handicap accessible, guided torus, new education center, art exhibit, gift shop and picnic area.

General Admission: Adult: $8.50; child $4; Senior Citizen $7 and children 4 and under are Free.

Location: E11376 Shady Lane Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Open: April 15 – October 31.

Email: cranes@savingcranes.org