Just imagine going to a museum that is filled with spinning tops, yo-yo’s, gyroscopes, spin toys, spinners and an area of hands-on-science.  What a great place to spend a day!

You will be able to see 2,000 items on exhibition of antique and modern spinning tops, yo-yos, patches, Duncan items, gyroscopes, diabolos, and unusual spinner toys.  What is a Duncan item?  Well it’s a wooden toy such as a spinning top spinner yo-yo.  Some of them were made to whistle while they spun.  Ok, so then what is a diabolos?  It is also called “the devil on two sticks” becasue it is a juggling prop consisting of a spool which is whirled and tossed on a string tied to two sticks held one in each hand.

You will be able to view some videos about spin tops and learn spinning science facts.  You will have the opportunity to play and exeriment with 35 different hands-on toy tops and spinning top games.  You will also have a chance to see a live presentation of spin tops, yo-yos and gyroscopes by Judith Schulz, the Top Lady and toy top collector.  She will certainly show you some new things to try with tops and spinning toys that you may not hav thought of before!

Since the museum is not open every day you will need to call ahead for the schedule.  Space is limited and reservations are only a phone call away so call and make a day of enjoyment!  Be aware that it is truly a museum for ages 4 – 104.  Not for younger children than 4.

The Top & Yo-Yo Museum Admission/program/tour is 2.5 hours for true fun.  Cost: $11 per person of all ages.  Parking is free.

The museum does not accept credit cards so be sure to have cash if you want to buy anything from the gift shop.  If you use travelers checks the entire amount of the check must be spent in the shop, no change for travelers checks.

The museum is handicap accessible.

Is there another hands-on museum there, too?  
Yes, the hands-on LOGIC PUZZLE MUSEUMis in the same buildings as the Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum, but with its own separate hours. The Logic Puzzle Museum is great for families, individuals, groups, math clubs, scout outings, field trips, tour groups, adult tourists, family reunions, birthday parties, and mystery tours. 50 hands-on brain & mechanical puzzles try try to solve, ring bells when you solve one, see the exhibit, plus make a puzzle to keep! Best for ages 5-105.  A 1.5 hour visit. Call for hours (262) 763-3946    

Phone: 262-763-3946

Location: 533 Milwaukee Avenue, historic downtown Burlington, Wisconsin 53105 

Email: thetopmuseum@hotmail.com

When Wisconsin was a territory the First Capitol was established in Belmond.  The legislature of the time met during a cold fall and winter of 1836 and built the framwork that would evolve into the state of Wisconsin 12 years later. 

During the time from October 25 to December 9, 1836 these men put 42 laws on the books, established a judicial system, called for roads and railroads and established Madison as the permanent capital city.

With the establishment of Madison as the permanent capital city Belmond suffered as businesses left the area.  The town did maintain a post office and serveral other businesses until 1867.  At that time residents set up a new town along the railroad tracks which became Belmont and the older town came to be known as Grandview.  This small community was named Leslie.

There are two buidlings on the First Capitol site used during the 1836 Territorial Legislative session.  The first was the Councfil House where the legislators met.  The second buidling was a lodging house for the legislators.

Both of the structures were eventually used as residences.  The lodging house was the home of territorial Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Dunn.  Both were later converted into livestock barns.

In 1910 the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs began raising funds for the restoration of the buildings. In 1924 the Council House was moved to its current site and restored. In 1956 the lodging house was moved to the site and restored. During this time it was operated by the Department of Natural Resources.

In 1994 the site became part of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Admission to these buildings is free.

From June 15 – Sept. 5 they are open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm.

First Capitol is located 20 miles east of the Mississippi River on CR-G, near the city of Belmont and US-151.

Address

First Capitol
19101 County Highway G
Belmont, WI 53510

First Capitol’s lodging and council houses both have wheelchair ramps. Due to the scale used in historic buildings, access is somewhat limited. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals requiring wheelchairs for mobility. For more information regarding access to site buildings, grounds and programs please contact First Capitol at 608-987-2122.

The Village of Wales boasts a long and full history. Its name was derived from its first Welsh settlers, the Elias Family and other early farm families, who emigrated from Britain to the area in the 1840. Today, the Village still incorporates its heritage by proudly displaying the Welsh red dragon depicted on the national flag of Wales, England.

In 1880, the arrival of the Chicago Northwestern railroad and the erection of a train station brought increased activity to Wales. These were driving factors in the Village establishment in 1882.

In 1895, the Elias family built their distinctive new home on Main Street, which still stands majestically in their original Victorian style in downtown Wales. The Elias family home later became residence to the George Webb family, the business entrepreneurs and creators of the well known George Webb casual restaurant chain. Now known as Pedal’rs Inn, the home continues to provide the century-old tradition of hospitality as a bed and breakfast for local visitors.

Commerce began early in Wales when the James General Store opened its doors in 1882 on the corner of Main and Elias Streets and began providing the community with food and dry goods. Businesses continued to burgeon in the area and soon included a shoemaker, blacksmith, hardware shop and meat market.

Today, the Village area continues to grow and develop. New and emerging businesses, an increasing residential population and developmental improvements all continue to carry the legacy of a flourishing community, making Wales a desirable place to visit, reside or own a business

Wales is easy to get to, just 25 miles from downtown Milwaukee, three miles south of I-94 and situated around two major county highways, Hwy 83 and 18. Today, the Village of Wales covers 1,443 acres and has 2,655 residents and nearly 100 businesses. Bordering communities such as Genesee Depot, Dousman and Delafield also offer an abundance of recreation choices and attractions. Nestled in the Kettle Moraine, Wales is surrounded by rolling hills, woodland areas and multiple lakes including the nearby beautiful Lapham Peak Park and Upper and Lower Nabobin Lakes.

Everyone has seen the squirrels that run around our yards, regardless of what part of the country we live in, but have you ever seen a WHITE Squirrel?  The town of Olney has them, they are just waiting for you to come and see them and admire their uniqueness.

There are a couple of ideas of how the squirrels ended up in Olney, both of the hypotheses are well documented and substantiated by eyewitnesses from the time, which is around 1902.  One of the stories says that a hunter shot a mother squirrel as she was headed to her nest and when she fell two babies fell out of the nest to the ground.  They were white.  Because they were different he put them in the pocket of his game bag and took them home to his sons who bottle fed them and raised them.  After being confined in a cage at a local pub in Olney for sometime they were released into the wild in Tippit’s Woods.

The other story is that a cream-colored squirrel and a white squirrel were captured on a farm about 6 miles southeast of Summer.  The farmer that captured them raised several litters and then took a pair to Olney in 1902.  Apparently both stories agree that the squirrels were on display at the tavern until released into the wild following a law being passed prohibiting the containment of wild animals.

In about 1941 there were 800 white squirrels.  Each year there is a count held of both white and gray squirrels in the area along with the number of cats.  The squirrel population dropped to below 100 and so the city council amended its ordinance which disallowed dogs from running free to include cats not being allowed to run free either.  There is hope that this will help to increase the white squirrel count.

The community has been in numerous newspapers and on TV with the story about the white squirrels which attract the attention of those that want to see something different of nature.  If you want to see them it is best to watch early in the morning.  It is suggested that you see them in their natural habitat such as the Olney City Park, Millers Grove (which is located on the south side of East Fork Lake) and in several of the neighborhoods around town that have mature trees and feeding stations.

In 2009 the squirrel count had the white squirrels at 111 but the hopes of increasing that number depend on the predators such as hawks, fox and cats being discouraged from coming to where the squirrels are.  The community has asked that pet food not be left outside due to predators eating it and that doors to sheds and out buildings be closed to keep the predators from using them for shelter and to raise their young.

START JUNE 15; PASSENGERS WATCH JUMPERS HOP ON AND OFF PIERS TO DELIVER MAIL

At Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, “e-mail” translates into “energetic mail” delivery. Agile mail jumpers leap from the passenger boat to mailboxes, dockside. The catch? The boat never stops and the mail never comes back undelivered. It’s the only marine mail delivery of its type in the country and passengers get to go along for the ride.

Beginning every June 15, at 10 a.m., daily, young swift mail jumpers hop from the side of the moving tourist boat to mailboxes on resident piers to deposit the mail and then dash back to catch the boat. A boat load of 150 passengers watch the non-stop action on the 2.5 hour mailboat tour and applaud the jumper- a “stamp” of approval- as she or he leaps back and forth. You could call it a first-class tour where the jumpers take their job in stride.

Talk about “pier” pressure! On Sundays, the jumpers deliver big, bulky newspapers to resident piers. At one dock, a golden retriever dashes to the end of the pier to carry the Sunday paper up to his master.

In between close to 65 jumps, the mail hopper “addresses” the passengers as he or she describes the historic estate homes along the shore, once owned by Chicagoans of fame and fortune, including the Swifts, Maytags, Bordens, and Wrigleys. Mail jumpers hope for a dry run, but that’s not always the case. An unexpected swim sometimes results. The daily mailboat tour extends through September. On Sundays, newspapers are “jumper” dockside.

Cost to ride the historic Walworth II Mailboat is $29 for adults, $27 for seniors age 65 and over, $21 for students age 14 through 17 and $16 for children ages 4 through 12. Group rates are also available.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of options including a combination narrated hike and boat tour, ice cream socials, Dixieland dinner cruises, Sunday champagne boat brunch, Black Point estate tours, private charters and more.

A unique way to see the shoreline hmes up close is to take a hike along eight miles of shoreline and then hop aboard one of the passenger boats for the rest of the tour. The up-close-and-personal self-guided tour follows a designated shoreline footpath with elegant mansions and manicured gardens to the right and Geneva Lake, beautiful boats, and lavish boathouses on the left.

Walkers buy cruise tickets at the Lake Geneva Cruise Line ticket office, Riviera Docks, downtown, before hiking over to the village of Williams Bay. The tour boat gives walkers time to walk the trail and then picks them up at the Williams Bay pier for the narrated boat cruise. Reservations are required. Additional walk and cruise options are available.

The unique tour is made possible because of an old law that requires the winding lake path around Geneva Lake be maintained and open to the public. As long as walkers stay on the path, they are not trespassing. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes because the walkway, originally a Native American Potawatomi footpath, ranges from stone, brick and wood planks to concrete ramps, sandy beach, steps, and packed dirt.

For more information  (800) 558-5911

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers cheap cruises , and a variety of options including a combination narrated hike and boat tour, ice cream socials, Dixieland dinner cruises, Sunday champagne boat brunch, Black Point estate tours, private charters and more.

This lighthouse was built in 1880 and is the oldest and tallest in operation on Lake Michigan.  The Lighthouse was fully automated in 1964.  Caretakers live in part of the Dwelling with the other part being used as a town hall with the grounds being open to the public.  The grounds are open every day of the year for your enjoyment.  You can go anytime between sunrise and 11 p.m. when it is closed.

The tower is open on the second Sundays in June, July, August, September, and October. Due to the high demand to see for miles at the top of the lighthouse, reservations are necessary. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is a $10 per person admission.   Those interested in a tour should contact Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse at 262-880-8266.  Twelve people at a time can climb to the top every 20 minutes.  The Tour to the Top dates are: July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7.

The funds raised are used for the Friends of the Lighthouse to maintain and preserve the structure and to offer educational programs to schools. So if you normally spend your weekends indoors, watching TV or or playing games like Partypoker, now is your chance to enjoy a day by the sea. The tower stands over 100 feet tall and would certainly make a striking picture for photographers who are interested in 19 Century architecture.

In addition to seeing the expansive view, climbers can expand their minds and learn about lighthouses. Guides will answer questions and back down on ground level, a small building, which used to house the fog horn, has been turned into a maritime museum. Glass cases hold a range of Wind Point artifacts. Kids can push a button and sound a fog horn.

The tower is 108 feet tall and is attached to the keepers dwelling by a covered passageway.  The dwelling was home to the Head Keeper and two assistants and their families.  To get to the tower top you need to climb 144 cast iron steps, each individually anchored to the walls and supported by a central column, this leads to the lantern room.

With the addition of a fog signal in 1900 and powered by steam the signal could be heard from a distance of 40 miles out in the lake.

The tower originally was outfitted with a kerosene-fired Third Oder Fresnel lens but in 1924 it became the second station of all the Great Lakes lights to be electrified.  Then in 1964 the electrified Fresnel lens was replaced with a DCB-24 Aerobeacon with an output of 2,000,000 candle power.  Since the station towers 110 feet at its focal plane the light is visible for a distance of nineteen miles.  In 1964 the fog signal was dismantled and removed.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.  In 1997, the National Park Service awarded ownership of the property to the Village of Wind Point although the Coast Guard still maintains the light as a public navigation aid.

The village of Wind Point had leased the buildings from the Coast Guard since 1964.

For more information on tours to the top of the lighthouse, please contact Jeff or Missy Peterson 262-639-3777.

Location: Won Wind Point, 3.5 miles north of Racine, WI.

Travel Instructions: From Highway 32 roughly 3 miles north of the harbor in Racine, turn east on Three Mile Road and follow it to where it turns left and becomes Lighthouse Road. Follow Lighthouse Road for just over a mile. You will pass through a golf course and the lighthouse will then be down a short road on your right.

The lighthouse caretakers are Mike and Susan Arts.

Taste these delightful wines produced from Wisconsin cherries, cranberries and honey.  Of course there are the wonderful grapes that grow on the 16 acres located on the hill tops surrounding the winery which produce the wineries fabulous line of grape wines. 

The variety of wines available at the winery will have you wondering if you can try and then buy them all!  There is the dry red and dry white grape wines which begin the line for this winery.  You have the choice of semi-sweet red, white and blush to also tempt your taste buds and for the sweet tooth among you there sweet grape wines, fruit wines and mead (honey wine) to finish off the choices.

Take the time to take a tour of inside the winery with tours offered from April through October.  There are full-guided tours discussing grape growing and care plus the in-depth steps to wine making.  You will learn how the equipment works to produce the quality the winemaker insists upon.  Then take a hike to the grape vines at the top of the hills and see just how the whole process begins.

Glen, Mary and James Spurgeon will welcome you to their winery.  The hospitality you will experience will make you glad you chose to visit here.  Join them for samples of their wines, eat some of the finest cheeses produced in Wisconsin, eat a grilled buffalo burger from 11:30 – 4:00 pm. 

Come to the winery during harvest time and see how very busy everyone is preparing the grapes and fruits for the production.  Maybe you will be there in time for the Harvest Festival in October.  There will be hayrides through the vineyards if the weather permits, free winery tours, free Taste of Wisconsin: wine, jelly, wine salami and wine cheese spread made form their premium wines.  There will also be live music as well as the grilled buffalo burgers.

Location: 5 miles west of Highland on County Hwy Q (follow the signs)

Hours: 10 – 5 everyday January 2 – December 23 except Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.  Other times by appointment.  If you have a group of 15 or more they request that you call in advance.

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery
16008 Pine Tree Road
Highland, WI 53543

Phone: (608) 929-7692
Free: (800) 236-5555

This National Natural Landmark is an excellent way to get introduced to caving in the Midwest. The cave is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest." 

Here you will be able to view a wide array of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations.  Since the cavern began forming over a million years ago it has some of the stunning beauty that only such limestone caves can hold.  Imagine the time it took for the large caverns to be dissolved within rock that itself is believed to be over 400 MILLION years old!

The lower part of the Cave was formed by the rushing water of an underground stream. The Cave is a great display of both chemical and mechanical processes of cave formation.

When the heat of summer gets to be too much for comfort a visit to the Cave will be a wonderful relief since the temperature inside is 50 degrees. There are also park-like grounds for you to enjoy on a hike or picnic.  Then the rock garden is another place to enjoy visiting while at the Cave.

There are two large hills which have long been Wisconsin landmarks and therefore the name of Cave of the Mounds (the Blue Mounds.)

The Cave of the Mounds was discovered by accident on August 4, 1939 when workers were removing high quality limestone from a quarry on the Brigham Farm blasted into the cave.  The cave was opened to the public in 1940.

Tours last approximately 1 hour although extended programs are available year round for schools and groups.  Tours depart rain or shine.

Tour schedule:
Winter (November – March ) Weekends – on the hour, 10 – 4 (last tours leaves at 4).  Weekdays – Hours vary, call 608-437-3038 to find out if there are any on the day you wish to visit.

The Cave is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day.

Spring: Friday before Memorial Day Weekend: Weekdays – On the hour, 10 – 4 and weekends – 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5. (last tour at 5)

Summer: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend: Weekdays and weekends 30 minute intervals, 9 – 5 (last tour 5)

Fall: Tuesday after Labor Day Weekend – Weekdays – on hour 10 – 4 and Weekends 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5.

Cost:
Adults $14, Children (age 4 -12) $7, Children (3 and under) Free with paid adult.
These rates may change without notice.

Location: 20 miles west of Madison just off US Highway 18 and 151 between Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds.

Specific Directions:

Coming from……. 

Madison: Take the Beltline, Hwys 12/18 to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Fun Fact

The Cave was discovered in a routine quarry blast.

Learn more fun facts.
 
Milwaukee: Take I-94 West towards Madison. Just east of Madison, take exit 4A, I-90E/I-39S towards Janesville.  Go 4 miles. Then take exit 142A, Hwys12/18 West (also called the "Beltline"). Continue 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also known as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Chicago: Take I-90 North, bypassing Rockford and Janesville. Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West.  Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Rockford: Take Hwy 51 North to I-90 West towards Madison.Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West.  Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Wisconsin Dells: Take Hwy 12 East towards Madison. Cave Just past Sauk City take 78 South into Mount Horeb. At the roundabout, turn right onto Hwy. ID (Also called Main Street or Springdale Street). Take this out of Mount Horeb for about 5 miles and turn right on Cave of the Mounds Road.

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.

Are you an Elvis Presley fan?  Did you always want to see the Harley 1956 KH model purchased the year he had a #1 hit with Heartbreak Hotel?  You can see it at the museum!  Remember the movie Easy Rider?  There is a replica of the “Captain America” chopper from this 1969 movie just waiting for you to see.  There were two originals but they were destroyed during the filming of the movie so the replica is all that is left.

You can join the museum as a member and receive the benefits that are member directed only, or you can go to visit the museum without becoming a member, either are welcome.

When the museum construction began the organizers decided that the appropriate manner to “break ground” was to have a Harley do the work.  With this in mind they had “Legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Scott Parker performed a burnout on a XL 883R Sportster motorcycle sending dirt flying off the spinning rear tire.”  What a statement that makes to the dedication of having Harley-Davidson motorcycles the total focus of the museum.

Situated in downtown Milwaukee this 80 ft tall structure lets everyone know that Milwaukee, where the motorcycles are built, is proud to have such an outstanding museum to offer the public.

The museum offers a 20-acre Menomonee Valley oasis; the grounds feature green open spaces, more than 700 trees and native plants, and park benches providing a relaxing setting and beautiful views of the riverfront – all free of charge and accessible to the public 24 hours a day.  The H-D Museum wants this to be a family environment honoring the history and remembrances of the Harley-Davidson impact on the culture of a series of generations.

The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the latter half of the 20^th century with its stories of designs, corporate changes, motorcycle displays and a feeling of euphoric joy at being among the world’s number one motorcycle history!

The second floor begins your tour by riding "The Road," a chronological gallery of one-of-a-kind motorcycles that bring to life the primary exhibit timeline.

Location & Hours of the Museum:

Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Summer Hours: May – October are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9-6 and on Wednesday from 9 – 8.  Weekends are from 9-6

Winter Hours: November – April are weekdays from 10 – 5 and weekends from 9 – 6.

Admission: Adults 18 – 64 are $16; Children 5 – 17 are $10; Children under 5 are FREE.  Students (with ID) and Seniors over 64 are $12.

Come to the museum to meet others that are Harley lovers or to get the Harley bug yourself.  It’s not just a motorcycle, it’s a Harley-Davidson!

H-D Museum, HD Museum

Milwaukee County Zoo – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you want to spend the day at the zoo and you want to see a very nice one then you will want to see the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee.  Here there are approximately 1,700 mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates representing more than 350 species and you can see them all.

You will be given the opportunity to hand feed giraffes in the Miller Brewing Company Giraffe Experience.  Just be aware that the giraffe has a very strong, sticky, long tongue that will certainly be an experience!

You will be able to ride the Sky Safari which is a 35 foot high sky ride giving you a birds eye view of a number of the exhibits.  There are live shows, tram and train rides, a children’s petting zoo (what child doesn’t love to be able to pet the animals?), a carousel for you to ride, along with pony and camel rides.  If you have never been on a camel this is certainly something that you will want to do so you can tell all your friends and family about it, they probably haven’t ridden one either!

Participate in the Oceans of Fun Aquatic Adventures program and swim with the sea lions and you can feed them too. 

Are you interested in sharks?  The zoo has a 6,000 gallon pool, featuring two species of non-aggressive sharks.  Both Bamboo and Nurse Sharks are on display for you to both touch and feed.  Yes, you will be able to FEED a SHARK!

Then you can go to the 11,000 gallon habitat for the two species of sting rays, the Cownose and the Southern Red Sting Ray which float like flying carpets through the water.

These two displays are unique in Wisconsin and should be seen.  The exhibit is $2 after regular Zoo admission, and food for the animals is an additional $1.  Both the sting rays and the sharks are fed several times throughout the day.

Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off full price admission every day except Wednesdays.  On Wednesdays, Milwaukee County residents are admitted at a reduced rate of $6 for adults and $3.50 for children.

Admission: April – October; Adults: $11.25, Children 3-12 are $8.25; Children under 2 are Free.  Senior that are 60 and over are $10.25.

November – December rates are: Adults – $9.75, Children 3-12 are $6.75. Children under 2 are free.  Seniors: 60 and over are $8.25.

There is a parking fee of $10.

Phone: 414-256-5412

Location: 10001 West Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226

Hours: May – September 9-5, Oct – April 9-4:30, Sunday and holidays 9 – 6.

Directions: Located northwest of the I-94/Hwy 45 intersection in Elm Grove.

Visited yearly by nearly 100,000, circus enthusiasts are treated to a world of circus history. Circus World houses the world’s largest and most extensive collection of priceless circus parade wagons. More than 200 of these colorful and artfully constructed wagons are on display.

Entry to the museum is through the Irvin Field Exhibit Hall and Visitors Center where state of the art exhibits of rare circus posters, lavish circus costumes and spectacular floats can be seen. The museum features a wide selection of exhibits, demonstrations and offerings which are ever changing through-out the year.

Over 10,000 rare circus posters are on exhibit in the “Trumpets on Paper” display. “A Century of Spectacle” showcases the wonderful and imaginative circus costumes worn by performers from the earliest days of the circus.

The Circus World Theatre additionally offers a motion picture showing of “Century of Spectacle” documenting circus history. The film is shown several times a day. Special seasonal programs are offered annually and divided by Spring-Summer-Fall-Holidays-Winter and Special Events. Since events change frequently, it is advisable to check with the museum prior to visiting.

Circus World stages one of the largest and most spectacular circus street parades annually. The parade is a 2-1/2 mile celebration and historical re-creation of the once highly anticipated arrival of the circus in small towns throughout the United States.

The parades have featured as many as 35 antique circus wagons, 15 bands, 1,200 costumed marchers, 350 horses and nearly two dozen assorted animals. In addition, there is the Pawnee Bill Bandwagon featuring a ten horse pyramid hitch and the spectacular thirteen tandem hitch on the Bostock and Wombwell Menagerie Band Carriage. Unfortunately, the parade for 2006 was cancelled.

The Ringlingville General Store is a fun place to browse and shop for unique circus-themed gifts, games, mugs, dolls, puppets, hats and more detailing circus history, music, videos and apparel.

Hungry museum visitors can dine at the so-called “pie car” which is the dining car on a circus train. However, the pie car is only open during the summer program season. Circus World staff members will gladly direct visitors to local restaurants at other times.

Students and educators interested in researching circus-related information can avail themselves of the museum’s Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center. The library offers a wealth of material on the subject.

Museum admission fees: Perfonance Season  (end of May – early September)
Open daily 9 am – 6 pm

• Adults – $14.95• Seniors (65+) – $12.95
• Children (5 – 11) 0 $7.95
• Children (4 and under) – Free

Fall Season (Early Sept. – late Oct.)
Open daily 10 am – 4 pm

Adults $7
Senior Citizens (65 and over) $6
Children (5-11) $3.50
Children under 5 Free

Seven buildings with their exhibits, plus a giant screen theatre will operate seven days a week during the fall season

If your visit cannot be completed in one day, visitors can get their tickets stamped for free admission the following day.

Address

Circus World
550 Water St
Baraboo, WI 53913

Phone, Fax and Email

608-356-8341 (phone)
866-693-1500 (toll-free)
608-356-1800 (fax)
ringmaster@circusworldmuseum.com

The museum’s Humphrey Imax Dome Theatre offers various educational motion pictures in large format cinematography that conveys a “you are there” feeling to audiences. Climb the daunting heights of Everest. Experience the weightlessness of space. Dive into the undersea world to see incredible creatures. Technically advanced and visually stunning, you’ll be spellbound by the force and beauty of the IMAX® experience.

The museum began amassing its huge collection in 1881. Permanent exhibits are located on three and one-half floors. Space is set aside for traveling and temporary exhibitions.

The Permanent Exhibits consist of:

 The Hebior Mammoth
The Hebior Mammoth is a specimen with great significance to the state of Wisconsin. Found less than 30 miles from the MPM on a farm in the small town of Paris in Kenosha County, the mammoth is among a group of important finds that help date the early presence of humans in North America.

 Streets of Old Milwaukee
Visit Milwaukee around the turn-of-the-century – roughly the 1880s to just prior to World War I. Buildings are represented at about three-quarters size or less. The streets are constructed from three different styles of paving: granite blocks originally from Buffalo Street, red bricks, and cedar blocks.

 The Third Planet
The focus of the hall is the revolutionary concept of plate tectonics which makes the hall the first in North America to use this paradigm as a central theme for the presentation of earth science to the public. The exhibit, by virtue of its dynamic displays and of course, the dinosaurs, is a favorite among MPM visitors of all ages.

 Puelicher Butterfly Wing
Transport yourself to a sensory wonderland. Stroll through a lush, tropical garden. Hear the murmur of a cascading waterfall and the soothing sounds of tranquil music. Watch as exotic butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and sip nectar right before your eyes.

One hundred fifty thousand square feet of space is dedicated to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Arctic, South and Middle America, the Pacific Islands and the Trimbina Rainforest of Costa Rica.

Old Milwaukee is represented in a turn-of-the century display and the prehistoric world is partially recreated with a life-sized replica of Tyrannosaurus Rex and the world’s largest-known real dinosaur skull.

Plant life is not overlooked and the museum’s extensive botanical collections, both living and preserved, are used for purposes of exhibition, study and education. Live plants are kept in the museum greenhouse which is located on the roof of the building.

Conveniently located in Downtown Milwaukee just minutes from the Interstate, the Milwaukee Public Museum, which is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, is open Monday thru Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. The museum is closed to the public only three times a year: on the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Admission charges are:

$12 for adults (18-59), $10 for teens (13-17), seniors (60+) and college students with ID, and $8 for children (3-12).   Children age 2 and under are admitted free.
• Museum members with member’s card are admitted free.
• Reduced fees for groups with advanced registration.
• Mondays are free to all Milwaukee County residents with proper identification.

Eagle is a small community of some 5,000 citizens in southeast Wisconsin’s Waukesha County, home to an attraction that recreates the lifestyle and accomplishments of the immigrants and pioneers who settled Wisconsin.

What was it like to live in Wisconsin in the days when it was a developing territory and coming into statehood?  When you visit Old World Wisconsin you will be able to travel back in time and see the re-creation of the working farmsteads and the settlements established by European immigrants.

You will witness teams of horses and oxen doing the hard field work, see the farm folk preparing hearty meals over wood-burning stoves and experience what it was like to have gardens that were the key to healthy families.  You will see why it is that many of the Midwest families still serve the basic full meals, meat, potatoes, vegetables and dessert when they have "the family" together.  It’s the heritage (and really good food!)

Go for a walk through the village and meet the people that make it function.  See the town blacksmith and what he does, go to the general store and observe what is involved in keeping the things necessary for the town to be supplied with the needs of the day.  The costumed interpreters portraying the roll of the Welsh shopkeeper, Irish laundress, Norwegian wagon maker and Bohemian shoemaker.  You will be able to watch a demonstration of the shoemaking skill by a real person (don’t you wish you could get hand made shoes?)  You will be able to see a real wagon maker and ask questions about the necessary talent needed to keep the community moving forward.  When you are tired of walking around go to the Stagecoach Inn and see how the travelers from days past spent their time.  It certainly is different than what there is available today…no internet…no direct dial phone….no continental breakfast, but a simplicity that is most inviting with the beautiful furnishings and comfortable environment.

Religion was (and still is) a critical part of what made this area as strong and warm and hospitable.  At St. Peter’s Church you will see where the immigrants flocked to worship and socialize.  You can sit with a congregation and experience the sights and sounds of a typical religious service during events such as Spirit of Christmas Past.

Maybe you want to experience what it was like to be a farmer.  You will see authentic farm implements actually being used.  Today there are huge plows to break ground pulled behind huge tractors, how different from the past when the ground (mostly hard prairie land) was broken with a single blade plow pulled by a horse (or a two blade pulled by a team) directed by the farmer walking behind driving the team.  YOu will see how horsepower was used to pull stumps and then haul logs to clear the land for more farmland to open up.  You will have the opportunity to try some of the hand tools used by the farmers to prepare the food and other things necessary to survive.  Do you know how to milk a cow?  Have you ever SEEN a cow be milked?  Here you will have the opportunity to see how hand milking is done, daily, twice a day, by hand, everyday!  Yes, it was a great deal of work to bring milk to the families of the community.

When there was need for new clothing the sheep were sheared and the wool spun to make the fabric to make the cloths.  No automation here, it’s all done by hand, just like in the past.  You are encouraged to try your hand at various steps of the wool-refining process and learn how various colors were made.  You will see the loom used in weaving linen fabric.  Watch as a seamstress uses a treadle machine to make clothing for the family.  Watch (and learn) the skills necessary to make a braided rug.  These rugs are highly sought after today and in the past they were a part of the home to keep the family warm on cold floors during the winter.

You will have the opportunity to watch the preparation of food using period tools, cooking outside and using homegrown vegetables.  Interpreters will describe the processes required to prepare foods such as sauerkraut.  You can try your hand at using the tools to prepare the food.  You will see the wood stoves used and realize how critical they were to the home, for both heat and food preparation.  Canning was a big part of the harvest season, every home was dependent on the canning skills of the family to survive the long Wisconsin winters when there was no fresh produce and not supermarket to go to and buy any.

Attend the one room school at the Raspberry School.  Let your children line up with other students to experience what a one room school would be like.

You are invited to try your hand at domestic chores (such as doing laundry), creating crafts and a variety of outdoor games.  Your kids will be amazed at how much fun outdoors can be, encourage them to try the sticks and barrel hoops, the walking on stilts, feeding the livestock and enjoying the music preformed by staff for your enjoyment.

Come and spend some time in the past, you will truly enjoy it.

Admission: Adults $16, Students/Seniors (65 and over) $14, Children (5 -17) $9 and Family (up to two adults and two and more dependent children) $43.
The fee includes an all day tram pass.

Hours: May – Mid June – Weekdays 10 – 3, Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday Noon – 5.  Special event Sundays: 10 – 5
Mid June – September 1 Monday – Saturday 10 – 5, Sundays Noon – 5 with special Event Sundays 10 – 5.
September 2 – October 31 – Weekdays 10 – 3, Saturdays 10 – 5, Sundays Noon – 5.  Special Event Sundays 10 – 5.

Address
S103 W 37890 Highway 67
Eagle, Wisconsin 53119

Telephone
262-594-6300

Email
oww@wisconsinhistory.org

December 2008 information:

The Spirit of Christmas Past

Saturday, December 06, 2008 – Sunday, December 07, 2008   Noon-4 pm

Discover the origins of our favorite holiday traditions. From storytelling and caroling to historic games and holiday treats, it’s a lovely way to experience the romance of the season. See the Crossroads Village come alive with turn-of-the-20th-century decorations and activities. Stop by Caldwell Hall to enjoy coffee, cocoa and cookies while the kids gather around to listen to Father Christmas tell the story of "’Twas the Night Before Christmas" at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 pm. Then do some last-minute Christmas shopping in our museum gift shop. A second weekend of the event takes place on December 13 and 14.

Program Note: Visit Old World Wisconsin or Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee during our Christmas events and receive buy-one/get-one admission (of equal or lesser value) at the other site’s location. Save your holiday program and present it at the second site to receive the discount.

Ticket Info:

Adults $10, children 4-17 $5 (toddlers 3 and under free).

Location Info:

Venue: Old World Wisconsin
 

Old World Wisconsin documents the settlement of 19th- and early 20th-century Wisconsin. It comprises an 1870s crossroads village and 10 ethnic farmsteads located on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Any visitor who is even vaguely familiar with the history of theater in the United States and on Broadway in its heyday of the 1920s thru the 1940s knows of the Lunts and their stature among the elite of the Great White Way.

Such stars of stage and screen as Carol Channing and Katherine Hepburn said visiting Ten Chimneys was an extraordinary experience of beauty and taste, a dream and a vision. Channing said “Anybody in the theatre that went to Ten Chimneys felt they had died and gone to Heaven. You were home!”

Visitors find the tour of Ten Chimneys inspirational, whether they were familiar with the Lunts or not!

This is a supremely elegant home of three beautifully appointed stories and is the estate’s “Main House”. Tours can be arranged for a Main House visit or for a visit of the entire estate. A full tour of the Main House’s fourteen rooms takes about ninety minutes.

Tour guides are well versed in every aspect of the history, furnishings, etc. and questions are welcomed. The tour features the Main House Entry Hall, Garden Room, Flirtation Room, Drawing Room, Library, Belasco Room, Helen Hayes Bedroom, Lawrence Olivier Bedroom, Noel Coward Room, Master Bedroom, Lynn’s Dressing Room and Sewing Room, Dining Room and Kitchen.

The rest of the estate tour is of the Swedish Log Cabin Studio, the Enchanting Cottage and the exteriors of the Pool House, Greenhouse and Creamery and other outbuildings. Two hours should be allotted for a tour of the entire estate.

The title of the Lunts 1933 hit Broadway Play “Design for Living” could indeed be representative of the gracious living, high ideals, pursuit of excellence and dedication to craft that the Lunts represent.

The interior and décor of the Main House remains as they were during the time the house was occupied by the Lunts. Furniture, books, window coverings and objects of art are all in their original place.

Special exhibitions are free to visitors taking the tour such as the permanent interactive exhibition “Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine: A Life on Stage”, in which you step through the façade of Broadway’s storied Lunt-Fontaine Theatre.

Ten Chimneys is a forty minute drive southwest of downtown Milwaukee and has been designated a national historic landmark.

• Admission is $35 for the full estate tour and $28 for the Main House tour only
• Children under twelve are not admitted.
• Reservations are recommended.
• The estate is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from April to November 13th.

This is an unforgettable tour of the idyllic retreat filled with memorabilia of the Lunts and illustrious actors and actresses, first edition books and the like. 

The Cave was originally discovered in 1939 during a limestone excavation, when workers dynamiting at the foot of the Eastern Mound blasted out giant chunks of the stone and uncovered the entrance to a huge underground tunnel opening into a cavern over 20 feet high. Numerous satellite tunnels were found branching off into other galleries.

Once news spread of the ancient discovery, the area was besieged by curiosity seekers and for the sake of safety and the preservation of the caverns, the Cave was closed off to the public until wooden walkways and proper lighting could be installed for easy touring and protection of the site.

Eventually, the wooden walkways were converted to concrete, the lighting modernized, and tours arranged.

The Cave of the Mounds remains a popular attraction more than six decades after it’s discovery. The Cave amazes visitors with brilliantly colored and unusually shaped stalagtites. The icy blues, bright oranges and dazzling whites are formed by a mixture of minerals formed by acidic waters leaching into the 400 million year old limestone rock.

Iron oxide and manganese oxide in the limestone walls create colorful vistas of blue, gray, red and brown. These colors are reflected throughout the satellite caves or “rooms”, inspiring such names as “the Gem Room”, “the Cathedral Room”, “the Painted Waterfall” and “the Dream River Room”.

The Cave Rooms meander for many hundreds of feet and there may yet be unexplored areas yet to be discovered.

The Cave of the Mounds is open to the public on weekends only during the winter months and daily the rest of the year: Spring, Summer and Fall.

For those of you pre-planning a trip to the area who would wish to include a tour of the Cave of the Mounds, information can be obtained by contacting:

Cave of the Mounds
Bringham Farm
P. O. Box 148
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin
Telephone: 608-437-3038
Email: info@caveofthemounds.com

An interesting phenomenon quick to come to the attention of Summertime visitors is the evenness of the temperature throughout the caves. In fact, the temperature remains at a constant 50 degrees F. day and night. Visitors in the Winter enjoy the comparative warmth of the caverns no matter how frigid the outdoors.

The Cave of the Mounds is situated in a park-like setting and visitors can enjoy the picnic grounds and wander about the colorful rock gardens during Spring, Summer and Fall.

Advance reservations for guided tours are accepted year-round and are available for groups of twenty or more only.

The National Park Service has designated the site a natural national landmark – declaring that the Cave of the Mounds possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation’s natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man’s environment. This designation protects the natural surroundings and the Caves themselves from any commercial encroachment for all time. 

You can easily spend a whole day here, so you’ll want to be sure to get good accommodations for resting afterwards.  HotelsCombined.com can help you to find affordable hotels near the Blue Mounds State Park.

Rural folk life in Wisconsin is authentically duplicated at Folklore Village as well as such events as an old time barn dance, egg decorating workshops and a hands-on blacksmithing workshop. Students are taught the art of shaping metal into both ornamental and practical shapes, soap making, knitting, as well as playing various musical instruments in the unique environment of a folk culture learning retreat. Classes in rosemaling – which is a specific style of Norwegian painting seen in homes, kitchens, dinnerware and jewelry that has been popular for centuries – are also taught in the Village.

Fees for participation in Village Workshops range from $5 to $25 per class depending upon the length of the class and the materials needed. To check upon the availability of a class and the specific fee required, phone the Village Office at 608-924-4000.

Participants in this program will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of folklore music, food, traditions and dance representative of folklorian Wisconsin, other parts of the United States and other countries as well.

College students attending these retreats can apply for credits through the University of Wisconsin at Plattsville.

Weekend festivals celebrating the music of England, Sweden, Scandinavia, Germany and the United States are held throughout the Spring and Summer months. These weekends often offer traditional meals of tasty dishes native to the specific countries featured as well as workshops whereby participants can learn more about crafts and culture of these countries.

Festivals

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
June 30 – July 3, 2006
Scandinavian dance, music, food and crafts.

Hardanger Fiddle Association of America’s Annual Meeting
July 20 – 23, 2006
Dance, performances and presentations on Norwegian culture.

German Folk Dance Weekend
August 4 – 6, 2006
Annual gathering of North American Federation of German Folk Dance Groups featuring old and new dances from the Swiss colonies.

Exhibit

The Wisconsin Arts Board has donated an exhibit detailing the life and works of the famed writer and poet, William Wadsworth (1770-1850). His writings and the impressive artistry of the period makes a visit to this exhibit a memorable one.

Steeping oneself in the arts, cultures and traditions of the United States and the world is what Folklore Village is all about and a visit to the Village is one not easily forgotten.

Located only three miles West of Mount Horeb is the popular attraction of “Little Norway” which is named for the beautiful valley in which the site is located. Locals know the area as “Nissedahle” which is the Norwegian name for “Valley of the Elves”.

A tree lined road leads to the gate house where visitors are greeted by guides in Norwegian costumes.

Designed in the style of Norwegian architecture of the 19th century, the gate house features a gift shop of imported Norwegian jewelry, hand carved figurines, rosemaled items, coverlets and books pertaining to Norway and Norwegians.

Original farm buildings on the site’s grounds date from the 1860’s and house one of the largest – if not the largest – collection of Norwegian antiques in the country. This includes traditional arts and crafts, items brought to the area by Norwegian immigrants, many of which date back to the earliest periods of the 19th century, and ancient hand tools.

Another building on the grounds of the attraction, and the last building on the tour, is a building that was on exhibit in the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. Faithfully restored, the structure was built in Norway and designed to resemble a 12th century “Stavekirke” (Stave Church).

The peaks and spirals atop the building, the dragon scale shingles and carved dragon heads on the roof, give one the impression of looking at a building from the land of fairy tales.

Little Norway was developed from a mid-nineteenth century farm long abandoned by Norwegian immigrants and sits among beautifully maintained gardens, picnic grounds and a stone-lined trout pond.

To visit Little Norway, turn off U.S. 18-151, Cave of the Mounds Road, then right on Country Road ID, ¼ of a mile to Road JG. Follow the winding road down to “The Valley of the Elves”.

Guided tours can be arranged from May thru October.

For further details, contact:

• Little Norway
• 3576 Country Road JG
• Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53517-9648
• Telephone: 608-437-8211

Ticket Prices:

* Adults $10.00
* Senior Citizens $9.00
* Bus Groups $8.00
* Children 5-12 $4.00

Hours:

• The season runs from May 1 thru the last Sunday in October.
• May and June – open from 9 am to 5 pm
• July and August – open from 9 am to 7 pm.
• September and October – open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Guided tours thru the buildings require 45 minutes. The last guided tour starts 45 minutes before closing time. Bus tours should allow 1-1/2 hours for a complete tour.

This water and theme park has both indoor and outdoor activities that include various rides and a great water park.

The Parthenon Indoor Park is a new park that has just opened. It includes everything from a roller coaster to bumper cars to plenty of other fun rides that are all indoors.

The water park has tons of water and tube slides that you can ride individually or on group floats. There are speed slides for the adrenaline junkies in your group. The water park also has wave pools and a great water activity center just for kids, with slides, sprays and a kiddie pirate ship. If you like to just float the afternoon away, you can choose to float on one of the endless rivers or whirlpools that are just the ticket for a lazy afternoon.

The outdoor theme park is the place for roller coaster lovers. With names like Hades, Pegasus and Cyclops, you know that you are in for the thrills of your life with very high heights and sudden drops that will have you breathless. There is even a roller coaster for little kids so they can join in on the fun.

If that weren’t enough fun, the park also includes several go-kart tracks, kiddie rides, bumper boats, miniature golf and batting cages. This is truly a family fun park because there are things to do for all ages.

The season for this park is from about May 28 to September 5. The park opens at 10:00 a.m., and closes from 6:00 p.m. in May to 10:00 p.m. and August and September. An all day pass is just $33.00 plus tax, which includes all wet and dry rides in the park. Visitors can even get a two day bargain pass for just $49.00 plus tax. There is also a season pass for $89.00 plus tax, which is a good deal for anyone that is planning on visiting this attraction several times during the season. Those who are simply spectators and senior citizens can get tickets for less. The site suggests buying tickets online, which can save you $3.

If you need lodging while visiting the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, you can stay at the Treasure Island Resort, which is part of the park and offers a variety of rooms with many amenities, the best of which is a close proximity to the theme park. The room rates vary on the type of room you get, and they have everything from singles to family suites available. 

Villa Louis was the home of Hercules Dousman, a fur trader who rose to wealth. The home passed down through the family, until it was given to the city of Prairie du Chien in 1950 by two of Hercules’ granddaughters, Virginia Dousman Bigelow and Violet Dousman Young. They had restored the house to its former glory in the British Arts and Crafts style that Nina Dousman, the matriarch of the family had used to decorate the interior of the house in 1885. The house also boasts the use of William Morris inspired patterns on the fabrics and finishes in the house. This was very popular at the time, and the Villa Louis has been restored as authentically as possible to the era.

In addition to the beautiful and bold interior design, the Villa Louis offers period furniture, family heirlooms and attractive artwork.

Villa Louis is open seasonally, from May 6 to October 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $8.50, and children ages 5-12 are $4.50. Senior citizens are $7.50, and there is a family rate for parents with two or more children of $23. Of course, members of the Wisconsin Historical Society get a 50% discount on their tickets.

One exciting event that happens in the late summer every year is the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. This is an annual event that is held the weekend after Labor Day. It is held in honor of H. Louis Dousman, one of the family members who briefly turned Villa Louis into an Artesian Stock Farm to raise Standardbred trotting horses. Today, carriage drivers, groomsmen and stable hands compete in different events. The sight of elegant restored carriages driven by men in full Victorian riding regalia is a sight to see, and is an event that is well attended every summer.

There are a variety of other summer events and activities that Villa Louis plays host to. For instance, visitors can experience Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen, where they get the chance to prepare and consume a traditional Victorian breakfast.  Visitors can also see a reenactment of the War of 1812 on the lawn of Villa Louis, and several other exciting events during the summer.

In the early to mid-nineteenth century, lead miners who had immigrated to Southwestern Wisconsin from Cornwall in England began mining the area. Many-faceted craftsmen, they constructed deep shaft mines for the extraction of zinc and quarried the area’s abundant limestone to build their homes.

The homes were built in a ravine that became – and is known today – as “Shake-Rag-Under-The-Hill”. The name was derived from the custom of the miner’s wives summoning their husbands for meals by waving a cloth from their doorways.

Among several popular attractions for tourists and locals alike in Mineral Point is the Pendarvis State Historic Site. Pendarvis House is an original stone structure built by the Cornish miners between 1830 and 1848.

Restored nearly 100 years later by partners Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum and converted to the now-famous Pendarvis House Restaurant, the structure is open for touring led by guides costumed in the dress of that bygone period. The men took an interest in Mineral Point history and made an attempt to preserve some of the most tangible symbols such as the small stone cottages that the immigrants built.

Pendarvis House was established as a means to acquire money to support their continuing restoration work. The first food offered by the restaurant was “a simple tea service complemented by bread and butter, plum preserves and scalded cream, and saffron cake” – at a charge of fifty cents.

To the surprise of the owners, the restaurant became popular locally and was written up in a newspaper in Madison, bringing them to the attention of visitors from other states as well as other countries. The partners began increasing their menu offerings keeping it to simple but authentic Cornish food.

Duncan Hines mentioned the restaurant in his book “Adventures in Good Eating” and the “Saturday Evening Post” magazine named it “one of the seven best restaurants in the country”. The Pendarvis House Restaurant stayed in business until 1970 until Neal and Hellum finally retired.

In 1988, the Wisconsin Historic Society and the Wisconsin Conservation Corps began a joint project to restore the 43 acre prairie habitat overlooking the area to the way it looked as a frontier landscape to the first settlers in the area. They planted flowers, grass and trees native to the area and this lovely, natural spot is now the largest nature prairie in Southwest Wisconsin.

Pendarvis House Admission:
• Adults – $9.00
• Children 5 – 17 – $4.50
• Senior Citizens (65 and over) – $7.75
• Families (2 adults, 2 or more child dependents ages 5 – 17) – $24.00

Hours and Season Dates:
• Mid-May  thru October 31 daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Last tour 4 pm.

Beaver Springs is a fishing park, horseback riding stable and public aquarium – all in one! Open year round, certain activities must be curtailed or postponed from time to time due to weather conditions.

The Beaver Springs Fishing Park allows free entry and no fishing license is required. Visitors fish for fun or food. The park encourages those who fish for fun to take photos of the catch and then return the fish to the lake unharmed.

Those who wish to keep their catch are charged a fee according to species. In addition to a $3.50 registration fee per person, keeper fish are valued on a per-inch basis:

• Medium Trout – 58 cents per inch.
• Large Trout – $1.29 per inch.
• Jumbo Trout – Market price.
• Superman Trout – The most expensive. Price varies according to stock on hand.
• Cleaning – 99 cents per fish.
• Fillet Service – $3.50 per fish.
• Ice – $1.50.
• Freeze and store up to one week – $6.50.
• Taxidermy Service – $105 to $125 + shipping and handling, if requested.

Charcoal grills and picnic areas are available at no charge for those who want to lunch on their catch at the park.

Family horseback riding through the scenic Wisconsin Dells Wildlife Refuge is a popular activity at the park, and horses can be obtained for rental at the Beaver Springs Horseback Riding Stables. Rental fees for a 45 minute to one hour ride are:

• Adult – $22.64
• Child’s Arena Ride – $10.95

The riding stables are open daily:

• April/May from 10 am to 6 pm
• June/August from 9 am to 7 pm
• Off season hours September/November 10 am to 6 pm daily.

A ride through the Refuge takes one over wooden bridges, past wild meadows and trout ponds. Wild pheasants, foxes, geese, turkeys, deer and maybe even a beaver at work can be seen on this relaxing and tour-guided ride.

Another very popular park attraction is the 80,000 gallon Public Aquarium which is home to more than 1,000 fish and various other aquatic denizens. The Aquarium offers unique “touch and feel” areas in which visitors can feed and interact with certain species of fish.

Visual and audio information centers are available to inform and respond to questions. Many rare and protected species of fish are on display, including Lake Sturgeon and Golden Trout.

A theme of Wisconsin North Woods allows Aquarium visitors to experience the natural habitats of their inhabitants. A waterfall, trout raceways, large turtles and a sitting area contribute to an enjoyable and educational experience for all.

Open daily year round, admission is $6.99 for adults and $4.99 for children. Groups of twenty or more can receive special discounts if reservations are made in advance.