All Things to Do

See The Lumberjacks in Action. Nothing is quite like seeing Wisconsin Dells only Real Lumberjack Competition first hand, but we attempted to put together a few highlights so you can see a small sample of what to expect to see when you get here.

H.H. Bennett is viewed as one of the best landscape photographers of the 19th century. While other photographers clung to the relative safety of working within their studios, Bennett developed a passion for landscape photography in the field because, in his words, “It is easier to pose nature and less trouble to please.” He conformed to a common view of that time, which saw nature as a playground to be enjoyed, not feared. The effort to make a photographic image was far different than from that of today. Bennett and his contemporaries had to manufacture film on the site in a darkroom tent he took with him on all his travels, and then develop the chemical wet plates almost immediately following exposure in the camera. H.H. Bennett came to know the dells area quite well, and was not satisfied to take just any view of an area he wanted to photograph. He took his time and persisted until he got exactly what he wanted. He is known to venture into hard to reach natural areas on occasion. If the light was bad or the angle wrong, he may return several times to the same place until he could get an image just as he envisioned. As a result of his attention to detail, Bennett’s H.H. Bennett’s photography has been displayed in some of the most prestigious museums in the world and is prized by collectors.Bennett’s synthesis of the artistic aspects of photography, amazing technological innovations which were ahead of many contemporaries of the day, and his marketing and sales techniques were all brought together putting his studio on the forefront of the photographic art.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum is operated by Friends of Hearthstone, Inc., a non-profit, privately funded 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.  The organization has an active and involved Board of Directors and Advisory Council.  While its paid staff includes an Executive Director and a Marketing Director, its drive comes from its 40 or more passionate, energetic volunteers who put in over 10,000 hours annually to care for and interpret the history and art contained in the structure, its contents, and its grounds.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles bring heart-thumping adventure, life-changing freedom and a bit of rebellion into the lives of people around the world. But whether you were born to be wild – or mild – makes no difference at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Much more than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen before – through the successes and trials of an iconic American company. Interactive, eye-catching exhibits present an unparalleled collection of legendary stories of our nation’s last century. Located on 20 acres in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum offers free parking, Motor Bary & Restaurant, Cafe Racer, The Shop, park-like outdoor spaces, special event rentals, guided tours for group of 15 or more, and Steel Toe Tours of the Powertrain Operations, home of the big-twin engine.

The North Point Lighthouse has a 74-foot tower and a Queen Anne-style Keeper’s Quarters. It’s located between two ravines in Lake Park on a two-acre semi-wooded parcel. Before its decommissioning in 1994, the Lighthouse contributed to Milwaukee’s trade and economic growth. It’s also one of the oldest structures that stands in the now-urban area. Since 1855, the North Point Lighthouse stood tall, overlooking the water and beaming out its light to protect and guide ships and watercraft. Keepers and their families lived and worked at the North Point Light Station, ensuring that the bright light was broadcast through fair weather and foul. It symbolizes a time in our history when waterways were the highways between cities. Lighthouses facilitated water travel and commerce on Lake Michigan, throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. Each year, visitors are drawn to the beauty and historical significance of Lake Park and Milwaukee’s East Side vintage neighborhoods. The park itself is a remarkable jewel that was conceived and rendered in 1893 by Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted, the designer of New York’s Central Park and the 1892 Chicago Exposition, was one of the 19th century’s foremost American landscape architects. The North Point Lighthouse has been preserved and restored to its early 20th-century charm through the determined efforts of a group of committed volunteers, the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc., formed in 2002. Since completion of restoration in the fall of 2007, this historic site is open to the public for tours and visits.

The 15,000 square foot, two-level Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is conveniently located on the main floor of the Lambeau Field Atrium, across from 1919 Kitchen & Tap. A tribute to the greatest story in sports, the new facility uses the latest technology, enhanced interactive displays and a treasure trove of artifacts to educate and inspire visitors about the rich history of the Packers, as well as the teams of today.Guests are able to see Packers legends describe historic games in their own words, and can scroll through touch screens to click on audio segments and game video clips that tell the team’s story. The Hall of Fame also displays trophies from the Packers’ 13 world championships, including four Lombardi trophies, as well as the hall’s most popular exhibit: a replica of Vince Lombardi’s office.  The exciting and historical galleries appeal to visitors of all ages.

The EAA Aviation Museum is where your imagination takes flight! Located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the EAA Aviation Museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world – a year-round destination for the entire family. Come and explore our world-class displays and galleries. Marvel at aviation innovations in our collection of more than 200 historic aircraft. Spend time in one of our four movie theaters and get “hands-on” in the KidVenture Gallery, our exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages! Step back in time and take a ride in a vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport, a real working aerodrome right out of the golden age of aviation. Honor service and sacrifice in the Eagle Hangar, our tribute to World War II aviation and the heroes who served. All of this and much more await you at the EAA Aviation Museum!

The Wondertorium is one part oddity museum, one part thrill show, 100% freaky family fun. You will start off on a guided tour through the museum featuring the Mexican walking fish, bizarre art, a two-headed turtle and more! After the tour, you will enjoy a private circus stunt by Mr. Marvel himself. Acts include fire-eating, contortion, and more. Please note, we do have multiple locations. Please double check the address on your tickets so you don’t drive to the wrong location.

Taliesin, the home, studio and estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in the hilly Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin near Spring Green. It is the name of Wright’s house as well as the 800-acre estate that includes buildings from all decades of Wright’s career. Its many wings and terraces reach out around the ridge of the hill, embracing the site and standing as “brow.” Taliesin was the residence of Wright and the valley was his inspiration and life-long laboratory for architectural designs and innovation. Taliesin represents the most complete embodiment of Wright’s philosophy of Organic Architecture. The Taliesin residence is the heart of a series of buildings that Wright designed for himself and his family members on the estate. Other buildings include: Romeo & Juliet Windmill (1896), Hillside Home School (1903), Tan-y-Deri (1908), Hillside Drafting Studio (1932), Midway Barn (1949), Hillside Theater (1952), and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center (1967).

The Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear, a non-profit organization, operates as a Milwaukee history museum in a historic building displaying the late Avrum Chudnow’s (1913-2005) extensive and eclectic collection of early 20th Century Americana. The museum contains various shops and exhibits from his collection, from between the World Wars, chiefly the 1920’s and 1930’s era.  Not only will local Milwaukeeans and visitors enjoy the unique and intimate nature of the collection, but local schools will be able to offer their students a curriculum-based and rewarding experience. Visit us at 839 North 11th Street in Milwaukee..!