Things To Do Near Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The completed sections of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail span over 600 miles, so if you love hiking or backpacking, you will find lots of hiking trails over varied terrain. The trail goes through several state parks, so you could choose one of them as your home base to park your RV. Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo is especially beautiful and is a popular place to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.
Hiking Trails
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Ice Age Trail: Holy Hill Segment
This segment of the Ice Age Trail winds around Holy Hill and the surrounding area. Holy Hill is known for Holy Hill Basilica and the beautiful views from the top of the hill. The elevation gain on the trail is 603 feet. Dogs are allowed. Unless you bring snowshoes, the trail is best used from April through October.
Location
Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI
Length
6.8 Miles
Intensity
Easy
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Ice Age Trail: Lodi Marsh Segment
Ice Age Trail: Lodi Marsh Segment
This out-and-back trail goes through open fields and woods and features beautiful wildflowers. The trail can be used year-round, except for hunting season. Check with the DNR to find out when it will be closed. In winter, the trail can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on the trail.
Location
Highway 113 just south of Lodi, WI
Length
8.8 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Ice Age Trail: Devil's Staircase
This portion of the Ice Age Trail goes along the Rock River bluffs and ascends them by way of the Devil's Staircase, a flight of stairs built into the bluff. Many wildflowers can be seen near the trail in spring. The trail is best used from April through October, and dogs are allowed.
Location
Parkside Drive just north of Janesville, WI
Length
1.9 Miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a large historic site with many buildings depicting immigrant life in Wisconsin as it was from about 1840 through 1910. The buildings are authentic stores and homes, and the workers dress in period clothing and interact with the guests. You can see farm animals, try out the crafts and chores, visit the museum store, and have lunch in the cafe.
Location
W372S9727 State Road 67, Eagle, WI
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Cave of the Mounds
The Cave of the Mounds is known as the “Jewel Box of Wisconsin” because of its unique and delicate rock formations. The cave's temperature is at 50 degrees all year-round, making it a good place to cool off in the summer. Outside the cave, you can enjoy walking trails, rock gardens, picnic areas, and fossil mining activities.
Location
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, WI
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Dells Boat Tours
Wisconsin Dells is known for the beautiful rock formations and bluffs that line the Wisconsin River. Take a guided tour of this area with the Dells Boat Tours. They offer Upper Dells Tours, Lower Dells Tours, and the Sunset Dinner Cruise. The tours operate from mid-March through mid-November.
Location
107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Museums
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University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
The Geology Museum at the University of Wisconsin will take you back to times when there were volcanoes in Wisconsin or when the state was underneath the sea. They have fossils of mastodons, fish, birds, reptiles, and dinosaurs. They also have a collection of rocks and minerals. This museum is great for all ages.
Location
1215 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI
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Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is popular with visitors from all over the world. Within the museum, you can learn about motorcycle culture, the development of the motorcycle engine, the history of Harley-Davidson, and more. On the first floor, they have a selection of motorcycles that you can touch and sit on.
Location
400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum has an amazing number of exhibits covering all the continents, prehistory, geology, history, biology, and more. It is considered one of the best natural history museums in the country. The Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit is especially popular with all ages.
Location
800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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The Spice House
Have you been looking for a unique spice that you can't find anywhere? Check out The Spice House. They have a multitude of spices, both common and unusual. Try their spice blends for an easy way to cook.
Location
1031 North Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI
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Fromagination
Fromagination is an artisan cheese shop located on Capitol Square in Madison. They offer an amazing number of cheeses, and they teach cheese classes, as well. They can ship special Wisconsin cheeses to all your friends and family.
Location
14 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI
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Silver Lake Country Inn
Silver Lake Country Inn is on the shore of Silver Lake in West Bend. It has been around for over 20 years and is a favorite with the local community. They are best known for their barbecue and ribs, but they also have great seafood and a Friday fish fry. The service is exceptional.
Location
5602 Peters Drive, West Bend, WI
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Cento
Cento is the best Italian restaurant in Madison. They specialize in homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. They also offer a unique dining experience called Kitchen Table, where you can watch the chefs while they cook a five-course meal for you.
Location
112 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI