I love Memorial Day weekend because to me, it signals the start of summer here in the Midwest. Last year, I provided a list of what places were open and what places were still closed due to COVID-19. It appears this year has taken a major step forward toward returning to pre-2020.
If you plan on heading out of town, here are some events, restaurants and activities within a two-hour drive of Madison, Wis.
Wisconsin Dells
The Wilderness has a new attraction called Take Flight. It’s basically a multilevel, 4D rollercoaster in front of a 65′ screen. I enjoyed my experience soaring over beautiful landmarks of Earth (and no, I did not get motion sickness).- Last year, Mt. Olympus’ waterpark and theme park were only open to guests, but now it’s back to being open to the public. The Hades 360 rollercoaster will have your heart racing, especially when it goes underground. I’ve ridden it several times, and my fear level has yet to decrease.
- The Original Wisconsin Ducks is definitely a worthwhile sightseeing ride. Timbavati Wildlife Park is a fun place to feed animals, and it will have camel rides beginning Memorial Day weekend. Big Sky Drive-In Theatre is now open for the season (warning: it’s cash-only).
- The Grateful Shed is a fun place to eat and drink. You buy food from food trucks, and you sit in odd seating such as a van or bus. Plus, there’s live music on some nights. (Here’s my review.)
- A little off the beaten track is a nice brewery called Port Huron. The deck is a wonderful place to enjoy a honey blonde or Czech pilsner.
- Noah’s Ark opens for the season on Saturday, and it’s offering Wisconsin residents a basic season pass for the price of a single-day walk-up admission ($39.99).
Lake Geneva area
Want to be pampered? I was invited to enjoy a massage at WELL Spa + Salon, located at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (check out my review of the chophouse). You can get everything from a lava shell massage to a more typical Swedish massage. Plus, all spa and salon services allow you all-day access to the facility, which includes a hot tub, steam room, pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, climbing wall and fitness center. WELL is open to the public, meaning you do not need to be a guest of the resort.- Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will begin its weekly fireworks display on Sunday.
- The Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan is a step back in time (very 1950s/60s-esque). Its annual Pig Roast will take place on Sunday.
- Take a ride on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, including on the famous U.S. Mailboat Tour.
- Sad to say that the annual ChocolateFest in nearby Burlington is done forever. But, it has been replaced with the Burlington Jamboree, complete with a midway and live entertainment. On your way there, stop at Fred’s for “the world’s best burgers.”
Galena, Ill.
I accepted an offer to try the straight bourbon whiskey from Blaum Bros. Distilling, and I loved it. The 100-proof bourbon is aged four years, has a hint of caramel and honey and is super smooth without any bite. If you’re visiting Galena, make sure to stop by the distillery for a tour or to enjoy a cocktail in its bar.- I really like the restaurant Fried Green Tomatoes–it has good food, good drinks and of course, really delicious fried green tomatoes. Another place worth trying is Fritz and Frites, a place for both French and German cuisine.
- The Grape Escape is the place for martinis and wine. For other drinks and live entertainment, try Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill inside the quaint Irish Cottage Inn & Suites.
- You can visit several wineries in a 30-minute driving radius, including Rocky Waters, Massbach Ridge and Fergedaboudit.
Kohler, Elkhart Lake, Green Lake
- Although I’ve mentioned these areas in the past, it doesn’t appear they are hosting any major events during Memorial Day Weekend.
- Of note, the Heidel House in Green Lake, which has been closed since May 2019, reopens on May 28 under new ownership. I’ve enjoyed past stays, and I look forward to revisiting the resort in the near future.
Have a great weekend!
Tags: Galena, Lake Delton, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Dells
