I love Memorial Day weekend because to me, it signals the start of summer here in the Midwest. Last year, most places reopened, and it appears that tourism in Wisconsin and beyond is as strong as ever.
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
Mt. Olympus’ expanded indoor waterpark is expected to open on Saturday. It includes Medusa’s Slidewheel, a combination waterslide and ferris wheel.- The Wilderness has a somewhat 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. Currently, you can take a tour of Hawaii.
- The Kalahari has opened Redd’s Piano Bar, located inside Double Cut. Nightly performances start at 7:30 p.m.
- Chula Vista is launching Rainbow Rapids this summer. It’s an enclosed waterslide with a “kaleidoscope of colors.”
- The Original Wisconsin Ducks is definitely a worthwhile sightseeing ride. Timbavati Wildlife Park is a surprisingly big zoo and a fun place to feed animals. 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.)
- 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. While you’re there, make sure to eat at the ChopHouse (here’s my review), which recently announced a new executive chef. I also love Ristorantè Brissago.
- The Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan is a step back in time (very 1950s/60s-esque). Its annual Pig Roast, complete with live entertainment, 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 four-day Burlington Jamboree, which features a midway and live entertainment, and now in its second year. 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. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to meet Matt and Mike Blaum, two really great guys with whom I had the pleasure of having lunch.- 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 within a 30-minute driving radius, including Rocky Waters, Massbach Ridge and Fergedaboudit.
Kohler, Elkhart Lake, Green Lake
It’s nice to see Destination Kohler finally host an event again. On Sunday, the Taverne on Woodlake will be the site of a Caribbean Pig Roast.- Memorial Day weekend is always quiet at Elkhart Lake. One of my favorite hangouts is the Tiki Bar, which will have live music on Saturday and Sunday.
- The Heidel House in Green Lake, which had been closed since May 2019, reopened last May to some major growing pains, based on initial guest reviews and my own personal experience last July. I’ve enjoyed past stays, and I plan to give this resort a second chance. I also like the prime rib at Norton’s, a supper club on the lake.
Have a great weekend!
Tags: Elkhart Lake, Galena, Green Lake, Kohler, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Dells
