Small-Town Activities in the Madison, WI, Region

The House on the Rock

Travel from county to county in the Madison, WI, Region, and you’ll find plenty of small-town activities that residents and visitors love.

Dane County in the Madison, WI, Region

Cave of the Mounds: Behold the natural wonders that can only be found underground at Cave of the Mounds, a natural limestone cave near Blue Mounds. This National Natural Landmark is home to a multitude of stalactites, stalagmites and other scientifically engaging phenomena, striking the perfect balance between education and fun. 

Sauk County in the Madison, WI, Region

Taliesin: Take a historical tour at Taliesin, the former home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The estate has been lovingly and painstakingly preserved since it opened for tours in 1993, and it promises an aesthetic experience for architecture enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. 

American Players Theatre: This renowned establishment is highly lauded for its rich history of incredible classical theater performances and welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year. Founded in 1977 as a purely Shakespearean company, the American Players Theatre has expanded over the years to include works by other playwrights, which can be viewed at one of their two theaters on the 110-acre property. 

The House on the Rock: Imagined and designed by Alex Jordan Jr., the House on the Rock is literally just that – a house built atop a massive rock. This lofty perch offers incredible views from the infinity room, which extends 218 feet over the valley floor and features 3,264 windows. 

Local shops: Support an independent bookstore and grab a delicious hot beverage while perusing literary delights to your heart’s content at Arcadia Books. Next door, Convivio is a hybrid of retail, coffee and wine-filled delights, making it the perfect place to load up on local goods. 

Circus World Museum: Traverse through the fascinating timeline of how the American circus experience unfolded, right from the very beginning at the Circus World Museum. Located in Baraboo, the original home of the Ringling Brothers features colorful exhibits, original artifacts and even live circus performances in the summer. 

Green County in the Madison, WI, Region

“America’s Little Switzerland”: You don’t have to travel abroad for a taste of Swiss culture and landscape – it can be found stateside, right here in New Glarus. Dubbed “America’s Little Switzerland” due to its alpine-like farmlands and architecture, this community was originally settled by Swiss pioneers, whose descendants keep their folk traditions and music alive. 

New Glarus Woods State Park: Nestled near the Swiss town of New Glarus, the state park is a beautiful natural retreat. Visitors can explore its lush forests, meandering trails and picturesque picnic areas. With opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and camping, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility amidst stunning scenery. 

New Glarus Brewing Co.: Clink drinks at New Glarus Brewing, a place whose brews are so sought-after, Wisconsinites are known to load up their cars with it to take to friends and family who live out of state, since the company doesn’t distribute outside of Wisconsin.