Hugging two of the five Great Lakes and hewn with rivers, lakes and streams, Wisconsin has an abundance of water that presents wonderful opportunities for travelers. Faith-based groups will thrive exploring the state’s waterways, from prime attractions on its shores to activities on the water. Many of these activities are available in the spring and the fall at a discounted price but are truly spectacular in the summer months.
Planners should budget five days to let their groups enjoy this itinerary through the Badger State.
Washington Island in Door County
The Wisconsin peninsula that protrudes into Lake Michigan is known as Door County. In the summer and autumn months, visitors flock to enjoy the beautiful weather, outdoor recreation and laid-back lifestyle of the area.
For a day of adventure, groups can head to Door County’s northernmost point and take a ferry to Washington Island, a 35-square-mile island just off the peninsula’s northern coast. The 30-minute ferry ride provides beautiful views of Lake Michigan, the coastal islands surrounding Door County and sometimes even shipwrecks in the strait between the island and peninsula.
Once on the island, groups will find several iconic Door County attractions. On the island’s northern shore, Schoolhouse Beach is one of just a handful of smooth rock beaches in the world. During warmer months, groups can enjoy the beach’s unique topography and crystal-clear waters. There’s also a lavender farm with over 20,000 lavender plants that bloom in the summer, as well as a shop selling lavender products and a café. Groups can tour the island to see some of its cultural heritage sites, like the old wooden Washington Island Stavkirke (a replica Norwegian church) and the Jacobsens Museum.
While You’re There: Door County’s 80-mile-long peninsula offers 300 miles of shoreline for visitors to explore, meaning there’s no shortage of on-the-water activities for groups to enjoy. Groups can look for lighthouses, snorkel among shipwrecks off the coast and enjoy a fish boil, a culinary staple in the county.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc
One of the lesser known entries on Wisconsin’s impressive list of lakes is Lake Winnebago. The region surrounding it contains towns like Fond du Lac and Waupun, which feature plenty of agricultural attractions and outdoor recreation for visitors. In Manitowoc, groups can explore a fascinating bit of history right on the water at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Visitors to this museum will learn about Wisconsin’s history on the water with guided tours through its galleries. Exhibits include everything from an impressive collection of model ships to a display all about Wisconsin’s shipwrecks. One of the museum’s most appealing exhibits is the USS Cobia, a retired World War II submarine moored in the Manitowoc River beside the museum. Guided tours of the submarine are available year-round and last about 45 minutes, or groups can opt to explore the submarine at their own pace.
To extend their visit on the USS Cobia, groups can rent out the ship for overnight stays for up to 65 guests. This is an especially popular option with student or youth groups, although adults may enjoy the unique stay as well. Overnights are rounded out with a light breakfast in the morning.
While You’re There: The Lake Winnebago region has attractions that will suit every traveler’s interests, including museums covering aviation, automobiles and military history; agricultural tours of creameries, orchards and cheese-making shops; and a collection of religious attractions and churches, such as the only Marian Shrine in the country.
Milwaukee’s Museums on the Water
Along the shore of Lake Michigan and south of Lake Winnebago, a corridor of Milwaukee’s greatest attractions awaits groups.
Perhaps the best-known museum on the water is the Milwaukee Art Museum, easily recognizable from its distinct architecture, including its brise soleil with a 217-foot wingspan that unfurls during the day and closes at night or during bad weather. The museum’s notable architecture is only the beginning; inside, over 34,000 works of art, including pieces by Renoir, Monet and Warhol, are housed. Groups can tour the museum, learn about its magnificent collection, sit down for a meal at its café and peruse its gift shop.
Another museum close by is Discovery World. This family-friendly science museum and aquarium is a great spot for groups learn about the world and ignite their spirit of adventure. Its hands-on activities will please guests of all ages. North of these two museums is the North Point Lighthouse, which dates to 1888 and doubles as a maritime museum. Groups can climb the tower for spectacular views and peruse the museum’s exhibits for more on Milwaukee and its Great Lakes history.
While You’re There: Milwaukee is home to several other museums, including the Harley-Davidson Museum, a staple for groups. The 20-acre campus displays more than 450 motorcycles of note, including one that belonged to Elvis Presley, among others. Following a tour, groups can sit down at the museum’s much acclaimed restaurant and grab some comforting classics with a twist.
A Geneva Lake Cruise in Lake Geneva
The resort town named for Geneva Lake is as rejuvenating as it comes, which can be just the thing after a long few days of museum-hopping and sightseeing. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of sights to see in Lake Geneva — but a group itinerary to this waterfront town will shine with plenty of opportunities for leisure.
One of the most popular ways to spend an afternoon in Lake Geneva is with a lake cruise offered by the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. The company was founded in 1873 and has been owned by the Gage family since 1965. It has eight vessels and offers a wide variety of cruises daily May through December.
Narrated scenic tours show off the beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscape, as well as its history. Meanwhile, dining cruises provide guests onboard with tons of options, from brunch, lunch and dinner to an ice cream social cruise or even a jazz dinner cruise. Seasonal cruises, including a fall foliage cruise and a Christmas cruise, are offered as well.
A group rate is available for groups of 20 or more and sometimes includes stops at area attractions as part of the cruise package.
While You’re There: Lake Geneva is home to a collection of Gilded Age mansions. These historic estates offer tours that let groups marvel at their splendor. But there’s also something to appeal to a group’s wild side. Safari Lake Geneva, a drive through safari and wildlife preserve with animal inhabitants from around the globe, lets park visitors meet and feed the animals. Some of the most popular animals from the safari include giraffes and zebras.
Scenic River Cruise in Wisconsin Dells
About two hours northwest of Lake Geneva, groups will find the Wisconsin Dells. Thanks to the plethora of water parks (the city calls itself the Waterpark Capital of the World) and outdoor recreation opportunities, this small town is the perfect end to a water-loving group’s Wisconsin itinerary.
Groups can enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding the town with Dells Boat Tours, which offers a variety of cruises along the Wisconsin River from April through October. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Tours of the Upper Dells take guests through a channel lined with sandstone formations and include shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, two notable geological formations. A cruise of the Lower Dells will take groups on a tour of the river below the dam and regale them with stories of local legends.
There’s also a sunset dinner cruise and even an after-dark ghost boat tour, perfect for groups looking for a spooky excursion. For more active groups, the company offers jet boat excursions in the Lower Dells, which deliver a thrilling experience and are a great way to cool off during warm summer months.
While You’re There: Student, youth and young adult groups may enjoy a trip to one of the many water parks in the Dells. There’s also a variety of mini-golf parks, museums, animal attractions (including a big cat rescue center) and theater performances to round out a group’s experience.
