Very educational...learned alot from our guide. The other buildings were kept clean and easy to see…read morethings..

I happened to grow up right across the street from the octagon house. It is such a beautiful home…read morewith an amazing view on the hill overlooking the river. When I was about ten years old I went across the street in a dress authentic for the 1800's era and asked if I could become a tour guide and I became the first "junior guide" at the octagon house. I also was so inspired by the First Kindergarten that I became a preschool teacher when I grew up. I moved to Los Angeles about 30 years ago but I always visit when I come to Watertown yearly as my parents still live here. If you ever have the chance and are in the area, it is definitely worth spending an afternoon up on the grounds to see the house and the buildings on the grounds. Wonderful example of unique piece of architecture!

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame is a pretty interesting spot. I've been meaning to check this…read moreplace out since I drive by it fairly often. We finally made it this last weekend with some friends. The collection is pretty impressive, from sports, pop culture, tv shows, and more. There's a $5 fee which is fair. They have scavenger hunts for kids and you can try and find 'Waldo' for a small prize. Overall, we enjoyed the experience of checking out many different bobble heads. Give it a try!

I recently heard about this place from a recent Local Yelp collection offering up fun things to do…read morein the Milwaukee area. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum? I had never heard of it. My husband and I immediately decided a date day was in order. Located above a Colectivo location that I've been to on multiple occasions (how I never noticed what was upstairs, I cannot fathom---too focused on caffeination, maybe?), this little museum offers a quirky, reasonably priced afternoon. We walked in, paid, and were escorted to some benches where the museum docent gave us a quick overview and played a video that offered a more detailed overview. After that, we were able to wander the museum at our leisure. They have bobbleheads of all sorts from sports to pop culture. Over 10,000, actually. I enjoyed the pop culture side of things the most. Golden Girls bobbleheads? Wednesday Addams? Beetlejuice? Yes, yes, and yes. Patrons are also able to play a fun little game of Where's Waldo during their visit. We found him and got some fun little prizes. Where is Waldo?!? You'll have to find him for yourself--I'll never tell. Get to it!

Though I'm sure the new MPM will be amazing, I'm still bummed to know this museum is closing soon!…read moreMy kids are big fans of this place. So crazy that it hasn't changed a bit since I would go here on school trips years and years ago. The exhibits continue to offer so much! From taking you through the dino-ages, to exploring the rainforest, and Native American history. Lots of areas to check out. Favorite has to be the Streets of Old Milwaukee which is just so immersive. We also love the butterfly room (so many live butterflies!) and the planetarium dome theater, which shows various educational films. They ask that you don't have food and drinks while touring around (understandable), but they have a huge cafe/dining area on the ground level. It's great because you can bring your own packed lunch and snacks, or purchase from their various offerings. Underground parking, easy check-in, and friendly staff, too!

I grew up in the Fox Valley and have fond memories of the occasional field trip to the Milwaukee…read moreMuseum and the occasional family trip to visit as well. It took until adulthood for me to learn there's a button to make the rattlesnake move. (If you know, you know). I enjoyed bringing my own kids when they were little and seeing the exhibits through their enthusiasm. I have nostalgic memories of MPM and I really hope that transcends to the soon to be new facility. I hear the streets of Milwaukee exhibit will be modified in the move. To the powers that be that may stumble across this review - this exhibit and what you do with it when you move will do a lot to make or break public sentiment.

First to review? How is that possible?…read more While I had some time on my own in Wisconsin, I decided to check out the Hoard Historical Museum (and National Dairy Shrine Museum). And even though I stopped by more than a few breweries in the four days I was there this stop was by far one of my favorites. First, the National Dairy Shrine Museum. I have a whole new respect for the dairy farmers after realizing how much I take for granted. For example, I never gave much thought to the fact that there are different breeds of cows. Or how much time, energy, money and science goes into their breeding. The National Dairy Shrine Museum displays not only these majestic creatures but the trophies and prizes that can be won through the dedication to the progression of the dairy farm. Upstairs there is a room of dioramas showing the history of the dairy farm and a detailed timeline along the walls. Downstairs there is a hall of fame where I learned about some of the pioneers in the field, pictures of champion cows and early equipment used in dairy farming. The Hoard Historical Museum features some great local history. There is the Lincoln room where I learned a bit about the Black Hawk War and how the Civil War affected Wisconsin. I was fascinated by the exhibit about the mounds left by early Native Americans and the efforts to preserve them. Part of the Hoard House is open as well. Very little is off limits here. You can sit in the parlor or the library and learn about the Hoard family (leaders in the field of dairy farming). Upstairs and through the kitchen I came upon a room full of taxidermy birds. Another room displayed dolls and figurines. One special room was dedicated to local poet Lorine Niedecker. Don't let this place fool you, there's more here than you might expect. I spent over two hours here and still felt rushed. The friendly and hands-on experience is always fun making this a good place for families and kids. I was greeted by Sandy and made a point of telling her how much I enjoyed the place. She was happy to hear it. I noticed several signs hanging up around the entrance for special gatherings and events held here. I also liked that many of the exhibits led to interest in other local historic places and parks. The Hoard Historical Museum seems to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community. Did I mention this place is free? Donations are of course accepted.

Great little museum in a great little town. They have a civil war era wing, part of the original…read moreHoard house, a dairy section, art work, a section devoted to indigenous people of the area and the mounds nearby, some wildlife stuff, just a really cool museum full of friendly people.

There is truly something for everyone here! Came on a Wednesday which is apparently discount day so…read moretickets were $20. This is an incredibly accessible experience. Mobility scooters available to borrow at the entrance, and also more in the back for those who might change their mind. Benches are located throughout. Maps are available at the front, and in several places throughout. Even though it's a huge building, it is really well organized and easy to navigate through. It's very close to the highway and worth the hour or so stop if you want to see something quirky and different!

The price to get in was definitely worth it. The historical expert named Tony is an expert and has…read morea story about everthing and most people could listen to him for hours. Thank you Tony for your prsentation on the Kennedy assasination in Dallas Texas in 1963.

So I've now visited the museum for the last few years during Art in Bloom with my floral designer…read moremother. The first visit just awed me with the sheer creativity of the floral designers. The venue is stunning and it's a cool event. Year two was a little underwhelming. We didn't enjoy the exhibits as much, the food choices were underwhelming and the drinks were expensive and boring. Year three, this year, we were once again impressed by the event. Some designs you love, some not so much. The museum, however, has stepped up their food offerings and specialty cocktails and therefore created a more cohesive vibe. They do seem to have multiplied their security staff by about 4X during the show and the guards were a little bit intrusive, but I get it. And yes, I took a zillion pictures every year, but they are very specific to the event and didn't represent the normal vibe, so I'm not sharing them all here.

IG: diamante.lara.milwaukee…read more the art is wack but it's a great place to take photos. Everything in there has zero value.

My fiance and I visited this today for the first time. David, was extremely kind and informative…read more We had no idea dungeons and dragons started in this town. Such a great museum, great staff, and enjoyable visit. Make sure you check this place out, you will not regret it!

Museums weren't one of the first things that came to mind for me when I thought of Lake Geneva…read moreuntil today, but thanks to the Geneva Lake Museum I won't be making that mistake again. Stopped in today to cool off and learn a bit about the history of the area after reading about them online. GLM delivered in spades with a collection of artifacts and information that is well worth the price of admission ($12) and workers who seem to take genuine pride in what they're presenting. I wish I'd caught my guide's name - he was a friendly man who was more than happy to tell me about any exhibit I was taking in, answer any questions I had, and even told me a bit about his own family's history in the area after I mentioned that part of mine had been in southeast Wisconsin for 150 years. Also of note: they do not shy away from Lake Geneva's status as the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons, either, which is cool to see.

I am obsessed with Ten Chimneys!!…read more The backstory is fascinating. This wonderful, glamorous Broadway couple found their way to the sweet little mid-west town of Genesee Depot is intriguing on it's own. Their summer home is lovely. I can feel the parties and good times that surely took place in years gone by. Everything has been lovingly preserved by those in charge and offer a wonderful glimpse into this adored couple's lives. The grounds are the perfect backdrop to the home. The entire estate gives off a quiet and relaxing vibe. It makes me understand why, on their time off, they would long to come home to Ten Chimneys. There were 2 tour times offered. Everyone takes a small bus from the starting point. A talented docent brings you on a detailed journey back in time and into the private world of Alfred Lunt and his wife Lynn Fontanne. Of course, there is a gift shop to visit after your tour. Be sure to check out the customer restrooms. The ladies room is glamorous with ladies finery and there is a huge King's throne in the mens room! Don't miss the walking tails if you want to take in a bit more nature!

As a classic film and theater nerd, Ten Chimneys holds a special place in my heart. The former home…read moreof Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the home and grounds are impeccable and just they was as they Lunts left them. Thanks to some love from investors, their stories are preserved and memorialized through the maintenance of Ten Chimneys and the many individuals from all over the world who come to this tiny Wisconsin town to remember them and Hollywood's days gone by. Cross the same threshold that the likes of Vivien Leigh, Helen Hayes, Lawrence Olivier, Katharine Hepburn, Noel Coward, Alexander Woolcott, and so many others crossed, as you become part of the storied list of visitors. Tours must be arranged in advance.

Don't drive too fast or you will miss it!! You should stop, well worth a quick stop! There is a…read morelittle gift shop too!! Incredible.

On the way to Wisconsin Dells from Madison, you'll find Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park, a free,…read morequirky roadside stop with a small parking area (donations welcome). The park is packed with giant metal creations--towering birds, a 20-foot insect, a guitar, and a massive centerpiece made from salvaged boat parts, motors, and pipes. It's like walking through an outdoor museum of welded imagination. I wouldn't drive out of my way to visit, but since it's right off the highway, it's a fun and memorable stop for photos and a dose of weird Wisconsin art.