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.

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.

One of the most unexpectedly fun stops I made while in Middleton, Wisconsin? The National Mustard…read moreMuseum. And yes... it's exactly what it sounds like. Inside you'll find thousands of mustards from every U.S. state and countries all over the world, all displayed in this massive wall of jars. There's also a mustard tasting bar where you can sample tons of different flavors -- from classic yellow to sweet, spicy, and some seriously unique combinations. Beyond the tastings, there's a whole museum section dedicated to the history of mustard, plus plenty of quirky displays and memorabilia that make it a surprisingly entertaining stop. Whether you're a mustard lover or just looking for something different to check out while in the Madison area, it's definitely worth popping in.

As someone who puts mustard on everything (and I really mean everything because I even have dessert…read moremustards) I could not believe my luck to happen upon the National Mustard Museum during my brief trip to WI! A true gem, this museum is born out of adoration for this most perfect condiment. The exhibits are all playful as well as informative and one will learn all about mustard from it's noble seed to final liquid elixir. There are literally thousands of jars on display, and over a hundred for tasting up in the gift shop area! Do yourself a favor and make sure you travel with checked luggage so you can take home a treasure trove; they do ship though if you're traveling light! Prices are super reasonable. The staff were warm and welcoming and ready to assist without being overbearing at all. If you're in town, you have to check this museum out!

We stopped here on our way on our vacation. It was a little out of the way but nice to explore…read moresomething else besides madison children museum and Betty Brin children museum in Milwaukee. We were pleasantly surprised how large inside and how clean and well maintained. Admission is $16 which is for kid with 2 adults. It is a little expensive but it's better than our play cafe little village which charges $12-14. My son loved the pirate ship with slide. My daughter loved the market stand. Upstairs has vending machine with reasonable price treats and drinks.

Very fun neat place to take the kiddos!! It was a lot bigger inside than I was expecting. There…read morewere so many different little areas set up to explore! My daughter ran from area to area for about an hour just checking everything out to see what was all there. The art craft area is very cool - set up perfectly for the kiddos to hop in and paint quickly, or do the other crafts/coloring/art. My daughter loved the stage - she loves to perform! We will absolutely be back lots. It's a perfect place to go in long WI winters.

We came here on a Sunday with my kids (5 and 3). It being March, the outside was open so we were…read moreglad to explore outside for a bit but it closed at 4 pm. I felt this time that the place was kept tidier. I saw employees moving from area to area and trying to keep things in place, which seems like a pretty tough task with the amount of stuff in each area. My kids had a lot of fun in the upstairs area. There's lots to do & for $12 each, it can easily keep young kids entertained.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough!! Absolutely killer on every level!! This is fun for…read moreadults to come to too! Obviously you need to be an inquisitive person and still enjoy learning new things.... But if you have some kids to bring it's literally like Disneyland but where they learn how everything works in the universe...... You really need to come here multiple times to take everything in..... If you care about your kids, and want them to be smart, this place is mandatory!

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.

It is difficult for me to imagine a more inspiring, educational, and joyful time than the few hours…read morespent in the enchanting Sterling North Museum in Edgerton. Every item in and around this sweet and quiet place, everything from actual Sterling North artifacts (including some "choice words" to Kaiser Wilhelm carved into the carriage house wall by North himself as a lad) to binders filled with Sterling North Society minutes to period furniture, toys, and framed photos and quotes from Rascal...EVERYTHING is skillfully and lovingly curated with a deep and abiding respect for the author and his exquisite tales. The home is quaint and artfully restored, with every corner filled with richly-deserved reverence of the author himself, and, of course, RACOONS! The museum whispers Sterling North's words, ones our world needs now more than ever. Simple (but not easy) things; things like courage, creativity, industriousness, and the love and respect of our fellow creatures, make us better. That message comes shining through. If you've never read Rascal or visited this engaging place, do yourself a favor. The time, ever fleeting, is now.

This is incredible. The Sterling North Museum is all about the author named Sterling North who…read morewrote "Rascal". It was also the home of Sterling, it shows the rooms, and where Rascal was kept. Sterling can kept secrets.

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.

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.

Beautiful building. Excellent parking…read more Lake front walk is wonderful. Lots of empty gallery space. "Security" told us we had to stand 2 feet away from any of the art work. They followed us in a creepy way. ( My companion and I are both seniors so little chance we were there to steal or cause damage.) Won't be back. I will enjoy my art locally at the Art Institute.