A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
We all love the classic Wisconsin summer traditions. Catching a Brewers game, spending a day on the lake, and heading Up North are practically rites of passage. But this summer, why not challenge yourself to experience something a little more unexpected?
From big cats to giant cocktails to championship fibbers, these three uniquely Wisconsin attractions are guaranteed to make your summer stories a little more interesting.
Rock Springs
Tucked away in Sauk County is a destination that often leaves visitors asking, “Wait… we have this in Wisconsin?”
The Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Education Center serves as a sanctuary for rescued predators, including tigers, lions, leopards, and other exotic cats. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the animals’ stories, and even participate in special feeding experiences.
It’s an unforgettable opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s most impressive animals, without ever leaving Wisconsin.
Old Fashioned Fest
Wisconsinites take their Old Fashioneds seriously, but few people know about the festival dedicated entirely to the state’s favorite cocktail.
Each year, the small village of Wild Rose (population: 799) welcomes thousands of visitors for Old Fashioned Fest, a celebration filled with community spirit, live entertainment, and the famous World’s Largest Old Fashioned.
This year’s festival takes place June 6, making it the perfect excuse for a spontaneous weekend road trip. Can’t make it this year? There’s always 2027. In the meantime, check out Discover Wisconsin’s Waushara County episode to see highlights from this one-of-a-kind event.
Liars Club
Think you’re good at telling stories? The folks in Burlington might challenge you on that.
Since 1929, Burlington’s legendary Liars Club has been celebrating the art of the tall tale, awarding one talented storyteller each year the title of “World Champion Liar.”
The tradition lives on at The Liars’ Club bar, where visitors can enjoy a drink while learning about the quirky history behind one of Wisconsin’s most entertaining claims to fame. Want to hear some of the stories for yourself? Be sure to check out Discover Wisconsin’s short feature on this uniquely Wisconsin tradition.
Start Planning Your Next Unique Adventure
Wisconsin’s classic summer experiences will always be worth revisiting, but sometimes the best memories come from discovering something completely unexpected. Whether you’re feeding a tiger, sipping a giant Old Fashioned, or listening to tall tales, these uniquely Wisconsin destinations are proof that adventure can be found in every corner of the state.
Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
