See. Milton College Explore Main Hall and Goodrich Hall, historic buildings from 1855 and 1857, on the former college campus. World’s Largest M See the gigantic white 'M' on Platte Mound, a landmark celebrating the region's mining heritage. Pinkie the Pink Elephant Visit the giant fiberglass pink elephant with glasses, a unique roadside attraction in DeForest. Nick Weerts Memorial Phone Booth Pick up the receiver in this Madison phone booth to hear random recordings of conversations, music, and memories.
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Stay. The Pfister Hotel Stay at this top-rated hotel in the Midwest, as voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Hyatt Regency Milwaukee Consider this highly-rated hotel among the best in the Midwest according to recent reader awards. The Charmant Hotel Experience a stay at this hotel, recognized as one of the best in the Midwest by readers.
Atlas Obscura
When Milton College finally closed its doors in 1982, it was the oldest institution of higher education in Wisconsin, beating the University of Wisconsin by four years. The college was originally called Du Lac Academy when it was founded in 1844. Main Hall and Goodrich Hall (the original dorm) – built in 1855 and 1857, respectively – are still standing. Milton College was ahead of its time in a…
Atlas Obscura
Four miles northeast of Platteville, a gigantic white “M” dominates the landscape. At 241 feet high and 214 feet wide, it is the world’s largest “M”. Set at a 45-degree angle and facing south, the landmark proudly celebrates the region’s mining heritage. The story began in 1924, when Platteville’s engineering club wanted to challenge the Colorado School of Mines. Colorado had already built an “…
Outside
“We maaaaaaade it!” Oprah booms in her signature joyful alto. Behind her, “fall is falling,” as she puts it: orange and yellow trees blazing against a bluebird Colorado sky. The other bright colors in her recent Instagram reel? Her neon purple Aviator Nation sweatsuit and pink sunglasses—an instantly iconic hiking look that sent me straight … Continued
Atlas Obscura
DeForest, Wisconsin, United States--A fiberglass giant pink elephant with glasses, also known as “Pinkie the Elephant” or “Pinky the Elephant” is a roadside attraction in DeForest, Wisconsin; situated near a Shell gas station and convenient store with fresh and local goods. at 4995 County Rd. V, it's the World's Largest Pink Elephant Statue, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY. Life sized, we…
Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels the country's heartland.
Outside
From ancient mineral springs to quiet lake shores, these under-the-radar destinations offer a restorative escape without the heavy crowds or high prices.
Outside
UUrban living doesn’t mean you’re beholden to a gym. Cities can be awesome outdoor playgrounds for fitness. Whether you’re considering a move or looking for some inspiration for your next trip, here’s an Outside take on the best places to get moving outdoors in the country's fittest cities.
Atlas Obscura
There is a phone booth on Madison’s East Side where picking up the receiver connects the caller to no one—and, in a way, to quite a lot of people. The Nick Weerts Memorial Phone Booth was created in memory of Nicholas Bennett Weerts, who died unexpectedly in 2017. Among his various interests was an oddly persistent fascination with payphones, which nearly a decade after his death provided the i…
Condé Nast Traveler
From a Catskills resort with a surf simulator to a Vermont ski mountain where you can trade snow boots for a swimsuit, these indoor water park hotels make weatherproof family vacations even more fun.
Condé Nast Traveler
Each journey offers scenic and convenient access to premier leaf peeping destinations in the US and Canada.
Outside
From prairie grasslands in the Midwest to mountain peaks in Glacier National Park, the Empire Builder Route strings together hiking trails across the northern U.S.
Lonely Planet
Fall leaf-peeping requires a curious mix of science and intuition. Get our tips on where and when to catch the fiery colors at their brightest.
Atlas Obscura
There is a version of Halloween tourism that involves a man in a rubber mask jumping out from behind a plywood wall. It has its pleasures. It is not this. The places below are real. The things that happened in them are documented — in court records, in coroners' reports, in parish registers, in the diaries of people who were there. Some have ghost stories attached. The ghost stories are almost…
Condé Nast Traveler
These adorable rentals are the perfect weekend escape.
Condé Nast Traveler
In these towns, the slower pace of life—and refreshing lack of crowds—make for the relaxing respite you’re looking for.
Atlas Obscura
Bray Road looks like just another unassuming stretch of concrete surrounded by farmland in rural Wisconsin, and to some people, it is. To others, it’s home to the most famous werewolf in the United States. The beast is described as having shaggy, black or greyish-brown fur with pointed ears, sharp claws, and a sloping weakness to its back legs. Witnesses report seeing it walk upright on two leg…
Lonely Planet
Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season an ideal time to explore these 10 fantastic locations in the United States.
Atlas Obscura
A string of small islands stretch from the northern tip of Door County, where the warm waters of Green Bay meet the icy waves of Lake Michigan. The shoals surrounding these islands, combined with the unpredictable currents and weather patterns, have given this infamous passage the title of Death’s Door. While the origin of the title is shrouded in folklore and fish tales, the seriousness of the…
Atlas Obscura
In Wisconsin's Northwoods, nobody ever went "to the cabin" — they went to the camp , whether that meant a canvas tent, a camper, or the family cottage on the lake. A resort on North Twin Lake has turned that whole tradition into America's first living history museum of camping — a museum where the exhibits have beds, and guests are encouraged to sleep in them. The collection spans a century, on…
Atlas Obscura
Built in 1863 by a small group of German-speaking Jewish families, this Romanesque Revival structure has served many roles over the decades, including a sanctuary, a dentist's office, and a campaign headquarters. When threatened with demolition in 1971, the community rallied to save it, famously rolling the 200-ton building through the streets to its current lakefront home in James Madison Park…
Condé Nast Traveler
Searching closer to home for a coastal family getaway this year? From Puerto Rico to Wisconsin, Americans can get creative in their quest for sun and sand.
Lonely Planet
Explore beyond the endless delights of The Windy City with these 11 excellent day trips from Chicago.
Outside
The midwest climbing community is mourning the tragic loss of Audrie Pelosi, who died while guiding at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin
Atlas Obscura
Three hours northeast of Minneapolis, the Moquah Bar gained the affectionate nickname "Plywood Palace" as a result of its less-than-sturdy construction. After a fire took the original bar down, lovable owner "Bud" assembled the bar with little more than scrap wood. Inside, you'll find dollar bills (and underwear) taped to the ceiling, inscriptions on the walls from just about every drunken pass…
National Geographic
New York City has more pizzerias with more variety than any other city in America. Meanwhile, Chicago has its own deep-dish style that no New York pizza spot has been able to successfully replicate.
Condé Nast Traveler
“America the Beautiful,” indeed.
Condé Nast Traveler
Open floor plans, gigantic glass windows, and minimalist furniture define these historic Airbnbs across the country.
The New York Times
Small towns and agricultural regions that have long been neglected are regenerating themselves through tourism.
Afar
Growing up in Poland, Krzysztof Krol loved pierogi. But he had no idea that the dumplings would be such a hit in Door County, in northeast Wisconsin. “There are 10 Polish speakers in the whole region, ...
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