These are not the typical tourist recommendations you find on every other list. These are the places we actually drive to ourselves, sometimes multiple times a year, because they are genuinely that good. Whether you want to explore an underground cave system, wander through an absolutely mind-bending mansion, hike down into a canyon, or ride roller coasters until your legs give out, there is something here for every kind of family.

All of these destinations are within three hours of Chicago. Most are under two. Grab some snacks, load up the car, and let us show you what the Midwest is hiding.

1. Starved Rock State Park — Utica, Illinois (About 1.5 Hours from Chicago)

If there is one destination on this entire list that we feel like we have been sleeping on by not writing about sooner, it is Starved Rock. We used to visit multiple times a year and it genuinely never gets old. The park sits along the Illinois River in Utica, about an hour and a half southwest of Chicago, and it is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the entire state.

The main draw is the canyon system. There are 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago, and hiking through them feels like you have been transported somewhere completely different. St. Louis Canyon, French Canyon, and Wildcat Canyon are some of the most popular and for good reason. In spring, the waterfalls inside the canyons are absolutely incredible. In fall, the foliage turns the whole area into something out of a painting.

The trails range from easy to moderate so it works well for families with kids of different ages. Just wear good shoes. Some of the paths get muddy and slippery especially near the waterfalls. We have learned that lesson more than once.

If you want to make a full day of it, drive about ten minutes south to Matthiessen State Park. It is less crowded than Starved Rock and in some ways even more beautiful. There is a canyon trail system there that requires walking down a LOT of stairs to reach the gorge below, but once you get down there it is absolutely worth every step. Emerald green water, dramatic rock walls, and almost no one around. It is the kind of place that makes you stop and just take it in.

You can also camp at Starved Rock or stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, which is a beautiful old building right in the park. If you have never done a weekend there it is worth considering. But even as a day trip it is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday within a couple hours of Chicago.

Drive time from Chicago: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission: Free to enter the state park. Parking is free. Starved Rock Lodge dining and amenities are separate.
Best time to visit: Spring for the waterfalls, fall for the foliage. Summer is beautiful but busy.
Tip: Go early, especially on weekends. The parking lots fill up faster than you expect and the canyons get crowded by midday.

2. House on the Rock — Spring Green, Wisconsin (About 2.5 Hours from Chicago)

We have been to House on the Rock more times than we can count at this point and we still find something new every single time. That is not an exaggeration. It is one of those places that operates on a completely different level from anything else you have ever visited and no amount of description really does it justice until you are standing in the middle of it.

For those who have never heard of it, House on the Rock is a complex built by Alex Jordan Jr. starting in the 1940s. What started as a house built on a 60-foot chimney of rock eventually expanded into a sprawling collection of rooms, streets, buildings, and exhibits filled with the most eclectic and overwhelming assortment of things you have ever seen. Massive pipe organs, an infinite sea of carousel horses, entire streets recreated from different eras, rooms that seem to go on forever. It is bizarre and beautiful and absolutely worth the drive.

Our favorite time to go is early summer when the grounds are in bloom and you can walk the outdoor areas between buildings. The Christmas experience they do in winter is also incredible and we wrote a whole separate guide on that if you want to plan a holiday visit. But honestly any time of year works. We try to go a couple of times a year and it never feels repetitive.

Budget more time than you think you need. Most people spend four to six hours there minimum. Some sections require you to walk through in a specific order and there is no doubling back, so take your time and do not rush. Bring comfortable shoes and go at your own pace.

Drive time from Chicago: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Admission: Varies by season and what sections you want to see. Check houseontherock.com for current pricing before you go.
Best time to visit: Early summer for the gardens, or winter for the Christmas experience.
Tip: Get there when it opens. The experience takes several hours and if you arrive late you may feel rushed. Also bring cash or a card because the gift shop is genuinely great.

We have a full guide to the House on the Rock Christmas Experience if you want to plan a holiday trip specifically.

3. Volo Museum — Volo, Illinois (About 1 Hour from Chicago)

The Volo Museum is one of those places that sneaks up on you. You go in thinking you will spend a couple of hours and walk out four or five hours later having barely scratched the surface. It is massive, it is constantly changing, and there is genuinely something for everyone in the family regardless of age or interest level.

The museum is best known for its collection of classic cars, antique vehicles, and TV and movie cars. We are talking about vehicles you will recognize immediately from films and shows you grew up watching. Walking through and spotting something you remember from a movie is a genuinely fun experience and the kids love it just as much as the adults.

But the cars are only part of it. There are also sections dedicated to pop culture, collectibles, military vehicles, and all kinds of exhibits that rotate regularly. We have been back multiple times and each visit feels different because they are always adding and changing things. If you go enough times it makes sense to get a yearly membership because the value is excellent.

One thing a lot of people miss is the antique mall on the property. It spans multiple buildings and is one of the largest and best antique shopping experiences in the region. If you or anyone in your group likes digging through vintage stuff, plan extra time for this. You could easily spend a full afternoon just in the antique section alone.

We also wrote a full guide to the Volo Museum if you want more detail before you go.

Drive time from Chicago: About 1 hour
Admission: Affordable general admission, with yearly membership options that pay for themselves quickly.
Best time to visit: Any time of year since it is mostly indoors. Great rainy day option.
Tip: Give yourself at least half a day. A full day if you plan to explore the antique mall too. Bring the whole family.

4. Cave of the Mounds — Blue Mounds, Wisconsin (About 2.5 Hours from Chicago)

Cave of the Mounds is a natural limestone cave in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin that was discovered accidentally in 1939 during quarry blasting operations. What they found underneath that hillside turned out to be one of the most beautifully decorated caves in the entire Midwest. It has been a National Natural Landmark since 1988 and visiting it feels genuinely special.

The cave tour takes you through a series of chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and formations in colors ranging from white to deep orange to almost blue. The lighting inside is dramatic and the formations are genuinely impressive. Our daughter loved it and honestly so did we. It is the kind of place where you find yourself stopping every few feet to look at something new.

Beyond the cave itself, the grounds above are beautiful and worth spending time on. There are nature trails, a rock and gem mining activity for kids, a butterfly garden in season, and picnic areas. You can easily turn this into a full day between the cave tour and exploring the property.

Check out more of our time at Cave of the Mounds here.

Drive time from Chicago: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Admission: Paid cave tours with timed entry. Check caveofthemounds.com for current pricing and to book in advance.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the full grounds experience. The cave itself is open year round and stays a constant 50 degrees inside regardless of season.
Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer because 50 degrees inside the cave feels cold when it is 85 outside. Book your tour time in advance on busy summer weekends.

5. Six Flags Great America — Gurnee, Illinois (About 45 Minutes from Chicago)

If you want a full day of pure fun without a lot of planning required, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is hard to beat. It is the closest major theme park to Chicago and one we visit multiple times a year. When you have a free weekend and want to do something the whole family will love, this is the move.

The park has world class roller coasters, family friendly rides, a water park section, and enough to do that you can visit a dozen times and still not feel like you have exhausted it. We are regulars here and we get a lot out of the yearly pass because we use it for spontaneous day trips whenever we have a free Saturday and feel like doing something fun.

Our absolute favorite time to go is Fright Fest in the fall. They transform the entire park into a Halloween experience with haunted mazes, scare zones, themed shows, and a completely different atmosphere from the regular season. We usually go two or three times during Fright Fest because we love it that much. If you have never done a theme park Halloween event, Six Flags does it really well.

We also wrote about Fright Fest and other Halloween events near Chicago if you want ideas for the fall season.

Drive time from Chicago: About 45 minutes
Admission: Check sixflags.com for current pricing. Season passes are excellent value if you plan to go more than twice.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Fright Fest runs through October and is a must-do.
Tip: Download the Six Flags app before you go. You can check wait times in real time and plan your day around shorter lines. Get there when the park opens for the shortest waits on the popular coasters.

Tips for Planning a Day Trip from Chicago

After years of doing this we have picked up a few habits that make day trips go a lot smoother.

Leave early. It sounds obvious but it makes a huge difference. Getting to any of these destinations when they open means shorter lines, better parking, and more time to actually enjoy the place instead of waiting around. We aim to leave Chicago by 7 or 8 in the morning for anything over an hour away.

Download Roadtrippers. We use the Roadtrippers app on every trip we take. It is great for finding interesting stops along your route that you might not have known existed. There is almost always something worth pulling over for between Chicago and wherever you are going. You can try Roadtrippers here and get five dollars off the premium subscription with code BTR5QTP. We use the premium version and it is absolutely worth it.

Do not over-plan. Some of our best day trips have come from a loose plan that left room for detours. Have your main destination in mind but stay flexible. If something looks interesting on the way, pull over. That is kind of the whole point.

Pack snacks and drinks. Road trip snacks are non-negotiable in our car. It keeps everyone happy during the drive and saves money once you get there.

Check hours and book in advance for caves and museums. Places like Cave of the Mounds and House on the Rock have timed entry or limited capacity on busy weekends. A quick check of their website before you go can save you a frustrating surprise when you get there.

Looking for even more ideas? Browse our full Midwest day trips guide for more destinations worth the drive from Chicago.

Many of our favorite drives start right in Illinois. Check out all our Illinois travel guides for more hidden gems across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Chicago for families?

For families with kids of all ages, Starved Rock State Park and the Volo Museum are our top picks. Starved Rock is free, stunning, and gets kids outside and moving. The Volo Museum is endlessly entertaining for all ages and is one of the most unique museums in the Midwest. Both are under two hours from Chicago.

What is the closest day trip from Chicago?

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is only about 45 minutes north of Chicago and makes for an easy last-minute day trip. The Volo Museum is also about an hour away and a great option for a spontaneous day out.

Are there free day trips from Chicago?

Yes. Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park nearby are both free to enter and offer some of the most beautiful hiking in Illinois. Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is also completely free and one of the best zoos in the country.

How far is House on the Rock from Chicago?

House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin is about two and a half hours from Chicago. It makes for a great day trip if you leave early, or an easy weekend getaway if you want to explore the surrounding area.

How far is Cave of the Mounds from Chicago?

Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin is about two and a half hours from Chicago. It pairs well with a visit to House on the Rock since the two are only about 30 minutes apart.

What is the best time of year for day trips from Chicago?

Spring and fall are our favorites. The weather is comfortable for outdoor destinations like Starved Rock, the crowds are smaller than summer at places like Six Flags, and the scenery is often at its best. Summer is great for water parks and full park seasons. Winter has its own appeal for places like House on the Rock at Christmas time.

More Adventures Worth the Drive

These five destinations are some of our favorites but they are far from the only great day trips within reach of Chicago. We regularly write about the best Midwest hidden gems, roadside attractions, and family destinations on this site so there is plenty more to explore. Check out our full adventures archive for more ideas.

We also cover a lot of these destinations on our YouTube channel so you can see exactly what to expect before you make the drive. Subscribe if you want to follow along on our next adventure.

Now stop reading and go find something worth the drive. The Midwest has way more to offer than most people realize and it is all within a few hours of your front door.

The post Best Day Trips from Chicago (Under 3 Hours) appeared first on Lesser Known Adventures.

Let’s dive into five offbeat museums you’ve never heard of, but absolutely need to visit!

1. The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center – Baraboo, Wisconsin

A Unique Midwest Destination

Nestled in Baraboo, Wisconsin, once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center is a tribute to the timeless art of clowning.

Step into this museum and be transported through a century of costumes, props, and photos that highlight the evolution of clowns in popular culture. The museum also honors legendary clowns like Emmett Kelly and Red Skelton with personal memorabilia and heartwarming stories of their careers.

Why It’s a Must-See:

This museum doesn’t just celebrate clowns; it’s a celebration of circus history. The bright and colorful exhibits offer a fascinating insight into a form of entertainment that has been making people laugh for centuries. It’s perfect for families or anyone with an appreciation for performance art.

While You’re There:

Don’t miss the Circus World Museum, another hidden gem that dives deeper into circus history with performances, exhibits, and restored wagons. Baraboo’s charming small-town atmosphere also makes it an ideal weekend getaway.

Learn more about the International Clown of Hall of Fame here.

2. SPAM Museum – Austin, Minnesota

A Fun Stop in Minnesota

Dedicated to the iconic canned meat product, the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is a destination unlike any other. The museum’s lighthearted approach to telling the story of SPAM makes it a fun and interactive experience.

You’ll explore SPAM’s role in World War II, its rise to fame in Hawaii, and its current global reach. The museum also features cooking demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and—of course—SPAM tastings.

Why It’s a Must-See:

SPAM has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cultural icon. The museum is quirky, fun, and full of interesting trivia about one of America’s most unusual foods. Whether you love it or hate it, the SPAM Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression.

While You’re There:

Explore Austin’s charming downtown, where local shops and cafes serve up SPAM dishes. Consider extending your stay with a visit to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, a beautiful spot for hiking and bird watching.

Learn more about the Spam Museum here.

3. American Sign Museum – Cincinnati, Ohio

A Nostalgic Stop in Ohio

Located in the heart of Cincinnati, the American Sign Museum is a nostalgic journey through America’s advertising history.

This 20,000-square-foot museum showcases neon signs, hand-painted billboards, and lightbulb-studded advertisements that once adorned Main Streets across the country. From gas stations to motels, the collection spans the evolution of American signage from the late 1800s to the present day.

Why It’s a Must-See:

The sheer visual appeal of the museum is what makes it so special. Walking through its neon-lit aisles feels like stepping back in time. It’s not just for graphic designers or history buffs—anyone will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind these signs.

While You’re There:

Make a day of it by visiting Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district. Known for its 19th-century architecture, vibrant arts scene, and local breweries, it’s a great place to soak in the city’s culture after your museum visit.

Learn more about the American Sign Museum here.

4. National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin

Hidden Gem for Foodies

Mustard might seem like an unlikely subject for a museum, but the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, turns this humble condiment into a fascinating attraction.

With over 6,000 jars of mustard from all over the world, it’s a testament to the global love for this zesty condiment. The museum also has a tasting bar, where you can try mustards ranging from classic yellow to exotic fruit-infused varieties.

Why It’s a Must-See:

Few museums offer the opportunity to laugh, learn, and taste at the same time. The National Mustard Museum’s quirky exhibits are both educational and humorous, making it a surprisingly delightful stop for foodies and curious travelers alike.

While You’re There:

After sampling some mustards, take a stroll through Middleton’s downtown area, where you’ll find artisan shops and cafes. For nature lovers, the nearby Pheasant Branch Conservancy offers beautiful walking trails and wildlife viewing.

Learn more about the National Mustard Museum here.

5. The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin

A Truly Unusual Travel Destination

Arguably one of the most unusual travel destinations in the Midwest, The House on the Rock is part museum, part architectural wonder, and part fantasy world.

Built by Alex Jordan in the 1940s, this sprawling, eccentric attraction houses bizarre collections, including a room filled with automated musical instruments, a massive carousel, and a life-sized replica of a whale fighting a giant squid. Each room reveals something more bizarre than the last, making it a truly unique experience.

Why It’s a Must-See:

There’s nothing quite like The House on the Rock. It’s a surreal adventure through the mind of an eccentric collector, with every room offering something more unusual and unexpected. The carousel alone—filled with hundreds of figures—is worth the visit.

While You’re There:

Spring Green is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, which contrasts sharply with The House on the Rock’s chaotic design. A visit to both attractions offers a fascinating study in architectural styles. Don’t forget to explore the scenic Driftless Area, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

Learn more about the House on the Rock here.

You can also watch our videos from our visit to the House on the Rock.

They also decorate for the holiday season with Christmas at The House on the Rock. It’s packed to the brim with 1000s of Santa’s and more, and a must-see for the holiday enthusiast.

Be sure to check out our full post on our visit to the House on the Rock here.

Why Explore Unusual Travel Destinations?

Visiting offbeat museums like these offers a fresh perspective on the Midwest and provides travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist stops.

These quirky attractions let you discover niche histories and local cultures, making your journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.

If you’re someone who loves the weird and wonderful, these unusual travel destinations in the Midwest should definitely be on your radar.

Book Recommendations*

We pick up as many books as possible to throw in the car when we’re out traveling around. Like we’ve said in the past, we love to pick a direction and go. Sometimes we’ll drive 10 hours in any random direction. You’ll find a lot of cool stuff this way. But having one of these books will help you find some cool spots you may have missed.

1. Weird Illinois

“Your Travel Guide to Illinois’ Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets.” Part of the Weird U.S. series, this book was one of our first and favorites.

Pick up Weird Illinois here.

Find the rest of the Weird U.S. books here.

2. Oddball Illinois

“A Guide to 450 Really Strange Places.” Another one of our favorites, and again part of the larger Oddball series. We own a copy of each of the states around us here in Illinois. A little more family friendly.

You can pick up the Illinois edition here.

Other versions available:
Oddball Wisconsin
Oddball Iowa
Oddball Minnesota
Oddball Michigan

3. Midwest Road Trip Adventures

“Exploring America’s Heartland, One Scenic Drive at a Time; Road Trip Book and Unique Travel Destinations.” Another great Midwest road trip book.

Check it out here.

4. Midwest Road Trip Adventures

We picked this up from the last Travel and Adventure Show here in Chicago, and glad we did. It’s a fun book with more ideas and stories written by several authors.

You can pick it up here.

“Midwest Road Trip Adventures takes travelers along some of the most storied highways and byways in this unique and spectacular region of the United States. There’s so much more to the Midwest than you might have imagined, so let our authors guide you on your journey through America’s heartland.”

5. Secret Chicago

One last one, Secret Chicago. This is again part of a larger series of books, so there may be one closer to you. “A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”

Pick up the Chicago version here.

Find the rest of the series here.

* All of these links are Amazon Affiliates, and help us in a small way find and create new content. We truly appreciate any support. If any of these books seem like something you’d like to check out, that’d be awesome. We own the ones I’ve highlighted (and a lot more), and love them.

The post 5 Unusual Travel Destinations In The Midwest You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on Lesser Known Adventures.

Take a step back as you take a ride in a restored 1915-era train car. This history museum offers a great look back at the golden age of rail travel. Here is a quick look at our family trip to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

When we visited the railway museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, we chose the hour-long Coach Train ride. Our daughter was about 5 and she enjoyed it. It was about the perfect length.

A few things you will see at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum:

• Restored wooden passenger cars   
• Century-old steam locomotives 
• Historic wooden depot, built in 1894   
• Steam locomotives’ water tower 

What you need to know about the Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Mid-Continent Railway Museum
E8948 Museum Road 
North Freedom, WI 53951 
Office phone: 608-522-4261 

Prices start around $13 for children and $24 for adults 

Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, 
Mid May through Early December 

Open Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 AM to 5 PM, 
Mid-June through early September 

Useful Information   

• Tickets – Tickets can be purchased online and in person. 
• Time – The museum opens at 9:30 AM and the first train ride is generally at 11 AM. Coach Train ride takes about an hour. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Backpack/Purse – Dress comfortably. Coach Train does not have air conditioning. Not much walking involved.   
• Food/Picnic – Only water is allowed on the trains.  Picnic tables are available.  There is no restaurant on the grounds but there are dining cars on select days.  BS Depot close by will sometimes offer discounts if you bring in your train ticket stub. 
• Pets – No pets, aside from service animals, are allowed on the train or in the buildings.  
• Accessibility – A wheelchair lift is available to board the train.  Most areas are wheelchair accessible.  
• Babies – Strollers/wagons cannot be taken on the train. 
• Smoking – No smoking on the train or in the buildings 

Brief History

In 1963 the Railway Historical Society purchased the 4.2 miles of track from the Chicago & North Western Railroad. The society moved the operation to North Freedom and began to offer steam train rides.  

Ever since they have continued the train rides at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum and have been teaching people of all ages the importance of the steam engine and the railway system.  

Ticket Options at the Railway Museum

Ticket options are: 

Coach Train Ride – A 7-mile, 55-minute, round trip train ride in a 1915-era train car.  

Coach Train Ticket options:  
Adult (Ages 16-61)…$24.00 
Child (Ages 3-15)…$13.00 
Senior (Ages 62 and up)…$22.00 

Infant (Ages 2 and under)…Free 

Locomotive Ride – A 7-mile, 55-minute, round trip train ride in the locomotive with the engineer.  1 spot available each ride.  

Locomotive Ticket options:  
Adult (Ages 16 and up)…$72.00 
Child (Ages 3-15)…$13.00…child must be accompanied by an adult 
 

Food Train Ride – A 7-mile, 55-minute, round trip ride on the First-Class train with food served by waitstaff. Check the website for an up-to-date schedule as dates are very limited. 

Food Train Ticket options:  
Prices vary according to the meal being served 

Special Events – There are different themes throughout the year at the railway museum based on the season and the holiday.  Each vary in price and availability.  

Stars and Stripes – Decorated patriotic theme in July. Free for Veterans and Military | Offered July 4th, 5th and 6th.

Vintage Rail Car Tours – Guided walking tours with special access 

Autumn Colors – See the changing of the leaves via train in October  

Pumkin Special – Pumpkin theme in October 

Holiday Flyer – Enjoy hot chocolate in December 

Santa Express – Meet Santa in late November/early December

Parking

Parking is located next to the depot and is free. There are plenty of spaces.

Food/Where to eat

Here are a few local places to check out while in the area:

BS Depot – Bar and Grill 
108 E Walnut St #9660 
North Freedom, WI 53951 

Log Cabin Family Restaurant 
1215 8^th St 
Baraboo, WI 53913 

Mike’s Italian Restaurant 
630W Pine St 
Baraboo, WI 53913 

Cheese

You are in Wisconsin so you need cheese…pack your cooler! While you were driving I am sure you noticed the hills with cows grazing in the pastures. Wisconsin is famous for its cheese and for good reason. Here are a few places close by.

Carr Valley Cheese Store (they have more locations too)
807 Phillips Blvd
Sauk City, WI 53583

Cedar Grove Cheese Inc
E5904 Mill Rd
Plain, WI 53577

Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet Inc
4879 Co Rd V
DeForest, WI 53532

Where to stay near the Mid-Continent Railway Museum

There are hotels and campgrounds in nearby Baraboo. A few you may want to try are: 

Ringling House Bed & Breakfast 
201 8th St, Baraboo, WI 53913 
(608) 299-9708

Best Western Baraboo Inn
725 W Pine St
West Baraboo, WI 53913
(608)356-1100

Skillet Creek Campground
E11329 State Rd 136
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 356-4877

Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 356-8301

Nearby Attractions

Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park – A unique and quirky outdoor art gallery 
S7703 US-12 
North Freedom, WI 53951
Worldofdrevermor.com 

Circus World – History Museum and entertainment 
550 Water St. 
Baraboo, WI 53913 
Circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org

Pewit’s Nest – Hiking and a glacier carved gorge.
County Rd W 
Baraboo, WI 53913 

Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 356-8301

For even more in the area check out: Wisconsinhistory.org 

This is a great place to spend a couple hours and step back in time.  The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is continuously restoring railcars and locomotives.  To keep up to date with their current projects you can follow https://www.midcontinent.org/steam-status/

While in the North Freedom and Baraboo area, there is plenty more to see and do.  Great area for a day or for the weekend. 

We have also been to Blue Mounds, which is a recommended place about an hour from here. Check out more info HERE or you can watch our video from our visit.

Thanks for visiting! We hope you enjoy your trip to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum and happy travels!

The post Mid-Continent Railway Museum Wisconsin: Family Visitor Guide appeared first on Lesser Known Adventures.

The House on the Rock is open for the Christmas Experience from mid-November to December. During this time the complex is transformed into a Santa wonderland for the Christmas season. Featuring twinkling lights, garland, and there are over 6,000 collectible Santas to see. 

As you walk through you will hear Christmas songs and they even have holiday scents.  

This is a self-guided tour. You will need at least 3 hours to get through Sections 1 and 2. Section 3 is closed for the Christmas Experience. 

Want to see a video walk through? Link to our video walkthrough at the bottom. You will enjoy it!

Made by hand, some call it House of the Rock, rock house, either way, I hope these House on the Rock photos help with your decision to visit. It truly is a remarkable place.  

House on the Rock Location and Hours

House on the Rock Location

It will take about 3 hours to get here from Chicago and 2 from Milwaukee.
Address:
House on the Rock
5754 WI-23
Spring Green, WI 53588

House on the Rock Christmas Hours

Open: Thursday – Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM 
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 
Last tickets sold at 3:30 PM 

House on the Rock Christmas Ticket prices

Regular Admission (Ages 18+)…$29.95 
Child Admission (Ages 7-17)…$16.95 
Children 6 and under…$3.95 
Senior Admission (Ages 65 and up)…$27.95 

What you need to know

Useful Information:   

1. Tickets – Your House on the Rock Christmas Experience tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Discounted tickets are available online. When you get to the Welcome Center, go to a ticket kiosks or the ticket counter to get your tickets. You can easily print out your pre purchased tickets at these kiosks.

2. Tokens – Make sure to grab some tokens, you will want them throughout the house for different coin operated machines and music machines. You will be able to use them on some antique coin machines and hydraulic orchestras. I suggest getting at least 10 tokens.

3. Time – They say you can get through sections 1 and 2 in 2 hours, but don’t. You will not be able to appreciate or even get close to seeing everything. We have been there a couple times and I see something new each time. You can easily spend the whole day here.

4. Clothing/Shoes/Backpack/Purse – The house is heated, but since it’s fall/winter, they will have the heated turned down generally in anticipation of you wearing a coat. You do have to travel outside between buildings, and it is a bit of a walk. Wear good walking shoes, there is a lot of uneven ground and stairs.  

5. Food/Picnic – The concession area has pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and veggies. Prices are ok. It is open 10-3PM. Plenty of tables and chairs are available. 

6. Pets – No pets are allowed. Daycare is available in Dodgeville and Spring Green a few miles away.  

7. Accessibility – Handicap parking is available. Because of the design and the fact that this was originally built as Alex Jordan’s home, some areas of the house are not accessible by wheelchair. Other places have uneven ground. Section 2 does have a lift and they try to accommodate as much as possible.  

8. Babies – Changing tables are available.  Strollers will have some difficulty and wagons are not allowed. There are some tights turns and plenty of stairs. 

9. Parking – Plenty of free parking is available on the hill above the visitor center. RV and bus parking is available as well. There is room for everyone.  At the entrance of the RV parking there is a porta-potty and picnic tables.

10. Food/Drink – Outside food and drink are not allowed inside. Water is ok to bring in, there are a couple water fountains with the bottle refill option if you do bring your own bottle.   

Sections

Here is an overview of the sections that are open and you will be going through during the Christmas Experience.

Welcome Center

Here is where you will pick up your tickets and map and use the bathroom if needed. The bathrooms are also decorated with the Christmas theme. There are ticket kiosks here where you can print out purchased tickets (you HAVE TO have printed tickets) or purchase new ones. When the tour is over, you will also exit through the Welcome Center.   

Token machines are located here as well. A new machine was just added that takes credit card. I did not see any more of these machines in the house, so if you do not have cash, make sure to get a couple dollars’ worth of tokens while in the Welcome Center. If you do have cash, there are cash token machines thought the house. Also, if you have any left over tokens at the end, you can cash them back in. 

You will start your tour through the left side of the Welcome Center. Hold onto your tickets until you get to the Gate House.  

Alex Jordan Center

This is where you will learn all about the Man who started it all, Alex Jordan. You will wind around and do a loop back around to almost where you started. There you will head down the Santa hallway. Christmas Santas line both sides of your walk. At the end you will need to show your tickets. 

Then you will be able to enter the Gate House on the Right. 

Bathrooms are located here. 

The Gate House

Here is where the Christmas experience really starts. Alex Jordan’s unique designs are first mainly showcased here, giving you a glimpse of what to expect in the Original House. 

You will get to hear and see the first music machine.  

Once you exit you will go to the right next to the Buddah (rub his tummy for good luck) and then up the long ramp to the Original House. 

The Gate House is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and there is no restroom. 

The Original House

When you get here there are two doors, you will enter on the left. The door on the right is where you will be exiting. The Original House, a house of rocks, consists of 13 rooms.   

The Original House and the Infinity Room are not wheelchair or stroller accessible and does not have a bathroom.

Infinity Room

Part of the Original House, it juts out over the valley 218 feet and is full of glass. No Santas to see here, just a great view.

Mill House

Going back down the ramp you took to get to the Original House you will pass the exterior of Gate House and enter back into the original hallway where you showed your tickets. You will head right, go outside once again and into the Mill House and through to the Streets of Yesterday. 

There are bathrooms here and it is wheelchair accessible. 

The Streets of Yesterday

A recreation of a 19^th Century Street. Peek into the shops decorated with Christmas lights and garland and make your way down to the Gladiator. The Gladiator is one of Alex Jordan’s large music machines. 

On the left you will continue to the Heritage of the Sea.  

Heritage of the Sea

A three-level walk around featuring a giant whale fighting with an octopus and over 200 model ships. Here there is a 12-foot Christmas tree, to show you the scale of the whale.  Can you see it in the background?

You will head up the ramp, try to make it here before 2:00, that is when they close off the top level. Once you are done staring into the mouth of the 200-foot-tall whale, you will head back down the ramp to the second level and into the Tribute to Nostalgia.  

Tribute to Nostalgia

Head down the ramp and through other store fronts. You will also see vintage automobiles. Through the Atrium if the concessions area. Have a quick bit to each before heading off towards the end of the seating area to get to the Music of Yesterday.  

There are restrooms just to the right of the concessions.   

Music of Yesterday

Heading into the Music of Yesterday you are going need those tokens. There are many music machines and hydraulic powered instruments in here that you will want to listen to. The one in the Red Room plays the Nutcracker, getting you even more into the Christmas spirit.  

Spirit of Aviation

Around the corner is the Spirit of Aviation. The sky is full of model planes and there is a café display. Next is the last stop of the Christmas Experience, the Carousel Room, one of the most talked about features.  

Restrooms can also be found here as well as a water fountain. 

Carousel Room

You will be in awe when you walk into the Carousel Room. Right in front of you is the world’s largest carousel featuring 269 unique animals and characters. 

You will exit to the top right and take the winding ramp to the gift shop. In the gift shop is where you can exchange any unused tokens. When you exit the gift shop, you will have to head around the back corner to another ramp that will take you to the back of the Welcome Center. And that concludes your tour of the House on the Rock Christmas Experience. 

To read more about this unique attraction and to see a more in-depth walkthrough, use this link: House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin  

Watch our Video Walk through HERE

The information is courtesy of The House on the Rocks website and personal experience. www.thehouseontherock.com

Thanks for reading, glad you were here! 

The post House on the Rock Christmas Experience: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Lesser Known Adventures.

The cave sits about two and a half hours northwest of Chicago and just west of Madison, making it an easy drive for families across Illinois and Wisconsin. Whether you are looking for things to do near Madison, a Wisconsin day trip idea, or just a unique family adventure off the beaten path, Cave of the Mounds is worth every mile of the drive.

Inside the cave you can explore 400-million-year-old limestone formations, sluice for fossils and gems, crack open geodes, bird watch on the grounds, and walk some of the most beautiful nature trails in southern Wisconsin. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1988 and it earns that title.

We recently traveled back to Cave of the Mounds for the first time in a few years. It holds up. The caves are a great way to spend the day and the grounds and gardens are beautiful for a walk afterward.

If you live anywhere near Blue Mounds you should make the trip, or work it into your next family vacation. We live near Chicago and it is only a couple hours away. The Cave of the Mounds is the perfect lesser known adventure.

We first found it a few years ago while on a day trip to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom. We drove by a billboard on the way back and decided to check it out.

I’m glad we saw that sign since I’m not sure we would have ever thought about searching for caves in Wisconsin. 

Here is everything you need to know before you go — tickets, hours, what to wear, what to expect inside the cave, and the special events they run.

Cave of the Mounds – a brief history

A little history of the Cave of the Mounds.

The Brigham family had been living on the land for about 112 years before the cave was discovered.

In 1903, part of the farm began being used as a limestone quarry.

In 1939, a new contractor leased the quarry to supply crushed stone to the highway department. They drilled a hole and found it went deeper than expected.

They blasted the drilled holes, only to find a massive cave entrance. Shortly after, a small group decided to enter the cave and explore the incredible caverns that had never been seen by any other living person.

They explored and worked for a year after that, and on May 30, 1940, just before Memorial Day, the Cave of the Mounds was first opened to the public.

Over the next several weeks, over 58,000 people traveled to see the Cave of the Mounds. Today it is still a beautiful and incredible place to visit that draws a ton of people from all over the world.

In 1988, the Cave of the Mounds was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.

Cave of the Mounds Location and Hours

The address to the Cave of the Mounds is –
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road
Blue Mounds, WI 53517

The hours are –
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Depart Frequently starting at 10:00 AM
Weekday entries are hourly
Last entry at 4 PM

Cave admission prices –
Regular Admission (Ages 13+)…$21.99
Child Admission (Ages 4-12)…$12.99
Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)…Free

The Cave of the Mounds is open year-round.

Cave of the Mounds useful Information

Things to keep in mind before heading to Cave of the Mounds: 

• Tickets – Tickets can be purchased online. Physical tickets are to be picked up at the visitor center. Tickets are time sensitive. 
• Time – Cave of the Mounds opens at 9 AM and the first tour is generally at 10 AM. Tours take about an hour. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Backpack – The cave stays about 50 degrees and is damp and wet. Closed toe shoes are recommended. Only smaller backpacks/bags are allowed.  
• Food/Picnic – There is no restaurant on the grounds but there are snacks and drinks. Tables are available near the parking lot and down by the cave entrance. 
• Pets – No pets, aside from service animals, are allowed in the cave, on the trails, or in the buildings.  
• Bikes – Bike racks are located at the bottom of the service drive and by the butterfly garden. 
• Accessibility – Handicap parking is located at the bottom of the service drive.  
• Babies – Changing tables are available. Strollers/wagons cannot be taken into the cave. 
• Smoking – Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed in buildings or in the cave.  
• Firearms – Firearms must be kept locked in your vehicle. This includes people who do have a concealed/carry license.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Parking

The parking lot is located just off the highway. Gates to the parking lot are open daily from 9 AM to 5:15 PM. Even though the parking lot does not look large, it winds around and fits quite a few vehicles. If you are driving an RV or hauling a large trailer, then you would need to go to the Barn Discovery Center.  

Grounds

The grounds around the parking lot have many trees and beautiful flowers to see. As you walk around you will notice educational signs and boxes. There is a lot to learn above and below.    

Visitor Center

You will go down the hill to the Visitor center to grab your tickets. Here you can find local drinks and snacks. There is a penny machine so make sure to bring some cash. I did not so we did not get to add this penny to our daughter’s penny book.  

Bathrooms and a water fountain with a bottle refill is at the back.  

Wi-Fi is available near the visitor center and the gift shop. While you wait in the ticket line you can check out the historical pictures on the wall. 

Ticket Collection and Cave entrance

Once you get your tickets, which are timed, you will need to head towards the gift shop. There you should see a sign letting you know where to stand. This is located near the rock sluice and the large geode. 

Once they call your time and color you will enter through the gift shop. There you can check your bag size. A staff member will then take your ticket and direct you to the waiting area.  

A staff member will go over the rules with you before you start the tour. You will start with a wall that describes the different formations you will see in the cave. Next you will go down the stairs to the picture taker. Your photo will be available at the end of the tour if you want it. 

Inside the Cave

As you go through the cave, staff members and signs are there to provide more information about the cave. Since this is a self-paced tour you can move at your own pace. Read all the signs and listen to what the staff has to say, you have time. You may even get the chance to go through the cave twice. 

The cave has many stairs with railings. You will also come across tight spaces and it can be dark. It may be fun to wear something that is glow in the dark. 

The cave exit is located next to where you entered. Take the stairs to exit through the gift shop. 

The gift shop has many rocks great souvenirs to choose from. Here you can buy a rock sluice bag or bucket. They have different options of sizes and what you can sluice for, like gems and fossils. 

If you do not have time to stay and sluice you can grab yourself a “sluice to go” bag. Which I think is a pretty neat idea, could also make a great gift. I probably should have grabbed a couple. Next time.   

Around the grounds there are some nice trails and gardens. At the top of the hill you will see a red barn. The barn has a small fossil hunt. You can hunt for the fossils hidden in the wall.  

Below is for those who want to go a bit more in depth. 

Ticket Options

There are a couple of ticket options for you: Regular Daily Tours, VIP Tours and Memberships. 

Regular Daily Tours

Regular Daily Tours are self-paced. You choose how long your tour is. Tickets can be bought online or in person at the visitor center. If you choose to purchase online you will still need to pick up physical tickets once you arrive. That is how you get your tour time. 

An upgrade option is the black light flashlight. There are a few different prices and size flashlight options. You can take the flashlight into the cave and use it while exploring. 

When we went, the tickets were $21.99 each for us and $12.99 for our daughter who is under 12. 13 and over get adult prices 3 and under are free. We just bought tickets there. With the blacklight flashlight added on of course. 

VIP Tours

VIP Tours are for groups of 10 and need to be booked 48 hours in advance. You cannot buy these online, you would need to call 608-437-3038. These tours are privately guided for you and your group. 

There are different packages to choose from and can include gem or fossil mining, geodes and fluorescence.  

Special Events

Cave of the Mounds has events happening all year round and some for the holidays. Here are a few options:

Guided Black Light Tour

Experience the Cave of the Mounds by Black Light. You will learn about ultraviolet light, fluorescence, and see the speleothems GLOW!

Lantern Tours

Discover the cave cave using only lanterns and flashlights. Feel as though you are one of the first people to ever see the cave.

Easter EGGstravaganza

Pathways are lit with hundreds of GLOWING eggs! Watch the glow from the eggs and see the cave in a whole new light. With the purchase of an Easter Rock Hunt bag, you get rock and fossil treasures underground at stations inside Cave of the Mounds! There are many events and activities to make this and EGGciting event.

HOLLOW-een 

For the month of October, costumes are encouraged! Enjoy this sugar-less trick-or-treat experience throughout the cave. Trick-or-treaters will receive a mix of rocks and fossils at stations in the cave.

Light in the Cave

Lights decorate parts of the cave in December for the holidays. You will see twinkly lights draping downward for the perfect holiday photo! You will have the opportunity to experience this on every tour all month long.

There are more events being added so be sure to check out what is going on occasionally.
www.caveofthemounds.com/events/upcoming-events/

Membership

Memberships are good for a year and can be purchased in person when you get your tickets at the Visitor Center. The Membership was a 6.99 upgrade. If we lived closer we would have went with the Membership. With your membership you will get unlimited Cave Tour admissions. 

What to wear

Bring a light jacket, the cave stays around 50 degrees. Closed toe or tennis shoes are reccommended. The cave is constantly dripping with water making everything, including the floor, damp, wet and a bit slippery in spots. 

Large backpacks or bags are not allowed. Neither are strollers, wagons or framed carriers. These items if taken into the cave may do damage. There are some very, very tight spots in the cave and these items may get caught on the cave. 

Inside the giftshop there is a box to check the size of your bag. If it fits in the box it is allowed in the cave.   

Food and picnic areas

We brought lunch with us on our trip. There are picnic tables near the parking lot area. I also noticed that there was an outdoor grill but did not get a chance to check it out. You may be able to bring some charcoal and hot dogs too.  

The tables were all placed under trees which made most of them shaded. There are plenty of trash/recycling bins around too.  

Near the gift shop/cave entrance there is a place to get some food and drinks. You can find local drinks and snacks inside the visitor center.  

Pets

The only pets allowed on the trails, in the buildings or in the cave are service animals. If you are traveling and have your dogs with you there are kennels available across the street. They are free to use and you can get the key from the visitor center in exchange for your photo id. 

For more information on their pet policy you can CLICK HERE.  

Accessibility

Handicap parking is available at the bottom of the service drive. The cave is not handicap accessible, some trials, the visitor center and restrooms are all accessible.  

In the cave there are quite a few stairs. There are handrails because the stairs are a bit steep and wet. Throughout the cave the path can be uneven and slippery. There is a point in the cave that does get quite narrow.

For more information, check out their website at –

www.CaveoftheMounds.com

Thanks for reading! If you ever get a chance to visit the Cave of the Mounds, do it. It’s an incredible place to visit.

If you have time, I recommend visiting The House on the Rock, it is about 30 minutes away and incredible!

And if you are coming from the Chicago area, we put together a list of our favorite day trips from Chicago worth checking out.

Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and keep a look out for more places we visit in the future!

Lesser Known Adventures on YouTube

Looking for more Wisconsin adventures? Browse our full collection of Wisconsin travel guides for more hidden gems across the state.

Cave of the Mounds pairs perfectly with a night in the area. Check out our Midwest weekend getaways for more trips worth an overnight stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cave of the Mounds

How much do Cave of the Mounds tickets cost? Adult tickets (ages 13+) are $21.99. Kids ages 4-12 are $12.99. Children 3 and under are free. A black light flashlight add-on is available and worth it. Memberships are $6.99 for unlimited visits for a year.

How long does a visit take? The cave tour itself is about an hour. Most families spend two to three hours total once you factor in the grounds, rock sluice, and barn fossil hunt.

How cold is it inside? 50 degrees year round. Bring a light jacket no matter what time of year you go.

Is it good for kids? Yes. The tour is engaging for all ages and the rock sluice and fossil hunt are big hits with younger kids. Strollers and wagons cannot go into the cave.

How far is Cave of the Mounds from Chicago? About two and a half hours. It pairs well with House on the Rock which is only 30 minutes away. We have a full House on the Rock visitor guide here.

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The Best Cheese Store in Wisconsin – Visiting Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha Wisconsin Video Tour

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The Castle that Cheese Built

Located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mars Cheese Castle is the world’s largest cheese store, with over 700 varieties of cheese from all over the world.   

Then

Mars Cheese Castle is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving up delicious cheese and other specialty foods since 1947.  

Husband and wife Mario and Martha Ventura started their small business in 1947.  Business was good until 1957 when there was a fire; consequently, they lost the building. Fortunately, there was another location nearby available to relocate and start anew. After some renovations, the family was able to reopen, and shortly after, numerous additions began as business grew.

In 2011 the Cheese Castle would have to relocate once again.  With the expansion of the interstate, the building would have to be torn down.  As a result, the children and grandchildren, who now own and operate the business, were able to build the castle Mario and Martha always wanted.  

Now

On March 26, 2011, was the Grand opening of the Mars Cheese Castle.  There were lines of people waiting to take a peek inside the new Castle. Since then, it has been a tourist attraction, bringing in many new and familiar faces.  Mars Cheese Castle prides itself on focusing on local Wisconsin brands wherever and whenever they can. 

What You Will Find

With the opening of the new store came many original favorites and some great new additions.

Restaurant

The castle has a restaurant that is known, of course, for its grilled cheese. The Ruben sandwich is also supposed to be one of the best around. What goes great with a freshly made sandwich? How about fresh Wisconsin cheese curds?  Yes, they serve fried cheese curds!  

Drinks

There is a bar located in the castle serving up its famous Bloody Mary’s.   If you do not have time to stay for a drink, there is an extensive selection of beer and wine from all over the world to take home. 

Bakery and Deli

At the in-house bakery you will find the fan favorite Chedder Cheese bread loaf, along with the popular authentic Danish Kringles and Elegant Farmer baked in the bag Apple Pies!  

In addition, they also have Cheese curds, cheese logs, chocolate cheese (you have to try this!), cheese spread…Ham, Usinger’s bratwurst, summer sausage, gift boxes, Palo Popcorn, beer, wine and so very much more!  

Giftshop

In the gift shop area you will find many Mars Cheese Castle souvenirs. There is also a great selection of Wisconsin themed items as well as cheese, cow and mouse themed gifts. You can find something for everyone here.  

Of course, there is a large candy selection featuring some nostalgic candy. I bet you will find candy that you have never tried before too. 

Every time we go, we find something new to try, but we have our staples of course.   

Reasons to Visit

Mars Cheese Castle is a popular tourist destination, and it is easy to see why. The store is huge, with over 100,000 square feet of space. The cheese selection is simply amazing, and the staff is friendly and helpful.  You can sample different cheeses in the deli area, which may make your decisions even harder. 

Mars Cheese Castle is a great place to find unique gifts for friends and family.  The store is open daily 9-7.  The bar and restaurant hours may vary.  

Generations of families have been visiting the Mars Cheese Castle.  We have started the tradition with our family and our daughter is now a fan! 

If you are a cheese lover or if you are looking for a unique Wisconsin experience, be sure to visit Mars Cheese Castle. You won’t be disappointed! And don’t forget to bring your cooler! 

#marscheesecastle #cheese #Wisconsin #cheeseshop #touristdestination #videotour #uniqueexperience #visit #wisconsincheese #kenoshawisconsin

The post The Best Cheese – Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha Wisconsin appeared first on Lesser Known Adventures.

If you are planning a trip and want to know what House on the Rock tickets cost, what the hours are, how long to allow, and what to expect inside each section, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.  

What Is House on the Rock?

House on the Rock started as one man’s dream. In 1945, Alex Jordan began building a man-made retreat high on a 60-foot chimney of rock in the Wisconsin countryside, with sweeping views of the valley below. He opened it to the public in 1960 and what started as a private retreat has grown into one of the most extraordinary and bizarre attractions in the entire United States.

Today the House on the Rock spans three massive sections with 20 different experience categories. Your self-guided tour takes you through the original house, an enormous indoor carousel, automated orchestras, a 200-foot sea creature, a 19th century street recreated indoors, the famous Infinity Room, and rooms full of collections that defy easy description. If you have read Neil Gaiman’s American Gods or watched the television series, House on the Rock plays a significant role in the story, and seeing it in person makes that very easy to understand.

A few things you will see: 

• Huge indoor carousel  
• Automated Orchestras and music machines 
• Larger than life sea creatures  
• One of the largest doll house collections 
• A huge unique gun collection 
• A 19^th century street indoors with storefronts 

House on the Rock Location and Address

5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588

Phone: 608-935-3639

House on the Rock is about 4 hours northwest of Chicago, 2 hours west of Milwaukee, and 1 hour southwest of Wisconsin Dells. It makes for a great day trip if you leave early or a natural stop on a longer Wisconsin road trip. We wrote a full guide to day trips from Chicago if you want to plan the whole drive.

House on the Rock Hours

House on the Rock is open March through December. It is NOT open year round so check the dates before you plan your trip. Here are the current seasonal hours:

Regular Season Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Open days vary by season — Thursday through Monday in spring and fall, daily in summer.

Spring Season: March through mid-May, Thursday through Monday

Summer Season: Mid-May through September, Daily

Fall Season: Late September through mid-November, Thursday through Monday

Christmas Season: Mid-November through end of December, Thursday through Monday. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Dark Side Halloween: Fridays and Saturdays in October, 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Important timing notes: some areas start closing at 2:00 pm. Doors close promptly at 5:00 pm. Plan to arrive early, most visitors need 3 to 4 hours to see everything.

House on the Rock Tickets and Prices

Tickets can be purchased in person or online. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted. Checks are not accepted. We strongly recommend buying online in advance because you get a discount and you can skip the line at will call when you arrive.

One important tip: the cell signal at House on the Rock is not great and there is no WiFi, so screenshot your confirmation or write down your ticket number before you leave home.

Regular Season — Online Tickets (Ultimate Experience, all 3 sections)

Adults (18 and up): $32.95

Junior (7-17): $17.95

Children (6 and under): $4.95

Regular Season — On-Site Tickets (Ultimate Experience, all 3 sections)

Adults (18-61): $35.95

Senior and Military (62 and over): $32.95

Junior (7-17): $19.95

Children (6 and under): $5.95

Regular Season — Highlight Experience (sections 1 and 2 only)

Adults, Senior and Military (18 and over): $29.95

Junior (7-17): $16.95

Children (6 and under): $3.95

Regular Season — Original House Experience (section 1 only)

Adults, Senior and Military (18 and over): $19.95

Junior (7-17): $11.95

Children (6 and under): $1.95

Christmas Season Tickets (sections 1 and 2, section 3 is closed)

Adults (18-61): $29.95

Senior and Military (62 and over): $27.95

Junior (7-17): $16.95

Children (6 and under): $5.95

Dark Side Halloween Tickets (October Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30-9:00 pm)

Dark Side only:

Adults (18 and up): $19.95

Junior and Children (17 and under): $11.95

Dark Side plus Ultimate Experience (same day):

Adults (18 and up): $45.95

Junior and Children (17 and under): $25.95

Note: Dark Side tickets are not available for purchase online. Dark Side is a Halloween themed walkthrough with dim lighting, strobe effects, fog, and performers. It may not be suitable for everyone. Confirm current dates at houseontherock.com before visiting.

Group rates for 20 or more people are available. Contact House on the Rock directly for group pricing.

All prices were accurate at the time of writing. Check houseontherock.com for current pricing before your visit.

Parking at House on the Rock

Parking is free. Follow the long driveway and keep left to reach the large parking lot above the Welcome Center. If you are in a larger vehicle or RV, stay to the right.

What to Bring

Cash for tokens. This is the one thing most people forget. Throughout the house there are automated music machines that require tokens to operate and they are absolutely worth using. Bring singles because the token machines often do not accept larger bills. The good news is you can exchange unused tokens back for cash at the gift shop at the end of your tour so there is no risk in bringing extra.

Comfortable walking shoes. This is a walking tour through a large property with uneven terrain in some areas. You will be on your feet for several hours. Leave the dress shoes in the car.

Layers. Some sections take you outside between buildings so dress for the weather. Even in summer it is worth having a light jacket since you will move between indoor and outdoor areas throughout the tour.

Your ticket confirmation number. Cell signal is poor at the site. Screenshot your confirmation or write the number down before you leave home so you can check in at will call without fumbling with your phone.

Where to Eat

About halfway through the house there is a restaurant and food court serving snacks, meals, and drinks. It is open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are visiting with kids, this is a good natural stopping point in the middle of the tour.

Near the parking lot there are also picnic tables if you want to bring your own food. Outside food and beverages in non-sealed containers are not allowed inside the attraction areas.

If you want to read more about the Christmas Experience and see more pictures, read about it here: House on the Rock Christmas Experience

The Three Sections of House on the Rock

The house is divided into three sections. If you are short on time or budget, Section 1 and 2 contain most of the iconic experiences. Section 3 is worth it if you have the time, the Circus Room and Doll Carousel are genuinely impressive.

Section 1

The Alex Jordan Center: Dedicated to Alex Jordan and the history of how House on the Rock came to be. A great place to start for context.

Gate House: Features a massive fireplace and a music machine that replicates a full chamber orchestra. A taste of what is to come.

The Original House: The 13-room house where it all started. The design and scale feel impossible and intimate at the same time.

The Infinity Room: A glass-enclosed room that extends 218 feet out over the valley below. One of the most unique and memorable architectural experiences you will ever have. Do not skip this.

Section 2

Mill House: One of the world’s largest fireplaces, an enormous doll collection, suits of armor, antique guns, and mechanical banks.

Streets of Yesterday: A fully recreated 19th century brick street lined with shop displays, a fortune teller, and period storefronts. Incredibly detailed and atmospheric.

Heritage of the Sea: Home to a massive 200-foot sea creature suspended from the ceiling, over 200 model ship displays, and the Octopus’s Garden sea creature band. The sheer scale of this room is staggering.

Tribute to Nostalgia: Vintage automobiles, signs, and shops, plus the restaurant.

Music of Yesterday: Mechanically operated orchestras and music machines from different eras. This is where your tokens come in handy.

Spirit of Aviation: A sky full of model planes suspended from the ceiling.

The Carousel: The crown jewel of House on the Rock. An enormous indoor carousel featuring 269 animals, 20,000 lights, and 182 chandeliers. It does not carry riders — it is purely an artistic display and it is breathtaking. One of the most photographed things in Wisconsin.

Section 3

Organ Room: A labyrinth of bridges, walkways, and staircases leading in unexpected directions, anchored by three enormous theatre organ consoles.

Inspiration Point: An outdoor area offering a view of the House on the Rock and Infinity Room from below. Great for photos.

Doll House Room: One of the world’s largest collections of miniature doll houses.

Circus Room: A massive miniature circus display that is anything but small.

Galleries: Exotic collections from around the globe including unusual firearms, armor, and lavish crown jewels.

Doll Carousel: Two carousels filled with handcrafted dolls.

Note: Section 3 is closed during the Christmas Season.

The House on the Rock rules

Below are a few rules to go by:

• Outside food and alcohol are not allowed. Non-sealable, non-bottled beverages are not allowed past the admission areas.    
• This is a non-smoking facility. Smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is only allowed in marked designated outside smoking areas. 
• Only service animals working and performing tasks for an individual with a disability as defined by ADA are allowed.  
• Pets are NOT allowed.  

Other rules and up to date information can be found at: www.thehouseontherock.com

The information is courtesy of The House on the Rocks website and personal experience.

Thanks for reading!

Where to Stay Near House on the Rock

The House on the Rock Resort is right on site, a full resort with spa and golf course at 400 Springs Drive, Spring Green, WI 53588. Beyond the resort there are hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds throughout Spring Green. If you are making a weekend of it, an Airbnb in the area is a great option and lets you explore at a relaxed pace.

What Else to Do Near House on the Rock

The Spring Green and Blue Mounds area has several great stops worth combining with your House on the Rock visit.

Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds is about 30 minutes away and one of the most beautiful limestone cave systems in the Midwest. We love this place and have a full guide and video. Read our Cave of the Mounds visitor guide here.

Mount Horeb is a charming small town about 20 minutes from House on the Rock known for its Troll Trail, a walking tour of hand-carved wooden trolls along the main street. Great for a quick stop especially with kids.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour northeast and is worth its own dedicated trip. The waterparks are the obvious draw but there is a lot more to the area beyond that.

Our Honest Take

We go to House on the Rock multiple times a year and it is one of our favorite places in the entire Midwest. That might sound like an exaggeration but we genuinely mean it. Every time we visit we find something we missed or see something familiar in a new way. It is the kind of place that rewards multiple visits in a way that almost nothing else does.

Our recommendation is to buy the Ultimate Experience ticket online to save money and get into all three sections. Arrive when it opens at 9:00 am. Take your time in each room. Bring tokens and use them. And do not rush the Carousel or the Infinity Room, those are the moments you will remember.

If you are visiting in the fall or winter, check out our full guide to the House on the Rock Christmas Experience for everything you need to know about the holiday season specifically. Watch our video below for that visit!

Planning more Wisconsin adventures? Browse our complete collection of Wisconsin travel guides for more hidden gems and road trip stops across the state.

House on the Rock makes a perfect day trip from Chicago or Milwaukee. Check out our full list of Midwest day trips for more destinations worth the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do House on the Rock tickets cost?

Regular season Ultimate Experience tickets (all three sections) cost $32.95 for adults when purchased online, or $35.95 at the door. Junior tickets (ages 7-17) are $17.95 online or $19.95 on-site. Children 6 and under are $4.95 online. Buying online saves money and lets you skip the ticket line.

Is House on the Rock worth the money?

Yes, without question. We have been dozens of times and it is still worth every dollar. There is genuinely nothing else like it anywhere in the world. Budget at least 3 to 4 hours and buy the Ultimate Experience ticket to see all three sections — the Carousel and Infinity Room alone justify the price of admission.

How long does it take to see House on the Rock?

Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours for all three sections. If you are thorough and use the music machines, budget closer to 4 to 5 hours. Some areas start closing at 2:00 pm so arrive early to see everything at a comfortable pace.

Is House on the Rock open year round?

No. House on the Rock is open March through December with varying days and hours depending on the season. It is closed in January and February. Always check houseontherock.com for current hours before making the drive.

Is House on the Rock good for kids?

Yes, kids love it. The carousel, the enormous sea creature, the music machines, and the sheer scale of everything makes it endlessly fascinating for children. Be aware that some areas have uneven terrain and stairs, and not all sections are stroller-friendly.

Can you buy House on the Rock tickets at the door?

Yes, tickets are available on-site. However on-site prices are higher than online prices and on busy summer weekends the lines can be long. We always recommend buying online in advance at houseontherock.com to save money and time.

How far is House on the Rock from Chicago?

House on the Rock is about 4 hours northwest of Chicago, making it a long but very doable day trip if you leave early. It also works well as a weekend trip — Spring Green and the surrounding Wisconsin countryside have plenty of great places to stay and explore.

What is the Infinity Room at House on the Rock?

The Infinity Room is a glass-enclosed cantilevered room that extends 218 feet out over the valley below with no support underneath. Walking to the end of it and looking down through the glass floor is one of the most memorable experiences in the entire attraction. It is completely safe but genuinely thrilling.

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