Directions To Interstate 39 Travel Guide

Directions To Interstate 39 Travel Guide

Top Attractions

Interstate 39 is a major highway that runs through Illinois and Wisconsin, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration. Some of the top attractions along the way include:

• The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL
• The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI
• The Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL
• The Milwaukee Public Museum in Milwaukee, WI
• The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, check out these hidden gems:

• The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Laurent House in Rockford, IL
• The House on the Rock attraction in Spring Green, WI
• The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens in Rockford, IL
• The Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee, WI
• The Cornish Festivals in Mineral Point, WI

Food Scene

Interstate 39 offers a diverse range of culinary options, from classic Midwestern fare to international cuisine. Some top picks include:

• The cheese curds at the Old Fashioned in Madison, WI
• The brats at Usinger’s in Milwaukee, WI
• The deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s in Chicago, IL
• The custard at Culver’s in various locations
• The craft beer at New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, WI

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? Here are some tips to save money:

• Visit state parks and free attractions
• Eat at local diners and food trucks
• Book accommodations in advance and look for deals
• Use public transportation or carpool to save on gas
• Bring reusable water bottles and snacks for the road

Outdoor Adventures

Interstate 39 is surrounded by natural beauty, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities:

• Hiking and waterfall viewing at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL
• Kayaking and fishing on the Rock River in Rockford, IL
• Biking and birdwatching on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail in Cottage Grove, WI
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI
• Camping and stargazing at Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, WI

Historical Landmarks

History buffs will enjoy exploring these landmarks along Interstate 39:

• The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, IL
• The Macktown Living History Education Center in Rockton, IL
• The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI
• The Black Point Estate and Gardens in Lake Geneva, WI
• The National Mustard Museum in Middleton, WI

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? These family-friendly activities are sure to please:

• The Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur, IL
• The Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, IL
• The Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee, WI
• The Kalahari Resort Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, WI
• The House on the Rock Attraction in Spring Green, WI

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for unique and unusual experiences, try these off-the-beaten-path activities:

• The Green County Cheese Days Festival in Monroe, WI
• The World’s Largest Twine Ball in Darwin, MN
• The UFO Days Festival in Belleville, WI
• The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI
• The Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI

Natural Wonders

Interstate 39 is surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, including:

• The Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL
• The Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI
• The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area in Horicon, WI
• The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI
• The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in McGregor, IA

Vibrant Nightlife

Looking for a fun night out? Check out these nightlife hotspots:

• The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL
• The Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI
• The SafeHouse Bar in Milwaukee, WI
• The Red Barn Theatre in Rice Lake, WI
• The High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI

Local Markets

For a taste of local culture and cuisine, check out these farmers markets and food fairs:

• The Green City Market in Chicago, IL
• The Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison, WI
• The Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, WI
• The La Crosse Farmers’ Market in La Crosse, WI
• The Mineral Point Farmers Market in Mineral Point, WI

Beaches and Mountains

Although not known for its beaches and mountains, Interstate 39 has some hidden gems:

• The Lake Geneva Beach in Lake Geneva, WI
• The Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, WI
• The Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, IL
• The Kettle Moraine State Forest in Plymouth, WI
• The High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, WI

Cultural Immersion

For a deeper understanding of the local culture, try these cultural immersion experiences:

• The American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI
• The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL
• The Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, WI
• The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in various locations
• The Ho-Chunk Nation Pow-Wow in Black River Falls, WI

Art and Music Scene

Interstate 39 has a vibrant art and music scene, with plenty of venues and events to check out:

• The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, IL
• The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL
• The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in Madison, WI
• The Summerfest Music Festival in Milwaukee, WI
• The Rockford Art Museum in Rockford, IL

Walking Tours

If you prefer to explore on foot, these walking tours offer a great way to see the sights:

• The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in various locations
• The Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, IL
• The Architectural Boat Tour in Chicago, IL
• The Wisconsin State Capitol Tour in Madison, WI
• The Riverwalk in Milwaukee, WI

Architectural Marvels

Interstate 39 is home to some impressive architectural feats, including:

• The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL
• The Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield, IL
• The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion in Milwaukee, WI
• The Taliesin Estate in Spring Green, WI
• The Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, WI

Historical Sites

To learn more about the region’s rich history, visit these historical sites:

• The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, IL
• The Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield, IL
• The Black Point Estate and Gardens in Lake Geneva, WI
• The Villa Louis Historic Site in Prairie du Chien, WI
• The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI