LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR WISCONSIN VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Wisconsin Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Wisconsin State Parks:
Wisconsin State Parks – Having a greatly diverse geography, Wisconsin was impacted by glaciers during the Ice Age. The Northern Highland, Western Upland, and part of the Central Plain occupies the western part of the state, with lowlands stretching to the shore of Lake Michigan. The state is one of the nation’s leading dairy producers and is known as “America’s Dairyland”, and particularly famous for cheese. Tourism is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Wisconsin has 41 State Parks, 8 State Forests, 3 State Fisheries, a State Fish Hatchery, a State Trail, 7 State Wildlife Areas, 3 State Wildlife Mgmt. Areas, and a State Wildlife Refuge.
Governor Dodge State Park: This Park is a 5,270-acre park in Iowa County. Named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, the park contains geologic features indicative of the Driftless Area. A great state park that offers up quite a bit of variety – two lakes, hiking trails of various difficulty, campsites and picnic areas, an interesting cave, a small waterfall. The Uplands trail is a nice little loop on a horseback riding path. The Lost Canyon trail is beautiful as you walk in the canyon and above and around it. Easy to spend several hours here walking around, admiring the beauty. Lots of hiking opportunities. Twin Valley campground facilities are clean and well maintained with hot water showers, quiet atmosphere, beautiful nature, crystal clear water lakes and firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance. The Park is found in Dodgeville.
Rocky Arbor State Park: This Park was established in 1932 to protect sandstone outcrops eroded into picturesque walls and ledges. It’s an easy hike along marshy waterway rather from atop the ridge. Really unique rocky out crops with trees growing from rocks and out of cracks. Water patterns on rocks are also very interesting. One huge Boulder is plopped right in the middle of the marshy area with a few trees growing from it! It’s worth checking out for 30 min to an hour-long hike! The Park offers wooded campsites, is a small 244-acre park 1.5 miles north of Wisconsin Dells, a 1-mile hiking trail and picnic and playground area. The Park is in an attractive setting by pine trees and sandstone bluffs. Found in Wisconsin Dell.
Devil’s Lake State Park: This Park is so beautiful! The trails are amazing! Some are easy – some are difficult, but the trail maps are marked as to which ones more challenging. The ones up the bluff will make you sweat quite a bit, but the view is so worth it! Each trail has a something unique and special to be found along it. It’s so exciting! The photos you can take and the time you can spend at this park is extensive! It would take a whole weekend to experience it all. So, if you’re going up for a day pick and choose what you most want to do, because time goes by quick when you’re having this much fun! By the lake there’s kayak and canoe rental, paddle boat rental, swimming, a beautiful gift shop, ice cream, snacks, a bath house, and a campground. That’s the best way if you have the time and camp for a whole weekend or longer! You will want to go back! You will find this Park in Baraboo.
Pattison State Park: This Park is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a family day trip. Situated on the Black River, the park contains both Big Manitou Falls, the highest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet, and Little Manitou Falls, which is 30 feet. Depending on the time of year it can be very hot, but both the waterfalls have parking and bathrooms within a close distance which is great if you have children. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, as well. After doing the trails there is the sandy, shallow beach to cool down. There are often lovely yellow butterflies all around the beach. Found just south of Superior.
Mirror Lake State Park: This Park features a 2,200-acres that includes a lake, woods, and cliffs with a beach, hiking trails & canoe rentals. Great scenery for kayaking, and canoeing…if you fish, there’s lots of that. You can kayak around Islands and sandbars. You will see. Bald eagles, otters, big turtles, a very diverse wildlife. Great place for duck, small game, and band pheasant hunting. This Park would be great for those who just want to view wildlife, too. People are friendly and are helpful as well. Go to Muscoda to find this park.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you have a great family vacation to Wisconsin. Call us at 352-277-7300 and we will get things put together for you so you will enjoy your time there. Check out the website, too, at www.travelkatz.com – where these state parks will be added to the growing list of things to do.
Wisconsin Museums – This north-midwestern state has coastlines on 2 Great Lakes – Michigan and Superior – and an interior of forests, farms, and exciting museums.
EAA Aviation Museum: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is a growing and diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. This particular museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world, a year-round destination for the entire family, and this museum reflects the EAA heritage. Explore and enjoy the world-class displays and galleries. You will marvel at aviation innovations in the collection of more than 200 historic airplanes. Spend time in one of four movie theaters. You can take a ride in a vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport-a real working aerodrome right out of the “golden age” of aviation. Witness a piece of history in the Eagle Hangar, a tribute to World War II aviation and get “hands on” in the KidVenture Gallery, the exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages! You will find aircraft that you won’t see anywhere else, and some of them are just “plane” strange. The museum has several interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy; a favorite is flying a hot air balloon. The facility includes movies and a very nice gift shop. Downstairs is an extensive display of WWII airplane nose art. A display of Spaceship One is on the ground floor with a short video at the top of each hour. Expect to spend an afternoon there. This museum is rated #1 in Oshkosh.
H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum:Visitors learn about the life and times of the 19th-century pioneering photographer H.H. Bennett at this historical learning center and museum. All tours and programs are reservation based so please call TravelKatz in advance to book. WOW! What a little gem of a place. Very informative & interesting, though maybe not for younger kids. They do have a pattern on the carpet in one area, where you can try to do “The Leap”, as in Bennett’s famous photo! Definitely a good “follow-on” activity after going on the Upper Dells boat tour, where the dogs do “The Leap”. Bennett invented many photographic tools & processes, which are interesting to learn about. This museum is found in Wisconsin Dells.
Door County Historical Museum: A wonderful local museum that preserves the history and character of Door county. When entering the museum, there is a diorama of the wildlife and scenery of Door County created by taxidermist Mike Orthober (taxidermist hall of fame) which is incredible. Also, most exhibits were donated by local residents which enhanced the charm and feeling of this collection. In one area they have plaques on the wall of the many inventions and notable people from the area. Downstairs there are areas set up to represent many of the businesses in the area. The collections here are very complete. Coming back upstairs there is a fire museum you can visit, complete with fire trucks. On the top floor there are displays of cherry picking, ice skating, and resorts from days gone by. This museum is perfect for all ages. Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation per person, which you could gladly donate! A wonderful find in Sturgeon Bay.
Civil War Museum:This accredited Civil War Museum opened in 2008 on Wisconsin’s scenic lakefront campus. 57,000 Sq Ft covers the American Civil War history like no other, offering the enthusiast a chance to learn about the contributions of the Upper Middle West. It has been acclaimed for the permanent exhibit featuring life-scale, interactive exhibits, and audio and video technology. Introduced in 2013, the award-winning 360-degree film “Seeing the Elephant” is a 10-minute-long glimpse into the life of a mid-western soldier, from recruitment, to training, through battle and finally returning home. Visit the Veterans Gallery commemorating soldiers from each war fought by the US. This museum is in Kenosha.
Circus World:This is America’s favorite circus attraction! Baraboo was home to The Ringling Bros. Circus from 1884 thru 1918, and during those thirty-four years the operation grew to become the largest circus enterprise the world has ever known. Although the Ringlings left in 1918, many of their original structures survived. During the summer months, see the world’s largest collection of glorious parade wagons plus 7 authentic Ringling Bros. buildings filled with colorful, big top memories. Experience the thrill that never grows old at Circus World in Baraboo.
Give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 or go to www.travelkatz.com ; we can help plan your Wisconsin trip.
Wisconsin Festivals: Even though this is a northern state, they have some really remarkable festivals. Music, the Polka, and Cheese will draw you in. Enjoy these festivals!
Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival: Witness novice, intermediate, advanced and professional carvers transform blocks of snow and ice into works of art. Sturgeon Bay, Sat, Feb 15 all day
International Festival: Join us in celebrating the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy more than 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections. Madison; Sat, Feb 29 all day
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival: Annual Grand Parade and Irish Festival in Downtown New London has over 120 entries. Irish Festival Foods are to be found in the parking lot. Irish Music, Food, Vendors, and beverages are the order of the day. Sat, Mar 21 all day
Midwest Gourd Fest: This annual event features the ordinary gourd as an art medium ‑ through musical instruments, demos, classes, etc. We’re family friendly, feature competitions, seeds/growing, literature, raffles, a silent auction, a kid’s corner and prizes. Madison; Sat, Apr 11, 9 AM.
5th Annual International Lady Laughs Comedy Festival: Join us in Celebrating 5 years of #FunnyWomen as we get ready for the festival in 2020! Mark your calendars now. Submissions open in December. Tickets go on sale in March. Madison, Apr 22 – 26.
Wisconsin Gospel Music Festival: We love live music! Here at the Crystal Grand, we pride ourselves on our intimate seating for 2000. We’re just big enough to get some of your favorite artists, but small enough to ensure you have a unique concert experience every single time you attend one of the shows. The layout of our theatre seats are placed on a subtle incline, keeping everyone’s line of sight to the performer crystal clear as they enjoy the show; the best seats in the house! We also feature an image magnification system with experienced videographers to make sure you don’t miss a moment of your favorite artists! Our stunning architecture will leave you in awe from the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave. However, our looks aren’t all we’ve got going for us! We are constantly doing everything we can to bring in a good balance of the old artists you love, like our yearly tradition of spending Christmas with the Oak Ridge Boys, and the new artists you can’t wait to be the first to see! We’ve been host to many incredible entertainers such at George Carlin, Blake Shelton, Justin Moore, REO Speedwagon, and Jay Leno! Wisconsin Dells; May 15 & 16 @ 7 PM
Greater Wisconsin Cheese Festival: This festival is a family event that features live music, numerous food booths, carnival rides, parade, walk/run, cheese tasting, cheese carving demonstrations, cheese curd eating contest, children’s games and entertainment, and a cheese breakfast. Little Chute, May 11, all day
Wisconsin State Polka Festival: Several big bands featuring Dutchmen, Polish, Czech, Slovenian, and German style polka music. A huge wooden dance floor, dance lessons Saturday morning (10-11), great food, great prizes, with the crowning of the Wisconsin State Polka Queen. Friday Fish Fry. Hubertus; May 22 – 24.
TravelKatz will be happy to make a great vacation for you and your family or group; flying you to Wisconsin for their festivals. Please give us a call at 352-277-7300.
It’s a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan’s western shore. It’s known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley’s. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Sightseeing City Tour: We recommend a guided tour, so you won’t miss the fascinating stories and wide variety of landmarks that make Milwaukee a surprise hit with visitors. This guided tour takes you on a walking and driving tour of top Milwaukee attractions, including City Hall and the Milwaukee Art Museum, in addition to fun trips to a creamery and a brewery. Plus, because this is a small-group tour, you have plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide and ask questions. It will also help you know where you want to go back to for more in-depth visits.
Frank Lloyd Wright American System-Built Homes: Perfect tour for those interest in Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. This cluster of about 6 homes is part of some of his earlier works and is quite different than what one would usually associate with Wright. For that reason alone, I think it is a must see! It shows you how ahead of his time Wright was! There are 2 single family & 4 duplexes. The most FLW sites together anywhere. This was an attempt to produce and sell small, affordable FLW homes to the masses. The homes have many FLW touches that are subtle for cost reasons. If you know his designs, you will be fascinated by how he reduced size and cosmetics yet is still his look and feel. The docent tour was very informative and adjusted to your knowledge and interest level. It is best to make a reservation in advance for your tour.
Harley-Davidson Museum: This museum is truly a beautiful homage to a wonderful American made product from a company over 100 years old! From the engine room that showcases every engine they made to the bikes that were used in the movies there is truly something for everyone in your family. Very reasonably priced, check their website for special happenings too. The exhibits are top notch. The restaurant on site has good food. This is a great place to view the true history of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. A fantastic display from the first H-D motorcycle to the newest additions to their lineup. The display takes you on a tour of their vast production history. The museum also offers free admission for HOG members. We highly recommend it to anyone interested in Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. A restaurant and a store for clothing and accessories is located next door to the museum.
Indulgence Chocolatiers: Nice selection of chocolates and truffles as well as bar chocolates, coffees and wine. Somewhat pricey but worth it. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Loved the pairings and options!
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum: Villa Terrace is a historic mansion on the bluff above Lake Michigan. It has a small decorative arts museum and information about the Smith family that built it in 1923. It is a beautiful venue for a small wedding reception. The outdoor patio is beautiful and overlooks the gardens and the lake. The main dining room is beautiful for catered dinners. A nice gem close to downtown.
Milwaukee Art Museum: The building itself is beautiful, even at night. It has great galleries with very interesting exhibits. Multiple pieces of art by the big names, as well as little known artists. A favorite is the folk art. They have some incredible, unique pieces. The contemporary collection is also very nice. Having access to the patio, we could see the view of the city and the lake. There is a small cafe if you need a little something to snack on. There is also a gift shop. Parking is excellent with an attached garage. Worth the trip!
Milwaukee Public Museum: Where it really shines is how it showcases how Milwaukee was an integral part of the history of building the country, in shipping, and for those headed westward. The city is known for its large German settler presence: they do a nice job of showcasing how the German brew makers found themselves in one of the best places in the country to brew some of the best beers in the country for over a century. The museum also has a section called “The Streets of Old Milwaukee” taken from about the turn of the 20th century. Cobblestone streets, shops replicated that immigrants brought their specialties to sell to the population, and a view of what life was like in an earlier, and possibly simpler, time. Worth a good afternoon’s exploration.
Milwaukee Brewery Tour: Visit some of the best brew spots in Milwaukee on a 3.5-hour guided brewery tour. Your guide introduces you to brewery founders and staff who share their passion for beer. Your tour includes two 6-ounce beers at each brewery, and visits to Lakefront Brewery, Gathering Place Brewing, Black Husky Brewing, and Company Brewing. Travel with a small group limited to 14 people for a more personalized experience.
Milwaukee County Zoo: A great zoo for the entire family. Animals are treated very well. Animal enclosures are very spacious and clean. Great activities throughout the year for the whole family. Very informative information is available on each species of animals. A wide variety of animals for your enjoyment. A great petting zoo available. A great gift shop too. A great place to visit.
Direct or one stop flights are available from Tampa. Just give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 or visit our website to contact us as we have lots of ideas that will help you decide what special vacation is right for you and yours.
James Duane Doty, a territorial judge and land speculator, named Madison after the recently deceased President James Madison in 1836. Doty, who co-owned 1000 acres of land where downtown Madison now stands, lobbied aggressively to have Madison declared state capital, even going as far as trying to bribe legislators with high quality buffalo robes. Doty also named the streets in his new town after the other 38 signers of the U.S. Constitution.
Wisconsin State Capitol: This is probably the most classically beautiful state capitol in America. The resemblance to the national capitol in Washington is striking, but this building also has many unique and interesting features. It has been recently restored to its majestic splendor. Free tours offered daily leave from the rotunda. You will discover hidden treasures and visit spaces not usually open to the public if you elect a free tour. This is the centennial year of the capitol. Special displays recounting historical events and notable Wisconsinites are in the first-floor rotunda. Great views of the city from the observation decks in the dome. The people of Wisconsin invested wisely in this tribute to the State. Look for state symbols incorporated throughout the structure. A must see when visiting Madison.
Memorial Union Terrace: The Memorial Union Terrace is a unique place within a unique city. It’s a place where not just students congregate but also visitors. Located within easy walk of the university’s Rathskeller, one may order a meal from many locations before heading over to the terrace. And a good meal isn’t the only reason to head to this Madison jewel. There’s a reason why students and townspeople alike make this their destination with darkness pending. The sunsets from this area are simply spellbinding and coupled with the bustle of activity and music filling the air make for a wonderful experience. Helping make the even special is the co-mingling of students with those new to the terrace. Nearby, vendors offer a veritable feast with a variety of food options helping to create an experience for sight and taste. There is great Wisconsin ice cream, floats, shakes, sundaes and pretty much any sort of ice cream desert you can imagine. You can swim and there is a lifeguard on duty through the day. The water stretches out for miles and there are sail boats, power boats and wind surfers to watch. A great way to spend the day.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: One of Madison’s most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory. This is a great botanical garden and conservatory to begin with, but add in the only Thai Pavilion in North America and it’s a MUST-SEE There is a $2 fee except on Wednesdays when it’s free. Don’t let the photo fool you, this is a gold-leafed pavilion which looks yellow in pics. Accessible through out and nice niches of shade for a cool respite or quiet reflection. Don’t miss the herb garden or rock garden. The gift shop is the cutest gift shop ever. They have the nicest items for sale and would highly recommend checking it out.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum: This museum is a wonderful tribute to the men and women of Wisconsin who served in wars around the world. Some of the displays are actual items from Wis. soldiers. There are fabulous life-like displays of the different war eras. These displays have high-quality mannequins based off real people. They are not your clothing store mannequins. It makes the vignettes SO life-like. There is even a Huey helicopter suspended from the ceiling. Throughout the museum you hear sounds associated with wars. There are also interviews from the real soldiers who served. Very well done.
TravelKatz will make sure you get to Madison in a timely manner. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
Another option for our Wisconsin Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
WISCONSIN: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore calls to the explorer in all of us. An archipelago of 21 wilderness islands dot the waters of Lake Superior, and frozen waterfalls hang inside sea caves.
