WISCONSIN DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Exploring Williams Bay, Elkhorn and East Troy, WI

Located in Williams Bay, just outside of Lake Geneva, is Yerkes Observatory, considered to be the birthplace of astrophysics. Famous astronomers such as Carl Sagan, Edwin Hubble and other notable scientists studied here; Einstein was a visitor in 1921. The observatory’s architecture and landscape plan both make compelling cases to visit as well. The Beaux Arts and Romanesque building was designed by Henry Ives Cobb, the architect who drew many of the imposing Gothic structures at the University of Chicago. Yerkes is at once ornate and stately and also fanciful and irreverent with caricatures of major players in its history sculpted in the stone columns.

After your Yerkes visit, stop in at Duesterbeck’s Brewery in Elkhorn, a fifth-generation family farm producing handcrafted beer. With 20 different styles of beer, you’ll relax in the taproom or pavilion or on the huge outdoor patio. You are sure to find something for yourself or that someone special at the gift shops on the grounds.

Sit back and relax and enjoy a scenic ride aboard the East Troy Electric Railroad.   The historic streetcars travel the last remnants of the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light interurban rail system. Before boarding, explore the museum detailing the history of the railroad.

Oshkosh Public Museum

Day 2. Museums and More in Hartford, Oshkosh and Milwaukee

Today we’ll begin at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, the original home of Kissel cars built here in Hartford. Showcasing over 115 vintage autos, the collection is rounded out by displays of automotive artifacts such as gas pumps, signs, license plates, oil cans and other petroliana.

To experience more of days gone by, we’ll visit two historic homes in Oshkosh, the first being the stately Sawyer home with its Tiffany Studios treasures. Built in 1908 in the English Tudor Revival style, it now is home to the Oshkosh Public Museum. The mansion houses an outstanding collection of exhibits and artifacts detailing the history of a community and its people. The eight-foot Apostles Clock is arguably the museum’s most popular attraction. A mechanical masterpiece, it was created by Oshkosh resident Mathias Kitz and took six years to complete. Every hour on the hour, the clock chimes and small figures representing the Apostles pass before Christ and bow their heads.

Travel just across the street to Paine Art Center and Gardens. This English country estate includes a historic mansion, art collection and nearly four acres of botanical gardens. With changing exhibits throughout the year, there is always something new to experience. During during the holidays, the home is transformed into the magically themed Nutcracker in the Castle.

This afternoon in Milwaukee, treat your taste buds on one of the many award-winning tours offered by Milwaukee Food & City Tours. Choose from bakery tours, a pizza circuit or progressive brunch. Other favorite options: MKE Fish Fry and Churches & Chocolates

Veterans Park, Milwaukee

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