busyles

Driving from Chicago to Grand Forks mid-May. Love outdoors, waterfalls, wildlife, B&B's, gardens. Other then a day or so in Chicago we'd rather avoid big cities and big highways. We've got a week to make the trip. I've been looking at visiting Madison, scenic drives along Mississippi near La Crosse, then going to Apostle Island area and then zipping across Minnesota to get to graduation in Grand Forks. Do you have other recommendations for places to see in Wisconsin?

TC

Have you considered Spring Green, WI -- beautiful country, home of Tailiasin, House on the Rock, B&Bs, etc.?

http://www.springgreen.com/

kp

It will still be pretty cold in northern WI (Lake Superior)in mid-May. Check the cruise schedule if you're thinking of viewing the Apostle Islands by boat--I believe their season begins in mid-May. I visited Ashland at the end of March last year and the weather was beautiful--didn't even need a jacket during the day.
House on the Rock is an attraction that either you love or hate.

isabellasu

Going to the Apostle Islands would be out of your way.
Even more scenic and more things to do would be to spend the time you would've spent at the Apostle Islands in the Duluth area and a drive up the North Shore to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock lighthouse.

busyles

I appreciate your suggestions. I checked the cruise schedule and indeed we may be too early for the start of their season. I'll look into the north shore area a bit more. I don't think the house on the rock is something I'd go out of my way to see, but I could be wrong. I'm more into the nature scene. Any B & B's you just love?

TC

House on the Rock is not very "nature" oriented, but the area is outstandingly beautiful. Don't count out Spring Green just because of HR.

isabellasu

If you do drive up the North Shore of MN, Two Harbors has a B&B that is a lighthouse.
http://www.lighthousebb.org/
There is hiking around Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse since you are more interested in outdoor activities.

If you decide to go to the Apostle Islands, Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield is excellent.
http://www.rittenhouseinn.com/

The Spring Green area is very pretty, skip the HOTR, it's claustrophobic and weird. If interested in Frank Lloyd Wright, you could tour Talesin.
http://www.taliesinpreservation.org/

ronko

I actually have a place on Madeline Island - in the Apostles - and I am planing on going up in April and again in May for a few days -- I find the area fantastic any month of the year -- yes - it might be cool - BUT - you still can enjoy Bayfield - and someone else mentioned the Rittenhouse(highly recommended) then take the ferry over to Madeline Island - go out to the State Park and the Town Park - the hike is great - take your camera - go back and hopefully the Madeline Historical Museum is open - also, go to the Bell Street for lunch or dinner - or to Pub at the Inn on Madeline -then maybe go back by ferry and drive to Cornicopa - and onto to Superior and Duluth.

I should mention their are some beautiful state parks on your way with nice waterfalls.

Keep your eyes open - you probably will see deer - birds - eagles if your lucky - and you may even see a black bear.

Enjoy

busyles

Thanks everyone for your time and input. It all sounds beautiful, relaxing, and fun