Looking for cabin or few day adventure
 

My Dallas based mom is coming for another visit and I'm looking for something different for us to do. We've done Chicago, Door County, Lake Geneva, Galena, Cedarburg and Saugatuck Mi.

She will be here for a week but we are looking for something that won't require a week long stay but yet has charm. She loves woods, nature, bird watching and unique shopping and good food. I'll also have my two year old with us so power hikes are probably not doable for long.

Can anyone think of a neat destination in Wisconsin? I know the dells are supposed to be cheesy but are there some neat areas too?

Bayfield, WI. Madeline Island. Stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. Take the ferry to the Island and stop at the Burned Down Cafe for a cocktail. You'll love it.

Take a look at this website

www.wbba.org/swhvregion.html

This is a uniquely beautiful area of Wisconsin, southeast of Lacrosse, but not so far east as the Dells. Avoid the Dells.

Wisconsin is for cheese and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Some of the sites require pleasant drives in between.

http://www.wrightinwisconsin.org/

redshoe,

You don't mention where you are beginning or how far you can travel...but I assume Southern Wi or N. Ill.

Look into Green Lake. Heidelburg House. 3 hours From O'hare.

Prarie du Chein and LaCrosse are interesting towns along the Mississippi. So is Dubuque, IA for that matter, if you go there, do the National River museum.

Spring Green has a popular outdoor theater and the quirky House on the Rock plus the previously mentioned Frank Lloyd Wright stuff.

You can absolutely do the Dells area and enjoy it. You don't have to do go carts, mini golf, t shirt shops or buffets if that's not your thing. Try Reedsburg as a base if you are anti crowd. Take a ride on the Ducks. There are some great restaurants in the Dells. Try the Del Bar or a newer place near the Wilderness (name escapes me).

Have fun!

I'm located in Spring Grove, IL- so we can drive pretty much anywhere.

Take her to Canoe Bay for a few days..............


http://www.canoebay.com/index.html

We love the Old Rittenhouse in Bayfield both to stay and to have dinner. A wonderful place. Also love Canoe Bay. Can receommend both with no reservations. Canoe Bay is a very upscale lodge. Love it!!

I thought Canoe bay was for couples only and no kids?

I have returned many times to New Glaris WI (known as Little Switzerland and deserving of the title). There are shops, restaurants, a 20+ mile bike trail, a state park, a micro brewery and a large public swimming pool that was lovely.

It can also be combined with visits to Madison which is a great town/city.

I love Starved Rock State Park, probably about 2 hours from you, south of Chicago. lovely canyons and a great lodge.