My DH and I are going to Door County WI for a few days, the end of this month (Sept.). On our way back, we have time to stop somewhere for a day.
I'm looking at--
*Wisconsin Dells (for the dells, not the water parks)
*Madison
*Lake Winnebago area
We have never been to any of these, so which one would be best? Other suggestions? We will be heading to Kansas City from Wisconsin.

Madison.

Door County is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it. I cannot recommend a particular stop from your list, but I would probably NOT stop in the Dells, although you are not going to be there during the busy summer season. I don't know how crazy it would be at the end of September.

You did not mention Galena, Illinois, which might be worth a stop.

Or stay at the American Club in Kohler,Wisconsin .. We were bored in a few hours in Galena.

Don't know if you are football fans or not -- but I would recommend stopping in Green Bay and visiting the Packer Stadium and Hall of Fame.

A friend just got back from Lake Geneva. I've never been, but he says it is a really special place.

We enjoyed our day in the Dells, though we had a hard time finding hiking trails. The river boat tours look like a good way to see the scenery, but we didn't do one of those.

I liked Madison, too, though we only had a morning there.

Lee Ann

Consider the Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa on your way back.

Madison, especially if you can make it on a Saturday for the Farmer's Market.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!
Kohler is too far east and we've been to Lambeau Field (been there, bought the cheesehead!), so that narrows it down a bit. I will try to add the Amana colonies going out or back.
Decisions, decisions!

Saturday in Madison is the day that Whad'Ya Know? has its live broadcasts.

Keith, we have added the Amana colonies to our outbound itinerary...thanks for the suggestion.
I made a reservation for Madison on Friday night. We will leave Sat. a.m., but may have time for the Farmers Market, and we may drive through Galena, but won't have time to explore. And we may squeeze in a tour of Taliesin on Fri. (before Madison), even though it's a bit out of the way.
Thanks everyone!