The state of Wisconsin is known for its dairy products, manufacturing industries, and information technology. However, this place is also home to great museums like National Railroad Museum and Harley-Davidson Museum that are thronged by both locals and tourists. These establishments are used to preserve history, to showcase the place’s culture, and to act as landmarks. They’re also conveniently situated and easily accessible via public transport. Apart from learning history in these facilities, you can indulge in fun leisure activities like a treasure hunt and attending shows to pass the time. Check out below for our picks on the best museums in Wisconsin, the USA.
1. MSOE Grohmann Museum (from USD 5.0)
Located in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this art museum is home to unique artworks showcasing the history of human industry. This establishment boasts a large collection of over 1,400 creatively made paintings and sculptures. Don’t miss the stunning sculptures on the museum’s rooftop garden, as they are impressive. You’ll be served by welcoming and helpful staff who are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Grohmann Museum Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
2. Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Founded in 1968, this museum exhibits the maritime background of Wisconsin in the Great Lakes area. It’s an ideal tourist destination for the whole family as there’s something for everyone to see and learn. There’s a submarine tour that’s a must-attend, as it’s eye-opening and a great source of knowledge. You’ll be served by knowledgable and passionate staff who are ready to help. Apart from the well-staged artifacts and great customer service, you will also enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Address: 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States
Website: Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
3. EAA Aviation Museum
For an educative and fun aeronautical tour in Wisconsin, visit EAA Aviation Museum. It’s endowed with a rare collection of airplanes, cool artifacts, and educational materials that include videos, diagrams, and games, making it a world-class museum. If you love planes, aviation, and aviation history, then be sure to stop by - you’ll be amazed by what’s in store for you. By visiting this establishment, you will also come to appreciate the work done by professionals in the aviation industry, like air hostesses, pilots, and the airforce. There’s also an airshow that takes place once a year that’s a must-see, as it is very exciting to watch.
EAA Aviation Museum
Address: 3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, United States
Website: EAA Aviation Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Harley-Davidson Museum
Opened in 2008, this museum showcases the Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the company’s growth over the years. Even if you’re not a motorcycle fan, this is a good place to learn more about this iconic brand. You’ll learn the history of the motorbikes by the Harley Davidson brothers, from 1903 to the present day, through the museum’s guided tours and through the exhibitions on display. There’s also a gift shop where you can buy presents or souvenirs while visiting the facility. Enjoy delicious food at the on-site restaurant. Visitors will also have access to parking and free lockers.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
Website: Harley-Davidson Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm
Price: 8 - 22 USD
5. National Railroad Museum
National Railroad Museum aims at showcasing the history of the American railroad system. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this museum is an ideal tourist destination for people of all ages. It’s clean, nicely maintained, well-lit, and with courteous and helpful staff, making it a great addition to your vacation itinerary. To add to its charm, there’s a rare train collection on display, and you can even take an outdoor train ride around the establishment.
National Railroad Museum
Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States
Website: National Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
6. National Mustard Museum
This museum boasts of over 6,000 mustards on display and hundreds of mustards that you can sample at the Tasting Bar. See how other cultures make mustard and take a free tour around the establishment for a fun and eye-opening visit. For those who love mustard, this is an ideal spot to learn about the condiment, as the displays show its history and development. There’s even a gift shop in the facility that’s filled with gourmet delicacies you can take home with you - other than mustard, you can purchase hot sauces, oil, and syrup.
National Mustard Museum
Address: 7477 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, United States
Website: National Mustard Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Situated in Madison, Wisconsin, this establishment is endowed with weaponry and artifacts showcasing the life and times of military soldiers from the state. You also get to hear personal stories by veterans themselves. There are displays and videos that show wars like the Civil War, the World Wars, the Korean War, and the Cold War that you can enjoy watching to learn more about history. You’ll be served by kind and welcoming staff who are informed about the artifacts on display.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Address: 30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Website: Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
8. Discovery World
Discovery World is a science and technology museum in Milwaukee. It’s a great spot for people of all ages, as there are many cool things to indulge in. There are great interactive displays showcasing topics like physics, mechanics, robotics, and boating that you can learn about and discover. Fun and educative activities in the museum include learning how to clean and filter dirty water, visiting the design lab, and trying out a virtual reality experience.
Discovery World
Address: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States
Website: Discovery World
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 - 20 USD
9. Portage WW II History Museum
Posted by Portage WWII Museum on Friday, 6 May 2011
Portage WW II History Museum is a privately owned establishment that’s endowed with a collection of artifacts from the Second World War and other military conflicts. Bret, the owner, is passionate and dedicated to teaching history. He’ll also be your guide around this museum, showing you around and narrating personal stories. This facility is a great place to visit for the whole family, as it has thought-provoking and unique pieces of art. It’s truly a gem at the heart of Portage, Wisconsin.
Portage WW II History Museum
Address: 119 W Cook St, Portage, WI 53901, United States
Website: Portage WW II History Museum
10. Wisconsin Automotive Museum
If you’re interested in anything automotive, then make this museum a priority. It’s endowed with an array of well-polished automobiles like cars, tractors, trucks, and trains, as well as equipment like pumps and engines for you to enjoy. You’ll find vintage cars from renowned companies like Ford and Chevrolet that have interesting features and history. Located in Hartford, Wisconsin, it’s the biggest auto museum in the region.
Wisconsin Automotive Museum
Address: 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027, United States
Website: Wisconsin Automotive Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
A mixture of education and fun
When you visit a museum, you’ll basically be killing two birds with one stone, especially when you visit them in Wisconsin, USA - you’ll have fun and you’ll also get to learn something new. Stop by these famous tourist spots alone, with friends, or family and create great memories.
If you’re thinking about where to stay, there are some great cabins around Wisconsin that are perfect accommodation options for your trip.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
Top 10 Shopping Malls In Wisconsin, USAAlyssandra Raiza -
-
Top 10 Museums In Southern California, USA - Updated 2023Trina Joy Cassey -
-
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×