Janesville, a city in southern Wisconsin, United States, is the county seat and largest city of Rock County. The first people to settle in the area in 1835 were brothers Joshua and William Jr. Holmes, John Inman and George Follmer. The city was then named after a key settler, Henry Janes. Manufacturing, retail and agricultural commerce have for a long time been the major employment sectors in the city with small- and large-scale businesses diversifying the economy. Preservation of culture is key in this city and 20 percent of Wisconsin’s buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places are located here. Such buildings include Lincoln-Tallman House, Janesville Public Library, Courthouse Hill Historic District and Lappin-Hayes Block. Tour this city and see attractions such as Rotary Botanical Gardens, parks that cover nearly 2,590 acres (1048.1 hectares) combined such as Palmer, Traxler, Rockport, and Riverside parks and museums such as Lincoln-Tallman House. Scroll down to find out more about the things to do in Janesville, Wisconsin.
1. Admire the plants at Rotary Botanical Gardens
Visit this 20 acre (8.1 hectares) botanical garden with 26 different garden styles and 4,000 varieties of plants. Get to enjoy guided garden tours, shopping and a variety of educational classes and programs. See themed gardens including Japanese, Scottish, French Formal, Italian and English Cottage Gardens. Admire the red Japanese styled bridge that lies over a pond as you take a leisurely walk in the garden. Smell the amazing scent emanating from the plants as you take in breaths of fresh air. The plants are displayed in an array of colors that give the garden a very beautiful outlook. Tour this award-winning botanical garden and get to appreciate its garden styles and plant varieties.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
Address: 1455 Palmer Dr, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Rotary Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD onwards
2. Check out the interactive exhibits at Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center
Tour this hands-on history museum with a visitor center and gift shop in a 1915 building. The permanent and rotating exhibits are highly interactive and stimulate all your senses. The exhibits aim to educate, inspire and entertain people of different ages. Make a stop at the campus gift shop to take a historical keepsake home or purchase a trinket to gift someone. The shop also has books, children’s toys, historical reproductions, and themed memorabilia. This is a fun and enlightening way to spend your day.
Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center
Address: 426 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center
Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sat: 10am - 3pm; Thu: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Palmer Park
This 164 acre (66.4 hectares) park features a unique ADA-compliant playground and a wading pool for children below eight years. Bring your kids here to enjoy a day of fun and play. With courts for games such as tennis, softball, and volleyball, you can also indulge in some sporting activities. Hike in the scenic nature trails that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. With several picnic areas and pavilions, you can enjoy a meal as a family with a beautiful view of the park. The park is also pet-friendly and has a pet exercise and training area.
Palmer Park
Address: 2501 Palmer Dr, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Palmer Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Taste good-quality beer at Rock County Brewing Company
Head out to Rock County Brewing Company to enjoy refreshing crafts beer on tap or growlers. They take pride in every beer they craft. Enjoy the great ambiance or catch up with friends. With different flavors of beer, there is something for everyone, even if you are not a beer lover. To accompany the tasty beers are delicious foods from the food trucks usually present on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit this place and relish in the ambiance and tasty food and beers it has to offer.
Rock County Brewing Company
Address: 10 N Parker Dr. Suite 160, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Rock County Brewing Company
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Revisit the past at Lincoln-Tallman House
Tour this historic house that was built and constructed by the Tallman family in 1855. Admire its Italianate style architecture and the high-quality building materials such as Cream City brick, cast iron on the windows and black walnut doors with hand-carved panels. As you go on a tour of this house, you will be enlightened about the Victorian era, the Tallman family and the home’s special history. This house once hosted U.S. President Abraham Lincoln who stayed as an overnight guest on October 1859. At the end of the tour, your senses will be stimulated making the Tallman’s come alive on a personal level.
Lincoln-Tallman House
Address: 440 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Lincoln-Tallman House
Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sat: 10am - 3pm; Thu: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
6. Appreciate the high-quality products at Wisconsin Wagon Company
Parts for the tag-a-long wagons were backordered around the Holidays. We've got plenty of parts now, so place your order today. Give us a call at 608-754-0026.
Posted by Wisconsin Wagon Company on Friday, 29 January 2016
The Wisconsin Wagon Company is the place to be if you are looking for authentic and high-quality products such as wagons, wheelbarrows, children’s toys, and wine racks. Their products are hand-built in either original design in the classic tradition or reproductions of the best yesteryear. Go on a tour of this shop which ends at their display area showcasing most of their products. Purchase what you like or make an order which can be shipped anywhere.
Wisconsin Wagon Company
Address: 507 Laurel Ave, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Wisconsin Wagon Company
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
7. Catch a breath of fresh air at Riverside Park
Covering 87 acres (35.2 hectares), this park has athletic fields, hiking trails, and a golf course. Hike in the scenic nature trails that run along the beautiful Rock River and enjoy the scenery. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through this park in which the Devil’s Staircase is found. You can also enjoy fishing or boating in the river. Other recreational facilities include splash pad, horseshoe pits, a kids’ zipline and courts for playing shuffleboard, tennis, and pickleball. The park also has picnic areas and pavilions that seat 100 to 200 people with grills thus you can enjoy a snack alone or as a large group of people.
Riverside Park
Address: 2600 Parkside Drive, Janesville, Wisconsin
Website: Riverside Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
8. Pick what you like at Janesville Mall
Posted by Janesville Mall on Monday, 5 August 2019
Visit this mall that has more than 68 tenants. With several shops, ranging from big to small outlets including American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, Kohl’s, Victoria’s Secret and Spencers, you can enjoy the variety in shopping and you will definitely not miss what you want. The mall also has several restaurants where you can eat scrumptious meals and have refreshing drinks as you shop. Feel the immeasurable joy that comes with new purchases at this mall.
Janesville Mall
Address: 2500 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Janesville Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
9. Check out the amazing water ski shows at Traxler Park
Rock Aqua Jays Aug 18, 2019 'B' Team show. See more at: https://bit.ly/2KY8nJS - Jim's Photos, LLC
Posted by Jim's Photos, LLC on Monday, 19 August 2019
Traxler Park sits on 27 acres (10.9 hectares) of land along the Rock River. Its location makes it an ideal place to visit when you want to go boating or fishing. It also features the Veterans Memorial Plaza and Rock Aqua Jays Stadium which is home to Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team. Enjoy spectacular water ski shows and have a snack at one of the various picnic tables or pavilions. The park also has play equipment for kids making it a great location for a family outing.
Traxler Park
Address: 600 N Main St, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Traxler Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
10. Have a good time bowling at El-Ra Bowl
After...
Posted by El-Ra Bowl on Friday, 16 August 2019
Bowling is an entertaining way to enjoy quality time with your friends and family. El-Ra Bowl offers open, league and glow bowling for all bowlers with different skill levels. Enjoy bowling at the 16 state-of-the-art bowling lanes with automatic bumpers which allow kids and adults to bowl on the same lane. For a Friday or Saturday night out, head to this venue, turn off the lights and crank up the music as you enjoy glow bowling. Other features include a well-equipped pro shop, delicious bar food at great prices and great staff.
El-Ra Bowl
Address: 1942 Center Ave, Janesville, WI 53546, USA
Website: El-Ra Bowl
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
Price: 1.65 - 14.50 USD
11. Bring your little ones to Rockport Park
Posted by Rita Feirn on Thursday, 6 August 2015
Bring your kids to this 246 acre (99.6 hectares) space with a Native American themed playground. The Peace Park Playground is dedicated to promoting peace and unity in the community by educating children on cultural diversity as they play on the roller slide and spring teeter-totter. The park is named after the 52 feet (15.8 meters) tall Peace Pole that features an inscription of “May Peace Prevail on the Earth" in many different languages. The pole is surrounded by a world map. Sit at the pavilion with 75 seats as you watch your kids or fire up a grill. The park also has an outdoor pool and trails for hiking, biking and winter cross-country skiing.
Rockport Park
Address: 2801 Rockport Rd, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Rockport Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
12. Indulge in classic American fare at Milwaukee Grill Janesville
This week's Friday fish feature is Pan-Fried Walleye - served with tartar sauce, mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
Posted by Milwaukee Grill on Thursday, 22 August 2019
Head out to this local restaurant, bar, and grill and treat yourself to some scrumptious typical American cuisine. The eatery takes pride in ensuring the quality of food, so you can enjoy items ranging from fresh seafood, tender marinated chicken, fall-off-the-bone barbecued ribs, and burgers with ample toppings, to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Quench your thirst at the bar which serves draught beers and many bottled microbrews, a good wine list, and seasonal drinks and martinis. At this restaurant, you get value for your money and in addition, amazing food and service.
Milwaukee Grill Janesville
Address: 2601 Morse St, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Milwaukee Grill Janesville
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm
13. Go wine tasting at Fermenting Cellars Winery
Fermenting Cellars Winery will be open Friday Nov. 3 from 1 to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 pm for complimentary public tastings in the house.
Posted by Fermenting Cellars Winery on Monday, 30 October 2017
We all love a good bottle of wine. Fermenting Cellars Winery not only offers one but a variety of different wines including dry and sweet red and white, a dessert coffee wine and a single run fortified wine. Its countryside location in a picturesque log cabin nestled in the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin offers amazing views to its patrons. Enjoy a high-quality and delicious wine tasting experience, amazing ambiance, and great company. With a variety of wines to choose from, you will definitely find something that you like.
Fermenting Cellars Winery
Address: 2004 W Manogue Rd, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Fermenting Cellars Winery
Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 1pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
14. Grab a drink at O'Riley & Conway's Irish Pub
Enjoy a Caramel Key lime martini and listen to Gary the band starting at 7
Posted by O'Riley & Conway's Irish Pub on Thursday, 16 May 2019
Visit O'Riley & Conway’s Irish Pub, a corner bar with just the refreshing drinks you need. It features 54 beers on tap and more than 100 different beers in total, wonderful wines from local vineyards and an extensive scotch list. Whatever fancies your taste, you are sure to get it here. In addition, you can order from a menu that features traditional Irish fare, fresh seafood, delicious burgers, and sandwiches. The polished wood setting gives it a warm and casual outlook.
O'Riley & Conway's Irish Pub
Address: 214 W Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: O'Riley & Conway’s Irish Pub
Opening hours: Bar: Mon - Sun: 11am - 2am; Kitchen: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 8am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 9pm
15. Score a basket at Holiday Park
Posted by Janesville Parks & Recreation on Friday, 8 July 2016
Head out to Holiday Park and enjoy a chilled day playing basketball. This park sits on 2 acres (0.8 hectares) of neighborhood green space. It has a kid’s playground and a basketball hoop. Bring your friends here and enjoy a friendly competitive game of basketball. If alone, you can also improve on your shots by practicing scoring in the basket. This is definitely a fun way to spend your day as you also imagine being a professional basketball player.
Holiday Park
Address: 1540 Barberry Dr, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Holiday Park
16. Catch a movie at Wildwood Movies 16
Enjoy the thrill that comes with watching a movie at a cinema. The huge screens, dimmed lighting, great sound and surround system and comfort food all make this a very enjoyable activity to indulge in since time immemorial. Wildwood Movies 16 shows a wide range of movies from Hollywood, including versions in 3D and blockbusters. This theater aims at offering you the best picture and sound quality with the lowest ticket prices and best concession products at the lowest price.
Wildwood Movies 16
Address: 3100 Deerfield Dr, Janesville, WI 53546, USA
Website: Wildwood Movies 16
17. Experience snowshoeing at Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum sits on 160 acres (64.7 hectares) of native forest, wetland and marked trails commonly used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Feel the excitement as you maneuver through the trails. Admire the many species of native trees, plants, birds and other wildlife that are found here. This is an exciting and fun adventure that you should not miss out on.
Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
Address: Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
18. Feel the thrill watching a live concert at Janesville Performing Arts Center
Posted by Janesville Performing Arts Center on Thursday, 16 May 2019
Janesville Performing Arts Center is the go-to place when you want to enjoy a live concert. This theater has 633 seats and an in-house art gallery. The great acoustics coupled with the amazing shows will draw you into the performance. Feel the goosebumps on your skin as you listen to the amazing vocals or laugh heartily at the diverse comedy and plays performed. The theater aims at becoming the primary cultural and artistic resource center for the greater Janesville area. Locals are able to share their artistic and creative talents through theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. This is a unique experience that will bring you utmost joy.
Janesville Performing Arts Center
Address: 408 S Main St, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: Janesville Performing Arts Center
Opening hours: Mon, Tue & Thu: 10am - 3pm; Fri: 10am - 1pm (closed on Wed, Sat & Sun)
19. Play a round of golf at Riverside Golf Course
Riverside Golf Course not only gives you a fairly challenging golf course but also a very scenic one. It is located near the scenic Rock River on the northwest side of Janesville. Enjoy golfing on the course with rolling, tree-lined fairways, and undulating greens. Marvel at views of the gently rolling hills in the landscape. Feel the cool breeze blowing around you as you swing your club and hit the ball from hole to hole. This is such a serene environment to be in as you enjoy this very relaxing sport.
Riverside Golf Course
Address: 2100 Golf Course Rd, Janesville, WI 53548, USA
Website: Riverside Golf Course
Opening hours: 7.30am - 8pm (daily)
20. Get pampered at A Glo Spa & Salon Co.
On the first day of Christmas A Glo gave to me... a FREE 30 Minute Massage Session with any $150 or more gift card...
Posted by A Glo Spa & Salon Co. on Monday, 10 December 2018
Visit this full-service salon and spa for a day of pampering and self-love. Here, you can enjoy a variety of services including hair care, nail care, skin care, waxing, and a relaxing massage. Leave the struggles and stresses of everyday life as you walk in, put your phone on silent mode and let the professional staff take care of you. Whichever package you choose, be sure of receiving the very best to make you feel and look good inside and out. In the end, you will leave feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and happy. Nothing beats a spa day.
A Glo Spa & Salon Co.
Address: 3023 Milton Ave Suite 161, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
Website: A Glo Spa & Salon Co.
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8.30am - 8.30pm; Fri: 8.30am - 7.30pm; Sat: 8.30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Explore the city of Janesville
Tour this city that has a lot to offer. If you are not visiting places of historical significance, then you are enjoying the taste of good quality beer or wine and food, breathing in the beautiful scent of plants, taking leisurely walks in its numerous parks with amazing scenery or shopping. Plan a trip here and explore using our list of things to do in Janesville, Wisconsin.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to