Family & Culture

Museums & Galleries

Rain or shine, there’s always one thing you can count on in Sauk County — an abundance of quirky museums, galleries, and exhibitions that are open year-round.

Let your imagination run wild at The House on a Rock, a dream property you have to see to believe. Or escape back into the past with an immersive exploration of the Ringling Brothers Circus, followed by an authentic big top performance. Or, you could go all intergalactic at Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park, taking note of the world’s largest scrap metal structure, Forevertron.

Wherever your curiosity takes you, there is no wrong move.

Zoos & Petting Zoos

Support the creatures of Sauk County and learn about them too by visiting one of the region’s zoos or petting zoos. Opportunities abound.

Catch sight of all 15 of the world’s crane species at the International Crane Foundation, a nonprofit that works to conserve the crane species and their habitats. Spend time with Sauk County’s gentle deer, learning about their life cycles from fawns to mature mammals, at the Wisconsin Deer Park. And who knew you could safari in the heart of Wisconsin? Hit up Timbavati Wildlife Park to ogle rhinos and giraffes, and feed kudu and nilgai raw carrots directly from your hands.

Amusement & Water Parks

Always up for a good thrill ride, Sauk County is known for its family-friendly amusement and water parks. Pack up the whole family for a vacation spent defying gravity on the roller coasters snaking around the Mt. Olympus resort, relaxing with refreshments at the Kalahari water park’s Mud Hut swim-up bar, or fluffing your pillow in one of the luxury-themed suites at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Historic Spots & Landmarks

Calling all sightseers and architectural buffs: Sauk County is where the past enriches your present. Home to notable landmarks and structural feats that are tied to Sauk County heritage, the region is a wealth of historical spots.

Discover organic architecture and design at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s beloved home. Browse thousands of artifacts relating to pioneer and Native American history at the Sauk County Historical Society. And, of course, don’t miss an opportunity to travel back to the 19th century at Pioneer Log Village.

Festivals & Fairs

Enjoy music, art, food, and entertainment at Sauk County’s year-round fairs and festivals. Many cities, villages, and towns host numerous festivals with something for everyone.

Spend your day browsing artisanal concoctions and delights at the open-air Fermentation Fest. Indulge your kids (and yourself!) at the Sauk County Fair. And, no BS, tossing cow chips is a Sauk County tradition that is great fun for everyone. Just hit up the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which offers music, food, and, yes, the opportunity to toss its namesake like a Frisbee. All is fair in Sauk and cow chips!

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