Exploring Wisconsin by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
A remarkable way to experience Wisconsin’s rich landscapes is aboard the historic rails of the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. Located near Spooner, about two hours northwest of Eau Claire, this scenic train ride offers a window into the Northwoods’ dense forests and sparkling lakes. Passengers can choose between different themed excursions, such as the popular “Dinner Train” or the “Santa Express” during winter, winding along a route through vibrant hardwoods and pine groves. The slow pace allows travelers to absorb the region’s peaceful charm, especially stunning in fall when leaves blaze in fiery reds and golds. The vintage railcars and friendly staff add to the nostalgic atmosphere, making it a uniquely cozy way to connect with Wisconsin’s natural beauty.
For those drawn to waterborne adventures, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers an unforgettable boating experience on the southern shore of Lake Superior, near Bayfield, roughly three hours northeast of Duluth, Minnesota. This archipelago of 22 islands is famous for its sea caves, especially the striking ice caves visible in winter and early spring at Devil’s Island and Stockton Island. Kayakers and boaters navigate crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves and sandy beaches, often spotting eagles and harbor seals. The islands’ pristine wilderness and the surrounding lake’s vastness create a sense of solitude rarely found elsewhere. Summer months are ideal for mild weather and calm waters, while paddling in fall delivers breathtaking foliage reflecting off the lake’s surface.
Floating high above the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, near the Driftless Area’s heart, the town of Baraboo—just 30 miles west of Madison—offers exhilarating hot air balloon rides that reveal an entirely different perspective. Ascending from launch sites near Devil’s Lake State Park, these flights drift over the park’s quartzite bluffs and the winding Wisconsin River. The park is celebrated for its rugged terrain, with trails like the Balanced Rock Loop showcasing impressive rock formations. From the balloon, riders witness a patchwork of farms, forests, and rivers punctuated by the bluffs’ pink granite surfaces. Early morning flights are preferred for their calm winds and stunning sunrises, illuminating the countryside in golden hues, making it a magical outing for photographers and dreamers alike.
The historic town of Mineral Point, just about 50 miles southwest of Madison, offers another enchanting rail journey aboard the Mineral Point Depot Railroad. This quaint town, known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant art scene, provides a charming backdrop to a short but sweet train excursion that traces the region’s mining heritage. Visitors can explore the Pendarvis Historic Site before boarding, where restored Cornish houses tell stories of early lead and zinc miners. The combination of cultural history and the gentle chug of the train through rolling farmland gives a deep sense of place. Spring and summer visits showcase the town’s lively festivals and blooming gardens, enhancing the overall experience.
On the southeastern edge of the state, the Milwaukee River offers a distinctive boating opportunity right in the city’s heart, about 90 minutes northeast of Chicago. Launching from the Milwaukee Riverwalk area, kayakers and small boaters can glide past historic mills, breweries, and modern art installations, blending urban life with nature. The river’s calm stretches and occasional rapids provide variety for boaters of different skill levels, while the downtown skyline and bridges create a photogenic route. Fall is particularly enticing here, with crisp air and colorful trees lining the riverbanks, adding a natural contrast to the cityscape. Evening trips reveal the illuminated bridges and riverside eateries, offering a vibrant urban-water experience.
Near Lake Geneva, about 80 miles southwest of Milwaukee, hot air balloon rides lift off over the idyllic countryside dotted with vineyards and lakeside estates. Pilots navigate gentle breezes above the Geneva Lake region, famed for its clear waters and luxury resorts dating back to the late 19th century. Balloonists float over the Riviera Ballroom and the historic downtown district, gaining bird’s-eye views of the lake’s crescent shape and the densely wooded hills beyond. The area’s temperate summers and early autumns are perfect for ballooning, with typically stable weather and panoramic visibility. Touching down near secluded parks or farms adds a tranquil finish to this elegant experience.
Finally, the Ice Age Trail offers a fascinating blend of hiking and ballooning for the adventurous, especially near the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, approximately 45 minutes west of Milwaukee. While the trail itself is a terrestrial exploration of glacial geology, nearby private hot air balloon companies provide launches over this rolling landscape shaped by retreating ice sheets. The trail’s segments, such as the southern unit near Eagle, feature kettle lakes, drumlins, and moraines, telling the story of Wisconsin’s last Ice Age. Balloon flights here enhance the view of this unique topography, allowing travelers to appreciate the interplay of landforms from above. Spring and fall bring the most vivid contrasts in foliage and water levels, perfect for a multi-modal journey through Wisconsin’s ancient terrain.