Free Things to Do in Wisconsin

Madison and Milwaukee both offer up a lot of fun activities. Of course, there are great things to do in other parts of Wisconsin as well. Whether you’re traveling there or from the state, you’ll enjoy these free things to do in Wisconsin. There are activities and entertainment for all ages.

Free Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin. It’s also a great college town that happens to have five large lakes. Therefore, you’ll find that there are a lot of great free things to do here. Destination Madison recommends:

• Enjoy the water at any of the aforementioned five Wisconsin lakes.
• Go hiking and/or biking on Madison’s 200+ miles of urban and mountain trails.
• Enjoy nature indoors and outdoors at Bolz Conservatory, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and UW- Madison’s Arboretum.
• Dance on the rooftop to free music weekly at the Monona Terrace during the summer. This is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin if you’re there during the six weeks it takes place each year. If you enjoy music, then you might also like Concerts on the Square.
• Take historic tours of the State Capitol and/or the Governor’s Mansion
• Visit the free campus and local museums and galleries which include art museums, historical museums (including one specific to veterans), and a geology museum.
• Enjoy the animals at the local zoo. Most zoos around the country charge admission. Therefore, you’re lucky to have the chance to enjoy this as one of the free things to do in Wisconsin year-round.

Free Things to Do in Milwaukee

Although Madison is the state’s capital, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city. If you’re looking for urban free things to do in Wisconsin, then you might head here. Visit Milwaukee recommends the following free activities:

• If you love music then you’ll enjoy summers in Milwaukee. Throughout the summer, you can find free concerts almost every evening of the week.
• Watch the Milwaukee Art Museum’s “wings” (an architectural sun screen) open in the morning, flat at noon or close in the evening. You can see them from the shore of Lake Michigan, which itself is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin.
• Check out free art indoors and out. Milwaukee has some great murals that you can do your own walking tour to see. Additionally, the Haggerty Museum of Art offers free admission. You might also want to check out The Warehouse Art Gallery.
• Take the RiverWalk. This is a three-mile downtown urban walk that will give you a real feel for the city. Enjoy the sculpture along the way.
• Enjoy hiking, biking, running and the general beauty of the outdoors at many of the city’s wonderful trails. You can also go cross-country skiing here in the winter.

Other Free Things to Do in Wisconsin

Of course, you can also enjoy free things to do in other parts of the state. In fact, a road trip (which is just the cost of gas if you live there) can be a great way to enjoy the area. Wisconsin has a lot of beautiful natural scenery. Find the local trails, lakes, parks, and other nature spots wherever you go in the state. Only In Your State specifically recommends checking out the free Aquanut Water Shows in Kenosha. Other free things to do in Wisconsin that they recommend include a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory, a visit to the National Mustard Museum, and an informative trip to the Iron River National Fish Hatchery to learn about fisheries.

Read More:

• How to Retire Well in Wisconsin
• Free Things to Do in Missouri
• 10 Free Things to Do This Summer 2021

Kathryn Vercillo

Kathryn Vercillo is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She appreciates a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she’s only blonde some of the time, she’s always striving for total balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and to discover more together along the way.