Southern Wisconsin

Our next drive was pretty short to Spring Green, WI. This is near House on the Rock which is more than just a house on a rock. Rather than me giving a history or description I’ll let you click on the link above (click on Learn More under The Attraction) and the Wiki link because it is a bizarre story. I will say that it is quite the experience. The collections of “things” are extensive and impressive. We loved the automated music devices ranging from large, elaborate music boxes to full orchestras. As an FYI, Spring Green is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. We chose not to spend $87 each to take a tour since we've seen several of his other places.

One of many such planters at
House on the Rock

There are almost no tags explaining what anything is because he didn’t want it to be a museum. Well, we consider it the most bizarre museum we’ve been to, with or without tags. A person who walked out after us summed it up nicely when she said “did that just happen?”. I’m not including many pictures because it was too dark for my pictures to be any good but there are lots on their website (link above).

We also drove to Baraboo to go to the Circus World Museum (also Wiki link for more history). Baraboo is where the Ringling family is from, where they started their circus and where they wintered for the duration of their circus. This museum chronicles the history of the brothers and the circus with memorabilia. The circus wagon collection is very impressive. They have short daily performances in the big top to help keep the spirit alive.

Circus Museum Big Top across
Baraboo River

Napping tigers at Circus Museum

We went on to Madison so we could tour the Wisconsin State Capitol. We had seen this one from the street before but only on the weekend when it was closed so we finally got to tour the inside. Although not as old as some other's we've toured, built from 1906 to 1917, it has the grandeur to compete with the finest in the country. We were impressed and fully enjoyed our self guided tour but you can also do guided tours if you desire. I'm not attaching many pictures because their website has a great virtual tour that you can enjoy.

Wisconsin State Capitol

Wisconsin State Capitol
Assembly Chamber (pano)

Wisconsin State Capitol
Senate Chamber (pano)