Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Wisconsin field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Wisconsin field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Baraboo Children's MuseumBaraboo
The Baraboo Children's Museum is 11,000 square feet of hands on education and fun! Learn how food goes from farm to table, become a conductor on the train, fine tune your music skills, create art, and so much more. Groups of 20 or more can call ahead for a discounted rate.
Circus WorldBaraboo
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Luxembourg American Cultural SocietyBelgium
The Luxembourg American Cultural Center's Roots and Leaves Museum is the showpiece of the Cultural Center. The Museum is housed in the rebuilt Mamer-Hansen Luxembourgian stone barn originally built in 1872 by Jacob Mamer, an immigrant from Septfontaines, Luxembourg. The Roots and Leaves Museum tells the story of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, past and present, as well as the impact of Luxembourg immigrants and their descendants on life in the United States. The Luxembourg American Cultural Center welcomes group tours to visit the museum and learn more about Luxembourg! Group tours can choose a Guided or Self-Guided option and discounted admission is given to groups of 10 or more people. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule your group tour.
First CapitolBelmont
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators built the framework of law and order that evolved into our current state government.
Sky Zone - Brown Deer, WIBrown Deer
Now open in Milwaukee's North Shore! Includes trampolines, x-beam jousting pit, rock climbing tower, dodge ball arena, basketball dunk lanes, air track mats, and a 10,000sq ft area specifically reserved for kids 6 and under only, and much more! Plus a cafe, free Wi-Fi, and private party rooms.
Logic Puzzle MuseumBurlington
Hands-on mechanical & brain puzzles for thinking fun, exhibit, plus make a puzzle to keep! A unique hands-on museum to experience. Features a free "puzzle window" available 24/7. Hands-on museum sessions are at specific times, or pre-arranged times with minimum group fees.
Spinning Top & Yo-Yo MuseumBurlington
Offers yo-yo classes and a gyroscope workshop.
StonefieldCassville
Stonefield celebrates Wisconsin's rich agricultural heritage. Learn about the rise of turn-of-the-century dairy farming and the development of modern farm implements, including tractors, reapers and threshing machines. Experience the sights and sounds of the railroad -- the era's most important transportation. Discover the grand summer estate of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. Explore Stonefield today to see what made the state become "America's Dairyland."
Old World WisconsinEagle
Old World Wisconsin takes visitors back to a time of working farmsteads and settlements established by European immigrants. Replica of an 1870's village with working blacksmith, shoemaker and general store. Handicrafts done in the time of the homesteaders. Visit the one room school house called the Raspberry School.
Children's Museum of Eau ClaireEau Claire
The interactive environment for children and their grown-ups in the Chippewa Valley that inspires imagination, discovery, creativity, and the love of learning. With so much to see and do, the Children's Museum of Eau Claire is a great place for family and group visits! Everything in the museum is designed with our "learning through play" philosophy. When children take part in the activities of the museum, they are entering a world created just for them.
Children's Museum of Fond du LacFond du Lac
A place where discovery and curiosity are brought to life through a touchable learn-by-doing atmosphere designed to foster creativity and a passion for lifelong learning. Children and adults play, learn and have fun together.
The Dance Company's Education programsGreen Bay
The Dance Company strives to enlighten and engage both current and future audiences through educational programs and events. Offering a behind-the-scenes experience for scouting programs, homeschool groups, and other organizations. The tour covers what it takes to stage a production and highlights careers in the arts. Guests will see the sound and light boards, backstage area, green room, make-up room, and more. Groups will be announced prior to the start of the performance. After enjoying the performance, guests can meet the dancers, get autographs, and take pictures. If you would like to schedule a tour or have any questions, please contact Jodi Lipsh at jodi@gbdanceco.org.
Green Bay Sail and PaddleGreen Bay
We offer a variety of sailing classes/lessons, kayaking classes/lessons, STEM Camps and adaptive programming. Many students have enjoyed our five-day STEM Camp where we discuss the math and science of sails, propulsion, water bouyancy, importance of clean water and so much more. These camps encompass ten (10) modules from the US Sailing REACH program and our quick-start method in learning how to sail on a Hobie Wave catamaran. Each student will have the opportunity to learn STEM through sailing by participating in on-shore activities, and on-the-water sailing.
Heritage Hill State Historical ParkGreen Bay
Heritage Hill State Historical Park is a 50 acre living history museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Beautifully nestled on the banks of the Fox River, Heritage Hill brings history to life for thousands of visitors annually. Do you have a one-room schoolhouse? So did generations of Wisconsinites! We encourage homeschool groups of 20 or more to take advantage of our field trip programs (and field trip rates!) during our open season May – October. For additional learning opportunities throughout the year, join us at one of our regularly scheduled encampments or military musters. Please note! Heritage Hill is an independently run non-profit corporation that leases land from the Wisconsin DNR and receives no state funding. We have our own admission rates and membership program. We are not part of the State Park annual pass sticker.
National Railroad MuseumGreen Bay
With roots dating back to 1956, the National Railroad Museum has grown to become one of the largest, oldest, and most well-respected rail museums in the United States. We have over 70 pieces of rolling stock, 100,000+ artifacts, seasonal train rides, indoor and outdoor exhibits, operating/display tracks, special events, rental opportunities, and more.
Wade HouseGreenbush
Visiting Wade House takes you on a journey through Wisconsin’s past with tours of the Wade House Inn, as well as a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum. Wade House is named for the stagecoach inn built by the first European settlers of the town, Sylvanus and Betsey Wade. The inn, built between 1847 and 1851, was constructed conveniently between the cities of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, along a well-used stagecoach trail. This made the 27-room Greek Revival inn a popular resting point for weary travelers. You’ll explore the inn and grounds, taste food from the kitchens, belly up to the bar in the taproom, play period games, meet friendly farm animals, see sparks fly from the anvil, smell fresh sawdust, and enjoy interactive exhibits for all ages!
Mulberry Lane FarmHilbert
At Mulberry Lane Farm our mission is to provide an ideal country learning environment where people of all ages can interact and learn about farm animals through "hands-on" group and self-guided tours. Each person is encouraged to have first-hand experience by touching all of our animals. Kids especially love our hayrides and learning to milk a cow. You'll also enjoy the farm as you learn things you never knew about farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, donkeys, and more! In Fall our famous Pumpkin Patch is ready for you and your family to pick a free pumpkin.
Aztalan State ParkJefferson
This park contains one of Wisconsin's most important archaeological sites. It showcases an ancient Middle-Mississippian village and ceremonial complex that thrived between A.D. 1000 and 1300. Archaeologists think the occupants have cultural traditions in common with Cahokia, a large Middle-Mississippian settlement near East St. Louis, Illinois. The people who settled Aztalan built large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around their village. They hunted, fished, and farmed on the floodplain of the Crawfish River. Portions of the stockade and two mounds have been reconstructed in the park.
Pritzker Military Museum and LibraryKenosha
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is a non-partisan, non-governmental museum dedicated to military history, military affairs, and national security public education. It hosts a large online collection of historical photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, books, videos, magazines, and veteran biographies, most of which is available online.
Madeline Island MuseumLa Pointe
Discover the magic that has drawn people to Madeline Island's legendary shores for centuries. The Madeline Island Museum comprises the original museum and a modern expansion. The original museum is four historic log structures that have been relocated and connected together. It includes the only remaining building of the American Fur Company complex built at La Pointe in 1835, making it the oldest structure on Madeline Island. Come explore the storied past of Madeline Island and one of the richest collections of Wisconsin history.
Lumberjack Steam TrainLaona
Take the whole family on a trip back in time with a ride on a vintage steam train. Head for Laona and climb aboard the famed Lumberjack Steam Train for a journey into the late 1800’s. Sit in a rare cupola caboose as the vintage steam engine takes you to an actual site of a Northwoods logging camp. The “4-spot” Steam Locomotive, built in 1916 pulls two all-steel passenger coach cars, an open air observation car and three cabooses. The “4-spot” is the only “PRAIRIE” style steam locomotive operating in the state of Wisconisn. Visitors board the Lumberjack Steam train at the 1880’s Soo Line Depot, located 1/4 mile West of the junction of Highways 8 & 32 on Highway 8. Inside the depot, tickets can be purchased for the train ride, just as people did at the turn of the century. A ticket on the Lumberjack Steam Train takes you out to “Camp 5”, the site of an old logging camp. Later it became the site of the Lumber Company Farm. When you arrive, you find some of the old buildings which were a part of the Lumber Company Farm. There is the old Hog Barn which is now the Petting Corral, the Blacksmith Shop which is now a part of the Museum, and the Old Slaughter House. In the distance is the old Boarding House and several original barns, as well as the “Woods Boss’s House”. Your ticket is all-inclusive and includes the round-trip ride on the Lumberjack Steam Train and admission into the Logging Camp Complex of historic and natural attractions, including the Logging Museum and Blacksmith Shop, Green Treasure Forest Tour, Animal Barn and Corral, the Nature Center, Cracker Barrel Store and Choo Choo Hut Restaurant.
Overture OnStage Field Trip PerformancesMadison
From classic books brought to life through puppets to an internationally-renowned Latin band and an interactive dance quartet to bi-lingual hip-hop performance and esteemed lecturers, OnStage field trip performance series for students has it all. Each year, the series designed for schools and homeschool students, connects to content across the curriculum while offering a diverse range of performing art forms and various cultural perspectives. To deepen the student experience, Resource Guides are provided for each show filled with curricular-focused lesson ideas.
Madison Children's MuseumMadison
Madison Children's Museum, an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning.
Olbrich Botanical GardensMadison
Olbrich Botanical Gardens' Explorer School Program offers field trips for homeschool groups. Children ages 5-11 are invited to experience the extraordinary world of plants through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that support learning about the natural world and foster curiosity. Three different programs are offered throughout the year. Ecology Explorer is offered in the fall, Tropical Explorer is offered in the winter, and Botany Explorer is offered in the spring. Each program is 90 minutes and includes indoor learning stations and a guided tour through the gardens or tropical conservatory.
Wisconsin Historical MuseumMadison
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on Madison's Capitol Square and is full of wonderful information about the state's rich history. Explore Wisconsin's distinctive heritage and a variety of other American history topics through artifacts, photographs, full-scale dioramas, audio-visual presentations, and interactive multimedia programs.
Old Falls Village ParkMenomonee Falls
Discover Old Falls Village Park, an 18.8-acre oasis tucked away in a serene, forested landscape with a babbling brook. Once the private estate of the Davidson family, this unique park boasts several historic buildings, including the barn and caretaker's residence. The crown jewel is the summer home of Emma Davison, wife of Harley-Davidson co-founder Walter Davidson. The park offers periodic reenactments and historical interpretation events.
Jewish Museum MilwaukeeMilwaukee
Jewish Museum Milwaukee is committed to building bridges to diverse groups through shared histories. Examine contemporary issues like social justice and human rights through the lens of Jewish history, culture, art and values. Jewish Museum Milwaukee provides customized tours for your students to explore history, art and events that still reverberate today. We welcome school groups of up to 80 students from Milwaukee and across the Midwest. A trained docent will help your classroom navigate our exhibits; tours may also be complemented with workshops and exceptional guest speakers. The Museum’s content is directed toward students in grade four and higher.
Harley-Davidson MuseumMilwaukee
Learning how design, history, engineering and culture roar to life at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Specially designed educational activities and tours deliver a fun learning experience while meeting Wisconsin and Illinois state learning standards. Groups of 12 or more, K-12 level homeschools receive discounted admission of $5 per student. 1 complimentary chaperone ticket provided for each 10 paid student admissions. Additional chaperone tickets are $14 each. Schedule your visit or for more information: call 1-414-287-2799 or email.
Haggerty Museum of ArtMilwaukee
The Haggerty Museum of Art is open to the public free of charge. Guided and self-guided tours for elementary, middle, and high school students are also available.
PendarvisMineral Point
A settlement of highly-skilled Cornish miners unearthed an ore that led to a mining frenzy. Discover the rush before the Gold Rush, at Pendarvis.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of GlassNeenah
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum originated more than a century ago, in the imagination of a young girl in upstate New York. Born in 1872, Evangeline Hoystradt Bergstrom grew up in comfortable surroundings in the college town of Ithaca. It was as a young girl that her now legendary love affair with paperweights began. Today, with nearly 3,000 pieces, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum is known worldwide for its Permanent Collections of paperweights and Germanic glass.
Copper Culture State ParkOconto
Copper Culture State Park was the site of a prehistoric cemetery of the Old Copper Complex people who occupied the northern Midwest from ca. 4000 – 2000 BC. Visitors can walk throughout the park and along the Oconto River, or tour the museum with artifacts and exhibits detailing the importance of the property. The 42-acre property is just west of the city of Oconto. The park and museum is operated by the Oconto County Historical Society.
Military Veterans Museum and Education CenterOshkosh
The Military Veterans Museum and Education Center offers an interesting learning experience about US History/US Wars. The museum boasts the largest military vehicle collection in Wisconsin along with numerous military artifacts. When you visit you may request a tour/information based on what you are studying; soldiers gear display, Soldiers' letters, US flag folding experience, Speakers from WWII though the present, Speakers about the civil war, Recruiting posters, and personalized dog tags per request ($8 each). Recommended ages; grades 5-12. We do ask for a $2 donation per student, teachers are free. Join the other home school groups who have visited.
Cascade MountainPortage
Cascade Mountain Field Trips are available Monday through Friday from open to close.Cascade Mountain has 36 beautifully groomed trails from beginner to expert as well as 4 terrain park to practice tricks and jumps. Not a skier or snowboarder? Cascade Mountain also has group rates for snow tubing. There are 10 lanes of snow tubing with a moving sidewalk to take you to the top. All fun and no work! Cascade Mountain also has retail shops, repair shops, and food available for your convenience. Cascade Mountain is open from November through mid-March (weather dependent). Field trip pricing is not available from Dec.24-Jan.2. Rates apply to groups of 15 people or more. Please call Cascade Mountain Group Sales Department for more details or to make a reservation at 608-742-5588 ext 1316.
MacKenzie Environmental Education CenterPoynette
The MacKenzie Center, just 25 miles north of Madison, is one of the most diverse education centers in Wisconsin. Located on a 285-acre property near Poynette in Columbia County, the MacKenzie Center has interpretive trails, exhibits, museums and programming available for school and youth groups. The MacKenzie Center is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the natural world.
Villa LouisPrairie du Chien
When you walk through the doors of Villa Louis, you step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – The Dousmans. Located on the beautiful banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this National Historic Landmark offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, from the advent of the first fur traders, to the War of 1812, through the splendor of the Victorian era.
Eagle Eye FarmRiver Falls
"Here at Eagle Eye Farm, we are thrilled to have you on our side of the fence. We are home to award winning alpacas, but the show must go on at all times around our farm! So of course we have so many other magnificent animals roaming around. During your time here, you’ll be greeted by Kune Kune pigs, chickens, Valais Blacknose Sheep, English Angora bunnies, and miniature Highland cattle! We love all of our animals equally and our hearts have continued to multiple over the years, so we just had to open our gates to share and spread the love with you too! We can’t wait for you to get a chance to experience life on the farm with these amazing animals, learn about how our alpaca products are made, and you can even contribute to the bright future of our youth , as well as the health and well-being of our farm friends! Come visit us today and you’ll see that the grass is greener when you’re here on Eagle Eye Farm! We offer many educational opportunities about our animals and the products they produce. You can learn the process of how the alpaca fleece is turned into yarn or other products we sell. Or just about the day to day operations on the farm. We offer tours, educational classes, crafts, and you can pet and interact with the alpacas."
Hunt Hill Nature CenterSarona
Hunt Hill Nature Center is a nature sanctuary and learning center dedicated to fostering understanding, appreciation, and protection of the environment. Hunt Hill is open to the public year-round, protects nearly 600 acres of diverse habitats, and has over 13 miles of trails. Visitors get to float on the bog, hike through old-growth forests, and explore the prairie. Home school groups are welcome to visit the sanctuary and explore the trails independently or schedule a day of naturalist-led programs that are aligned to Wisconsin state standards in science and environmental literacy.
John Michael Kohler Arts CenterSheboygan
A 50-year-old, nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts complex in downtown Sheboygan, the Arts Center is devoted to innovative explorations in contemporary American art. Its exhibitions focus on a wide range of art forms, with particular emphasis on sculpture, photography, crafts, new genres, installation art, ongoing folk traditions, and the work of self-taught artists. The performing arts emphasize dance, music, and theatre performances from around the world. Programming also includes a renowned Arts/Industry residency program, classes, and special events.
Central Wisconsin Children's MuseumStevens Point
The mission of the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum is to provide a family-based discovery place where children and adults can play and explore together to strengthen confidence, capabilities and creativity through hands-on investigation.
Whitefish Dunes State ParkSturgeon Bay
The park features programs, exhibits, and brochures on archeology, highlighting the importance of eight significant Native American villages, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the nature center offers displays on ecology, geology, and human history of the park. Programs for all ages are presented year-round at the park.
Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical CenterSuperior
A visit to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is an exciting and educational experience for students and teachers alike. The Veterans Historical Center cordially welcomes student groups and is a regular destination for schools throughout Wisconsin. The center offers 22,000 square feet of military artifacts honoring service men and women throughout the various war eras. Named for America's Ace of Aces and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Major Richard I. Bong the center offers several field trip packages and programs presented by service veterans. Home School rates available.
Free Educational Tours at Halquist Stone CompanySussex
Free tours to students at the stone facility focusing on rocks and minerals. Tours last one hour with 30 minutes in the old school house rock museum and the other 30 minutes outside collecting 12 rock specimen samples that children take with them. Tour is aimed towards 3rd to 5th grade students. Call for a minimum number of students for homeschool groups.
Rock Island State ParkWashington Island
Take the ferry Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day to this primitive Lake Michigan island where no vehicles are allowed. This unique park features the Pottawatomie Lighthouse as well as stone buildings built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1964. Tours are given of the historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. During tours, visitors are permitted to climb to the lantern room. Donations are accepted but not required as this service is provided by the Friends of Rock Island State Park.
Rib Mountain State ParkWausau
This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geological formations on Earth.
Museum of Wisconsin ArtWest Bend
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is the state's primary venue for the exhibition of historic and contemporary Wisconsin art. It also includes the unequaled Wisconsin Art Archive which contains over 8000 files on Wisconsin art, artists and a significant library of research material on state art and history.
Great Wolf Lodge - Wisconsin DellsWisconsin Dells
Great Wolf Lodge is North America's Largest Family of Indoor Waterpark resorts, and the ultimate destination for your next family getaway. Designed to capture the atmosphere of the Northwoods, our waterpark offer an amazing guest experience in a one-of-a-kind, rustically elegant setting. The perfect place for families to re-connect, and create lifelong memories. With one of our fully-themed resort suites as your family's base camp, you can set out on your Great Wolf adventure. You'll likely first discover our gigantic indoor waterpark, where it's always 84 degrees. And that's just the beginning. Besides our waterpark, don't miss our themed restaurants, interactive arcades, full service spas (and even a version for kids!), fitness centers, and so much more. And with more than 10 locations coast to coast, Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect, weatherproof, year-round destination for your busy family. So whether your family splashes the day away in the waterpark, enjoys a delicious family meal in our restaurant, or enjoys our nightly Storytime together before calling it a night, we think you'll agree, there's no time, like a Great Wolf time.
Riverside & Great Northern RailwayWisconsin Dells
The Riverside & Great Northern Railway is a 15" gauge railway and living museum located in Wisconsin Dells. The train travels on a 1-1/2 mile historic railroad right-of-way dating back to 1857 that goes through scenic canyons and majestic rock cuts beside the Dells of the Wisconsin River. As an educational preservation society, staff will talk about the way a steam locomotive works and involve students in turning the locomotive on the turntable. Tours of the shops are available. After the train trip, there is a picnic area for snacks or lunch. Group rates are $2 off the regular ticket prices.
H.H. Bennett StudioWisconsin Dells
Combining advancements in technology with a love for natural landscapes, photographer H.H. Bennett captured the images that made Wisconsin Dells famous. Photography historians consider Bennett one of the best landscape photographers of the 19th century, considered the "Golden Age of Landscape Photography." Today the studio continues to house many of Bennett's original photographs, glass plate negatives, photography inventions, cameras and equipment.
