Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Deanne
Heading to Spring Green, Wisconsin, looking for things to do? We’ve got you covered. My husband, Ryan, and I recently spent a memorable weekend filling our itinerary with all the best things to do in Spring Green and the surrounding area. It was easy, as this charming town seamlessly integrates culture, architecture, attractions, and natural beauty making it a great weekend getaway.
Distance to Spring Green, Wisconsin
Located in beautiful Sauk County, Spring Green is an easy drive from many major cities. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Dubuque, Iowa, and Madison, Wisconsin, two hours from Milwaukee, a 3.5-hour drive from Chicago, and just under four hours from Minneapolis, MN.
Best time to visit Spring Green
Spring Green sits among rolling hills and scenic landscapes with many things to do during all times of the year. The summer provides warm weather, calm evenings, and extended daylight to fit in a full itinerary of outdoor activities as well as indoor attractions. Autumn is a scenic time to visit the area as the changing leaves on trees make a vividly colorful backdrop. Winter provides plenty of snowy fun cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in area parks. However certain Spring Green attractions are made for more moderate months – especially American Players Theatre, which is only open from June into November. APT is a big reason to visit Spring Green, so I recommend traveling to the area when you can catch a play at their outdoor theater.
Whenever you plan to go, bookmark the following list of beautiful and entertaining things to do in Spring Green.
Things to do in Spring Green, Wisconsin
Spring Green may be a small Midwestern town with a population just over 1500, but it delivers a big dose of beauty, recreation, and cultural attractions. This peaceful retreat is a welcome escape from the hustle of daily life while offering immersive experiences in theater, history, and even the bizarre. Read on to see what I mean.
But first, let’s look at what put Spring Green on the map.
1. Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at Taliesin.
Spring Green is possibly best known as the hometown of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His former home and studio, Taliesin, sits on 800 acres of hilly countryside where you can take a guided tour and learn about Wright’s life and legacy. The iconic Taliesin estate includes his 37,000 square-foot home, studio, and school which give a glimpse into Wright’s architectural philosophy, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative designs.
Taliesin is a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to include a visit in your Spring Green getaway.
Taliesin Tips and Info:
* There are multiple guided tours to choose from ranging from a 1-hour house tour to a 4-hour estate tour. Since we were a little short on time and mainly wanted to view the inside of his house we chose the 1-hour house tour. It was very interesting and we learned details about Wright’s personal life we hadn’t known before.
* Guided tours of Taliesin are only available April-November. Visit their website to order tickets. They often sell out, so plan ahead. There are no self-guided tours available.
* All the tours begin and end at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. An impressive place on its own, the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center was originally designed by Wright as a supper club and now serves as a welcome center with a large gift shop.
2. Immerse yourself in nature and the arts at American Players Theatre.
Watching a Shakespeare play at the outdoor American Players Theatre (APT) is my favorite thing to do in Spring Green, Wisconsin. I highly recommend booking an evening performance. The experience is entertaining, the surroundings are stunning, and the mood is magical.
If Shakespeare isn’t your thing, no worries! APT includes plays from other playwrights in their repertoire, too. The perfect blend of nature and entertainment makes the APT a must-do. I dedicated a whole blog post detailing the APT experience. Find it here: American Players Theatre: One of the Best Hidden Gems in Wisconsin
American Players Theatre Tips and Info:
* APT produces nine plays each year giving performances June through November. Order tickets here.
* Many people choose to bring a picnic to eat before the show. There are shelters and picnic tables on the ground at the bottom of the hill.
3. Walk through a maze of bizarre oddities at The House on the Rock.
The House on the Rock is a one-of-a-kind museum that displays collections of totally random and bizarre items. Case in point: a pair of whale eardrums!
Some displays are strange and some are enormous.
Many are musical and some produce sensory overload.
Besides housing some of the weirdest collections you can imagine, the original house contains an Infinity Room that stretches 218 feet unsupported over a valley.
I wrote an entire article about what to expect as you tour the House on the Rock. Check it out here: The House on the Rock: Where the Weirdest Collections Come to Life
The House on the Rock Tips and Info:
* The entire place is split up into three different sections for self-guided tours. You can choose to tour one, two, or all three sections. I suggest touring at least one and two. Touring only Section One misses most of the bizarre exhibits, while section two includes the world’s largest carousel which is interesting to see.
* Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking.
4. Stop at the Spring Green General Store for lunch and souvenirs.
The Spring Green General Store is worth a visit for good food and shopping. Fresh and local ingredients make up appetizing menu options, including sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and burritos. The cute café is open for breakfast and lunch and includes a gift shop with unique and fun items.
Spring Green General Store Tips and Info:
* After lunch, walk across the street for a scoop of homemade small batch ice cream at The Frozen Local. They offer unique flavor combinations using fresh fruit and other local ingredients.
5. Hike, bike, and fish at Governor Dodge State Park.
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the largest parks in Wisconsin. Located just south of Spring Green, the park encompasses more than 5,000 acres and contains walking trails, lakes, bluffs, valleys, and a waterfall.
The park offers many recreational opportunities, including canoeing, camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. We hiked the Stephen’s Falls Trail and the Lost Canyon Trail. I always like seeing waterfalls, but unfortunately there wasn’t much water flowing down the waterfall when we went at the end of August.
Governor Dodge State Park Tips and Info:
* Governor Dodge State Park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
* There is an entry fee required, unless you have a WI state park pass.
6. Sample delicious wine and spirits at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery.
Established in the 1840’s, Wollersheim Winery (a half-hour drive from Spring Green) is one of the oldest wineries in the state and a National Historic site. Located on a stunning hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, Wollersheim is a picturesque place to sip their popular Prairie Fumé while touring the grounds. Wollersheim wines are well-known throughout the state having won numerous awards at prestigious wine competitions.
The Wollersheim Distillery is well-known for its Coquard Brandy. They also make bourbon, whiskey, gin, and absinthe, among others.
While not located right in Spring Green, the Wollersheim Winery and Distillery is worth the short drive and worth including in your itinerary.
Wollersheim Winery Tips and Info:
* Wollersheim has a bistro on site. We didn’t order any food, but next time we definitely will. Their flatbread looked delicious!
* Wollersheim offers flight tastings daily and guided walking tours on select days.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, relaxation, or adventure, Spring Green’s picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures create a unique and unforgettable getaway.
Have you visited this part of southwest Wisconsin? Do you have anything to add to our list of things to do in Spring Green? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
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