High-brow cultural events may be appealing to some, but many tourists choose roads paved with kitsch and knick-knacks.
Americana, or the diner-laden culture that Norman Rockwell painted and folktales embodies, produces donut burgers, giant strings and other unusual foods. It also hosts food festivals and other events. By visiting regional sites, families can feel closer to their loved ones and it’s a great way to learn about America’s local cultures and cuisines.
Wisconsin is the ideal place for families seeking eccentric fun. There are many places to eat eclectic food. Wisconsin’s Mount Horeb Mustard Museum has the world’s largest collection mustard varieties. It houses over 4,600 dijons. Over 21-year-olds might like to visit the National Brewery Museum, Potosi. Here they can see turn-of-the century brewing equipment.
If visitors are the type to catch, not order, their dinner, Hayward’s National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum might appeal. The museum’s highlight is the “Shrine for Anglers” -; a four-and-one-half-story building shaped like a leaping muskie, a large fish whose gaping mouth serves as an observation platform.
Beloit’s Angel Museum houses more than 12,000 angel figurines. Oprah Winfrey donated 700 black angels. Near Sparta is The Paul and Matilda Wagner Grotto. Also known as The Glass Church, this sculpture garden with glass serves as both a nondenominational contemplation area and as an exhibit of grassroots art.
Other places celebrate American culture, history, and innovation. Appleton’s History Museum contains equipment from Harry Houdini’s past. Elkhorn’s Watson’s Wild West Museum has antique spurs and more than 2,000 branding tools. The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, Wisconsin Dells, contains mementos of a different kind – visitors can see a replica Sputnik and a Russian Mir Core module.
You can find more information about Americana on the road at www.americanaroad.com www.travelwisconsin.comOr call 1-800-432-TRIP Extension 8747.
