Hidden Wisconsin Gems — Out-of-the-Ordinary Places Worth Checking Out

There’s no doubt that Wisconsin is home to some of the most popular and notable venues, attractions, and activities in the country. However, it’s also a place that’s brimming with hidden gems — out-of-the-way places, extraordinary finds, and unexpected treasures — just waiting to be discovered.

With sparkling, deep blue lakes, wooded landscapes, and small town charm, these Wisconsin getaways are dazzling places to host a meeting or event. Some of the most amazing venues reside here:

• Glacier Canyon Conference Center at Wilderness Resort. Offering a wealth of activities and amenities, featuring indoor and outdoor waterparks, 18-hole golf course, mini-golf, sky rope course, ziplining, go carts, plus a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.

• The Abbey Resort + Avani Spa. Overlooking the glittering waters of Lake Geneva, The Abbey Resort is a valuable find with gorgeous suites, a 35,000 square foot spa, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, on-site marina, conference center, American dining, bar and coffee shop.

Though there are an abundance of riches in the way of luxurious destinations in this state, some of them stand out as crown jewels, whether in a vineyard or at a farm:

• Captain Walk Winery. Located in downtown Green Bay, Captain’s Walk Winery is a real prize housed in a beautifully preserved, Italianate Victorian Home.  Wine tasters drink in a view of the production room and cellars below. Reserve a room like the lounge or wine bar bistro, or the entire winery for a priceless experience.

• Autumn Harvest Winery. Indulge in the spectacular views, stroll the apple orchard, admire the vineyard and winery, the first in the Chippewa Valley. Tastings and events shine in this jewel of a destination.  

• Badger Farms. A magnificent setting with unsurpassed beauty that is tucked away in the Wisconsin countryside. Two unique venues -- a renovated 1920s barn and an enclosed pavilion -- are the crowning glory of Madison area.

Upscale venues offer not only excitement, but entertainment, team-building opportunities, gilded gathering places, and tempting cuisine, making them worth their weight in gold:

• Potawatomi Hotel + Casino. A sophisticated casino and hotel that pampers you and your guests with comfortable rooms and suites, table games, slots, off-track betting, poker, live entertainment, and eight bars and restaurants.

Any venue that leaves your guests smiling is invaluable. With multi-faceted amenities, attractions or activities, any of these spots will reward you with a room full of dazzling pearly whites:

• Road America. Shower guests with excitement at the place where they host NASCAR Xfinity Series, Weather Tech SportsCar Championship, SCCA Pirelli World Challenge, Indy Care Series and more.

• EAA Aviation Center.  With a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes along with world-class galleries and displays, the EAA Aviation Center is a destination at which you will make treasured memories.

• Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin. Adventure and learning await your guests with classic aviation exhibits, military aircraft simulators, and model aircraft exhibits, plus meet and greet pilots and combat pilot veterans.