With summer vacation season coming up quickly many of us are trying to decide what to do for those precious two weeks we have for a little R&R with our families. With gas prices as high as they are, though, many of us are trying to find vacation opportunities closer to home. Between high gas prices at the pump and fuel surcharges or increased ticket prices for travel services as a result of higher fuel prices many of us simply can’t afford to wander too far from home this year.
Between natural destinations like the Cave of the Mounds and Wisconsin Dells, manmade destinations such as the House on the Rock and Lambeau Field or even historical/educational destinations like the State Capitol or the Natural History Museum there are literally dozens of possibilities and the best part is that virtually every single one can be reached on a single tank of gas.
This year, instead of hooking up with your travel agent or pulling up Travelocity in your browser, flip open a Wisconsin map and actually take a look at some of the places within a short drive of where you live. Vacations don’t need to be far away to be fun. Instead, look for what I call “gas tank” destinations – places within a short drive of where you are.
I personally like the natural beauty of this great state that we live in and there are dozens of destinations…some well-known and some not-so-known…within just a short drive of the Madison area.
Take for example Parfrey’s Glen. Part of Devil’s Lake State Park and located just outside Baraboo, Parfrey’s Glen is a great little-known one mile hike that takes you into the heart of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. As you walk into the glen you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the natural flora and. You can look side to side and see the beautiful sandstone and quartzite walls that have been etched over thousands of years by the bubbling brook full of crystal clear water you’re walking beside. The trees above shade the path keeping it cool but as gentle breezes blow, the leaves part allowing tiny rays of sunlight to dance across the glen’s floor. More info on Parfrey’s Glen can be found at http://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/parfreysglen.html.
Another great example is the Cave of the Mounds. Located between Mt. Horeb and Blue Mounds, the Cave of the Mounds is another great destination for admiring Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Since 1940 visitors have been coming to the natural wonder nestled between the rolling East Mound and West Mound that make up one of the area’s most distinguishing landmark, Blue Mounds (yes, there actually are mounds – it’s not just the name of the town). Guided tours are available every hour on the hour. More information can be found at http://www.caveofthemounds.com.
Wisconsin Dells is another naturally beautiful area of our great state. Whether you choose to see it via the boat tours or on one of the WWII era Ducks, the natural beauty of the Wisconsin River as it winds through the Dells is simply amazing.
One of the great things about the Wisconsin Dells is that it combines natural beauty with hundreds of activities from water parks to roller coasters to horseback riding to shopping – you’re sure to find the perfect activity for your family. I recommend spending at least a full weekend, sleeping in one of the many luxurious resorts such as the Kalahari, Great Wolf or Chula Vista. More info on Wisconsin Dells can be found at http://www.wisconsindells.com.
No matter what your pleasure, Wisconsin has plenty of destinations within a few hours drive perfect for your family’s summer vacation. Don’t sweat the high gas prices or huge fuel surcharges the airlines charge…simply open up your Wisconsin map and pick a great destination right here in our own state!
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