A Heroes Journey
Three trips that will help you connect with the heroic figures who came to and from Wisconsin
A Heroes Journey - From Wisconsin Idols
Wisconsin Itineraries
Three trips that will help you connect with the heroic figures who came to and from Wisconsin, depending on which part of the state you want to explore. Supplement these drives with sites from the lists below to satisfy your personal interests and obsessions.
Discover intriguing true tales of legends and trailblazers who left their mark on Wisconsin and the World in the WHS Press book, Wisconsin Idols, by Dean Robbins.
East
In Racine County, you’ll find more than two dozen significant abolitionist sites, including markers commemorating the brave escapes of Joshua Glover and Caroline Quarlls. Head north to Genessee Depot to tour Ten Chimneys, the extravagant home of theatrical superstars Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Then it’s on to Waukesha to view a permanent exhibition dedicated to musical innovator Les Paul at the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, and next to Milwaukee for another Paul exhibition at Discovery World. Don’t leave Milwaukee without visiting the historical marker in Cathedral Square Park, where you can contemplate Glover’s dramatic liberation. In Grafton, check out the monument to the influential musicians who recorded for Paramount Records; and farther north in Two Rivers, sample ice cream sundaes in the place where three locals created everyone’s favorite dessert in 1881. Salute football great Bart Starr in Green Bay, immersing yourself in trophies and gear at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. End your eastern journey by circling south to Appleton, where you can marvel over a straitjacket worn by the incomparable magician Harry Houdini at the History Museum at the Castle. Search out the Houdini historical markers in downtown Appleton and two wonderful Houdini sculptures: a bust in Houdini Plaza and Metamorphosis on the Fox River.
Central
Start at Janesville’s Lincoln-Tallman House for an authentic Abraham Lincoln encounter. In Madison, walk in Rodney Dangerfield’s footsteps on the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Bascom Hill, where the irreverent comedian filmed Back to School. Pay your respects to Saturday Night Live’s Chris Farley at Resurrection Cemetery and to rhythm and blues singer Otis Redding on the Monona Terrace rooftop, where a monument overlooks the site of Redding’s 1967 plane crash. You can also stand on the Edgewater Hotel pier to view the lake where singer Joni Mitchell shot photos for her album Hejira—or, in winter, venture onto the lake yourself to reenact Joni’s mystical experience on the ice. Jog east to the Fort Atkinson area to see the rough-hewn cabin where Lorine Niedecker toiled over her highly personal modernist poetry; then jog west to Spring Green to tour a one-of-a-kind architectural landmark: Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. Head north to Baraboo to explore the Ringling Brothers’ boisterous Circus World and the Aldo Leopold Foundation, home to the conservationist’s celebrated shack. Drive slightly east for writer Zona Gale’s elegant house in Portage, then slightly west for H. H. Bennett’s historic photography studio in Wisconsin Dells.
West
In Prairie du Chien, wander through the lovely Mississippi River Sculpture Park, which features a statue of renowned healer Marianne Labuche. Follow the Mississippi River up to La Crosse, which boasts a dynamic sculptural tribute to the Olympic champion George Poage. Straight north is Eau Claire, the stomping grounds of melancholy musician Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. You can stay at his hip hotel, the Oxbow; drive by a Bon Iver-themed mural at the State Theatre; and even see the dormitory Vernon immortalized in his song “Towers” at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. At Carson Field is a poignant statue of teenage Hank Aaron, who started his brilliant baseball career with the Eau Claire Bears. To explore the beautiful north country, take the scenic drive to Ashland and visit Sigurd Olson’s beloved Chequamegon Bay. Along the way, Bob Dylan fanatics can stop in Webster to see Herzl Camp, where the future Nobel laureate spent idyllic childhood summers swimming and strumming his guitar.
Top Tourist Attractions
H. H. Bennett Studio
The historic site celebrates the pioneering photographer and displays his images and equipment.
215 Broadway Avenue, Wisconsin Dells, 53965, 608-253-3523
hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org
Zona Gale
Museum at the Portage
The civic museum is located in Gale’s stylish former home and preserves her study.
804 MacFarlane Road, Portage, 53901, 608-742-6682
portagemuseum.org
Harry Houdini
History Museum at the Castle
A permanent exhibition features the magician’s equipment and tells his exciting life story.
330 East College Avenue, Appleton, 54911, 920-735-9370
myhistorymuseum.org
Ice Cream Sundaes
Washington House & Visitor Center
Hear about the three locals who helped invent the ice cream sundae, then sample the wares at Berner’s Ice Cream Parlor.
1622 Jefferson Street, Two Rivers, 54241, 920-793-2490
tworivers-history.org/historic-washington-house
Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold Foundation
Learn about the conservationist’s life and explore his lovingly preserved farm, including the iconic shack.
E13701 Levee Road, Baraboo, 53913, 608-355-0279
aldoleopold.org
Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln-Tallman House
See the mansion where the future president once stayed—for a day longer than he expected.
440 North Jackson Street, Janesville, 53548, 608-756-4509
rchs.us/sites/lincoln-tallman-house
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
Ten Chimneys
Tour the theatrical stars’ extravagant summer home, packed with a lifetime’s worth of treasures.
S43 W31575 Depot Road, Genesee Depot, 53127, 262-968-4161
tenchimneys.org
Agnes Moorehead
Agnes Moorehead Micro-Museum
A restaurant exhibit features mementos from the actress’s life.
Beastro & Barley, 125 East Main Street, Reedsburg, 53959, 608-524-6724
beastroandbarley.com
Les Paul
Wizard of Waukesha exhibition
Learn how the innovative guitarist changed the world with his music and inventions.
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, 101 West Main Street, Waukesha, 53186, 262-521-2859
waukeshacountymuseum.org/education/les-paul-wizard-of-waukesha
Les Paul
Les Paul’s House of Sound exhibition
Immerse yourself in the guitarist’s life and create your own new sounds.
Discovery World, 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, 53202, 414-765-9966
discoveryworld.org/experiences/les-pauls-house-of-sound
Ringling Brothers
Circus World
The sixty-four-acre attraction showcases historic buildings and circus wagons while offering a lively modern-day circus.
550 Water Street, Baraboo, 53913, 608-356-8341
circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org
Ringling Brothers
Al Ringling Mansion
Tour the palatial home of the eldest Ringling brother, who surrounded himself with elaborate murals and hand-decorated ceilings.
623 Broadway Street, Baraboo, 53913, 608-448-7455
alringlingmansion.com
Viola Smith
Malone Area Heritage Museum
The museum houses photos and memorabilia of The Fastest Girl Drummer in the World.
N8791 County Road West, Malone, 53049, 920-579-2738
facebook.com/malonearea
Bart Starr
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
The quarterback plays a Starr-ing role in this tribute to all things green and gold.
Lambeau Field Atrium, 1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, 54304, 920-569-7512
Frank Lloyd Wright and Pedro Guerrero
Taliesin
Explore the architectural masterpiece designed by Wright and expertly photographed by Guerrero.
5481 County Road C, Spring Green, 53588, 608-588-7900
taliesinpreservation.org
Must-See Monuments
Hank Aaron statue, as a baseball rookie
Carson Park, 199 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire, 54701
Hank Aaron statue, as a Major League Baseball star
American Family Field, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, 53214
Bon Iver mural
State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire, 54701
Joshua Glover mural
Interstate 43 overpass on Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, 53205
Mildred Fish Harnack memorial
2101 Allen Boulevard, Madison, 53705
Hans Christian Heg statue
Capitol Square at King Street, Madison, 53703
Harry Houdini statue, in a straitjacket
Houdini Plaza, West College Avenue between South Appleton and South Oneida streets, Appleton, 54911
Harry Houdini statue, Metamorphosis
600 South Vulcan Street, Appleton, 54915
Marianne Labuche statue
Mississippi River Sculpture Park, 419 5th Street, Prairie du Chien, 53821
Fred MacMurray mural
Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre, 117 West Maple Avenue, Beaver Dam, 53916
Helen Farnsworth Mears, Genius of Wisconsin statue
Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 East Main Street, Madison, 53703
Fred Merkle memorial
919 Charles Street, Watertown, 53094
Paramount Records musicians walk of fame
Paramount Plaza, 1304 12th Avenue, Grafton, 53024
George Poage statue
Poage Park, 500 Hood Street, La Crosse, 54601
Otis Redding memorial
Monona Terrace rooftop, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, 53703
Bart Starr statue
Resch Center, 820 Armed Forces Drive, Green Bay, 54304
Pilgrimage to a Plaque
Joshua Glover
Rice and Sinclair sawmill site where Glover worked after escaping from slavery
Horlick Park along the Root River, 3630 Rapids Court, Racine, 53404
Margaret H’Doubler
Near 1055 Bascom Mall, Madison, 53706
Eric and Beth Heiden
Vilas Park, Madison, 53715
Harry Houdini
Zion Temple, 320 Durkee Street; the southwest corner of College Avenue and Morrison Street; and 600 South Vulcan Street near the Metamorphosis sculpture, Appleton, 54915
Ada James
Near 460 West 6th Street, Richland Center, 53581
Har Gobind Khorana
University of Wisconsin-Madison Biochemistry Building, 420 Henry Mall, Madison, 53706
Aldo Leopold
2222 Van Hise Avenue, Madison, 53726
Georgia O’Keeffe
300 East Main Street, Sun Prairie, 53590
Sigurd Olson
30600 U.S. Highway 2, Ashland, 54806
Elvis Presley fight scene
3618 East Washington Avenue, Madison, 53704
Caroline Quarlls, Underground Railroad site at the Samuel Brown Farm
Intersection of Fond du Lac Avenue and North 17th Street, Milwaukee, 53205
Ringling Brothers first performance site
18 Broadhead Street, Mazomanie, 53560
Theodore Roosevelt assassination-attempt site
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, 53203
Spencer Tracy school
Trowbridge Street Elementary School, 1943 East Trowbridge Street, Milwaukee, 53207
Bunny Berigan
Spring Street (State Highway 33), south of Cordelia Street, on the right when traveling south, at a highway pull-off by Adams Spring Park, Fox Lake, 53933.
Invention of the Ice Cream Sundae
Intersection of Washington Street (State Highway 42) and 17th Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street, at Central Park, Two Rivers, 54241.
Unmarked Shrines
Bon Iver/ Justin Vernon
Kaarlgard Towers
Vernon’s college dormitory, referenced in the Bon Iver song “Towers”
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 642 University Drive, Eau Claire, 54701
Rodney Dangerfield
Back to School film locations
Memorial Union Terrace, Library Mall, Observatory Hill, Science Hall, Helen C. White Hall, Slichter Hall, and the Red Gym, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53703
Bob Dylan
Camp Herzl
The Nobel laureate’s childhood summer camp
7260 Mickey Smith Parkway, Webster, 54893
Chris Farley
Former site of Ark Improvisational Theatre, where the comedian got his start
220 North Basset Street, Madison, 53703
Harrison Ford
Belfry Music Theatre, where the future Han Solo and Indiana Jones honed his acting skills
3601 Wisconsin Highway 67, Delavan, 53115
Joni Mitchell
Site of ice-skating photos from the album Hejira
Lake Mendota at the Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, 53703
Nirvana and Butch Vig
Former site of Vig’s Smart Studios, where the band began recording its breakthrough album, Nevermind
1254 East Washington Avenue, Madison, 53703
Joyce Carol Oates
Barnard Hall, the writer’s residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
970 University Avenue, Madison, 53706
Orson Welles
Former site of Camp Indianola, where the budding artist wowed fellow campers with a solo performance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; look for three stone pillars, the camp’s last remnants
Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 County Highway M, Waunakee, 53597
Historic Houses
Still standing, sometimes with historic markers; fun for a drive-by but not open to the public
Kathryn Clarenbach
2229 Eton Ridge, Madison, 53726
Uta Hagen
1620 Adams Street, Madison, 53711
Adda Howie
3026 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, 53208
Liberace birthplace
1649 South 60th Street, West Allis, 53214
Helen Farnsworth Mears
222 East Parkway Avenue, Oshkosh, 54901
Lorine Niedecker
W7307 Blackhawk Island Road, Sumner, 53538
Spencer Tracy
3003 West St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, 53208
Orson Welles birthplace
6114 7th Avenue, Kenosha, 53143
Final Resting Places
Bunny Berigan
Annunciation Cemetery, Breezy Point Road, Fox Lake, 53916
Dickey Chapelle
Forest Home Cemetery, 2405 West Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee, 53215
Jeffrey Erlanger
Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, 53705
Chris Farley
Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent Street, Madison, 53705
Zona Gale
Silver Lake Cemetery, 304 Cemetery Road, Portage, 53901
Hans Christian Heg
Norway Cemetery, 6235 Heg Park Road, Norway, 53185
Adda Howie
Graceland Cemetery, 6401 North 43rd Street, Milwaukee, 53209
Ada James
Richland Center Cemetery, 1300 North Park Street, Richland Center, 53581
Belle Case La Follette
Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, 53705
Allen Ludden
Graceland Cemetery, 841 Fair Street, Mineral Point, 53565
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
Forest Home Cemetery, 2405 West Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee, 53215
Electa Quinney
Stockbridge Indian Cemetery, Moore Road, Hilbert, 54129
Meinhardt Raabe
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, W4095 County Road B, Johnson Creek, 53038
Frank Lloyd Wright and Pedro Guerrero
Unity Chapel Cemetery, 6596 County Highway TZ, Spring Green, 53588
Wright’s remains were moved to Arizona, but his rugged headstone is intact.
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