Visiting Southern Wisconsin

Southern Wisconsin is home to the largest percentage of the state's population. Outside the metropolitan areas of Madison and Milwaukee travelers find wonderful smaller cities and towns like Prairie du Chien and La Crosse. These are Mississippi River towns on the western border of Wisconsin. Crossing Southern Wisconsin you will encounter Oshkosh where the OshKosh B'Gosh overalls and children's clothing was first manufactured. OshKosh is located on the Fox River where it flows into Lake Winnebago, one of the largest inland lakes in the US. Interstate 43 runs down the western shore of Lake Michigan through Wisconsin towns like Manitowac, Sheboygon and Mequon before reaching the greater Milwaukee area.

Wisconsin Dells hosts a special Autumn Harvest Fest mid-October. A fantastic fall family event, there will be pony rides, clowns, craft activities and hayrides for fun. The Arts and Crafts Marketplace will feature over 80 vendors along with a farmers' market. For the competitors, don't miss the pie eating contest – to enter bring your own pie made with your favorite local Wisconsin filling. The Best Western Ambassador Inn and Suites offers a variety of rooms and suites to accommodate large or small groups. A getaway in the Dells is great any time of year with Best Western Hotels.

Southwestern Wisconsin hosts one of the Midwest's premier art festivals in fall. The 2010 Fall Art Tour is held over the weekend of October 15th through the 17th. The tour showcases 65 of the best area artists in their own studios located in the small towns and rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin. Art lovers can see sculptors, painters and potters at work in their studios as well as glass, metal and wood workers. A unique opportunity to see the artistic processes and purchase works directly from the artists.

Travel through charming towns like Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point in the vibrant fall colors at your own pace along the tour. Make it a delightful fall getaway and stay at an area Best Western Hotel for the weekend. The Best Western Baraboo Inn in West Baraboo is along the northern end of the Art Tour. The Best Western Quiet House & Suites is on the southern end of the tour. Enjoy leisurely days exploring and getting to know the artists of Southern Wisconsin and relax for the night in the comfort of a Best Western Hotel.

For some fall excitement try the 2010 Norskedalen's Ghoulees in the Coulees east of La Crosse at the Norskedalen Heritage and Nature Center in Coon Valley. Be sure to make reservations for this trilling and chilling Halloween event October 27th through the 29th. Take the half mile hike (if you dare) through the haunted trails of the center to find treats in the end at the Bekkum Homestead. There will be plenty of lit pumpkins to light the trails - and you!

Southern Wisconsin Hotel Map