Spring Green, Wisconsin
Spring Green is a lesser-known Wisconsin destination with several very unique points of interest. There are several campgrounds to stay at, as well as several interesting hotels like the Round Barn Lodge. Spring Green is the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and you may tour his original estate including house and gardens.
Located in southwest Wisconsin, Spring Green is a fairly small village but has some interesting history and attractions.
Weather
Most places in Wisconsin will be best during the summer months of June through August, or late spring month of May or early fall in September.
Where we Stayed
Fireside Campground. A private campground, it is pretty basic but has lots of trees and privacy. After our evening trip to American Players Theater (more on this later), we lay outside under the stars and enjoyed the quiet.
Other campgrounds are Trader’s Bar and Grill and Campground and Wisconsin Riverside Resort, both on the Wisconsin River and offering canoe, kayak and tube rentals.
What to See
House on the Rock
This is what it sounds like – a house built into a rock. A giant rock. The man who built this house in the 1940s, Alex Jordan, wanted to build a unique home with incredible views from the rock formation known as Deer Shelter Rock, overlooking the forested area surrounding it. The house opened to the public in 1960, and now has additional museum-like additions that showcase collections that Jordan owned. There are also extensive collections of armor, firearms, jewelry, ivory carvings, carousel animals and so much more. Tour the Japanese gardens, sculpture gardens, streets of yesteryear, and see the world’s largest indoor carousel. The most impressive to me are the mechanical music machines, including an entire mechanical orchestra.
It is difficult to see the entire house and collections in one day. Plan on spending 2-3 days to see everything; it is quite overwhelming.
Taliesin
Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, and 800 acre property with beautifully landscaped grounds, and a studio and school. The stories behind the home are fascinating! And maybe a little creepy. Also be sure to visit the Riverview Terrace Cafe adjacent to the property.
American Players Theater
Founded in 1977, APT has two theaters situated on 110 acres, one outdoors and one indoors. APT boasts the country’s second largest outdoor theater devoted to the classics. Pre-ordered picnic dinners are available as well as beer and wine and other food items. We have been to both day-time plays and evening plays “under the stars”.
Canoeing, Kayaking and tubing
Rentals available at the Trader’s Bar and Grill and Campground and Wisconsin Riverside Resort on the Wisconsin River.
Where to Eat
Try Arthur’s Supper Club for a classic Wisconsin “supper club” experience, complete with brandy old-fashioned and ice cream drinks like grasshoppers. Their menu includes steaks, seafood and pasta.
The Shed offers sandwiches and dinners and delicious drinks in a casual setting.
Vintage Brewing Company has sandwiches, burgers and several dinner options – and of course, local craft beers! They also offer a great brunch. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and they even have a menu for your dog!
While in Wisconsin, be sure to check out a cheese factory. Nearby in Plain, WI, check out Cedar Grove cheese and get some freshly made cheese curds.
Where to Drink
Vintage Brewing Company has local craft beers, specialty drinks and wine. See their events calendar for music and tasting events.https://vintagebrewingcompany.com/saukprairie/events/