Marshall WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marshall, Wisconsin.
1. Little Amerricka
CLASSIC AMUSEMENT PARK FUN
Little Amerricka is a charming amusement park featuring twenty-six rides and attractions, including a classic 1950's wooden roller coaster called The Meteor. The unique park showcases restored rides from classic amusement parks of a bygone era, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Perfect for young families, adults and teens will also find enjoyable activities that create great memories.
2. Charles Langer Family Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Charles Langer Family Park offers visitors a serene outdoor space for recreation and relaxation in Marshall. The park provides amenities for the whole family to enjoy together, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can experience nature while taking advantage of the various facilities available throughout the seasons.
3. Marshall Area Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Marshall Area Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Marshall and its surrounding areas. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the community's development over time. The society works to educate the public about local heritage and cultural significance through its collections and programs.
4. Riley-deppe County Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Riley-deppe County Park provides a beautiful natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts in the Marshall area. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy recreational activities. Its well-maintained grounds make it an ideal spot for family outings, photography, and peaceful retreats throughout the year.
5. Steven's Rocks & Gifts
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL TREASURES
Steven's Rocks & Gifts offers a fascinating collection of minerals, fossils, and handcrafted items for collectors and casual visitors alike. The shop showcases geological specimens from around the world, providing educational opportunities alongside unique souvenirs. Visitors can explore the diverse selection of natural treasures and learn about the earth's geological history while finding the perfect keepsake.
6. Seven Hills
SCENIC WISCONSIN LANDSCAPE
Seven Hills presents visitors with breathtaking views of the rolling Wisconsin landscape near Marshall. The natural attraction features distinctive terrain formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago, creating a unique topographical experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the area while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit this picturesque environment.
7. Governor Nelson State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Governor Nelson State Park, located near Marshall in Waunakee, offers spectacular access to Lake Mendota with a 500-foot sand beach and boat launch facilities. The park encompasses over 400 acres of oak savanna, prairie, and shoreline habitats where visitors can hike, picnic, swim, and observe wildlife. During winter months, the park transforms into a destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts seeking seasonal recreation.
8. Aztalan State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Aztalan State Park preserves an ancient Native American settlement that thrived between 1000 and 1300 CE, featuring reconstructed platform mounds and a stockade. Located near Marshall in Lake Mills, this National Historic Landmark represents the northernmost extension of Mississippian culture and provides a glimpse into pre-Columbian life in Wisconsin. Visitors can explore interpretive displays, hike the grounds, and participate in archaeological programs that bring this historical treasure to life.
9. Tyranena Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Tyranena Brewing Company offers beer enthusiasts a taste of Wisconsin's craft brewing scene from their location in Lake Mills, a short drive from Marshall. The brewery features a welcoming tasting room where visitors can sample a rotating selection of award-winning beers while learning about the brewing process. Their outdoor beer garden hosts live music and events throughout the year, creating a vibrant community gathering space for locals and tourists alike.
10. Cam-Rock County Park
MULTI-SEASON OUTDOOR RECREATION
Cam-Rock County Park spans three separate areas connected by the Koshkonong Creek and the Glacial Drumlin Trail near Marshall in Cambridge. The park boasts some of southern Wisconsin's best mountain biking trails, alongside hiking paths, fishing spots, and picnic facilities for warm-weather enjoyment. Winter transforms the park into a destination for cross-country skiing with groomed trails and sledding hills that attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the snowy season.
11. Glacial Drumlin State Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY TRAIL
The Glacial Drumlin State Trail stretches 52 miles along a former railway corridor, passing near Marshall and connecting Cottage Grove to Waukesha through picturesque Wisconsin countryside. This multi-use path traverses wetlands, prairies, and forests while offering glimpses of glacial features that shaped the region's topography. Hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts enjoy the well-maintained crushed limestone surface in summer, while winter brings opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing along the scenic route.
12. Dane County Farmers' Market
LOCAL FOOD AND CULTURE
The Dane County Farmers' Market, located in Madison near Marshall, is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the United States, circling the Wisconsin State Capitol building on Saturdays. Visitors can browse hundreds of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handcrafted items directly from the people who grow or make them. The market creates a vibrant community atmosphere that celebrates Wisconsin's agricultural heritage and provides a true farm-to-table experience for food enthusiasts.
13. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
DIVERSE PLANT COLLECTIONS
Olbrich Botanical Gardens features 16 acres of outdoor gardens and a stunning tropical conservatory called the Bolz Conservatory, located in Madison not far from Marshall. The gardens showcase a variety of themed spaces including a Thai Pavilion and Garden, Rose Garden, and Herb Garden, each meticulously designed and maintained throughout the changing seasons. Visitors can experience the year-round wonder of the glass pyramid conservatory filled with exotic plants, flowing water features, and free-flying birds that create an immersive rainforest environment.
14. Henry Vilas Zoo
FREE FAMILY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few remaining free zoos in North America, offering visitors close encounters with over 115 species of animals in naturalistic habitats just a short drive from Marshall. The zoo's conservation-focused exhibits include the Arctic Passage, Tropical Rainforest Aviary, and Big Cats area, providing educational opportunities about wildlife and environmental stewardship. Families particularly enjoy the Children's Zoo with its carousel and electric train ride that enhance the interactive experience for young animal enthusiasts.
15. Wisconsin State Capitol
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Wisconsin State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece with its distinctive granite dome that rises 284 feet above the Madison skyline, making it a must-visit destination near Marshall. The building features hand-painted mural decorations, glass mosaics, and ornate marble work throughout its cruciform-shaped interior that showcases Renaissance Revival style. Free guided tours educate visitors about the building's history, art, and architecture while providing access to the observation deck that offers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and cityscape.