Merton WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Merton, Wisconsin.
1. Ice Age Trail
HISTORIC GLACIAL HIKING PATH
The Ice Age Trail in Merton offers visitors a chance to hike along paths carved by ancient glaciers thousands of years ago. This natural wonder provides beautiful scenic views and connects to a larger national trail system that spans across Wisconsin. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems while learning about the geological history that shaped the landscape of the region.
2. Five Lakes Recreation Area
PRISTINE WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
The Five Lakes Recreation Area in Merton showcases the natural beauty of the region's five lakes, offering excellent fishing and various water recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking along the scenic shorelines throughout the warmer months. The lakes are well-maintained and provide a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. Nixon Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SPACE
Nixon Park stands as a beloved community gathering place in Merton with highly-rated playgrounds and recreational facilities. The park features open green spaces, picnic areas, and well-maintained sports facilities for visitors of all ages. Families particularly appreciate the safe, engaging environment where children can play while adults relax in the natural surroundings.
4. Paul Bobrowitz Spectacular Sculpture
UNIQUE ARTISTIC CREATIONS
Paul Bobrowitz Spectacular Sculpture offers art enthusiasts a chance to view remarkable metal sculptures and art installations in Merton. This unique attraction showcases the artist's creative vision through impressive statues that blend with the natural environment. Visitors often comment on the imaginative designs and the peaceful setting that enhances the artistic experience.
5. Sussex Bowl
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Sussex Bowl provides a classic American bowling experience just a short drive from Merton in nearby Sussex. This entertainment venue offers well-maintained lanes, arcade games, and a casual dining area serving traditional bowling alley fare. It's a popular destination for families, friends gathering for a night out, and bowling leagues throughout the year.
6. Town Ballparks
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUES
The Town Ballparks in Merton serve as vibrant community hubs where locals and visitors gather to enjoy America's favorite pastime. These well-maintained fields host various baseball and softball games throughout the spring and summer seasons. Spectators can enjoy the friendly small-town atmosphere while cheering for local teams in this quintessential Wisconsin experience.
7. Merton Snowmobile Trails
WINTER RECREATION PATHWAYS
The Merton Snowmobile Trails transform the town into a winter wonderland when snow blankets the landscape. Adventurous visitors can explore the scenic countryside on groomed trails that wind through forests and fields. The trail system connects to regional routes, making it a popular destination for snowmobile enthusiasts from across the Midwest during the winter months.
8. Merton Community Library
KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURAL HUB
The Merton Community Library serves as an intellectual and cultural center for residents and visitors alike. This superb facility houses an extensive collection of books, digital resources, and historical materials related to the region. Beyond lending materials, the library hosts educational programs, book clubs, and community events throughout the year.
9. Local Restaurants
DELICIOUS REGIONAL CUISINE
Merton's local restaurants offer visitors a taste of authentic Wisconsin cuisine in charming small-town settings. These dining establishments serve everything from traditional Friday fish fries to locally-sourced farm-to-table specialties. Visitors often comment on the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere that exemplifies Midwestern hospitality.
10. Lapham Peak State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lapham Peak State Park, located a short drive from Merton in Delafield, offers visitors over 1,000 acres of natural beauty in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The park features a 45-foot observation tower with panoramic views, miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Nature enthusiasts can experience the changing seasons through prairie restorations, wooded hillsides, and wetland areas throughout the year.
11. Holy Hill National Shrine
MAJESTIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Holy Hill National Shrine stands as an impressive religious landmark on one of the highest points in southeastern Wisconsin, just a short drive from Merton. The neo-Romanesque church features twin spires that can be seen for miles around and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its observation tower. Visitors of all faiths appreciate the peaceful grounds, beautiful architecture, and spiritual significance of this century-old basilica.
12. Old World Wisconsin
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Old World Wisconsin, located within driving distance of Merton in Eagle, brings the state's immigrant history to life through an immersive outdoor museum experience. This extensive living history site features over 60 historic structures including authentic farmsteads and workshops staffed by costumed interpreters demonstrating 19th-century crafts and daily life. Visitors can explore different ethnic settlements, participate in hands-on activities, and gain insight into the diverse cultural heritage that shaped Wisconsin.
13. Kettle Moraine State Forest
GLACIAL LANDSCAPE PRESERVE
The Kettle Moraine State Forest, accessible from Merton, preserves a dramatic landscape sculpted by glaciers during the last ice age. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 30,000 acres featuring unique geological formations, dense forests, prairie remnants, and crystal-clear lakes. The forest offers recreational opportunities for all seasons, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, swimming, and winter sports.
14. Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum, located near Merton, preserves the rich history of the Lake Country region in a beautifully restored 1920s building. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early Native American inhabitants, European settlement, and the area's development as a resort destination. Visitors can learn about local industries, notable residents, and how the region's numerous lakes have shaped its culture and economy throughout the centuries.
15. Nashotah Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Nashotah Park offers visitors 444 acres of diverse natural habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and prairie areas just minutes from Merton. The park features an extensive trail system for hiking and cross-country skiing, fishing opportunities on picturesque Grass Lake, and numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds. Families especially enjoy the playgrounds, while nature enthusiasts appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in all seasons.