It’s my favorite time of year: Memorial Day weekend! I know it’s still spring, but this weekend is my de facto start of summer. The weather usually cooperates, and pools and waterparks open for the season.
For those who aren’t sticking around town for backyard BBQs, Brat Fest or other local Memorial Day celebrations, here is a curated list of events, restaurants and activities within a two-hour drive of Madison, Wis. (updated for 2025).
Wisconsin Dells
The inflatable waterpark at Land of Natura is a ton of fun for the whole family (see photo above). The inflatable obstacle course sits on a man-made lake, and you can also use a stand-up paddleboard or lounge on the surrounding beach with a drink.- Aquavia Lumina opened last October near the Wilderness Resort. It’s a mile-long journey filled with multimedia experiences, luminous lights and lasers. Photo from Wilderness Resort website
- Speaking of the Wilderness Resort, it has added eight five-bedroom treehouse cabins that can sleep up to 22 people. Plus, renovations at Cubby’s Cove Indoor Waterpark were completed last November.
- Starting last year, the Kalahari made extensive renovations. It’s now got a new outdoor area called the Sands Splash Oasis by the Sands Building, a new place to stay called the Hillside Suites and new restaurants like Cafe Mirage and Kuku’s Kitchen.
- I always like to give a plug for Big Sky Drive-In Theatre, which is now open for the season (warning: it’s cash-only).
- Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster won’t be open in time for Memorial Day. It will take you through the hills of the eastern part of the area starting this summer.
Lake Geneva area
I visited the historic Maxwell Mansion about a year ago. It is home to The Apothecary Bar, which takes mixology to the extreme. I brought my fancy cocktail to an adjacent room and sat on funky furniture (see photo). Musician Pat McCurdy will be performing on Friday once again.- The Abbey Resort will have a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, including patriotic bonfires, outdoor movies and a magic show.
- Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will begin its weekly fireworks display on Sunday. You also can do free glow putting on a nine-hole course at night.
- Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan will host its annual Pig Roast, complete with outdoor activities and live music. The Lake Lawn Queen boat tours also are fun.
- The annual Memorial Day parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday at Horticultural Hall and winds its way down Broad Street to Flat Iron Park.
Elsewhere
- If you want to go tubing, you can’t go wrong with Wisconsin Riverside Resort in Spring Green, S&B Tubing in Albany or Sandy Shores in Mauston.
- For distilleries, visit Blaum Bros. Distilling in Galena, Ill., Driftless Glen in Baraboo or Minhas in Monroe.
- For breweries, I like Hillsboro Brewing. Co in Hillsboro, Tyranena in Lake Mills and Potosi Brewery in Potosi, which also houses the ABA National Brewery Museum (definitely worth checking out).
- Baileys Run Vineyard in New Glarus is a trendy place, and it will have live music on Memorial Day weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Tags: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Dells
