Lancaster WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lancaster, Wisconsin.
1. Grant County Historical Museum
RICH LOCAL HERITAGE
The Grant County Historical Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Lancaster's past with its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore displays showcasing the area's pioneer history, agricultural development, and cultural heritage. The museum provides an educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages looking to understand the region's significant contributions to Wisconsin's history.
2. Cunningham Museum
CIVIL WAR ERA HISTORY
The Cunningham Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Lancaster's oldest families and soldiers, providing visitors with a window into the past. As one of the first settlements for freed or escaped slaves in Wisconsin, the museum documents an important chapter in the state's civil rights history. History buffs will appreciate the well-preserved items that tell the story of this significant historical site.
3. Fireball Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING FUN
Fireball Lanes offers visitors a classic bowling experience in the heart of Lancaster, perfect for family outings or friendly competitions. With well-maintained lanes and a welcoming atmosphere, this attraction provides entertainment for bowlers of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while participating in this timeless recreational activity that brings locals and tourists together.
4. Lancaster Municipal Swimming Pool
REFRESHING SUMMER RECREATION
Lancaster Municipal Swimming Pool provides a refreshing escape during the hot summer months with its clean, well-maintained facilities. Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities in a safe, supervised environment. The pool serves as a community gathering place where visitors can cool off while enjoying the pleasant Wisconsin summer weather.
5. Grant County Driftless Area Cycling Trails
SCENIC RURAL BIKING
The Grant County Driftless Area Cycling Trails offer some of the best cycling experiences in the country with rolling landscapes and breathtaking Wisconsin scenery. Cyclists can pedal down county roads through the unique Driftless Region, characterized by its dramatic ridges and valleys that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. These well-maintained routes provide outdoor enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of rural Wisconsin while getting some exercise.
6. Local Taverns and Eateries
AUTHENTIC WISCONSIN CUISINE
Lancaster's local taverns and eateries provide visitors with authentic Wisconsin cuisine in charming, welcoming environments. These establishments serve up hearty Midwestern fare, including famous Wisconsin cheese dishes, traditional Friday fish fries, and locally-sourced specialties. Travelers can experience genuine small-town hospitality while refueling after a day of exploring the area's many attractions.
7. Historic Downtown Lancaster
PRESERVED ARCHITECTURAL CHARM
Historic Downtown Lancaster features well-preserved buildings and landmarks that showcase the area's rich architectural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets lined with historic structures, many of which are listed on local, state, and national Registers of Historic Resources. The downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that highlight Lancaster's unique character and small-town charm.
8. Music In the Park Summer Series
OUTDOOR CONCERT EXPERIENCE
The Music In the Park Summer Series in nearby Platteville offers visitors a delightful outdoor concert experience from June through August 2025. Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy live performances spanning various musical genres in a picturesque park setting. This free community event provides a perfect opportunity to experience local culture and talent while enjoying warm Wisconsin summer evenings.
9. Hometown Festival Art & Craft Fair
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
The Hometown Festival Art & Craft Fair in nearby Platteville showcases the talents of local and regional artisans on July 26, 2025. Visitors can browse and purchase unique handcrafted items including pottery, jewelry, textiles, and fine art created by talented craftspeople. This vibrant community event celebrates the rich artistic traditions of the region while providing a fun shopping experience for all ages.
10. Chalk & Cheese Festival
CREATIVE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Chalk & Cheese Festival in nearby Platteville combines artistic expression with Wisconsin's famous dairy heritage on August 23, 2025. Visitors can watch talented artists create stunning chalk art masterpieces while enjoying a variety of delicious Wisconsin cheese samples and dairy products. This family-friendly event offers a perfect blend of visual arts and culinary delights that celebrate the region's cultural identity.
11. Platteville's 4th of July Celebration
PATRIOTIC HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
Platteville's 4th of July Celebration features a day full of patriotic activities culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Visitors can enjoy a parade, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly games throughout the day in celebration of American independence. The event provides an opportunity to experience small-town America at its finest while participating in this beloved summer tradition just a short drive from Lancaster.
12. Southwest Music Festival
REGIONAL MUSICAL TALENT
The Southwest Music Festival in Platteville showcases talented regional musicians across multiple genres on July 19, 2025. Visitors can enjoy performances on several stages while sampling local food and beverages in a festive atmosphere. This celebration of music and community spirit offers entertainment for all ages just a short drive from Lancaster.
13. Annual Hometown Festival Week
WEEK-LONG COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Annual Hometown Festival Week in Platteville features seven days of diverse events and activities from July 19-27, 2025. Visitors can participate in everything from parades and concerts to sporting competitions and culinary events that highlight the community's vibrant spirit. This comprehensive celebration provides multiple opportunities for family fun and cultural enrichment just a short drive from Lancaster.
14. Chalk the Park Festival
OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION
The Chalk the Park Festival in nearby Cassville transforms public spaces into a colorful outdoor art gallery on May 30, 2025. Visitors can watch artists of all ages create temporary masterpieces on sidewalks and designated areas throughout the park. This creative community event encourages artistic expression while providing a unique visual experience for spectators just a short drive from Lancaster.
15. Cassville Derby Day
COCKTAILS AND CLUES
Cassville Derby Day: Cocktails & Clues offers visitors an intriguing blend of mystery-solving fun and refreshing libations on May 3, 2025. Participants can enjoy derby-themed cocktails while working through clues and challenges in this unique interactive event. This adult-oriented entertainment option provides a sophisticated yet playful experience for visitors looking to explore the surrounding area near Lancaster.