Mason WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mason, Wisconsin.
1. Mason Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Mason Depot Museum preserves the rich railroad history of the region, showcasing artifacts and memorabilia from Mason's transportation past. Visitors can explore the restored depot building which offers a glimpse into early 20th century rail travel and commerce. The museum provides educational displays that highlight the importance of the railroad in shaping the development of Mason and surrounding communities.
2. Sandor's Ranch Park
ABANDONED RURAL LANDMARK
Sandor's Ranch Park is an intriguing abandoned site that has become a point of interest for visitors interested in local history. The abandoned ranch offers a unique glimpse into the past agricultural landscape of the Mason area. Photography enthusiasts particularly enjoy capturing the rustic, weathered structures against the Wisconsin countryside backdrop.
3. Benoit Cheese Haus
WISCONSIN CHEESE TRADITION
Benoit Cheese Haus is a beloved local establishment showcasing Wisconsin's famous dairy tradition near Mason. Visitors can sample and purchase a wide variety of artisanal and traditional Wisconsin cheeses made with locally sourced milk. The friendly staff offers cheese education, pairing suggestions, and insights into the cheese-making process that has made Wisconsin famous worldwide.
4. Maslowski Beach
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Maslowski Beach offers a picturesque shoreline experience near Mason with sandy beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing during warmer months. The beach features excellent facilities including picnic areas, playground equipment, and spectacular views of Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds, shallow swimming areas ideal for families, and beautiful sunset vistas across the water.
5. Pagac's Bar
CLASSIC WISCONSIN TAVERN
Pagac's Bar represents the quintessential Wisconsin tavern experience in the heart of Mason. The establishment serves cold drinks in a warm, friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle and share stories. Visitors enjoy the authentic northwoods decor, potential live music events, and the true taste of Wisconsin's famous tavern culture.
6. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
REGIONAL NATURE EDUCATION
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center provides comprehensive educational exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the Lake Superior region near Mason. The center features interactive displays, a three-story observation tower, and extensive information about the ecology and human history of the Great Lakes area. Visitors can explore nature trails, view multimedia presentations, and gain valuable insights about conservation efforts in the northern Wisconsin ecosystem.
7. ABC Raceway
THRILLING DIRT TRACK RACING
ABC Raceway delivers high-octane excitement with its dirt track auto racing events near the Mason area. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy various categories of competitions including modified, super stock, and sprint car events throughout the racing season. The family-friendly venue offers concessions, comfortable seating, and the unforgettable sounds and sights of competitive motorsports in a rural Wisconsin setting.
8. Wisconsin State Capitol
ICONIC GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Wisconsin State Capitol stands as the centerpiece of Madison, showcasing magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and one of the largest granite domes in the world. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the building to admire its ornate interiors, hand-carved furniture, and impressive art collections including mosaics and murals. The building's central location on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona makes it both a political center and a visual landmark visible from throughout the city.
9. Henry Vilas Zoo
FREE URBAN WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Henry Vilas Zoo offers a remarkable free-admission wildlife experience featuring over 115 species of animals from around the world. The zoo's exhibits include African savanna animals, tropical rainforest creatures, and Arctic wildlife, all arranged in naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare and visitor education. Families particularly enjoy the children's zoo area, the exciting big cat exhibit, and the zoo's ongoing conservation education programs that connect visitors to global wildlife protection efforts.
10. Cave of the Mounds
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Cave of the Mounds is a spectacular natural limestone cave system known as the 'jewel box' of American caves due to its stunning crystal formations. Visitors descend into a constant 50-degree underground world filled with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other delicate formations created over millions of years. The site also features beautiful gardens, a gemstone mining activity, and educational exhibits about geology and the natural history of Wisconsin's Driftless Area.
11. Memorial Union Terrace
LAKESIDE CAMPUS GATHERING
Memorial Union Terrace serves as Madison's beloved lakefront gathering space where visitors can enjoy the iconic sunburst chairs while overlooking Lake Mendota. The terrace hosts free live music, film screenings, and various cultural events throughout the summer months, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Visitors can sample local ice cream from the Daily Scoop, enjoy craft beers, and experience one of Wisconsin's most photographed and cherished public spaces.
12. Monona Terrace
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DESIGN
Monona Terrace is an architectural masterpiece originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that curves gracefully along the shores of Lake Monona in downtown Madison. The community and convention center offers stunning rooftop gardens with panoramic views of the lake, the city skyline, and the State Capitol dome. Visitors can take guided architectural tours, enjoy the lakeside bike path, or simply relax in one of Wisconsin's most distinctive public buildings that connects the urban landscape to the natural beauty of the lake.
13. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
DIVERSE PLANT COLLECTIONS
Olbrich Botanical Gardens showcases 16 acres of outdoor gardens featuring stunning landscapes from around the world, including a Thai pavilion and garden, the only one in the continental United States. The gardens include a spectacular Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with exotic plants, free-flying birds, and flowing water features that transport visitors to tropical environments year-round. Visitors particularly appreciate the rose garden, herb garden, and seasonal displays that demonstrate sustainable gardening practices and celebrate Wisconsin's changing seasons.
14. UW-Madison Arboretum
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH PRESERVE
The UW-Madison Arboretum encompasses over 1,200 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands, and gardens dedicated to research, conservation, and public enjoyment. Visitors can explore more than 20 miles of trails through distinct ecosystems, including the world's oldest restored prairie and various forest types representing Wisconsin's diverse natural heritage. The arboretum's visitor center offers educational exhibits, while naturalist-led tours provide deeper insights into ecological restoration, wildlife conservation, and the changing relationships between people and the land.
15. Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE FAMILY LEARNING
The Madison Children's Museum provides hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and learning through play for children and families. The museum features multiple floors of engaging activities including an art studio, a rooftop garden with live animals, and exhibits focused on local culture, science, and environmental sustainability. Young visitors particularly enjoy the authentic log cabin, the giant climbing structure, and specially designed areas for toddlers that make learning a joyful, multisensory experience for children of all ages and abilities.