If your family loves the weird, the wacky, and the just plain wonderful, this one’s for you. We rounded up some of the oddest, quirkiest, and most memorable day trip destinations within driving distance of Milwaukee—perfect for kids who love oddball museums, strange sculptures, and a side of cheese with their adventure.
Close to Home
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum (Milwaukee, WI)
What’s there: Thousands of bobbleheads from sports to pop culture, including record-breaking displays and interactive exhibits.
Kid Tip: Look for the life-sized bobbleheads and challenge your kids to find their favorite character. Great for a quick stop or part of a downtown Milwaukee adventure.
More Info: https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/bobblehead-museum-and-hall-of-fame/
American Science & Surplus (Milwaukee, WI)
What’s there: This quirky warehouse-style store is a treasure trove of weird and wonderful finds—think old lab equipment, wacky toys, oddball gadgets, science kits, and all kinds of random stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Kid Tip: Give your kids a small spending budget and let them explore—it’s part scavenger hunt, part science experiment waiting to happen. Great for STEM-loving kids or rainy day inspiration.
Website: scientificsonline.com
Redner’s Rescued Cat Figurine Mewseum (Menomonee Falls, WI)
What’s there: Step into a world where cats truly rule. This tiny, ultra-niche museum features a massive collection of cat figurines—hundreds and hundreds of them—all lovingly displayed in the home of two devoted feline fans. All proceeds go to local cat shelters and rescue groups.
Kid Tip: It’s quirky and cozy, but definitely not your typical museum—it’s actually in someone’s house. Ideal for cat-loving kids and parents who enjoy oddball roadside stops.
Admission: $5 for adults, free for kids 12 and under.
Facebook Page: Redner’s Rescued Cat Figurine Mewseum
Mars Cheese Castle (Kenosha, WI)
What’s there: A castle-shaped cheese shop full of samples, local treats, and over-the-top Wisconsin vibes.
Kid Tip: Pair this stop with a visit to the nearby Dinosaur Discovery Museum to turn it into a full quirky outing. Kids can explore dinosaur fossils and dig pits, then snack on cheese curds like royalty.
Website: marscheesecastle.com
Kohler Design Center (Kohler, WI)
What’s there: Yes, it’s a bathroom showroom—but stay with us. With rainbow-colored toilets stacked floor-to-ceiling, waterfall shower displays, and dreamy bathroom setups that feel like mini movie sets, this spot is surprisingly fun for kids. There’s also a lower-level museum that tells the story of Kohler’s history, complete with vintage tubs and quirky exhibits.
Kid Tip: Little ones love twisting faucets, stepping into walk-in showers, and pretending to “shop” for their dream bathroom. It’s indoors and totally free.
Website: kohlercompany.com
Bonus Stop: While you’re nearby, visit Bookworm Gardens—a whimsical, storybook-themed outdoor garden in Sheboygan where every space is inspired by a beloved children’s book. Think: Magic School Bus, Charlotte’s Web, Peter Rabbit, and more. Perfect for a post-showroom adventure.
A Bit of a Drive
Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron (North Freedom, WI)
What’s there: A massive scrap metal sculpture garden featuring the Forevertron, the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture, built as a Victorian spaceship to blast the good doctor into the heavens.
Kid Tip: No climbing, but bring sketchbooks or cameras—there’s inspiration at every turn. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Facebook Page: Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron
Epic Headquarters Campus (Verona, WI – near Madison)
What’s there: You won’t believe this place is a software company. Epic’s campus is made up of themed buildings (think: Hogwarts, a treehouse, a castle, a train station) and whimsical outdoor sculptures, secret passages, slides, and storybook-style architecture.
Kid Tip: While it’s a functioning workplace and not officially open for tours, families often walk the public outdoor paths on weekends. It’s best to visit after-hours or on weekends when things are quiet – just be respectful and low-key. Bonus: Nearby Prairie Café in Middleton is great for a snack stop.
More Info: Epic’s campus tour page (Note: limited public access)
House on the Rock (Spring Green, WI)
What’s there: Step into a mind-bending maze of bizarre collections, musical machines, massive carousels, dark hallways, dollhouses, infinity rooms, and more. This legendary attraction was built into a rock ledge and just keeps going… and going. It’s part museum, part fever dream, and totally unforgettable.
Kid Tip: It’s best for elementary-aged kids and older. Bring snacks, take breaks, and prep them for some spooky corners and dim lighting. It’s a long walk with lots of visual stimulation—perfect for curious minds.
Website: thehouseontherock.com
Jurustic Park (Marshfield, WI)
What’s there: Metal dinosaur sculptures, whimsical creatures, and a quirky artist who might just give you a tour himself.
Kid Tip: It’s an outdoor space, so wear comfy shoes and pack water. Kids can walk right up to the sculptures—no “do not touch” signs here.
Website: jurustic.com
Crystal Cave (Spring Valley, WI)
What’s there: Wisconsin’s longest cave with guided tours, gemstone panning, and a fun gift shop.
Kid Tip: It stays around 50°F inside, so bring a sweatshirt. Tour times vary—call ahead or book online to avoid long waits.
Website: acoolcave.com
Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds, WI)
What’s there: Beautiful underground formations, an easy walking tour, and fun geology-themed activities above ground.
Kid Tip: There’s a butterfly garden and walking paths outside—plan for some extra time beyond the cave tour.
Website: caveofthemounds.com
If You’re Up North…
Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame – aka The Big Muskie (Hayward, WI)
What’s there: A 143-foot muskie sculpture you can walk into. Plus, vintage boats and fishing memorabilia.
Kid Tip: Snap a photo of your kids inside the fish’s open mouth for ultimate vacation bragging rights.
Website: freshwater-fishing.org
Final Tips for Wacky Adventures
- Always check hours and tour times before you go.
- Bring snacks and water—some of these spots are remote.
- Keep your phone charged—there are so many photo ops.
- Let the kids bring a notebook to jot down “weird things we saw today.”
Got a favorite weird Wisconsin stop? Tag us on Instagram or shoot us a message—we’re always on the hunt for the next offbeat adventure!
Here’s a polished closing section you can use at the bottom of your blog post to naturally link readers to your related articles:
Keep Exploring!
If your crew loves day trips as much as we do, don’t stop here:
👉 Best Day Trips from Milwaukee for Families
From classic adventures to hidden gems, this massive list has something for every kind of family.
👉 Quirky Museums Near Milwaukee
Think: haunted dolls, cat figurines, and a whole lot of unexpected fun.
👉 A Perfect Day in Madison with Kids
Farmers’ market finds, Capitol views, and lakeside lounging—it’s a classic Wisconsin day trip done right
Happy wandering!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
