Wisconsin - Original people, places and possibilities

By from Travel Wisconsin

Relax.
Reconnect with family and friends. Reacquaint yourself with the little voice inside of you — the one you silenced eons ago.  And as you discover the many multicultural sides of Wisconsin, who knows, you might just find a new side of yourself.
There are so many possibilities … the rhythmic African roots of Ko-Thi Dance Company … the sublime reflecting pools and grounds of the Thai Pavilion at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens … the artistic and cultural jewels that sparkle at Latino Arts, the list goes on.

Have we piqued your curiosity?  Then let us free your imagination. Come, experience an unexpected Wisconsin.  Explore our amazing diversity. And get to know us and our fun, easygoing nature. Plus, Wisconsin offers incredible value at every turn for your travel dollar.  So load the kids; bring your folks; pack lots of "I don't have to because I'm on vacation."  The sights, sounds and sensibilities closest to your heart can be found right here, in the heard of the Midwest.

Jazz at 5 /Madison
Each August through Labor Day, Jazz at 5 takes center stage on Madison's main artery, State Street.  It steeps an already alive and vibrant street into one with a hipper, cooler buzz about it.  Brews begin pouring at 4:30 p.m. and the draws don't stop until 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or ground covering to enjoy the local notables such as Ben and Leo Sidran, Madison Jazz Quartet and Chuchiito Valdes.
For more information, go to Jazzat5.org, or call (608)310-4462.

Dane Dances /Madison
Friday evenings on the rooftop of the Monona Terrace or at the UW Memorial Union Terrace are the places to be each August for the Dane Dances annual lineup. Funk, Latin, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and reggae — if you're looking to find your groove, you'll find it here.
For more information, go to Danedances.org, or call (608)698-4477.

Open Mic Night/Madison
The office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) on the UW-Madison campus sponsors Open Mic Night in conjunction with the First Wave program. Once a month, local poets and their nationally renowned counterparts, such as Dennis Kim a.k.a. Denizen Kane and Jimmy Santiago Baca, share the stage and their multicultural musings.
For more information, go to Omai.wisc.edu/firstwave, or call (608)890-1006.

Madison Children's Museum /Madison
The Madison Children's Museum cultivates creativity and develops critical thinking skills in children beginning as early as age six.  It is an interdisciplinary approach to leaning that builds from one experience to the next.  Exhibits are designed on site by museum staff through the input of local children, adults and community organizations.
For more inofrmation, go to Madisonchildrenmuseum.org, or call (608)256-6445.

 Cave of the Mounds / Blue Mound
 Considered one of the most beautiful caves of the upper Midwest, Cave of the Mounds has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.  The cave is more than one million years old. Guided tours, available year-round, take visitors past colorful stalactites and stalagmites and other geological formations.  Above ground, there are rock gardens and picnic areas to enjoy. For more information, go to caveofthemounds.com, or call (608)437-3038.

Urban Ecology Center /Milwaukee
The Urban Ecology Center is an environmental education and "green" community center for urban youth. 
"Outdoor laboratories" in two urban parks make exploring environmental issues fun and engaging.  The center also offers nature-based outings such as hiking, canoeing and rock climbing along with lectures and workshops -all of which are designed to instill a passion for learning how to live lightly on the earth. For more information, go to urbanecologycenter.org, or call  (414)964-8505.