10 Strangest Landmarks in Wisconsin
Known for its world-class breweries, equal abundance of cheese (as the top cheese-producing state in the United States), and cold weather, Wisconsin brings a lot to the table. As a side dish, so to speak, this midwestern state has its fair share of oddities as well. Plenty of odd things, actually, and today we will cover ten of the strangest landmarks that you can visit in the Badger State. Buckle up for a wild and whacky adventure, from whimsical museums to enormous roadside sculptures.
House on the Rock
House on the Rock, located near Spring Green, is one of Wisconsin’s most peculiar architectural landmarks. Originally conceived by Alex Jordan Jr. in 1945, the vast complex began as a simple house built atop a 60-foot sandstone outcrop. Over the years, it expanded into a maze of themed rooms, collections, and various exhibits.
Perhaps its most famous feature is the Infinity Room, a 218-foot-long, window-lined hallway that juts out precariously over the valley below without visible support. Elsewhere, you may encounter vast collections of objects, including automaton orchestras, vintage weapons, intricate dollhouses, and an epic sea monster sculpture measuring over 200 feet long.
The site is divided into themed areas such as the Streets of Yesterday, which recreates a 19th-century village, and the Carousel Room, home to the world’s largest indoor carousel with over 20,000 lights and 269 handcrafted animals. With all this in mind, House on the Rock truly is one of Wisconsin's wackiest landmarks.
Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron
Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron, located in North Freedom, a short road trip north of Madison, is a massive metal sculpture, the second largest scrap metal artwork in the world, to be precise. Created by Tom Every, who adopted the persona of "Dr. Evermor," the Forevertron is over 50 feet tall, weighs 300 tons, and is constructed from repurposed industrial parts, including old power plant components and NASA technology! The structure represents Dr. Evermor’s fictional narrative of being launched into the heavens via an electromagnetic contraption.
Surrounding the Forevertron are other whimsical creations like the Bird Band and celestial vehicles, blending steampunk aesthetics with unique artistic ingenuity. Open to visitors seasonally, the Forevertron is a testament to what happens when you mix creativity, recycling, and storytelling all together in one work of art.
FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard
The FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard in the town of Sparta is one of the state's most fascinating oversized roadside attractions. This peculiar site is home to discarded molds and partial sculptures used to create giant fiberglass structures that were shipped elsewhere.
Visitors will find an array of quirky pieces to look at scattered throughout the property, including molds used for cows, fish, dinosaurs, and even Paul Bunyan figures.
The graveyard is part of FAST Corporation (Fiberglass Animals, Shapes, and Trademarks), a company renowned for producing large-scale sculptures for businesses and attractions nationwide. While the graveyard serves as a storage area, it has become an unofficial tourist attraction, drawing those curious about the creative process behind roadside Americana; both an educational and strange attraction at the same time. It is open to the public for self-guided exploration.
World’s Largest Round Barn
Located smack dab in the middle of Wisconsin, the World’s Largest Round Barn is an architectural marvel and a historic landmark. Built in 1916 for the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the barn measures 150 feet in diameter and stands over 70 feet tall. Its circular design, supported by a unique system of wooden beams, was intended to house livestock more efficiently than conventionally shaped barns, with space for up to 250 cattle arranged in a radial layout.
The barn continues to serve as a focal point of the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and as a symbol of Wisonsin's iconic dairy industry, hosting agricultural events, exhibits, and community gatherings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you can tour the site during various fair events hosted throughout the year.
Witches Gulch
This destination is perhaps more beautiful than its name is strange. Witches Gulch happens to be a wonderful sandstone canyon nestled within the Wisconsin Dells, accessible only by guided boat tours or via a short trail.
This geological wonder contains narrow pathways winding through towering rock walls, some as high as 100 feet, carved by centuries of wind and water erosion. The unique formations, such as twisting spires and shadowy crevices, create an almost otherworldly atmosphere, like something out of a fantasy novel in which witches really do exist!
Be sure to take a stroll in the gulch on the wooden boardwalks, which lead to highlights like the eerie "Spooky Lane" and the serene Witch’s Bathtub spring. The area is also steeped in legend, with its name evoking tales of mysterious happenings like the native legends of evil serpents and spirits living within. Make this spot your next outdoor adventure this Halloween!
World’s Largest Penny
It is exactly as its name suggests- the largest penny on the planet. This oversized landmark in Woodruff commemorates an extraordinary fundraising effort led by local students in 1953. Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, affectionately known as “Dr. Kate,” was a beloved physician in the area who dreamed of building a hospital to serve the community. When students heard she needed financial support, they launched the “Million Penny Parade,” successfully collecting one million pennies to contribute to the project.
The 15,000-pound concrete penny, standing 10 feet tall, was erected in 1954 to honor their achievement. Located near the Dr. Kate Museum, it serves as a tribute to the community and the power of collective action... along with just being a cool roadside spot for a photo.
National Mustard Museum
On the outskirts of Madison lies the National Mustard Museum, a quirky and flavorful destination dedicated entirely to mustard. Established in 1992 by Barry Levenson, a former Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General, the museum houses a collection of over 5,500 mustards from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.
The exhibits showcase mustard jars, tins, and advertisements, highlighting the condiment's cultural and culinary significance throughout history. Embark on activities like interactive displays, learning about mustard production, and sample a variety of flavors at the Tasting Bar.
At the museum’s gift shop, you can purchase a bottle of the tasty condiment and other related merchandise. Free to the public, the National Mustard Museum provides a fun and educational experience for food enthusiasts and curious travelers in Wisconsin alike.
Circus World Museum
The Circus World Museum preserves and celebrates the storied history of the American circus. Located on the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus in the town of Baraboo, the museum is housed in a giant tent. It contains exhibits, live performances, and a huge collection of circus memorabilia.
Visitors can explore restored wagons, costumes, and posters in the museum’s various buildings, showcasing the evolution of the circus from the 19th century onward. Highlights include the world’s largest collection of wooden circus wagons and the interactive Ringlingville site, now considered a National Historic Landmark.
The Circus World Museum is generally open seasonally, beginning in March and closing for the winter. During summer, live shows with acrobats, clowns, and animal demonstrations bring the circus to life.
Bronze Fonz
Why is there a statue of Fonzie in downtown Milwaukee? The Bronze Fonz is a life-sized statue of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, the beloved character from the classic television series, Happy Days. Unveiled in 2008, the statue was created by artist Gerald P. Sawyer and depicts Fonzie in his iconic leather jacket, giving his signature thumbs-up gesture.
Located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk, this statue pays homage to the show, which was actually set in Milwaukee and brought national attention to the city during its run from 1974 to 1984. Fans of the show can stop to take photos and relive memories of the character's cool demeanor and cultural impact on the biggest city in the state.
World’s Largest Six-Pack
After all, Wisconsin is known for its rich brewing tradition, from worldwide producers to smaller craft operations. It is no surprise that the World’s Largest Six-Pack can be found here in La Crosse. Standing at 54 feet tall, these six enormous beer tanks are painted to resemble cans of beer from the La Crosse-based City Brewery. Together, they can hold 688,200 gallons of beer, or enough to fill well over 7 million cans of the good stuff! That is approximately enough to supply one person with a six-pack daily for over 3,300 years.
Originally installed in the 1960s for the G. Heileman Brewing Company, the tanks were repurposed and rebranded after the brewery changed ownership. Today, the six-pack serves as a photo-worthy tribute to Wisconsin’s beer culture. It’s easily visible from the road and remains a quirky draw for beer fans passing through the area.
See the Weird Side of Milwaukee
Surprisingly, these are just a few of the strangest landmarks in the state of Wisconsin. From ginormous foodstuffs to... ginormous pocket change, you can see and experience a lot of unique things the next time you pass through this iconic midwestern state. Enjoy the cheese, enjoy the beer, and maybe even catch a Packers Game, but don't forget to ignore these odd and exciting destinations at every corner!
