What are the best things for visitors and residents to do in Tomah, WI? If your next trip leads you to this beautiful but quiet city, here are some amazing activities to consider.
Thinking about traveling to Tomah, Wisconsin? Well, you’re in for a treat, as this is one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Tomah offers visitors lots of fun activities for solo travelers and families. There are many things to do indoors, like visiting museums and watching the theatre. And when it’s time to go outside, you can ride bikes, hike, or spend time on boats.
But where do you start with so many things to do? Which activities should you prioritize? This list covers all the fun things to see and do in Tomah to make your trip memorable.
But, to enjoy all these things, you first need to get to the city, which you do by flying to the Bloyer Field airport (Y72). It’s just one mile from Tomah. Are you so obsessed with visiting Tomah that you can’t wait for the best bits? I got you, fam.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center
- Best park – Winnebago County Community Park
- Free activity – Visit Lake Tomah
- Activity for kids – Gasoline Alley
- Activity for adults – Play golf at Hiawatha Golf Club
- Place to eat – American Cuisine at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
- Best nightlife – Area Community Theater
- Place to stay – Best-Western Tomah Hotel
What We Cover
Things to Do in Tomah, Wisconsin
1. Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center
Address: 204 Main Street, Warrens, WI 54666, United States
Wisconsin is also known as cranberry country. One of the best places to start your visit to Tomah is the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center. The story began in 1912 when Oscar and Eva Potter bought a cranberry marsh, 6 acres of land.
Later, Clinton and Ellen Potter set up the Cranberry Expo, a museum in Wisconsin. For decades, the Potters were committed to running the museum until 2001. They approached the WSCGA (Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association) to take over managing the museum.
The WSCGA took over the Cranberry Expo and moved it to a new location known as the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Centre. There are many things to do here, including participating in educational and interpretive programs.
In the museum, you go back in time and learn the history of Cranberry in Wisconsin. There are individual tours and large group guided tours. The museum also hosts different events and has a café and a gift shop where you can buy some souvenirs.
See Related: Things to Do in Racine, Wisconsin
2. Lake Tomah
Address: Lake Tomah, Tomah, WI 54660, USA
In Monroe County, one of the best things to do is visit the 245-acre Lake Tomah. Here, you can spend some time relaxing and catching fish. Apart from that, there are different amenities, including picnic sites, hiking trails, and parking. Lake Tomah also has public boat landings.
Always check in with the authorities about fishing in the lake. Regulations can change depending on the season, so updating is better.
See Related: Best Pink Lakes in the World to Visit
3. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Address: N11385 Headquarters Rd, Necedah, WI 54646, United States
Do you want to spend more time in nature doing fun activities? Ensure you add the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge to your list of places to visit.
Long ago, the 43000 acres of woodland, now Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, once sat at the bottom of an ancient glacial lake. At that time, numerous glacial rivers fed this massive lake.
However, as time went by, the flow of these rivers shifted, and the ancient lake was consequently drained. As a result, the lake bottom was exposed, showing sand and silt deposits forming the dry ridges and wetland braids seen today.
This wildlife refuge is a haven for different bird and animal species. Visitors can tour this vast land and engage in hikes, bird watching, and such wildlife-compatible activities. You and your family can also spend time at the visitor center museum.
4. Amish Country
Address: 1101 Superior Ave, Tomah, WI 54660, United States
Spending time in Tomah is never complete without a tour of the Amish country. Catch a glimpse of the peaceful and slow-paced life of the Amish. In Wisconsin, visit the Cashton Amish, whose population is growing rapidly.
As a visitor, you notice this community has ample tourism structures to make the visit enjoyable. The community offers an excellent tourist destination that is quite authentic. There is no over-the-top tourism attracting gimmicks in this area.
Folks who want to visit the Cashton Amish must head west of Wisconsin. The settlement is near the border with Minnesota and Iowa.
Once you arrive and start touring the area, ensure you check out the local Amish shops. Small family shops carry many handcrafted furniture, quilts, and other interesting items. But remember, Sunday is a day of worship, so the shops remain closed.
See Related: Most Beautiful Valleys in the US
5. Gasoline Alley
Location: 812 Gasoline Alley, Tomah, WI 54660
Kids and antiquities enthusiasts will love spending time at the Gasoline Alley Toys & Antiquities. This is an antiquities and vintage shop that was once a toy factory. The shop has all manner of memorabilia that collectors can bring home.
Gasoline Alley has gas and oil memorabilia, signs for light and beer, and even more. Get vintage collector items like Tonka trucks and Hotwheels on the toy side. There’s even a section for special toy parts from different vintage toys from different eras.
See Related: Places to Visit in Wisconsin
6. Fort McCoy
Address: Fort McCoy, Wisconsin 54656, USA
After stepping back in time at Gasoline Alley, how about taking a tour of an active military base? Visitors can head to Fort McCoy, the only army facility in Tomah, for a guided tour. This is a military base driving tour, and all visitors must get a visitor pass.
There are many things to do at Fort McCoy, including camping. Check out the Pan View campground nestled in a serene wooded area. La Crosse River and Suukjak Sep Lake bound the area.
The general public can hunt and fish in Fort McCoy, but ensure you have the right permit and license.
See Related: Best Bike Rides Around the World
7. Winnebago Park
Address: 1020 Brandon St, Tomah, WI 54660, United States
Have a great outdoor experience at Winnebago Park. There’s plenty to see and do for the whole family at this park on L. Tomah. For instance, if you love fishing, the park has a handicapped fishing pier and volleyball courts for game lovers.
And if you want to relax, there is a fireplace shelter for that, a picnic area, and two boat ramps that give you access to the lake. It’s undoubtedly one of the most attractive Tomah parks you can visit.
Other great features of this park include;
- Little league baseball diamond
- Walking trail
- Fitness equipment
- Wonder Hoops basketball court
See Related: Best Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin
8. Wisconsin’s Favorite Bike Rides
Have you ever heard of the famous Wisconsin Favorite Bike Rides? Well, bike riding in the great outdoors is the most fun activity you can enjoy. Tomah is a gateway to many amazing bike trails that offer scenic views.
Some of the trails to check out while riding your bike are:
- Green Circle Trail
- Red Cedar Trail
- Mariners Trail
- White River State Trail
- Bearskin State Trail
Some paths are easy to ride on, while others pose a challenge and can be a fantastic experience. However, always gather ample information about a trail before you set off. Bring your bike or find a rental place in Tomah.
See related: Most Beautiful Running Trails in America
9. Area Community Theater
Address: 907 Kilbourn Ave, Tomah, WI 54660, United States
After returning from riding your bike on the amazing trails, spend some time at the Area Community Theater. This is the oldest community theater in Tomah that puts on some fantastic shows. All information about upcoming shows is available on their website.
The Area Community Theater has entertained theatre patrons for 44 years. It opened its doors in 1976, and audiences of all ages still troop to the theatre to catch amazing shows.
See Related: Things to Do in Appleton, Wisconsin
10. Rock Climbing
Tomah is close to unique rock-climbing locations. As an outdoor enthusiast, you’re just a short drive or bike ride away from having the time of your life. Check out Devil’s Lake State Park, Christie Mountain, Backbone State Park, and Palisades Kepler State Park.
If outdoors isn’t your thing, but you still want to enjoy climbing, how about indoors? Head to the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse climbing wall, The Set Recreation climbing wall, Boulders Climbing Gym, or Wall Crawlers Rock Climbing Gym.
Places to Stay in Tomah
Best Western Tomah Hotel is less than five minutes from Interstate 94, with easy access to various local attractions including the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce and Indian Mounds Historical Park. This four-story hotel also offers an on-site Perkins Bakery & Restaurant and an indoor pool.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Tomah, an IHG Hotel offers a daily continental breakfast and free WiFi. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience.
Conveniently situated off Interstate 94 in Tomah, Wisconsin, this hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and an indoor pool. A microwave and fridge are provided in all guest rooms at Microtel Inn & Suites Tomah. Each room also has a cable TV and coffee-making facilities.
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