Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Burlington, WI

  • Published 2023/01/17

Burlington is a vibrant place with a friendly community situated in the County of Racine and Walworth in Wisconsin.

The city of Burlington is brimming with fun and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy at any time of the year.

In Burlington, there is always something new: a new place to visit, new activities to try, new foods and drinks to taste, and new memories to keep.

With the abundance of things to do in Burlington, you will need a guide that will serve as your map in discovering interesting destinations in the city.

If you fancy a nice vacation in this lovely city, check out the 20 best things to do in Burlington and start your own adventure.

Ride a Kayak in White River

Rushing waters of White River.

Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

If you love listening to the relaxing sounds of rippling waters and feeling the fresh breeze of the wind, you should visit the White River in Burlington.

The White River is a 19-mile-long body of water that runs through Racine and Walworth Counties.

Because of its clear and calm waters, it became a known destination for those who enjoy kayaking and canoeing.

Water flowing out a dam of White River.

Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

You can also hike the 19-mile trail along the river and enjoy the relaxing and serene environment.

Wildlife viewing is also a fun activity to do in White River, where you can have the opportunity to see the animals and plants that live around the area.

White River is an ideal location to cool off when summer starts in Burlington, so be sure to stop by and take a dip in this majestic river.

Rushing waters of White River.

Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

Know the City’s Past in Burlington Historical Society

Learning about history could be boring for some, but in Burlington Historical Society, history is made more fascinating.

Since 1899, Burlington Historical Society has been providing charity services through the preservation of the city’s heritage.

Burlington Historical Society is home to several artifacts from 1780 and historical documents, including photos, maps, postcards, reports, and others.

You can browse through the displays of Burlington Historical Society and learn more about how the city was founded and the events that took place in the past of Burlington.

Through Burlington Historical Society, you can now revisit Burlington’s history and enjoy the stories behind each historical item in the museum.

Spend a Nice Afternoon in Echo Veteran’s Memorial Park

Located near the downtown of Burlington, the Echo Veteran’s Memorial Park serves as an avenue where people gather to socialize and hang out.

The Echo Veteran’s Memorial Park features bicycle trails, a gazebo, grills, ice skating, playgrounds, walking trails, fishing sites, and public restrooms.

During summer, the park provides a place for free concerts, like the B-Town Sounds, which are held in the park’s gazebo.

You can enjoy the facilities and beautiful scenery around Echo Veteran’s Memorial Park with your family.

If you have some spare time, come and visit the Echo Veteran’s Memorial Park with your friends and family and have a memorable time together.

Try a Challenging Game in Logic Puzzle Museum

Logic Puzzle Museum is a place where you can exercise your brain while having fun through puzzles, brain-teasers, logic games, and more.

There are more than 60 puzzles to choose from, like the 3D logic games and the mechanical puzzles.

The Logic Puzzle Museum features more than 60 games and 13 various challenges that will keep you entertained and make you think harder than you normally do.

Aside from the exciting games, you can also view some interesting and unique puzzles featured in the museum’s exhibits.

The Logic Puzzle Museum also offers workshops where you can learn how to make geometric puzzles on your own.

The museum also includes a gift and toy shop if you want to purchase something for your kids or a gift for someone.

Overall, the Logic Puzzle Museum will not only challenge you but will also give you a fun learning experience that will surely leave a mark.

Whether you’re a child, teenager, or an adult, everyone is welcome to visit the Logic Puzzle Museum.

Walk around the Trails of Brightonwoods Orchard

The Brightonwoods Orchard in Burlington is a family-owned and family-operated farm that features over 150 kinds of apples, pears, grapes, and quince.

Although it’s not a “Pick Your Own” kind of orchard, you can still buy freshly picked apples and other fruits from Brightonwoods Orchard.

Visitors can also walk around the trails of the orchard and see the numerous fruit trees that are being taken care of by the family.

There are available grafted apple and pear trees for sale if you want to take care and grow your own fruits.

Other products that the orchard offers include apple cider, honey, jellies, jams, Wisconsin cheese, squash, and many more.

You can enjoy the natural goodness in Brightonwoods Orchards because all of their products are made from pure and natural ingredients sourced from the farm.

Watch the Latest Movies in Plaza Theater

Plan your movie nights in this old-school theater where you can watch the latest movies together with your friends and family.

The Plaza Theater first opened its doors to the public in 1927, and it only has a single screen for movie viewing.

At present, the theater has four huge screens with comfortable seats and concession stands that provide a free refill of popcorn and sodas.

This place is ideal for date nights with your special someone or a fun bonding with your family.

The cleanliness of the theater, friendly atmosphere and outstanding customer service will make you come back for another experience.

Explore the Richard Bong State Recreation Area

A trail and wooden structure at Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com

The Richard Bong State Recreation Area was once a jet fighter base that got its name after Richard I. Bong, a Wisconsin native that led the air ace during World War II.

This 4,515-acre state park is a haven for outdoor lovers because it offers many outdoor recreational activities for everyone.

The popular activities you can try in Richard Bong State Recreation Area include ATV sports, camping, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and more.

You can also view the wildlife in the wildlife preserve of the recreation area, where you can find great egrets, blue herons, and cranes.

During the day, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a playground for all types of adventurers, but it becomes a place where paranormal activity happens when the night comes.

UFO sightings have been reported, and unusual activities have been seen by travelers.

The Richard Bong State Recreation Area is truly an interesting destination surrounded by mystery.

Beautiful landscape at Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com

Taste the Sweetness in Chocolate Experience Museum

Going to the Chocolate Experience Museum is an experience that you shouldn’t miss if you’re around Burlington.

The Chocolate Experience Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases the city’s sweet side.

You can look at the chocolate sculptures and learn about the history of the “Chocolate City” when you join an educational tour in the Chocolate Experience Museum.

You can also have a taste of the best chocolates from around the world for a cheap admission fee.

Kids and kids at heart will enjoy roaming around the room full of chocolate displays, so make sure to stop by this sweet spot in town.

Sip a Glass of Wine in Aeppeltreow Winery

The AeppelTreow Winery is a local winery and distillery in Burlington that provides good quality cider, spirits, and perry in town.

If you want to taste the local flavors of Burlington, the AeppelTreow Winery will let you experience the “honest flavors” from their locally grown ingredients.

AeppelTreow Winery offers a wide variety of products like gin, whiskey, wines, brandy – all made from apples and pears.

The AeppelTreow Winery is proud to say that they use fresh from the farm ingredients that’s why their products are high-quality and great tasting.

You can have a little taste of everything in AeppelTreow Winery, so you can choose your own favorite drink and bring it home.

Visit the Burlington Farmer’s Market

From fresh produce to artisanal crafts, you can find anything that you need in Burlington Farmer’s Market.

Since 1980, the Burlington Farmer’s Market has been home to many local vendors offering different products.

You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries, meats, processed foods, craft beers and spirits, and other stuff in the farmer’s market.

Whether you need something or not, you can visit Burlington Farmer’s Market just to roam around and see what kind of products are in store for you.

Burlington Farmer’s Market is not just a place where people buy and sell products but also a destination where tourists stop by and visit.

Glide in the Ziplines of Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventure

Experience the thrill while exploring the outdoors of Burlington in Lake Geneva Zip Lines & Adventure.

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventure offers a lot of exciting activities for everyone.

Here, you may try zipline tours, high ropes courses, climbing towers, biking and hiking trails, and outdoor education for families.

There is something for everyone in Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventure, whether you like to have a relaxing hike at the 12-mile trail among the woods, learn about camping outdoors, or try the challenging courses.

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventure is a perfect destination for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bring your family, friends, or someone special to Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventure to have a memorable experience in the outdoors.

Cool Off in Burlington Community Aquatic Center

The Burlington Community Aquatic Center was built for the community.

It is a modern-themed aquatic center that features a community pool, water slides, climbing walls, and diving spots.

You can enjoy the waters of Burlington Community Aquatic Center by securing a membership or paying the admission fee.

You can enroll in a swimming class offered by the Aquatic Center if you want to learn the basics of swimming.

Other programs offered by Burlington Community Aquatic Center include water Zumba, swimming clubs, and lifeguard certification.

Admire a Performance from the Talented Browns Lake Aquaducks

The Browns Lake Aquaducks is a non-profit organization created to provide free entertainment to the residents and visitors of Burlington.

Browns Lake Aquaducks is the 2019 Division 2 State Champion in water ski competitions.

Since 1976, the Aquaducks have been practicing the water sport in Browns Lake, and now, their hard work has paid off.

You can watch a performance of the talented group and see why they bagged so many national awards.

Get entertained by the passionate group and see the stunts they practiced for many years to perfect it.

Be Amazed with Yo-Yo Tricks at Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum

The Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum is a specialty museum that showcases a collection of yo-yos, tops, and gyroscopes.

If you’re looking for something different to do in your free time, you can visit this place full of interesting and unique things.

Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum features an exhibit of more than 2,000 kinds of tops, gyroscopes, and yo-yos, live demonstrations, self-guided tours, and fun games that you can join.

There are so many activities to try in Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum; you can have a tour around the museum and try the different varieties of yo-yos and tops, or you can enroll yourself in some yo-yo classes and gyroscope workshops.

You can also watch the live demonstrations of trick toys that induce a mind-boggling experience.

Everyone can experience being a kid again in Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum!

Play Golf in Hawk’s View Golf Club

If you’re a fan of golf or someone who likes to golf, the Hawk’s View Golf Club is the perfect place for you.

Located in Geneva Lake, the Hawk’s View Golf Club is the premier golf course in Wisconsin that features a 36-hole golf course in a well-maintained field.

You can enjoy the great sceneries provided by the golf course while playing golf with your friends and family members.

Hawk’s View Golf Club also makes an amazing venue for birthday parties and weddings.

From its picturesque views to its superb customer service and great golfing experience, everything is perfect in Hawk’s View Golf Club.

Come and visit Hawk’s View Golf Club to have a wonderful experience that you will never forget.

Plunge in Devor Park Pool

On a hot sunny day, you may cool down at Devor Park.

Located on Amanda Street, this green space is open to the public.

It has a public pool, playground equipment, and sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts.

A rentable pavilion is also available.

The park pavilion, complete with built-in grills, tables, and waste receptacles, is yours to use whenever you book the park.

Each pavilion has a total of 12 usable tables.

Inflatable bounce houses are also available to rent for even more excitement.

The park also features portable toilets for your convenience.

Paddle at Fox River Park

View of  Fox River Park

Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

The tranquil, winding Fox River forms the eastern edge of Fox River Park.

There’s a boat launch here, and the park’s 150 forested acres are perfect for paddlers of all stripes.

Ray Berres Field, a little league baseball field maintained in conjunction with Lakeland Little League, is located at Fox River Park.

This park has a long and thrilling sled run down a bermed sledding slope throughout the winter months (weather permitting).

This well-liked sledding spot features artificial lighting so that you can use it at night.

Fox River Park also features a free 27-hole disc golf course that offers a variety of difficulties for players of all skill levels.

Go Hiking at Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve

Overlooking the city of Burlington, the Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve is home to stunning scenery, including rolling hills and thickly forested pathways bordered by marshy wetlands.

Wehmhoff Woodland Route is the longest trail in Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve.

An average hiker will spend 33 minutes covering the 2.6-kilometer distance of this path.

This path winds through the woods and offers picturesque views of open fields and farms producing milk.

Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve is home to various flora and fauna, including a marsh frequented by birds and features muskrat nesting areas and other species.

Test Your Strength and Endurance at CLIMB @ the Loop

There is an indoor wall climbing gym in Burlington called CLIMB @ the Loop, and it’s open to climbers of all ages and skill levels.

Its route setters ensure the climbing gym contains routes (also called “problems” in the bouldering community) challenging climbers of all skill levels so that anybody may learn to climb here.

Both seasoned climbers and those without experience, regardless of age, may enjoy themselves equally on the rock.

Staff will show you around the facilities and explain how to climb and descend the wall on your first visit.

You can also rent out the climbing gym for your next party!

The possibilities are endless: birthdays, hen/stag nights, or even team building!

Listen to Local Musicians and Party at Tall Tales Music Festival

The Tall Tales Music Festival is a two-day Burlington event held annually in the middle of August that involves performances by national touring musicians, craft beer, cuisine, youth music, seminars, and a weekend full of games and activities for all ages.

The music festival also serves as a showcase for the numerous local companies with booths to sell their wares.

Nearly a decade after its inception, the Tall Tales Music Festival continues to draw established and emerging artists from various musical backgrounds and styles.

Visit our historic downtown and stroll around the streets, stores, and restaurants while listening to some excellent music.

As a bonus, admission to the festival is free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new adventure, you can start it in the historic city of Burlington in Wisconsin.

With its breathtaking sceneries, historical destinations, and unique attractions, you will love staying in the charming city of Burlington.

So, check out the best things to do in Burlington, and you might want to consider it for your next big adventure.

See also: Best Restaurants in Burlington, WI

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