Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can be an excellent opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems that lie in the so-called “flyover” states of America. The journey is beautiful as you pass through lush green fields, forests, and rolling hills. Along the way, there are several unexpected places that are worth exploring. In this article, we will look at five such places that you might not have known existed.

Halfway Point: Platteville, WI

Before we get to the five places, let us mention the halfway point of this journey. Platteville, WI is an ideal place to take a break from driving. The town is known for its rich history and architecture. It is home to a university, so the town has a college town vibe with several restaurants and shops. One of the popular attractions is the Mining Museum that showcases the history of the mining industry in the region.

1. The House on the Rock

The House on the Rock is an architectural marvel and an unusual tourist attraction that has been fascinating visitors for over 60 years. The house is perched on a 60-foot chimney of rock and offers breathtaking views of the Wyoming Valley. Built by Alex Jordan Jr., the house is filled with oddities and an impressive collection of antiques and artifacts, including mechanical music instruments that play at regular intervals. Visitors can also explore several other buildings on the property that house exhibits such as the dollhouse, the infinity room, and the carousel room.

Food to try: Grab a burger at the cafe next to the attraction that has become famous for its burgers.

2. House of Wellness - Spring Green, WI

If you're looking for a relaxing wellness retreat, spend a day at the House of Wellness in Spring Green. The property has three buildings that offer various activities such as massages, yoga, and meditation classes. Visitors can also explore the organic garden on the property or enjoy a hike on the nature trails.

Food to try: Don't miss their homemade granola that is served for breakfast.

3. Elephant Trunk Rock - Baraboo, WI

The Elephant Trunk Rock is a natural rock formation that looks like, you guessed it, an elephant's trunk. It can be found just a short hike from the parking lot at Devil's Lake State Park. The formation is awe-inspiring, and the hike provides some beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Food to try: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it near the rock formation.

4. Leinie Lodge - Chippewa Falls, WI

Leinenkugel's is one of the oldest breweries in America, and their beer can be found in many parts of the country. If you're a beer lover, stop by their brewery in Chippewa Falls and take a tour of the facility. Visitors can see how the beer is brewed and even taste some of the unique flavors offered by the brewery.

Food to try: Pair your beer with their famous cheese curds available at the tour.

5. World's Largest Six Pack - La Crosse, WI

The world's largest six-pack is a must-see attraction in La Crosse, WI. The six-pack is a tower of six beer tanks that can hold up to 22,220 barrels of beer. It was built in the 1960s and still stands as a testament to the beer-drinking culture of Wisconsin.

Food to try: Grab a pint of beer at a local bar and pair it with some fried cheese curds.

Conclusion

Driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can turn into a fun adventure with these five unexpected places. You can explore a unique architectural marvel, relax in a wellness retreat, see an awe-inspiring natural formation, take a tour of an ancient brewery, and reminisce about the beer culture of Wisconsin. Don't miss the opportunity to see these hidden gems and explore the flyover states of America.