Janesville, WI

As a non-profit organization which is funded solely by donations, Rotary Botanical Gardens offers an award winning display to the public which attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. Originally an abandoned sand and gravel quarry, the garden has been lovingly tended to and restored thanks to the donations it has received and teams of local volunteers over the past thirty years so that it is now a majestic 20-acre estate with over 4,000 varieties of beautiful plants. The displays are themed, based on international cultures and styles, and make an excellent choice for wedding venues, community gatherings, family-friendly events and educational programs.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545, Phone: 608-752-3885

Camden Playground was erected in May 1993 by a team of more than 3,000 passionate and dedicated volunteers. As an accessible playground, it provides a safe space for relaxation and play for the children and young people of Janesville, and has gone on to inspire the creation of more than 200 similar projects worldwide. It has been thrilling families for years, and the recent renovation and upgrade in June 2017 means that it can continue to do so for decades to come. Over its years of service, Camden Playground has seen more than 1.3 million visitors.

Camden Playground, The Castle Playground, Palmer Park, Janesville, WI, Phone: 608-755-3025

Located away from the noise and bustle of the city, Riverside Park was purchased with the sole intention of creating a centerpiece park for the city of Janesville back in 1922.

Since then it has grown into the city’s go-to outdoor recreational center. The park offers numerous attractions, including an eighteen hole golf course, shuffleboard and tennis courts, ball diamonds, a wading pool, playgrounds and artesian wells. The park has a rich history and offers a range of special events, including wildflower walks and pickle ball tournaments.

Riverside Park , Friends of Riverside Park, Inc. 1163 N Parker Dr. Janesville, WI 53545, Phone: 608-757-3080

Sitting on 287 acres of forests, prairies and swamp lands, the Gibbs Lake County Park offers a little of everything. The smaller lake is cut off by surrounding red elderberry swampland. The larger lake is shallow and ideal for pan fishing. Walleye and bass fish are frequently seen lazing around in the warm waters. The park offers an exceptional nature trail which is ideal for equestrians, hikers and skiers thanks to the flat terrain with gentle hills. There is also the opportunity to have a cooling swim in the allocated swimming area, and those individuals who enjoy a spot of boating can make use of the private boat launch.

3715 Newville Road, Janesville, WI 53545, Phone: 608-757-5451

Where to Eat:

With over 68 tenants, Uptown Janesville has been one of the ultimate shopping experiences in Janesville since it opened in 1973. Originally it had been planned as a Strip Mall, but when the plot of land was purchased, the plans were changed to make it an enclosed mall, particularly beneficial in the chilly climate of Wisconsin. Opening its doors to mall walkers and shoppers alike, the mall offers an extensive range of stores, and food and beverage providers. The mall also hosts a number of events and offers a community room for organizations that need somewhere to hold group meetings.

Uptown Janesville, 2500 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545, Phone: 608-752-7845

A wonderful slice of Ireland in the heart of Janesville, O' Riley and Conway Irish Pub was created as the reincarnation of its predecessor, Quaerna’s Tavern. Featuring many of the original features, with a little Irish charm thrown in, the pub offers 54 beers on tap alongside the traditionally Irish menu. The pub is warm and welcoming, especially in the cold winter months. The new owners of the pub have the perfect heritage to run it. Both are descendants of Quaerna’s s founder, Oscar Quaerna, and both men boast of an Irish heritage.

O' Riley and Conway Irish Pub, 214 W Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI, 53548, Phone: 608-752-6099

Al Meehan had always dreamed of owning his own restaurant in his home town of Janesville, and his dream come true in 2015. Alongside his long-time friend and now business partner, Greg Hughes, the Barkley’s brand was founded.

They aim to provide a unique dining experience and believe that they can fill the gap in the market for quality, freshly-prepared food. Barkley’s Burgers, Brews and Dawgs caters to all of the family and provide a large selection of delicious dishes, and best of all, dog owners can bring their pets along for the feast as well.

Barkley’s Burgers, Brews and Dawgs, 2710 West Court Street, Janesville, WI 53548, Phone: 608-563-4481

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

Forming an integral part of the Rock County Historical Center, the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center is housed in the historic 1912 Prairie-style building which was the former home of Stanley Dexter Tallman. The center now forms the gateway to the Historical Center, provides a ticketing office and houses an exhibition gallery where regularly-changing exhibitions are held. There are also several interesting inter-active exhibits suitable for both adults and children. The main exhibition features a very fine collection of Pauline Porcelain and Pickard China; the exhibition traces the history of these fine crafts and their makers. Before you leave you can buy some souvenirs at the on-site gift shop.

Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, 440 N. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI 53548, 608 756 4509