10 Best Things to Do in Spring Green, WI

By VI Staff on July 18, 2019

Spring Green is a small village in Wisconsin, only one hour from Madison, the state capital. Although the town is not very big, there are plenty of activities for locals and tourists. When the weather is warm, there are popular outings and activities such as watching a play at an outdoor amphitheatre, walking through a nature preserve, and camping at a historical state park. Other options include taking an art and culture program, visiting an opal jewelry shop, dining at a prime rib buffet, or sampling a variety of hot teas at the local tea shop.

1.American Players Theatre

American Players Theatre (APT) is a classical indoor and outdoor theatre. It was founded in 1980 by Randall Duk Kim, Charles Bright, and Anne Occhiogrosso. There is an outdoor amphitheater with 1,089 seats and an indoor theatre called The Touchstone with 200 seats. Before each show, guests can buy a picnic dinner or bring their own food to enjoy in the picnic areas. More than a hundred performances take the stage in the outdoor amphitheater during the season, which runs from June to November. The theatre group usually performs plays by classic playwrights, such as Shakespeare, and George Bernard Shaw.

5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-2361

2.House on the Rock

House on the Rock is a local tourist attraction designed by Alex Jorden Jr., that opened in 1959. Along with the “house” that sits on Deep Shelter Rock, this complex features distinct rooms, shops, and gardens. From the time House on the Rock opened, additions to the original structure were made. So, some of today’s highlights include areas named “The Streets of Yesterday,” “The Heritage of the Sea,” and “The Music of Yesterday.” Furthermore, the complex features a large indoor carousel with 269 animals, hundreds of chandeliers, and more than 20,000 lights. During the Christmas season, the carousel transforms using a Christmas-inspired theme.

5754 WI-23, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-935-3639

3.Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin

Taliesin is an 800-acre estate where the home, studio, and school of Frank Lloyd Wright sit. Before Frank Wright died in 1959, he named his estate Taliesin, to pay tribute to his Welsh heritage. The literal translation of the word is “shining brow.” To honor Wright’s legacy, a number of programs, workshops, and culinary events take place at Taliesin. Examples include summer youth workshops, art and culture programs, and The Taliesin Food Artisan Immersion Program. This last program teaches about the connection between architecture, the land, food, art, and community. This harmony is paramount to the success of creating a healthy food system.

5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-7900

4.Spring Green Preserve

In 1972, Spring Green Preserve received the designation as a State Natural Area. Since then it’s been nicknamed the 'Wisconsin Desert' because of its sandy prairie that runs along a former Wisconsin River terrace. The preserve grows a special kind of flora and fauna that can adapt to the dry landscape and hot environment. Plants found here include the false heather and prickly pear cactus. Bird life at the preserve is diverse with birds like the dickcissel. For recreational activities, visitors can reserve a campsite, hike the park’s trails, ride motorcycles or ATVs, and go skiing or snowmobiling in the winter.

5.Tower Hill State Park

Tower Hill State Park neighbors the Wisconsin River and is often visited due to its many historical structures, including the Helena Shot Tower. The original tower was built in 1832 and a century and a half later it became part of the National Register of Historic Places. The park opens during the warm weather months where visitors can see the exhibits documenting the use and construction of the tower. There are trails and 15 campsites at this park that feature picnic tables, and fit pits. Campsites are family-friendly and can accommodate up to six people per site.

5808 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-2116

6.The Opal Man

The Opal Man is a jewelry gallery that primarily carries Australian opal. This gemstone has several varieties which are carried at the gallery, such as, boulder, white, crystal, treated matrix, and opal doublets. Dennis Dahl is the owner of The Opal Man and brings nearly 50 years of experience to the business. The entire team at the gallery brings a wealth of knowledge, which helps to answer customer questions. Services offered include cutting, polishing, appraising jewelry pieces, and designing custom pieces from this precious gemstone. The gallery was formerly a gas station over a century ago and is a member of Wisconsin's Register of Historic Places.

137 S Winsted St, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-9317

7.Freddy Valentine's

Freddy Valentine’s is a restaurant and pub located inside the historic State Bank of Spring Green. Established in 2012, by husband and wife, Dave and Jeaneane Owen, this restaurant provides a unique environment to customers. The building is over 100 years old and features lion heads and terracotta pillars on the exterior. Inside there are coffered ceilings, a bar made from repurposed 20th-century marble, and the original safe door. Food served at Freddy V’s is just as magnificent as the building’s architecture. The menu features English fare, international dishes, plus a wide array of beers, along with wines and spirits.

134 W. Jefferson Street, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-0220

8.Riverview Terrace Cafe

The Riverview Terrace Cafe sits on the Taliesin estate and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Local, seasonal, farm to table food is available on the menu, much of which is grown on the Taliesin farms. The cafe firmly believes that understanding good food is possible when respect is given to nature. Although Frank Wright didn’t live to see the completion of the cafe, his former apprentices completed construction in 1967. Thus, it finally became the ‘gateway’ of his estate, just as he envisioned. During this time, the restaurant’s name was The Spring Green, and it stayed that way for 25 years.

5607 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 877-588-7900

9.Arthur's Supper Club

Arthur's Supper Club is a casual dining restaurant for families, friends and couples, looking to enjoy a steak or seafood dinner. Since 1966, this supper club has been a favorite local spot best known for their prime rib buffet, lobster dishes and complimentary homemade bread, served at every table. Inside the restaurant is a full lounge and bar that serves classic cocktails, and a variety of wines and beers. Plus, there is live music and other entertainment playing here several nights a week. Outside, there are two separate and distinct outdoor patio areas that feature beautiful waterfalls.

E4885 US Highway 14 and 60, Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588, Phone: 608-588-2521

10.Bird of Paradise Tea

Bird of Paradise Tea opened in 2006 by husband and wife, Wayne Farra and Maya Madden. They were once jewelers, who developed a love and passion for tea when they visited the International Tea Expo. While at the Expo they found a collection of teas that they now serve in their tea shop. Bird of Paradise began selling teas online in 2007, in order to reach a larger clientele. Wayne and Maya like teaching novice tea drinkers about different types of teas, their origin, and how to select a tea. Only the best and highest quality teas get chosen for this tea shop.

120 Albany St, Spring Green, WI 53588, Phone: 608-588-7509