Things to do in Janesville

Top Things to Do in Janesville

Things to Do in Janesville

Tours near Janesville

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Top Attractions in Janesville

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Historic Sites
Take a step back into the 19th century on one of our guided Lincoln-Tallman House tours, explore the fascinating new exhibits at Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center or attend one of our many events such as Tallman Arts Festival, the Lincoln Fun Dash or Janesville Historic Walking Tours. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was once a guest in Rock County's most famous residence, the Linoln-Tallman House? Constructed between 1855 and 1857, this six-floor mansion is an excellent example of Italianate-style architecture. From the basement to the cupola, each floor offers visitors a unique glimpse of daily life in 19th century Rock County. Over seventy percent of the furniture is original, making it one of the most complete historic houses in the Midwest. From 1857 to 1915, the house was occupied by the William Morrison Tallman family. In October of 1859, Abraham Lincoln stayed at the house after a series of speeches in Beloit, forever cementing the reputation of the Lincoln-Tallman House as "where Lincoln slept". On the guided tour of the house you'll learn about Lincoln's famous visit, discover how the house was built, why the Tallman family moved to Janesville from New York, their connection to abolitionism and the Underground Railroad. When you visit the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, you'll find several wonderful exhibits, a gift shop and bookstore. Current exhibits include: *Pauline Pottery showcases *Pickard china gallery *Breadbasket: Seed to Spoon exhibit *Irish in Janesville exhibit *Parker Pen artifacts
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What travellers are saying

  • Katie H
    Illinois95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take your time to explore. Many sitting places to sit and enjoy the view and listen to nature. Well planned out, colorful, and artwork is also incorporated into the design. The storyboards in the children’s garden can be enjoyed by all ages. Be sure to visit the gift shop with a variety of nature inspired items and unique gifts.
    Written 15 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eisme77
    Janesville, WI1,605 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our first visit to the Lincoln Tallman House was for the community Christmas Tree exhibit. It was absolutely the BEST way to kick off our holiday season! The glow of the many trees made such a cozy experience! They also had cocktails available in the basement that you could carry as you strolled through which made it super fun. Highly recommend this annual holiday tradition to support the RCHS.
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amanda R
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great park. There’s even a zip line (I’ve never seen one in a park before- very cool!). It is very similar to other Dream playgrounds in terms of inclusiveness for all abilities, but seems like it was done on top of an existing park as a park rehab. This makes it really well themed and unique. There was a really fun spinning teeter totter thing (I’ve never seen one befire so I’m not sure what to call it).
    Written 28 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AndrewFromMadison
    Madison, WI3,413 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This park features one of the best segments of the Ice Age Trail in the Southern Wisconsin. However, the Devil's Staircase itself as a geological feature is not very impressive - in fact it was hard to find it, covered with fallen leaves. However, the trail on the bluff along the river is awesome, with eye-pleasing views.
    Written 7 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PROF_CONSULTANT
    Carpentersville, IL400 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting tour of how they make wagons by hand. A quality product with an interesting history. Took a tour of this factory with a car club tour.
    Written 30 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dana F
    Janesville, WI5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a beautiful place! Huge outdoor fireplace with seating for those cool spring/autumn evenings. Indoor seating, also with a beautiful fireplace. Wrap around deck with seating. The wine is wonderful and owners Bill and Mary make you feel welcomed. Plus they are delightful.
    Written 3 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen M
    Schaumburg, IL44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The items are so organized and the owner is amazing, she knows where everything is and is very friendly, welcoming, and efficient! There are SO MANY things here!! You could spend time in there every day for a week and not see all there is to see! Recently there for the first time and I'm planning a trip back, wish I loved closer!
    Written 3 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ebcje
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a nice place to meet with friends especially if they enjoy good quality brews. There is a good rotating selection of craft beers so anyone should be able to find something they like and try something new.
    Written 14 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • davisipad4324
    Janesville, WI114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Certain time of the year and days the Brewery does tours.
    Family owned company, that bottles old fashion soda.
    delicious tasting soda, you will enjoy being able to buy.
    Written 3 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DJP
    Janesville, Wisconsin5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    this park offers many acres of fishing, canoieing, kayaking, picnicking plus hiking trails. the Ice Age Trail goes through the park. Power boats require a launch fee. (its cheap).

    A separate parking lot for equestrian folks features their own shelter and restroom facilities with access to miles of horse trails.
    Written 6 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane P
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were in the Janesville area for another reason and had a few hours to spare. Found MacFarlane Pheasant Farm on Trip advisor and happened to stop during their fall festival. Had delicious pheasant brats along with a tour of the farm. It was a fun and educational side trip. Came home with some frozen pheasant products and recipes. Looking forward to trying them!
    Written 11 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Janesville



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