The road trip in Wisconsin that’s perfect for book lovers

Take a reader-friendly road trip in Wisconsin by visiting seven interesting stops with literary connections.

Calling all library lovers and reading rebels! Have you ever wondered where you can go in Wisconsin to get your daily dose of books, literature, and everything in between? Never fear, dear reader—we put together a trail just for you. 

From start to finish, this literary trail takes nearly 11 hours (not factoring in where you’re driving from or how long you spend at each stop), making it a perfect two-day trip. We’ve included seven stops along the way that lovers of literature will enjoy. From well-known Wisconsin libraries to fan-favorite bookshops, and even the real location where a famous series was based are all included in this trip. 

Two stops on the route operate seasonally, but the rest are open year-round. So what are you waiting for? Get your audiobook queued up and ready to play while you drive along the highway of literature and learning.

1. Wabeno Library

4556 N Branch St, Wabeno – Open year round

This little log-cabin library is the only of its kind in Wisconsin. Originally, in 1921, Wabeno’s library was just a single room, but in 1923, the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Company donated a log cabin it had built to be Wabeno’s new library. In 1993, it was placed on the National and State Register of Historical Places—making it a special space for Wisconsin and the surrounding Wabeno community. Although it’s small—about 29 ft. by 21 ft—its original floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are charming and worth the visit. 

2. Bookworm Gardens

1415 Campus Drive, Sheboygan – Open May 1 through Oct. 31

Bookworm Gardens is the best place to bring new readers and lovers of all the classic tales. These botanical gardens are home to over 80 different gardens, each associated with a beloved book. This non-profit opened in 2010 with the help of local artists, architects, and landscapers. In the spring, summer, and fall, you can visit Bookworm Gardens by purchasing tickets for individual visits or becoming a member.

A scene from Bookworm Gardens. (Seclusive Nature/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

3. Boswell Books 

2559 N. Downer Avenue Milwaukee – Open year-round

Boswell Books is a thriving independent bookstore nestled near the Upper East Side. You can find new and second-hand books in the location that was originally home to a (one of four) Harry W. Schwartz Booksellers. This stop also made the list for its commitment to showcasing local authors and hosting in-person meet and greets. Check the calendar to see if any of your favorite writers will be featured!

4. Memorial Library 

728 State St, Madison – Open year-round

Where else would you find the largest library in Wisconsin than the state capitol? In addition to a massive book collection, it has special exhibits at Memorial Library. The website mentions there are currently updates being made to the area (not open to visits), but you can always check out exhibits online. Instead, for your in-person visit, stop by one of the six dedicated reading rooms ranging from a Greek and Latin reading room to The Michael B. Petrovich Reading Room (hosting East European, Slavic, and Turkic materials). 

5. Wisconsin’s Historical Society Reading Room

816 State Street, Madison – Open year-round

Another stop in Madison on this literary trail lands you at Wisconsin’s Historical Society. Visitors have commented on the two-story reading room, saying it’s quiet, relaxing, and straight out of a book (pun intended) with its green glass lights. Here, you’ll find several collections detailing everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Wisconsin’s history and maybe even your own! The Historical Society is home to 3 million birth, marriage, and death records from before 1907.

The Reading Room of the Wisconsin Historical Society Library located at 816 State Street in Madison, Wisconsin. (Aaron Volkening/CC BY 2.0)

6. The Wilder Trail (WI location)

306 3rd Street (Hwy 35), Pepin – Museum open May 15 to Oct. 15

Laura Ingalls Wilder was a famous author best known for her “Little House on the Prarie” books. These books were based on her life, growing up in Pepin, Wis.—she was born in 1867. An entire trail has been dedicated to Wilder, starting in Wisconsin and spanning to New York. The trail includes locations her books were based on (“Little House in the Big Woods” was inspired by Pepin). There are a few must-visit stops on this part of the literary trail, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historical Museum and a historically accurate replica cabin of where she was born.

A historically accurate reproduction of the log cabin where Laura Ingalls Wilder was born located in Pepin, Wisconsin. (Lorie Shaull/CC BY 2.0)

7. Janke Book Store 

505 Third Street, Wausau – Open year-round

Last but not least, to end this literary trail is Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore in Wausau. How old is the oldest bookstore, exactly? Janke’s Book Store is just over 100 years old (established in 1919) and has seen three generations of family ownership. In this shop, you’ll find books and materials about local history, games, knick-knacks, used books, and more.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.