25 Best Things to do in Janesville!
Located in southern Wisconsin, Janesville is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and friendly community. Often referred to as “Wisconsin’s Park Place,” Janesville offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions that make it a perfect destination for travelers looking to explore the Midwest. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, historical sites, or just a peaceful getaway, Janesville has everything. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Janesville during your visit to Wisconsin.
In this Article
1. Historic Attractions
Lincoln-Tallman Museum
The Lincoln-Tallman Museum is a historic site that offers unique glimpse into life in the 19th century. In the beginning, it was home for the Tallman family, built between 1855 and 1857 in Italianate-style mansion. One of its most famous moments in history is when Abraham Lincoln stayed there in 1859. Guided tours are available, which allows visitors to learn about the Tallman family, their way of life, and the significance of the house in local history. The museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including themed tours that focus on different aspects of Victorian life.
Hedberg Public Library
The Hedberg Public Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It serves as a community hub, offering resources and learning opportunities for people of all ages. The library is part of the Prairie Lakes Library System, which connects multiple libraries in the region. Inside, visitors can find a wide selection of books, magazines and digital resources. Every year, Hedberg Public Library hosts events like storytime for kids, book clubs, and educational workshops. For those looking to research or learn something new, the library offers access to databases, genealogy tools and local history archives.
Rock County Historical Society
The Rock County Historical Society is a fascinating place to explore local history through its preserved buildings and sites. The Lincoln-Tallman House, built in the mid-19th century, is known for its connection to Abraham Lincoln, who stayed there in 1859. The home’s Italianate architecture and furnishings give visitors a glimpse into the past. The Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center offers changing exhibits and hosts events like Tallman Arts Festival and Janesville Historic Walking Tours. The society’ s mission is to preserve and share the stories of Rock County in a way that’s meaningful to visitors.
2. Outdoor Adventures
Riverside Park
Covering 87 acres, Riverside Park features three scenic overlooks, picnic spots and boating, making it a popular place for outdoor activities. Families enjoy the splash pad, zipline and horseshoe pits, while others take advantage of the tennis and pickleball courts. During winter, visitors can enjoy playing sledding and cross-country skiing in the park. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the park, and one of its most well-known spots is the Devil’s Staircase, a rocky path surrounded by nature. Shuffleboard, disc golf and fishing add more options for visitors looking to spend time outside.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Janesville has a variety of hiking and nature trails that offer great outdoor experiences. The Ice Age Trail runs through the city, with the Devil’s Staircase being a popular section featuring limestone cliffs and scenic views of the Rock River. Rockport Park has wooded paths perfect for walking and biking, while Palmer Park provides easy trails. The Janesville Trail System connects different parks, making it simple to explore on foot. Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers can spot local species along these routes. Guided walks and nature programs are available for those who want to learn about local environment.
Traxler Park
Located along the Rock River, Traxler Park is a 27 acres riverside park, best known as the home of the Rock Aqua Jays Stadium, where the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team performs exciting shows throughout the summer. It features the Veterans Memorial Plaza, honoring military service and provides boat launches and a lagoon, making it a popular spot for boating and fishing. Families visiting the park can enjoy picnic areas, playground equipment and sand volleyball courts. For events, the park has The Warming House and Lions Pavilion, with seating for 50 people and a full kitchen available.
Palmer Park
Covering 164 acres, Palmer Park is home to CAMDEN Playground that offers a mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly spaces. The playground was rebuilt in 2016 and continues to be a fun and welcoming space for children of all abilities. The park also has a wading pool, open from early June to late August, where kids can cool off during the summer. A kid-friendly zipline was recently added, making the playground even more exciting. Palmer Park is one of the popular access points to Janesville’s trail system, including a portion of the Ice Age Trail, which offers well-paved walking and biking paths.
Golfing Courses
Janesville has several golf courses suitable for players of all skill levels. Riverside Golf Course is a well-known public course with 18 holes, recognized as one of the best public courses in Wisconsin and home to the Ray Fischer Tournament. Blackhawk Golf Course is a 9-hole public course that provides a relaxed and affordable golfing experience. For private clubs, Janesville Country Club, founded in 1894, is the oldest golf club in the state and offers a challenging 18-hole course with a rich history. Glen Erin Golf Club, established in 2003, is another 18-hole course known for its well-kept greens.
3. Iconic Landmarks
Milton House Museum
Built in 1844, Milton House Museum was originally a stagecoach inn and later became a safe place for enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the tunnel that was used to hide freedom seekers, connecting the main building to a nearby pioneer cabin. Inside, exhibits display artifacts and documents that highlight the history of the Underground Railroad and the people who passed through the house. The museum hosts events every year, including Civil War Living History Days and Hops & History, where guests can learn about the past in an interactive way.
Parker Pen Museum
The Parker Pen Museum is also known as Heritage House, dedicated to preserving the history of Parker Pens, and collection includes early fountain pens and signature designs that influenced the industry. Founded in 1888, Parker is known for its best quality and has became one of the most recognized pen manufacturers in the world. The museum showcases over 150 items, including rare pens and artifacts that highlight the company’s evolution in writing instruments. It tells the story of George S. Parker, the founder, who aimed to improve pen technology and create better writing experiences.
Janesville Performing Arts Center
Known as JPAC, the Janesville Performing Arts Center is the main venue for live entertainment in Janesville. It hosts a variety of performances, including comedy shows, live music, theater productions and family-friendly events. The center was established to support local arts and provide a space for both professional and local performances. Every year, it features events like stand-up comedy nights, improv shows and youth theater programs, giving people a chance to enjoy live entertainment. The center runs educational programs, helping students and aspiring performers develop their skills.
Beloit Art Center
The Beloit Art Center features exhibits, workshops and events that highlight both emerging and established artists. Each month, it hosts a First Friday Gallery Reception, where visitors can meet artists and explore new exhibits. The center has multiple galleries, including the Sveum Gallery and Bell Gallery, which showcase different styles and mediums. In addition to exhibits, it offers art classes, photography workshops and pottery sessions, allowing guests to learn and create. It has Photography Club that meets regularly, allowing artists to share their work, lecture talks and improve their skills.
Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology
Founded in 1894, Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College serves as a teaching space where students and visitors can explore anthropology through hands-on learning. It houses around 300,000 archaeological and ethnological objects from different parts of the world, including artifacts from indigenous cultures of the Western Hemisphere, Oceania and Europe. It is known for its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to engage with history in a meaningful way. The museum offers guided tours and programs, making it a great place for learning about global traditions and human history.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
Rotary Botanical Gardens
The Rotary Botanical Gardens features 26 different garden styles and over 4,000 varieties of plants, allowing visitors to learn about different types of flowers, trees and landscapes. The gardens are designed to highlight beauty, education and the arts, with walking paths that take visitors through themed areas inspired by different cultures and gardening traditions. One of the standout features is the Japanese Garden and English Cottage Garden, that provides a pleasant atmosphere. It host events like Twilight in the Garden, where guests can enjoy live music, wine and a relaxing evening in nature.
Janesville Ice Arena
The Janesville Ice Arena is a popular spot for ice skating and hockey, offering indoor skating destination. It is home to the Janesville Jets, one of the teams in the North American Hockey League, and it also conducts youth hockey programs and public skating classes. The arena allow visitors to practice open hockey, league play for adults and events for skating held every year. Families can enjoy skating sessions, which include options like family skate nights and teen skate events. It offers skating lessons through the Polar Express Learn-To-Skate program, helping guests get comfortable on the ice.
Rock County Fairgrounds
The Rock County Fairgrounds is a central hub for events in Janesville, best known for hosting the Rock County 4-H Fair, one of the oldest youth fairs in the country. Covering 18.5 acres, the fairgrounds bring people together for livestock shows, carnival rides, food vendors and live entertainment every summer. The fair highlights youth projects in animal care, crafts, science and agriculture, giving young participants a chance to showcase their work. The fairgrounds have a history, once serving as the home field for the Janesville Cubs, a minor league baseball team that played from 1941 to 1953.
Janesville Recreation Division
The Janesville Recreation Division is part of the Community Services Department and focuses on providing fun and accessible recreation options for the people. It organizes nature programs, helping residents explore city’s outdoor spaces. The division works closely with local organizations to create engaging activities, like family-friendly events and educational workshops. One of it’s highlights is the Kindness Rock Gardens, where people can leave or take painted rocks with positive messages. It also hosts events like Earth Day celebrations and guided hikes along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
5. Natural Attractions
Rock River
Stretching for 299 miles, Rock River flows through Janesville, starting from Horicon Marsh and along the way it joins with the Mississippi River. The river stretches 299 miles, starting in Horicon Marsh and eventually joining the Mississippi River. In Janesville, the river is a key part of the city’s landscape, with parks, trails, and recreational spots lining its shores. The Rock River Water Trail provides 320 miles of paddling routes from Wisconsin to Illinois, making it one of the designated National Water Trail. The river is popular activities for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, with many access points in Janesville.
Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
Managing by the Janesville Public School District, Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum is a 160 acres nature preserve with a mix of forests, prairies, marshes and wetlands. It is home for the Janesville Schools Outdoor Laboratory (JSOL), making it an important site for learning environmental education. The arboretum has about eight miles of trails, some with interpretive markers, allowing visitors to explore different landscapes and learn about local plants and wildlife. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the area, offering scenic views and a chance to experience Wisconsin’s glacial history.
Lake Koshkonong
The Lake Koshkonong is a 10,595 acres lake known for its shallow waters and connection to the Rock River. In the beginning, it was a marshland, later the lake was formed after the Indianford Dam was built in 1932, making it a reservoir that serves as a hub for water activities. With an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 7 feet, it is popular for boating, fishing, swimming and watersports, with several access points, boat launches around its shoreline. The name “Koshkonong” has historical ties to Native American languages and is sometimes interpreted as “where there is heavy fog.”
6. Day Trips & Excursions
Lake Geneva
From Janesville, a day trip to Lake Geneva takes about an hour, covering 32 miles, offers a great way to enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities. Visitors can start their trip by exploring Riviera Beach, a popular spot for swimming and relaxing by the water. The Lake Geneva Shore Path offers a scenic walk along the lake, passing historic estates and beautiful landscapes. For those interested in boat tours, the Lake Geneva Cruise Line provides different options, including sightseeing and dinner cruises. Adventure seekers can visit Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, which offers ziplining and hiking trails.
Madison
Planning a day trip to Madison takes about 45 minutes from Janesville, is a great way to explore the state’s capital and it’s attractions. Visitors can start at the Wisconsin State Capitol, a historic building with free tours that showcase its impressive architecture. Nearby, State Street is a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to grab a meal or browse local stores. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum offering nature trails and green spaces. The Chazen Museum of Art and Wisconsin Historical Museum provide interesting exhibits on art and state history.
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Covering 450 acres, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and picnicking throughout the year, making it a fun place for nature lovers. The Yellowstone Lake Water Trail is perfect for paddlers, while the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the park, giving hikers great views. Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, taking advantage of the changing seasons. The park has a well-equipped campground for families and its closer to the beach and boat launch area, making it an ideal spot for families who prefer overnight stays.
Rockford, IL
From Janesville, a day trip to Rockford in Illinois takes about an hour drive, and is a great way to explore local attractions and outdoor spaces. Visitors can start at Anderson Japanese Gardens, a peaceful spot with waterfalls, koi ponds and walking paths. For those interested in art and nature, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden features beautiful landscapes and exhibits. Families can visit Discovery Center Museum, which has interactive science exhibits and activities for kids. Downtown Rockford has plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to grab a meal or explore local businesses.
Dubuque, IA
Start a day trip to Dubuque in Iowa and drive about 2 hours from Janesville, to explore a historic river city with scenic views and interesting attractions. Visitors can start at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, which offers interactive exhibits about the river’s history and wildlife. The Fenelon Place Elevator is also known as the world’s shortest and steepest railway, providing a fun and thrilling ride up to a panoramic view of Dubuque. Downtown Dubuque has plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops and convention centers, making it a great place to grab a meal or explore local businesses.
How to Reach Janesville
Located along Interstate 90, the city connects to major locations like Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. Those driving from Madison can reach Janesville in about 45 minutes, while the trip from Milwaukee takes around 1.5 hours. For air travel, the closest major airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, about 40 miles away, offering domestic flights, while Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located 95 miles from Janesville, provides more flight options, including international routes.
Travelers can also use Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, a smaller airport in Janesville, for private and charter flights. Amtrak to Milwaukee is another option for those who prefer train travel, with rental cars or bus services available for the final stretch to Janesville. The train ride offers nice views, making it an enjoyable way to travel. Road trips are also simple, as Interstate 90 has clear signs and well-maintained roads, making driving an easy option.
Local Transportation
The Janesville Transit System (JTS) provides regular bus service on six daytime routes, covering key areas like Milton Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, Wright Road, West Court Street, and Milwaukee Street. The Beloit-Janesville Express operates on weekdays, connecting Janesville with Beloit. JTS buses are all wheelchair accessible, and a Dial-A-Ride paratransit service is also available for anyone with disabilities.
For longer trips, Van Galder Bus Company provides coach services between Janesville and cities like Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee. The Rock County Specialized Transit service offers transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available for convenient travel within the city. Many visitors also choose to rent cars for flexibility when exploring Janesville and nearby attractions.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the must-see attractions in Janesville?
Janesville boasts several attractions that are worth visiting. The Rock County Historical Society provides a deep dive into the area’s history with engaging exhibits and a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion. For nature lovers, the Rotary Botanical Gardens offers stunning seasonal displays and peaceful walking paths. Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology is also a must-visit for those interested in cultural artifacts and exhibits.
2. Are there any local dining spots I shouldn’t miss?
Absolutely! Janesville has a variety of dining options. The Uptown Cafe is popular for its cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast fare. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, The Black Sheep offers a range of contemporary dishes in a stylish setting. For a unique local experience, don’t miss The 615 Club, known for its hearty portions and friendly service.
3. Can I find any shopping opportunities in Janesville?
Yes, Janesville has several shopping options. The Janesville Mall provides a range of retail stores and dining options. For a more unique shopping experience, check out Downtown Janesville, where you’ll find local boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. The Hometown Gallery is a great place to pick up locally made crafts and artwork.
4. What outdoor activities are available in Janesville?
Janesville is a haven for outdoor activities. Parker Pen Park and Riverside Park offer excellent spots for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The Rock River Trail is perfect for hiking and biking. During winter months, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at various parks.
5. Are there any events or festivals in Janesville throughout the year?
Janesville hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. The Janesville Farmer’s Market is a seasonal favorite, running from May to October, featuring local produce and crafts. The Wisconsin State Trappers Association Convention is another highlight, celebrating the region’s hunting and trapping heritage. Additionally, the Janesville Ice Age Trail Marathon draws participants and spectators from across the state.
