The 15 Best Things to do in Janesville (WI)

Janesville is a city in southern Wisconsin, United States, given the nickname; “The Park Place of Winsconsin.” It is the largest city and country seat of Rock County.

A few fun things to do in Janesville WI include Rotary Botanical Gardens, Riverside Park, and Gibbs Lake County Park. Passing through the city is A part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The nearby Milton House (1844), a national historic landmark, has been preserved as a museum.

Janesville, Wisconsin, features over 2,500 acres of nature trails and parks. It also has 500 acres of land designated as greenbelt lands to protect the city’s wildlife.

Visitors also have access to several shops at the Janesville Mall and numerous unique dining options in the city. A few attractions may be temporarily closed or require reservations.

Here you have a guide pointing you to the 15 best things to do in Janesville (WI)

1. Have a Fun Day at Camden Playground

Camden Playground, also known as “The Castle Playground,” in Palmer Park, Janesville, WI. built by volunteers in May 1993 to be considered the most extensive and accessible playground globally.

Camden playground has had over 1.3 million visitors since and continues to delight visitors today. A major renovation was carried out in the playground in 2016, and it has rubber matting for ground cover instead of wood.

Your welcome sight would be a castle entrance with dragon and turtle statues, multiple playhouses, a spinning pole, Seated Merry-Go-Round, etc.

This park and playground have a lot of green space and offer facilities for the different age groups, the disabled, and sensory kids. Everybody can have a fun time and burn some energy at Camden.

Overall, this would be an excellent adventure for anyone to try out.

2. See Lovely Displays at Rotary Botanical Gardens

Rotary Botanical Gardens houses many dramatic and themed gardens, located on 20-acres in the heart of Janesville, Wisconsin.

The Japanese and English Cottage gardens have an international focus. In contrast, others are less formally-structured, such as the children’s garden, the fern and moss garden, Hosta Hollow, and other seasonal displays.

The Gardens occupy the site of an abandoned sand and gravel quarry on Palmer Drive. In July of 2018, A Wellness Garden, which includes a labyrinth, was completed.

Much of the garden can be accessed by disability aids, with many benches and wide, level paths to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the environment.

If you happen to be in Janesville In December, take a trip to the Gardens to experience the spectacular Holiday Light Show.

Visit The Gardens to experience a first-class horticultural showcase and get educational resources. A unique gift shop in the visitor’s center offers gifts for all ages.

Learn more: rotarybotanicalgardens.org

3. Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center

The Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center gives you a glimpse of rotating exhibits celebrating the history and heritage of Rock County. Also on display are galleries that feature Pauline Pottery and Pickard China.

You will see a collection of old ads, memorabilia, and music from the Parker Pen Band. Discover pottery, unique upcycled mittens, children’s items, scarves, and other attire, an assortment of locally made masks, and a wide selection of jewelry.

The See Rock County exhibit will give you the experience of life as a Rock County tourist in the early 1900s. Take Selfies at a host of stations, including the 1923 Chevrolet Model B Superior Roadster, and on an old-fashioned sleigh.

Visit the gift shop, which features beautiful art pieces from Janesville Art League members and other regional artists selling on consignment. Share your stories and memories throughout the exhibit.

4. Taste Wine at Fermenting Cellars Winery

Fermenting Cellars Winery offers a variety of locally created wines in a beautiful log cabin home in the rolling hills between Janesville and Edgerton.

Fermenting Cellars Winery is a classic stop for Casual sippers and wine connoisseurs in Janesville. You are guaranteed to find something you enjoy among dry, sweet, red, white, and dessert wines. and a single run fortified wine

It is a beautiful place with a Huge fireplace indoors and outdoor with seating for those cool spring/autumn evenings.

Have a high-quality and delicious wine tasting experience with family and friends.

Learn more: fermentingcellarswinery.com

5. Rock County Brewing Company

Located in the heart of downtown Janesville’s historic Carriage Works building, Rock County Brewing Company is Janesville’s 1st nano-brewery, which opened in January 2017. Specializing in hand-crafted brews in small batches

Please stop in to taste their latest brew, fill a growler, or schedule a crawler pickup. Check their website to see the current tap list with detailed descriptions of their creations.

You can always count on a great beer in a great atmosphere to share with friends. Food trucks are usually present on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There is an excellent rotating selection of craft beers, so you should find something you like and try something new.

6. Bowling Alley – El-Ra Bowl

Family-owned since 1959, El-Ra Bowl offers sixteen lanes with all the modern conveniences, including auto-scoring and automatic bumpers.

Their pro shop, cocktail lounge, and full grill menu make it an excellent place for birthday parties or a fun night out. El-Ra Bowl has glow bowling every Friday and Saturday night.

Don’t go hungry while bowling; you get a selection of burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pizza, especially the 300 Best hand-tossed crust and fresh toppings.

There is always some event going on and full of fun. The lounge area has excellent viewing for sports and gaming machines.

Learn more: elrabowl.com

7. Test your Skills at Rivers Edge Bowl

RiversEdge Bowl is a family-owned business with Qubica scoring, 24 lanes for glow-in-the-dark bowling, complete pro shop, bar, and kitchen. It is located in downtown Janesville across the river from the Hedberg.

RiversEdge Bowl delivers a fun night for family and friends. Experience the best light show and music in Southern Wisconsin. It is a clean and vibrant atmosphere for both league and open bowlers. 

It is one of the best things to do in Janesville WI, and a lit place to spend a night. Grab a bite to eat at their 11th Frame Bar & Grill.

Learn more: riversedge

8. Hike the Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,000-mile route that runs through some of the state’s most magnificent natural landscapes, highlighting some of the world’s most delicate unique terrain elements.

More than 2.3 million people utilize the Ice Age Trail to hike, backpack, snowshoe, and reconnect every year. However, the Ice Age Trail offers more than a stroll via the woods.

It is a place for mind and physical renewal, unwind, relax, enjoy nature after a long day and take in the beauty of Wisconsin’s countryside.

During your Ice Age Trail hike, you will see various natural places. While much of it is famed for its rocky landscape, some sections are grassy plains with wildflowers. It all depends on which stretch of the Ice Age Trail you pick for your journey, making it a unique experience.

Learn more: iceagetrail

9. A Fun Day at Palmer Park

Palmer Park is a beautiful 164-acre park and Janesville’s second-largest park. It is an excellent place for recreation and features plenty of activities for kids, and is an ideal setting for families.

Facilities include several pavilions, picnic groves, a kid-friendly zip-line, tennis courts, a wading pool, sand court volleyball, a softball diamond, and a pet exercise area.

It is an excellent location to reach Janesville’s 30 miles of paved trails, ideal for bicycling, walking, rollerblading, and jogging. There is access to a portion of the Ice Age Trail. Several paths pass through green belts during the winter, making them available to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Bring your swimsuits and enjoy the free wading pool with your kids. you can have grills for refreshment. Have a Nerf war in any of the great locations over Palmer Park.

10. Get Entertained at Janesville Performing Arts Center

The Janesville Performing Arts Center is the people’s first choice performing arts and entertainment center in Janesville and the greater Rock County area.

The Janesville Performing Arts Center’s 633-seat theatre, box office, lobby, art gallery, and administrative office are located in the famous Janesville High School building in downtown Janesville.

Experience a first-class performance of live music, theater, comedy, and dance. The theatre features an upgraded soundboard, lighting console, speakers, LED strip lights, and more.

JPAC hosts a varied range of performances by resident user groups to improve Rock County residents’ quality of life and encourage arts education among local youngsters.

If you’ve ever wondered how premier arts and cultural performance can improve the quality of life, visit JPAC to find out.

Learn more: janesvillepac.org

11. Lincoln-Tallman House Museum

The Lincoln-Tallman House has been a historic house museum since 1951. It is a Rock County landmark, providing a traditional museum experience to the public daily.

The Tallman home also offers educational programs, meals, and other non-museum activities.

Tours of the Lincoln-Tallman are available through the Rock County Historical Society. Be taken on an exciting journey through history. You will have your lips buzzing with many stories to share after the tour.

The Lincoln-Tallman House is an excellent place for historical research, thought-provoking programming, and unique historical sites. Take a trip and get a first-hand experience.

The Lincoln-Tallman Mansion also offers Seasonal Tour In November and December, when the house is decked out in holiday finery both inside and out.

12. Skate at the Janesville Ice Arena

Janesville Ice Arena is an ice arena and skating center owned by the city of Janesville, Wisconsin.

More than a typical skating arena, the Ice Arena is home to the Janesville Figure Skating Club and the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League.

The Janesville Ice Arena offers indoor ice skating for beginner and pro skaters. Improve your hockey skills with an opportunity of open hockey practice for everyone and league play for adults.

You experience more thrilling fun with figure skating, special skating events, and seasonal celebrations when you get to the ice arena.

13. Have an Adventure at Gibbs Lake County park

Gibbs Lake County Park is a 299-acres landmass, encompassing 3/4 of Gibbs Lake’s shoreline and the northern half of Little Gibbs Lake’s shoreline. The Ice Age Trail also goes through the park.

Gibbs Lake Park features horseback riding, a hiking and cross-country ski trail, a boat landing and launching area, a bridle path, and a parking lot.

The cross-country ski track is designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Still, if you’re an expert skier, it gives you a fantastic chance to hone and perfect your abilities.

You can find The boat launch on the northern shore of Gibbs Lake. The shallow lake is suitable for wading and boating; enjoy your fishing. Powerboats require a launch fee. (it’s cheap).

The park is open Every day from sunrise to sunset; you are welcome to enjoy all trails available. For the sake of safety, night skiing is not authorized.

 14. The Edge Paintball & Airsoft

Since 1994, The Edge Paintball has provided a safe, exciting paintball experience with five recreational blocks of wood fields; and a tournament speedball field.

At The Edge Paintball & Airsoft, you’re sure to have a memorable experience with excellent service, whether you’re a professional athlete or a simple person.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a unique corporate outing, a fun bachelor party or birthday party, or want to participate in open play.

There are many things to do in Janesville WI, but spending a day at The Edge Paintball & Airsoft is definitely the best. You will always find something new and exciting happening at the Paintball Center.

Come together with your family and friends to play and socialize in a fun environment.

Learn more: 608pb.com

15. Relax at Riverside Park

Covering 87 acres of land, Riverside Park runs along the beautiful Rock River. Featuring three scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and two covered picnic pavilions that can seat up to 200 people.

The Ice Age Trail also runs through the park, featuring the Devil’s Staircase portion of the trail.

Recreational facilities include an accessible splash pad (open from mid-May to mid-September), Kids’ Zone play area, horseshoe pits, a kids’ zip-line, grills, and boat launches for boating and fishing, a disc golf course and shuffleboard, tennis, and pickleball courts.

Riverside Park features exciting activities the whole family can do. The City of Janesville allows you to reserve a picnic pavilion or grove for family reunions, picnics, wedding receptions, etc.

The north end of the park is closed off during the winter. In spring, the spring wildflowers are in full bloom.

Learn more: jvlriversidepark.com

Plan a trip to Janesville, Wisconsin

You now have a clear guide to the 15 best things to do in Janesville WI.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.