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Amazing First Date Locations You'll Love in Wisconsin

wi first date locations

First dates can be nerve-racking enough worrying about how the evening will turn out. Take it from us—the location sets the mood for the entire night! Check out the first-date locations in Wisconsin and relax knowing you've nailed the perfect setting.

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Edgewater Ice Rink, Madison, WI

Take your love interest on a romantic winter date at the Edgewater Ice Rink in Madison. The ice rink overlooks Lake Mendota and even offers skate rentals. Twirl your date around or just have fun getting lost in the moment. When your finished stop by the Statehouse at the Edgewater for a bite to eat.

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, WI

You and your date will love the country feel that the town of New Glarus gives off. Their main attraction—New Glarus Brewing Company—is the place for a first date. Get to know each other over a cold glass of craft beer. Take a tour of their brewing process, and stay in their tasting room. You two will be hopping into a second date in no time.

Ivory Room Piano Bar, Madison, WI

Share some laughs together Wisconsin’s premier piano bar at the Ivory Room. The bar holds dueling pianos for double the fun. Drink, sing, and laugh together as you’re entertained by Piano Fondue (Madison’s traveling dueling piano group.) Be sure to get their early because the Ivory Room fills up fast.

Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI

You can never go wrong with a zoo date. On top of that, the Milwaukee County Zoo is the finest in the state. Walk around and visit all sorts of exotic animals. Take a much-needed pit stop at Woody’s Smokehouse near the small mammals building and pick up some food to replenish on your day of walking around and getting to know each other. Be sure to warn your date about the free-range peacocks roaming the zoo.

Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds, WI

If you or your date love science—Cave of the Mounds is the perfect spot for a thoughtful first date. Take a tour deep into the geological wonder that is the Cave of the Mounds. You’ll pass colorful crystal formations while on tis tour of Wisconsin’s hidden gem! We promise this first date will “rock!”

Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI

Love the outdoors and getting active? Take a hike through Devil’s Lake State Park. The hike may be tough but the views from the top will be worth it. Be sure to take your cameras for the perfect first date picture opportunity. Plus, hiking Devil’s Lake can help you justify that juicy burger at North Shore Restaurant and Bar afterwards. 

Fire Escape, Oshkosh, WI

Here’s one for the creative couples out there. Paint your own pottery at Fire Escape Art Studio in Oshkosh. For those who love to be hands on—this is the place. You and your date will have a healthy balance of chatting and getting down and dirty. Be sure to have someone document your first date creations.

Mona Lisa’s Restaurant, Eau Claire, WI

Take a stroll along the Chippewa River then make your way to Water Street’s most exquisite restaurant—Mona Lisa’s. This beautifully-designed restaurant has a great selection, even for the picky eaters. Their menu is ever-changing and is inspired by the current season. This makes for a place to revisit after a few more successful dates.

Dinner Train, Trego, WI

We’re willing to bet that your date has never been on a dinner train ride. Grab a drink and settle in while the train travels through beautiful farm fields, deep woods, and along the scenic Namekagon River.

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Mayville, WI

The Horicon National Wildlife Refugee is another great outdoor first-date option. There are no entry fees and tons of public use areas. Take a ride on a Horicon Marsh Boat Tour to get the VIP experience of the United States’ largest freshwater cattail marsh. Be sure to keep your camera on hand to snap some pictures of the wildlife and to document your first date.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Edgewater Ice Rink: Enjoy a romantic winter date skating at the Edgewater Ice Rink overlooking Lake Mendota. Skate rentals are available. Cap off the experience with a meal at the Statehouse at the Edgewater.
  • New Glarus Brewing Company: Delve into the craft beer scene with a tour and tasting at New Glarus Brewing Company, set in a charming country town. It is a perfect casual setting for beer enthusiasts.
  • Ivory Room Piano Bar: Experience the fun of dueling pianos and singing along at the Ivory Room, a lively and interactive date night filled with music and laughter.
  • Milwaukee County Zoo: Explore diverse wildlife and enjoy casual dining at Woody's Smokehouse. The zoo setting is fun and relaxed, making conversing and enjoying each other's company easy.
  • Cave of the Mounds: Explore this geological wonder with a tour through colorful crystal formations. It is ideal for science lovers or anyone who enjoys natural beauty.
  • Devil's LakDevil's Park: Embrace the outdoors with a hike at Devil's LakeDevil'sPark. Enjoy stunning views and capture memorable photos together, followed by a rewarding meal at North Shore Restaurant and Bar.
  • Fire Escape: Get creative by painting your pottery at Fire Escape Art Studio. A hands-on date that allows for conversation and a unique shared experience.
  • Mona Lisa's Restaurant: After a stroll along the Chippewa River, dine at Mona Lisa's. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu in a beautifully designed setting, perfect for a sophisticated dinner date.
  • Dinner Train: Unique dinner train experience through scenic landscapes, offering a distinctive and memorable dining opportunity as you travel through beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Horicon National Wildlife Refuge: Explore the Horicon Marsh with a boat tour, enjoying the beauty of the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S. A peaceful and scenic setting, ideal for nature lovers.
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