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 10 first-date locations in Wisconsin and relax knowing you've nailed the perfect setting.
Take your love interest on a romantic winter date at the Edgewater Ice Rink in Madison, Wisconsin. 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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!”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.