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Tucked just a short drive from Madison, Sun Prairie offers a delightful mix of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun getaway, Sun Prairie delivers a surprising array of activities and experiences. From unique local attractions to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone. Let this list of 12 reasons to visit inspire your next trip to this charming Wisconsin town!
Things Sun Prairie can brag about:
This is just a small list as all Midwesterners know that our towns have a lot to brag about.
Georgia O’Keeffe
Sun Prairie is the birthplace of this famed artist. Known for her floral depictions, Georgia earned her own in a mainly male-dominated field. She was the second of seven children, born on a farm near Sun Prairie, which is now long gone.
The Crosse House
We love historic buildings, and the home of Doctor Crosse from around 1864 is a great example. In the heart of downtown, you can often find a special event going on, ranging from a craft fair to Santa visiting. This National Historic Landmark is a nod to the man who served as a city doctor, newspaper publisher, and eventually State Legislator. He also helped to build the city’s first high school.
Groundhog Day
Sorry Punxatawny Phil, Jimmy the Groundhog is more accurate, even if he did gain national press when he bit the ear of the mayor a few years ago. Just like the famed movie starring Bill Murray, the town comes together to celebrate a cold winter morning. Food, festivities, and fun are in excess, along with plenty of media.
Sun Prairie calls their events leading up to Groundhog day Frozen Fest.
You should undoubtedly be in the area on February second, to see it all for yourself. Don’t worry about the “groundhog sausage” at the festival breakfast – no actual groundhogs were harmed for it.
The Museum
Dive into the rich history of Sun Prairie at this charming museum. The historical society does an excellent job preserving the town’s heritage, offering an engaging look into its past through fascinating exhibits and collections.
The actual building is almost one hundred years old and historical, being constructed in 1924. It has been re-purposed several times over the years: serving as a City Library, Village Council Chambers, City Offices, and even a Red Cross Center during World War II.
While the admission is free, donations are appreciated. Between donations and volunteers? That is how these fonts of historical knowledge survive.
The Dream Park
Perfect for families, Dream Park is a large, colorful playground designed by kids, for kids. It’s a fun-filled space where children can let their imaginations run wild, and parents can relax in a peaceful, outdoor setting. There are activities there for all abilities.
In addition to the Dream Park, there is the new Rita Tubbs Splash Pad. Stay cool water activities for kids of all ages.
Theater
Sun Prairie has it all happening with their music and theater programs, from Middle School on up. You can catch amazing plays from Middle Schoolers, Junior High, or even High School students, as well as the local Sun Prairie Civic Theater. The facilities are state of the art and are as impressive as the performances. What a great way to enjoy classics, for a mere fraction of a Broadway ticket!
Sun Prairie’s Downtown Square
Stroll through the heart of Sun Prairie’s historic downtown, where locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafes create a perfect spot for an afternoon of exploration. The vibrant square hosts regular events, like Farmers Markets and live music, making it a hub of community activity.
Patrick Marsh
The imperfections of nature are what make it a perfect match for children to learn. The Patrick Marsh backs up to one of the local middle schools and is a fantastic 145-acre expanse of opportunity for your budding scientists and nature lovers. You will find many incredible photo ops and areas to be in harmony with nature.
Angell Park Speedway
The races are the place to be on any given Sunday night in the summer if you enjoy midget races. With the “Midwest’s Finest Clay Oval” track, Angell Park Speedway is in the top ten of all dirt race tracks across the country, according to fans, drivers, and race teams.
The Pepsi Nationals draws a huge crowd and around the 4th of July? Sun Prairie is treated with a fireworks show. My favorite fun fact about Angel Park? It has been owned and operated by the Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department for over one hundred years and hosts many other activities.
An insider tip? Wear clothes that you are OK with getting dirty and pack a pair of earplugs for each member of your party – you can get a 4-pack at the local dollar store.
Sun Prairie Flags of Freedom
Immensely proud of their marching band, Sun Prairie delights in hosting this annual parade and competition in summer. Just pray that the July heat doesn’t soar so much that kids drop in the street. Most teams are smart enough to wear T-shirts vs. full costumes for the parade, but a few kids have been known to suffer from heat exhaustion. No fear- they keep plenty of medical staff on hand, and the music is worth checking out!
Corn Fest
If you’re lucky enough to visit in August, don’t miss the Sun Prairie Corn Fest. This beloved annual event is a celebration of all things corn, with plenty of food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, making it a fun tradition for locals and visitors alike.,
Keep in mind that corn is only available on Saturday and Sunday, and be prepared to strip the husks off yourself, before taking it over to the station for buttering. Find yourself a place to sit on the big hill and rip into it like a monkey on a cupcake.
Sassy Cow Creamery
Two words: Ice Cream. While Sassy Cow has cows with both BgH and without, all cows are respected. They use both their organic and traditional milk to make excellent quality dairy products. They often have family-friendly events that allow for fun outings with the kids: tours, toys, and more. Seriously, how could we talk about a Wisconsin town and not mention a dairy farm?
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of downtown, the outdoor beauty of parks and wildlife areas, or the vibrant local events that bring the community together, Sun Prairie has something for everyone. Each of these experiences offers a glimpse into the welcoming spirit of this Wisconsin town, making it a destination that’s well worth exploring. So, why not plan a visit? Come see for yourself why Sun Prairie is a place where small-town charm meets big-hearted hospitality—you’ll leave with memories that’ll have you eager to return.
