22 ways to discover Wisconsin … for free!

Let’s be honest ... we all enjoy free things. And free, fun things are even better yet! There are umpteen ways to enjoy Wisconsin without breaking the bank. Here’s my quick list of just a few of the state’s top destinations where admission is nil:

1. Relish eclectic pieces of concrete art at Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park (Phillips).

2. Hike your way to the top of gorgeous Granddad Bluff (La Crosse).

3. Hop aboard the Jelly Belly Express Train at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center (Pleasant Prairie).

4. Make your way to Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (Green Bay).

5. See the creatures and critters at Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison).

6. Discover the history and geology of our planet at University of Wisconsin Geology Museum (Madison).

7. Head to Boerner Botanical Gardens for free admission the first Tuesday of every month (Milwaukee).

8. Enjoy diverse exhibitions featuring artwork from around the world at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum (Wausau).

9. Check out more than 3,000 vintage tools at Wally Keller Tool Museum & Duluth Trading Store (Mount Horeb).

10. Explore 9,150-acres of gently rolling sandy ridges at Sandhill State Wildlife Area (Babcock).

11. See flora and fauna on 1,200 acres of Northwoods at Iron River National Fish Hatchery (Iron River).

12. Uncover the rugged origins of Wisconsin’s First Capitol (Belmont).

13. Unleash your inner beer buff when you tour Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. (Chippewa Falls).

14. See 5,676 mustards from 70 countries at the National Mustard Museum (Middleton).

15. Head to the Milwaukee Public Museum for free admission the first Thursday of every month (Milwaukee).

16. Pack some wine and cheese and take in classical sounds at Concerts on the Square (Madison).

17. Get an intimate glimpse of 6-foot cast iron tubs and more during a Kohler Company Factory Tour (Kohler).

18. Kill time next time you’re at the airport and visit the Mitchell Gallery of Flight (Milwaukee).

19. View 3,000 items while learning about the petroleum industry at the Northwoods Petroleum Museum (Three Lakes).

20. Take a stroll on the Lakeshore Path while oohing and aahing over some of Lake Geneva’s ritziest homes (Lake Geneva).

21. Take a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol (Madison).

22. Grab a friend (or two!) and enjoy the tunes during Jazz in the Park at Cathedral Square (Milwaukee).

The opportunities are truly endless: hike a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, take advantage of Wisconsin’s miles of coastline, venture to one of our state’s gorgeous waterfalls or visit one of Wisconsin’s many county parks and bike paths.

Which destinations would you like to see added to this list? Tweet me: @MariahHaberman or @discoverwi. Happy trails!

Mariah Haberman is the host of Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest-running travel TV show. Discover Wisconsin airs Saturday at 10 a.m. on Fox Sports Wisconsin. Share your story ideas with her on Twitter: @MariahHaberman