Becky Mortensen

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Articles

5 Wisconsin Dells destinations to visit for indoor entertainment

1 month ago | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen |Graham Thomas

We’re in the home stretch of winter, but it’s not quite time to start taking those outdoor trips yet. For this month’s Wandering Wisconsin, we’re helping you plan a trip where you can find endless entertainment — indoors. The Wisconsin Dells is a popular tourist destination for people who want to stay close to home. But it’s not just about the waterparks. There's lots of things to do that you might not have tried yet or even know about.
Officials say to expect delays in Milwaukee's election results

Nov 5, 2024 | kosu.org | Becky Mortensen

Wisconsin Elections Commission Chair Ann Jacobs shared shortly before 5 p.m. that an issue was discovered with the tabulator machines at Milwaukee's central count. That’s where the city's absentee ballots are being counted. MORE: Wisconsin election resultsBecause of state law, that counting couldn’t start until Election Day — 7 a.m. this morning. “The tabulator machines have doors that are supposed to be locked and sealed before tabulation. Sadly, that did not occur this morning.
Election Day live updates: Souls to the Polls is offering free rides to the polls all day

Nov 5, 2024 | wuwm.com | Susan Davis |Becky Mortensen |Nadya Kelly |Michelle Maternowski

The only thing close to certain about the next Senate Republican leader is they will likely be named John. The top two candidates vying to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as Senate leader are Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota. Sen. Rick Scott, who is seeking reelection in Florida, is also running, but he is seen as more of a spoiler candidate who could help determine the winner of the secret ballot election.
Wisconsin's largest wetland is the perfect place to catch fall bird migration

Sep 27, 2024 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

Wisconsin has a lot of natural areas to visit, and they all vary widely in what you can see and do there. But one of the more unique natural areas you can visit in the state is Horicon Marsh. It's a 33,000 acre wetland where you can hike, kayak, fish and see migrating birds. Liz Herzmann is the DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Educator at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. She says the size of the marsh, at around 50 square miles, is what makes it a prime place for a diverse ecosystem.
Want a chance to drive on a world-class racetrack? Race on over to Road America

Aug 27, 2024 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

Elkhart Lake is a popular desination for summer travelers. There are lots of reasons to visit including it’s namesake lake and a historic racetrack. It’s called Road America and it boasts much more than just a racetrack. It’s hundreds of acres of entertainment that can be enjoyed by the most die-hard car enthusiasts, someone interested in learning about cars, or people just looking for a good time.
How you can canoe down the Wisconsin River and spend the night on a sandbar

Jul 24, 2024 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

Going camping is a favorite summer pastime for many Wisconsinites. Summer is also a great time to explore Wisconsin’s many scenic waterways. In this month’s Wandering Wisconsin we help you plan a trip where you can do both! The Wisconsin Canoe Company offers canoe and kayak rentals and the opportunity to spend the night camping on a sandbar in the middle of the Wisconsin River. How it worksYou can reserve day trips or overnight trips on the Wisconsin Canoe Company's website.
Plan a scenic summer road trip on Wisconsin's Great River Road

May 21, 2024 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

Each month on Lake Effect we help you plan a trip right here in our home state in our series, Wandering Wisconsin. But this month, we’re doing things a little differently. Rather than help you plan a trip to one Wisconsin destination — we'll help you plan a road trip!Wisconsin has a handful of scenic byways and today we’ll learn about the Great River Road that snakes along the Mississippi River on the western edge of the state. The portion of the road that runs through Wisconsin is 250 miles long.
Visit the Milton House, Wisconsin's only certified stop on the Underground Railroad open to the public

Feb 27, 2024 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

The Underground Railroad was a network of people and places that helped enslaved people emancipate themselves in the early 1800s and through the Civil War. Freedom seekers followed routes leading out of the south taking trails, rivers, canals, ferries and stagecoaches and found refuge in secret hideouts along the way. One of those hideouts is in Milton, Wisconsin. It’s called the Milton House and in the 1840s it operated as a stagecoach inn and a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Plan a winter getaway to some of the best ski terrain in Wisconsin

Dec 18, 2023 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

There are many winter activities that can be enjoyed in the colder months, but one that can be turned into an entire getaway is a ski trip. Granite Peak Ski Area near Wausau boasts some of the best ski terrain in the state and it's not far from Wausau where there are lots of other activities and restaurants to enjoy. Despite the lack of snow that's fallen from the sky, the ski area is already open and all the runs are in operation.
Dazzling La Crosse holiday lights display draws crowds and creates community

Nov 22, 2023 | wuwm.com | Becky Mortensen

There’s a lot of traveling that happens around the holidays but you don't need to just travel to visit your in-laws. You could plan a trip just for fun this holiday season! In this month's Wandering Wisconsin we'll help you plan a trip to the La Crosse area where there's lots to do to celebrate the holidays. The La Crosse Rotary Lights display kicks off it's 29th year Friday, November 24.