Slinger Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Slinger, Wisconsin with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore top attractions, food & drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Slinger

Located in Southeast Wisconsin, Slinger is a small town that offers visitors a perfect combination of natural beauty and history. The town is known for its scenic views, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage. Slinger attracts tourists, nature lovers, and history buffs from across the world. Whether you are planning a short weekend trip or a week-long vacation, Slinger has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Slinger

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
  • Natural Attractions of Slinger: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
  • Hiking/Biking Routes of Slinger
  • Best Things to Do in Slinger: Activities and Tours
  • Week-Long Itinerary for Slinger
  • Food and Drink Scene of Slinger
  • Where to Stay in Slinger: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
  • What to Buy in Slinger: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
  • Local Culture and Customs of Slinger
  • Best Time to Visit Slinger
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Slinger
  • Safety and Health
  • Getting to Slinger: Transportation Options and Logistics
  • How to Get Around in Slinger
  • Where to Go Next from Slinger: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Slinger has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 19th century. The town is home to several museums and historical places that provide insight into the area’s past.

  • Slinger House and Museum: A historical home in downtown Slinger, which was built in 1856 and now operates as a museum.
  • Pike Lake State Park Museum: A museum located in the Pike Lake State Park showcasing the area’s natural and cultural history.
  • Old Courthouse Museum: A museum located in West Bend showcasing the area’s history in the county courthouse that operated from 1889 to 1968.

Natural Attractions of Slinger: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Slinger is renowned for its wildlife, scenic views, and outdoor adventures.

  • Pike Lake State Park: A state park known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Little Switzerland Ski Area: A ski resort only minutes from Slinger, featuring challenging downhill runs and spectacular views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
  • Slinger Speedway: Located on the Washington County Fairgrounds, this is a race track for stock car racing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Slinger

Slinger is a popular destination among hikers and bikers. The town has some fantastic trails, which offer stunning views of the area’s scenery. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in Slinger:

  • Ice Age National Scenic Trail: A 1,200-mile trail that passes through Slinger, offering hikers and bikers plenty of opportunities for adventure.
  • Pike Lake Trail: A hiking trail located in Pike Lake State Park that offers incredible scenic views.
  • Kettle Moraine State Forest: A vast natural area that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and camping.

Best Things to Do in Slinger: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures and historical sites, Slinger has some exciting activities and tours to offer.

  • Ice Age Visitor Center: A state-of-the-art visitor center that tells the story of the area’s natural history through interactive exhibits and information about the Ice Age.
  • Sunburst Winter Sports Park: A winter sports park with seven downhill skiing runs and a snow tubing area.
  • Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area: A vast wetland area that is a popular destination for bird migrating.

Week-Long Itinerary for Slinger

Day 1: Visit Slinger House and Museum and enjoy a stroll around the charming downtown area.

Day 2: Explore Pike Lake State Park, hike the scenic trails, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Day 3: Visit Old Courthouse Museum and have lunch in one of Slinger’s famed restaurants.

Day 4: Take a bike ride along the Ice Age Trail and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 5: Spend the day at Sunburst Winter Sports Park, skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing.

Day 6: Visit the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area for bird migrating and end your day with dinner at one of Slinger’s pubs.

Day 7: Explore Kettle Moraine State Forest, have a picnic lunch, and end your trip with a scenic drive.

Food and Drink Scene of Slinger

Slinger has a vibrant food and drink scene, offering visitors plenty of options to enjoy.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Slinger’s Burger Joint: Their specialty burger, The Bleu Bayou Burger has a dressing of blue cheese, crispy onions and bacon.
  • Kettle Range Meat Company: Enjoy some of the best meat in the area at Kettle Range Meat Company.
  • PJ’s Restaurant: A famous diner serving hearty breakfast.

Local Beverages

  • Slinger’s unique drinking experience: Tiny Tap Tavern, which was founded in 1945.
  • Sprecher Brewery: A local brewery serving some of the best beer in the US.
  • Tornado Brewing Company: A brewery that sources its ingredients locally and uses organic brewing practices.

Where to Stay in Slinger: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Slinger has a variety of options for accommodations. Here are some of the best options.

  • The Slinger House Inn: A cozy inn located in the heart of Slinger town.
  • Pike Lake Campground: A campground within Pike Lake State Park for campers looking for scenic views and serene surroundings.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Slinger: A budget-friendly motel with clean rooms and friendly staff.

What to Buy in Slinger: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Slinger has an array of souvenirs and local products which make for excellent gifts.

  • Slinger’s Tiny Tap Tavern: Unique and classic glassware style.
  • Sprecher Brewery: A craft beer brewery known for its signature Root Beer.
  • Kettle Range Meat Company: Indulge in the best meat to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Slinger

Slinger is a small town with a slow pace, so it’s essential to be respectful of local customs when visiting.

Best Time to Visit Slinger

The best time to visit Slinger is from May to September when the weather is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Slinger

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Try local food and drink.
  • Take lots of pictures.

Don’t:

  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Be rude to local inhabitants.
  • Drink and drive.
  • Trespass on private property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Slinger

Slinger is generally a safe town, but visitors should take the usual precautions to stay safe.

Health in Slinger

Slinger has a variety of medical facilities and emergency services.

Getting to Slinger: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Slinger by car, bus, or airplane.

Airports Near Slinger

The nearest airport to Slinger is General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.

Bus Stations Near Slinger

The nearest bus station to Slinger is located in West Bend, 10 miles away.

Other Options

Most visitors to Slinger prefer to drive, as it provides the flexibility to explore the area comfortably.

How to Get Around in Slinger

Visitors can rent a car, use a taxi or ride-sharing service, or use public transportation to get around the town.

Where to Go Next from Slinger: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Milwaukee: A city located an hour south of Slinger, known for its art, music, and sports scene.
  • Green Bay: A city located three hours north of Slinger, known for its scenic coastal drives and NFL team, Green Bay Packers.
  • Madison: Wisconsin’s capital city located less than two hours away.

Conclusion

Slinger is a hidden gem in Southeast Wisconsin that offers visitors a chance to explore the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From museums and hiking trails to food and drink, this town has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and discover the best of Slinger.