The Museum of Wisconsin Art is America’s newest regional art museum housing the premier collection of Wisconsin art. Its Early Wisconsin Collection (1830-1960) is the finest anywhere and the work of Milwaukee native and artist Carl von Marr (1858-1936) is given prominence in two galleries. Contemporary art is regularly displayed through temporary exhibitions and the monthly One from Wisconsin solo exhibition series. Through 2009 catch An Unfolding Story: Panorama Painting in Milwaukee a new exhibition --the most comprehensive ever held on Milwaukee's panorama painting industry. Occupying most of the museum’s lower galleries, this exhibition will show many paintings and artifacts that have never before been seen by the public The MWA is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 1:00-4:30 pm. It is located in the Cultural District at 300 South Sixth Avenue, West Bend, WI. For more information, call 262-334-9638 or visit our website at www.wisconsinart.org.

The Old Courthouse Museum is thought by many to be the best local history museum in the Midwest. The museum houses extensive displays on local business and industry, early settlers, family, and social and cultural life as well as the Norm Colby Interpretive Center, an interactive exhibit gallery. The Old Courthouse Museum is open Wednesday-Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. Old Jailhouse Museum was very recently restored to its turn-of-the-century condition and is now open during the same hours as the Old Courthouse Museum. Admission to the Old Jailhouse is $4 for the general public, $3 for seniors, $2 for children, and free for children under 12.

The West Bend Sculpture Walk has over 25 outdoor exhibits of modern sculpture placed along the Riverwalk. There are pieces of sculpture created by local artists and artists from throughout the country. Set against picturesque views of the river, the sculptures have a wonderful way of forcing the viewer to see the landscape in a different way. About halfway into our walk, we’ll arrive at our first stop of the day—historic Downtown West Bend.

One of the newest and most interesting additions to Regner Community Park is the Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture. The labyrinth is 90 feet in diameter and consists of a carefully planted selection of bulbs, perennials, herbs and annuals. Follow the winding path of the labyrinth will take you to the center of the circle and eventually back out again. It is a beautiful work of art that can be actively enjoyed.

Regner Community Park embodies the community spirit of West Bend. The natural landscape is interwoven with activity - playgrounds, nature trails, large play areas, tennis courts, soccer fields and baseball diamonds. But most unique about the park is the swimming pond. Standing on the sandy beach beside the bathhouse, one cannot help but feel like they’ve taken a step back in time. During the winter, the pond becomes a place for ice-skaters and hockey players. It’s truly a storybook setting.

Located at 300 Schmidt Road, the 136-acre Lac Lawrann Conservancy contains wetlands, a native hardwood forest, a red pine plantation, tall grass prairie, and glacial landscapes. The Conservancy serves as refuge to over 300 species of plants, over 200 species of birds, and a wide variety of mammals as well as reptiles and amphibians. The 4 miles of hiking trails are open daily dawn to dusk and about 3 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit.

Downtown West Bend, with its landscaped brick sidewalks and magnificent storefronts, is a true pleasure to explore. The most prominent building in West Bend, the Old Courthouse at 320 South Fifth Avenue, dates back to 1889. The building itself is a true historic gem, a fine example of the Romanesque Revival style towering high above the city.

West Bend’s Riverwalk runs 3 miles along the bend in the Milwaukee River for which the city was named. A number of works of public art along the route, as well as excellent views of the river.