Wisconsin

Milwaukee Milwaukee Museum of Art

Flew into Chicago but drove immediately to Milwaukee. Milwaukee? Yes to see the Museum of Art which is one of the most highly rated American buildings this century. It's as much a piece of art as anything in the museum. Built like a ship the sails on top open and close twice a day. The great hall opens up to the sky and out onto Lake Michigan.

Nice town even with the giant flying octopus. Really. Must be a frequent visitor because the people didn't seem frightened. But then there had been a Mexican culture festival that day and it is a brewery town so maybe they were thinking calamari fajitas and (more) beer for everyone. I wonder if Squiggy was there?

International Crane Organization A home for all species of Cranes founded by the group that helped preserved the Whooping Cranes. In the twenties they were down to two herds of 22 and 7 when a hurricane in Louisiana wiped out the seven. Now there are thousands. Unfortunately most of the cranes here were kept in either small enclosures or in Crane City. I couldn't go into Crane city but wandering on the native prairie trails I found it by the sound a sorta of “Whoop there it is” moment.

Don't get them mad! Being a bird and unable to fly is enough to make them rake you with their claws and take a few snaps with their beaks.

Mirror Lake State Park A state park that is known for the reflections in its abnormally calm water. I heard the same line about the bay near Strahan Tasmania but it seems wherever I go there are no still waters.

Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright's summer home and school. Lots of long lines and views both internally and externally. It's very similar to his winter home in Scottsdale. He used them as test subjects for his ideas.

After Taliesin I didn't have the stomach for House on the Rock so I took a quick trip across the Mississippi to Iowato look at some piles of dirt.

more videos more photos

Next stop Iowa Or return to Home