There’s nothing like a little friendly competition, right? When you’re in need of a day of fun with friends or family that involves a little rivalry, Wisconsin’s got you covered on multiple levels. For those of you with a competitive spirit, read on:
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is coming to the Dells – this summer! Sign me up. In the New CYvrSPACE Virtual Arena at Wilderness Resort, visitors “suit up” with the world’s most advanced wireless virtual reality equipment, which allows you to really “step inside” the game. A lightweight backpack, equipped with high-power rumble engines, realistically sends every shot and explosion thumping through participants’ chests. Because virtual reality allows players’ bodies to be the controller, guests don’t have to be experienced gamers. Be one of the first to check it out this summer!
2. Escape rooms
Escape rooms are all the rage these days, and for good reason. The games are based on “escape the room” video games, where players are locked inside a room and must explore the surroundings in order to get out, which requires critical thinking and observation skills. With locations in Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Racine, Madison, Lake Geneva, Sturtevant, Appleton, Rice Lake, Green Bay and Eagle River, you’re never too far from your next escape room experience.
3. Paintball
Photo courtesy of The Siege Paintball
Paintball has been rising in popularity in recent years, and there are paintball centers scattered across the state, in big cities and small towns alike. If the idea of shooting dye-filled, breakable, oil and gelatin paintballs fulfills your competitive nature, grab some friends, get geared up, and have at it!
4. Vitense Golfland
Photo courtesy of Vitense Golfland
This is a classic and one of my personal favorites. The many themes make each miniature golf course unique, such as Swissland in New Glarus, Moose Mulligan’s in Siren, Pirate’s Cove in Sister Bay, Harbor Pointe in Sheboygan, or Vitense in Madison (which has two outdoor courses and one indoor, themed Wisconsin, California, and Madison).
5. Go-Karts
Photo courtesy of Wilderness Resort
Do we ever really outgrow Go-Karts? I think not. Grab a friend, grab a go-kart, place a bet (if you’re the gambling type) and race away. Head to the Wilderness Resort in the Dells for both indoor and outdoor tracks, or find go-karts in Greenfield, Brodhead, Dousman, West Bend, Appleton, Marshall, Prairie du Chien, Menomonie and more!
6. CrossFit Games
Sometimes watching others compete feeds our competitive spirit, and while Wisconsin has some great sports teams, new this year to Madison is the annual CrossFit Games. They had previously been held in Carson, Calif. for seven years and will take place at the Alliant Energy Center in Wisconsin’s capital city for at least the next three. Ticket information will be available this spring.
7. Waterskiing
Waterskiing is a surprisingly big deal in Wisconsin, and whether you’re up for trying it yourself or leaving it to the pros, there’s plenty of opportunity across the state. The Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships take place each summer in Wisconsin Rapids, and you can find waterski teams across the state, such as Tomahawk, Janesville, Alma Center and Conover.
8. Marathons
If you like running (that’ll be a “no” for me) and are up for accomplishing a runner’s greatest feat (I mean, 26.2 miles, come on), you can find a marathon in every region of the state. With marathon season well underway, check out the races in Eau Claire, Madeline Island, Wausau, Minocqua, Fox Cities, Hayward, Madison and more. My favorite part of marathons? Spectating.
What’s your favorite way to feed your competitive side? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
