Janesville Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Welcome to Janesville, a charming city located in the heart of Wisconsin. Known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and friendly community, Janesville offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a genuine taste of Midwestern hospitality.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in awe of Janesville's natural beauty. The city is surrounded by stunning parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic Rock River, where you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the lush vegetation. Riverside Park, a local favorite, offers a perfect spot for picnics, fishing, and even paddleboarding.

History buffs will be captivated by Janesville's historical sites and landmarks. The Lincoln-Tallman House, a magnificent Italianate mansion, showcases the city's rich heritage and offers guided tours that take you back in time to the Victorian era. Explore the Rock County Historical Society Campus, which features multiple historic buildings and exhibits, providing insight into Janesville's past.

For art enthusiasts, the Janesville Performing Arts Center is a must-visit. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, this center hosts a variety of performances, including theatrical productions, concerts, and art exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene and appreciate the talent and creativity of Janesville's artists.

Indulge in Janesville's culinary delights by visiting its local eateries and breweries. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes, there is something to satisfy every palate. Sample locally brewed craft beers at the various breweries dotted throughout the city, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and learn about the brewing process.

Shopaholics will find their paradise in Janesville's vibrant downtown area. Explore the charming boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops that line the streets, offering unique and one-of-a-kind finds. Don't forget to visit the Janesville Farmers Market, where you can browse through an array of locally sourced produce, crafts, and artisanal products.

Alternative names: Population: 64.1 thous.Area: 34.37 mi²Elevation: 856 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°41'11"N, 89°0'28"W

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WisconsinUnited States

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Janesville Top Attractions

Janesville Attractions - What to See and Explore

Janesville offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lincoln–Tallman House, MacFarlane Pheasants Inc., Rock County Historical Society, Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum
Lincoln–Tallman House
The Lincoln–Tallman House is a historic Italianate-style house in Janesville, Wisconsin. Built and constructed in 1857 by the Tallman family, the house once hosted overnight guest Abraham Lincoln before he became U.S. President.
42°38'21"N • 89°1'50"W
MacFarlane Pheasants Inc.
MacFarlane Pheasants Inc. America’s largest pheasant farm, hatches more than 1.5 million chicks and sells more than 400,000 mature game birds to game preserves across North America. In both 2007 and 2010 MacFarlane Pheasants was named to the Inc. Magazine top 5000 companies list.
42°41'9"N • 89°1'52"W
Rock County Historical Society
Historical place • Museum

Park
Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds
The Rock County Fairgrounds, also known as the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds, is an 18.5 acre fairground located in Janesville, Wisconsin. It is the home of the Rock County 4-H Fair. It served as the home of the Janesville Cubs, a minor league baseball team, from 1941 to 1953.
42°40'16"N • 89°0'20"W
Rotary Botanical Gardens
Garden • Park
42°40'55"N • 89°1'29"W
Raven's Wish
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
42°40'41"N • 88°59'34"W
Camden Playground At Palmer Park
Playground • Park
Library
Hedberg Public Library
The Hedberg Public Library is a public library located in Janesville, Wisconsin. The library is a member of the Arrowhead Library System.
42°40'36"N • 89°0'56"W
John H. Jones House
The John H. Jones House is a Queen Anne-style house built in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1890, now carefully restored. In 2007 the house was added to the State Register of Historic Places and to the National Register of Historic Places the following year.
Library • Neoclassical architecture
Janesville Public Library
The Janesville Public Library in Janesville, Wisconsin is a large Neoclassical-styled structure built in 1902. It was one of the first Carnegie libraries in the state, while also supported by local businessman F.S. Eldred.
Botanical garden • Park
Rotary Botanical Gardens
Rotary Botanical Gardens is a non-profit 20-acre botanical garden located in Janesville, Wisconsin that is open to the public.
Italianate architecture
James B. Crosby House
The James B. Crosby House is a historic house in Janesville, Wisconsin. It was built in the 1850s, and it became a hospital in the 1880s, only to be converted into apartments in the late 1930s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Church
Court Street Methodist Church
Court Street Methodist Church, which for a time also was known as Rock County Appliance and TV, is a historic church at 36 S. Main Street in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra is a semi-professional symphony orchestra based in Beloit and Janesville, Wisconsin, USA. Often referred to by its acronym, BJSO.
42°39'58"N • 89°2'13"W
Lustig Park
Park
42°41'1"N • 89°1'15"W
Janesville Gazette
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42°41'3"N • 89°1'26"W
Peter Myers Pork Packing Plant and Willard Coleman Building
The Peter Myers Pork Packing Plant and Willard Coleman Building, in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States—also known as Koutsky & Berg—is a packing house that was built in 1851 in Italianate style.
Neighbourhood
Jefferson Avenue Historic District
The Jefferson Avenue Historic District in Janesville, Wisconsin is a historic neighborhood east of the downtown of mostly middle-class homes built from 1891 to the 1930s. It was added to the State and the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Day trips

Janesville – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Janesville, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Wisconsin State Capitol (Madison), Memorial Union Terrace (Madison), Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds).

33 milesNW
Palladian architecture, Museum, History museum
Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison
The Wisconsin State Capitol, a majestic building in Madison, Wisconsin, stands as a beacon of democracy and history. Erected on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, this grand structure serves as both a working government facility and a cultural monument.
33 milesNW
Palladian architecture, Nightlife, Bars and clubs
Memorial Union Terrace, Madison
The Memorial Union Terrace, nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, is an iconic gathering spot renowned for its scenic views, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. This lakeside terrace is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial...
47 milesNW
Natural attraction, Geologic formation, Cave
Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
Nestled in the rolling hills of Dane County, Wisconsin, the Cave of the Mounds stands as a premier natural attraction, inviting tourists to explore the underground wonders of this geological gem. Discovered accidentally in 1939 during a routine limestone quarry blast...
33 milesNW
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison
Camp Randall Stadium is an outdoor stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. It has been the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team in rudimentary form since 1895, and as a fully functioning stadium since 1917.
33 milesNW
Free destination with global wildlife
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison
Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Owned by Dane County, the zoo charges no admission or parking fees. It receives over 750,000 visitors annually.

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Best Time To Visit Janesville

Learn when is the best time to travel to Janesville weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June, July, August and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Janesville?

The top attractions to visit in Janesville are:

What is the best time to visit Janesville?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.