What to Do

What to Do

Georgia O'keeffeBirthplace of Georgia O'Keeffe

The name Georgia O'Keeffe is recognized by art experts and novices around the world. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can lay claim to a significant part of the formative years of this famous artist.

Born on November 15, 1887 to Francis and Ida O'Keeffe, Georgia was part of one of the earliest Irish immigrant families to settle in the Township of Sun Prairie. The O'Keeffes arrived in 1848 and bought land adjacent to the Village of Sun Prairie.

In 1853, Georgia's grandparents, Pierce and Catherine moved to a house on Town Hall Road. Georgia grew up north of this farm that stretched along Town Hall Road and County Highway T.

The O'Keeffe farmstead is easily located. Just take Highway 19 east of Sun Prairie until it intersects with Town Hall Drive. Turn south (right) and follow Town Hall Road until you come to a four-way intersection with County Highway T. On your left is the former town hall (now a private residence) constructed in 1868. Georgia's school was located to your right on the northwest corner of the intersection.

The O'Keeffe home was located across from the school on the south side of County Highway T. Unfortunately, the family home was destroyed by fire on November 6, 1976. A historical marker has been placed at the site of the O'Keeffe home. Georgia's grandfather, Pierce, was a founder of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Catholic Church. Sacred Hearts Cemetery is the burial site for Georgia's father, her uncles and her paternal grandparents.

The city has recognized Georgia by placing a state historical marker near city hall, dedicating a street in her honor and creating an extensive exhibit at the historical museum.

Join us in June for the Georgia O'Keeffe celebration. Contact City Hall at 608-837-2511 for more information.

Sun Prairie Family Aquatic CenterFamily Aquatic Facilities

Sun Prairie is a recreation lover's paradise with a park system consisting of 38 parks covering 340 acres. Special attractions include more than 13 ball diamonds, eight outdoor ice skating rinks, two sledding hills, public golf courses and four soccer fields. The Family Aquatic Center features a zero depth swimming pool, waterslides and sand play area. There is also a Skateboard Park and a Municipal Pet Exercise Area. Sun Prairie has a wide variety of recreational opportunities just waiting for you to explore.

Visit the City of Sun Prairie website at www.cityofprairie.com for more information about city parks and recreational facilities or call the City Parks and Recreation Department at 608-837-3449.

Sun Prairie Historical MuseumHistorical Museum

Sun Prairie's fascinating heritage is well-documented at the Historical Museum. You can explore our thought-provoking exhibits, which are constantly changing, participate in one of our walking tours or listen to lively and entertaining presentations.

Tours can be arranged at additional times for organizations and families by calling 608-837-2915.

Museum Hours:
May through Labor Day: Wed., Fri., Sat., 2-4 p.m.; Sun., Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Labor Day through November: Sat., 2-4 p.m.; Sun., Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Patrick Marsh at SunsetPatrick Marsh

If a pleasant, picturesque walk with tranquil scenery and sounds of Mother Nature is what you crave, then you really must visit Patrick Marsh. Patrick Marsh is a natural wetland area on the northeast side of Sun Prairie along Highway 151. The marsh is the first wetland mitigation bank site in Wisconsin. The Patrick Marsh area includes 60 acres of water.

Midget Races at Angell Park SpeedwayAngell Park Speedway

Owned and operated by the Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Company, Angell Park Speedway is now in its 60th year and still going strong. Many now-famous drivers have turned the wheel at the famed 1/3 mile track including Winston Cup star Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon, to name a few.

The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association is the sanctioning body for the weekly races that are held May 15th through Labor Day. Many families have made a tradition of coming to the track every Sunday night to see drivers from all over the world attempt to win the feature event. Angell Park was chosen over several racing facilities (including Indianapolis) to house the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame which is continuing to grow. Visit their website at www.angellparkspeedway.com for more information.

Jimmy the Groundhog Carving in Canner Square - Sun Prairie

Visit Sun Prairie, and You'll Enjoy

And a whole lot more!

Download the Sun Prairie Tourism brochure

Are you are looking for the perfect place to experience 'hometown USA'? Sun Prairie is a place pleasing to the traveler who loves the arts, is thrilled by the roar and fast-paced action of midget car racing, and just plain enjoys biking and walking trails, fantastic food and fun festivals year around.