There's a difference between passing through a place and truly experiencing it.

Located just off I-39/90/94 at Exit 126, Vienna and DeForest offer travelers something many destinations can't: the perfect place to stay while exploring everything south-central Wisconsin has to offer. Instead of packing and unpacking every night, visitors can settle into one of our comfortable hotels, spend their days discovering the region, and return each evening to a quieter, more relaxed home base.

It's a hub-and-spoke approach to travel—and Exit 126 is right at the center of it all.

Stay Here. Explore Everywhere.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a longer Wisconsin adventure, Vienna and DeForest put you within easy driving distance of some of the state's most popular destinations.

Spend one day exploring downtown Madison, the State Capitol, and the University of Wisconsin campus. Head north to Wisconsin Dells for family attractions and waterparks. Discover charming communities like Waunakee, Sun Prairie, Columbus, Mount Horeb, or New Glarus. Visit local wineries, breweries, golf courses, lakes, bike trails, farmers markets, and festivals throughout Dane County and beyond. Then, instead of fighting traffic or checking into another hotel, return to Exit 126, where everything is a little quieter and a little easier.

Comfortable Stays, Small-Town Hospitality

Two trusted hotels make Vienna and DeForest an ideal overnight destination.

Whether you choose the Comfort Inn & Suites or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, you'll find clean, comfortable accommodations, friendly service, complimentary breakfast, and easy interstate access. More importantly, you'll wake up just minutes from your next adventure instead of spending another morning on the road. Our community offers the convenience travelers need without the congestion found in larger cities.

Experience a Community, Not Just an Exit

What makes this area special isn't one single attraction—it's the collection of authentic experiences waiting just beyond the interstate. Browse locally owned shops. Enjoy Wisconsin-made cheese and homemade treats. Paddle or fish along the scenic Yahara River. Snap a photo with Pinkie the Elephant or Sissy the Cow. Meet local business owners who are passionate about what they do and proud to welcome visitors. These are the kinds of places that become the stories you tell after your vacation is over.

Celebrate Summer in Vienna/DeForest

Summer is one of the best times to make Exit 126 your home base.

Our annual Fourth of July Parade in DeForest brings the community together with hometown pride, colorful floats, local organizations, music, and family-friendly fun. It's the kind of celebration that reminds visitors why small-town Wisconsin remains one of the state's greatest treasures.

Throughout the summer you'll also find community festivals, live music, farmers markets, outdoor recreation, local sporting events, and celebrations happening throughout the Madison region. Staying in Vienna and DeForest gives you easy access to all of them while providing a peaceful place to relax at the end of each day.

No matter what's on your itinerary, there's always something happening nearby.

A Different Way to Travel Wisconsin

The best vacations don't always come from rushing between destinations.

Sometimes they come from finding one great place to stay and letting each day take you somewhere new.

Vienna and DeForest offer exactly that—a convenient location, welcoming community, comfortable lodging, and countless adventures within an easy drive. It's the perfect combination of accessibility and authenticity. So, the next time you're planning a Wisconsin getaway, don't just pass through Exit 126. Stay awhile. Use Vienna and DeForest as your basecamp for discovering everything this incredible region has to offer.

Start planning your visit at VisitViennaWI.com and follow Exit 126 – Visit Vienna on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, seasonal attractions, and local inspiration.

Lee Enterprises newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content.