Tag Archives: Summer

Family Fun Starts in Spring Green, Wisconsin This Summer

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The signs of summer returning, and we’re having visions of a fabulous vacation in Southwestern Wisconsin’s picturesque Spring Green.

Making a splash in the sparkling waters of Lake Redstore at dusk. Basking in the warm glow of a crackling campfire, toasting yourself a gooey marshmallow. And settling into the grassy outdoor seats of the American Players Theater, waiting for the actors take the stage and take you away.

To see this all in living color, simply check out the video below:

To see it all for yourself, plan your own getaway to Spring Green.

Special thanks to Maritime, featuring Dan Didier and Davey von Bohlen of the Promise Ring for the custom music made just for us. 

 

Not Just Tents: Campgrounds With More

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With almost 400 campgrounds in Wisconsin, it’s hard to know where to start. Try something new this summer. Visit one of these campsites that offer water parks, restaurants, events, and other exciting extras!

Peninsula State Park campsite. Photo Credit: Jeff Miller

Blackhawk Camping Resort

There are a lot of campgrounds equipped with an in ground pool, but what about morning water aerobics? The Blackhawk Camping Resort in Milton offers classes every morning from 9-10am. They also feature fun activities for the kids, including face painting, horseshoes, and a playground. We haven’t forgotten about the adults, either! There’s a restaurant with a bar and bingo on the grounds.
To reserve your spot now, click here.

Jellystone Campground

Nothing says family fun like Jellystone Campground. With seven different locations in the state, you can land at one anywhere you go. Caledonia’s Jellystone offers volleyball, candy bar bingo, crafts, cartoons, jump rope and more. Add in the water park, mini golf and pedal carts for guaranteed family fun all day.
To reserve your spot now, click here or call: 1-800-558-2954

Crazy J’s Campground

Peninsula State Park. Photo Credit: James Jordan

If you’re looking for variety, Crazy J’s Campground in Marion has you covered. Every weekend from May through August has a different theme. Come July 20 and party at a luau. Bring your favorite pooch along for Pet Weekend June 1. They even host rummages for the bargain hunter in the group (Psst, come August 3 for Dollar Days!)
To reserve for your spot now, click here.

Peninsula State Park

A definite “must-see” for any new camper in Wisconsin is Peninsula State Park in Door County. Not only does the campground cover quite a bit of ground (3,776 acres to be exact), it also holds a Travel Green certification, and an onsite theatre! The American Folklore Theatre offers shows throughout the summer season and discounts are offered to those who stay at the park. Make sure you place your reservations as soon as possible – some of the more popular sites are filled nearly a year in advance.
To reserve for your spot now, click here.

Got any favorite camping spots you’d like to share?

Wisconsin Arts and Crafts Fairs

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Art Fair on the Square, Madison. Photo Credit: Suzette Buhr

 

Love arts and craft fairs? Lucky you that Wisconsin is the proud home of many dedicated and talented artists. So many, in fact, that we have to keep track of all them in a directory! You can thank the Wisconsin Arts Board for producing the annual 2012 Arts & Crafts Fairs Directory.

If you are mapping out your trips this year and want to attend one of the many Wisconsin arts and craft fairs, you can download the directory online or order a hard copy!

And for your viewing pleasure, we’ve detailed out some of the can’t-miss stops:

SPRING / SUMMER

  • May 5: Lakefront Artist Fair, Racine Montessori School – The first outdoor art fair of the season in Racine featuring more than 100 artists.
  • May 19: Festival of Spring, Paine Art Center and Gardens – Paint, plant and landscape vendors show off their work in Oshkosh.
  • June 15-17: Lakefront Festival of Arts, Milwaukee Art Museum – One of the country’s finest juried shows, this festival puts the works of over 150 national artists on display.
  • June 23: Strawberry Festival & Craft Fair, Cedarburg Cultural Center – Family friendly environment complete with a children’s carnival, raffles and of course, strawberries!
  • July 7: Namekagon Art and Music Fest, Cable Hayward Area Arts Council – Pottery and carving demonstrations in the Art Tent plus a poetry jam!
  • July 14-15: Art Fair on the Square, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art – A Madison tradition, this is consistently rated among the best art fairs in America.
  • July 15: Bergstrom Mahler Museum Arts Festival, Riverside Park – Held on the lakeside community of Neenah, you’ll find the areas best fine artists.
  • July 21-22: Midsummer Festival of the Arts, John Michael Kohler Art Center – Workshops are offered for all ages and features the works of over 135 artists.

FALL

  • September 8-9: Art in the Park, Marathon Park – Part of Wausau’s “Artrageous” weekend.
  • September 14-16: Hidden River Arts Festival, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts – This Brookfield festival promotes the work of Wisconsin fine artists.
  • October 6-7: Cranberry Fest, Vilas County Fairgrounds – Browse the flea market and tour a marsh or winery at this tasty crafts show.
  • November 30 – December 9: Old World Christmas Market, The Ostoff Resort – both international and regional artists are on display at this Elkhart Lake holiday tradition.

If that isn’t enough to get you started, be sure to “Like” the Wisconsin Arts Board on Facebook and check out the events calendar on TravelWisconsin.com

Win a Photo Signed by Mason Crosby of the Green Bay Packers

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We’re excited to be at the 2012 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism. To spread our excitement, we’re giving away five signed photos of Mason Crosby, kicker for the Green Bay Packers. Here are the details:

To be eligible, follow Travel Wisconsin on Twitter and retweet (RT) the following message:

    • RT @TravelWI to #win a picture signed by @crosbykicks2 of the Green Bay #Packers. Rules at:

http://bit.ly/yp3fyw

Five lucky winners will be chosen at random on Monday, March 5th 2012 at 6:00 PM (CST). Rules and exclusions apply. See below for details.

Good luck from your friends at Travel Wisconsin™!

 

ELIGIBILITY: The giveaway is open only to residents of the continental United States, who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, directors and officers the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and the immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are ineligible to enter and win.

The giveaway ends at 6:00 PM (CST) on March 5th, 2012. Winners will be selected at random. Contestants may only win one prize per household every thirty (30) days, unless specified otherwise. All winners are final and binding on all matters related to the sweepstakes. Upon notification, winners must claim their prize within 7 days of initial contact. If a winner does not respond within 48 hours of initial notification, an alternate winner will be selected from among the remaining eligible entries. In any dispute, the decisions of The Wisconsin Department of Tourism will be final and binding on all parties.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: The Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the persons and companies affiliated with this contest, their employees, representatives or agents will not be responsible for human, computer or equipment errors. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable in money or any other service. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism reserves the right to unilaterally disqualify entries. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism reserves the right to modify contest rules at any time. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism reserves the right to cancel the contest at any time, without liability.

By accepting a prize, the winner consents to the use of his/her name and likeness for promotional purposes related to this contest without additional compensation. Winners release The Wisconsin Department of Tourism and others involved, its advertisers, suppliers and other companies affiliated with these contests, from all liability for all damages or personal injuries in connection with the winner’s use of the prize goods and services. By entering the contest you acknowledge agreement of the contest rules. Chances of winning are dependent upon the total number of entries received.

Wisconsin Horseback Riding Video Guide

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Saddle up, Wisconsin! Horseback riding is a great way to relax and see the outdoors with the family or friends. At Red Ridge Ranch in Mauston, and at riding stables like it around Wisconsin, no experience is necessary to enjoy a guided trail ride on horseback. Want proof? Watch our novice rider Lisa Marshall show you how easy – and fun – it can be:

Not sold yet? Wisconsin has more than 240 miles of winding trails waiting to be explored — and plenty stables and ranches to supply the horse. With a variety of trail rides, as well as lessons and pony rides for kids, there is no excuse not to enjoy nature by horseback. Giddy up and get out there!

Traveling Green and Shopping in Wisconsin

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Traveling Green can mean a lot of things. For some it means exploring the great outdoors. To others it means enjoying locally grown food.  It also means financially supporting Travel Green Wisconsin certified retail businesses – in other words, shopping! Check out the following Travel Green Wisconsin boutiques. These cool shops are a combination of eclectic and earthy.

In Fish Creek, don’t miss EcoDoor. This home furnishings and accessories store offers an array of earth-friendly tableware, kitchenware, furniture, bedding and bath products. EcoDoor purchases its items from companies that produce products using sustainable, organic, renewable and recycled materials. What’s more, most items are hand made by local artists.

For a green experience, check out The Flying Pig Gallery in Algoma. Visitors can witness folk art first hand as they tour the galleries, sculpture gardens and display gardens. Grab a cup of organic coffee and shop for carvings, stoneware, metal work, furniture, jewelry and pottery. It’s a place to truly appreciate the talent of Wisconsin.

Head to Franklin Grove Etc. LLC in Albany for shopping and sustenance. Franklin Grove offers a casual dining experience with foods made from locally sourced ingredients, not to mention fresh herbs straight from the garden. Since the restaurant and store are located in a mid-1800s blacksmith shop, it only makes sense that they would offer seriously cool antiques and items made by local artisans and craftsmen.
For more Travel Green Wisconsin ideas, check out the Travel Green page on TravelWisconsin.com. And tell us what your favorite “green” shops are in the comments.

Wisconsin Summer Fun Report: 9/1/11 – 9/7/11

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From a citywide motorcycle rally to catching waves on Lake Michigan, our last Summer Fun Report finishes the season out strong!

Rev your engines and wear your leather for the Milwaukee Motorcycle Rally! Held at all Harley-Davidson dealerships in the Milwaukee area from Sept. 1-5, this rally brings bikers of all types together. See if your fellow riders can call your bluff at the Poker Run, feast on grub provided by local vendors and listen to good ol’ live rock ‘n’ roll music. If you love motorcycles, and the Harley-Davidson culture, you will not want to miss this event!

Go out in style by saying aloha to your summer at the Dairyland Surf Classic! On Sheboygan’s lakefront, you can watch surfers for free or sign up and be a part of the largest freshwater surfing competition in the world. Either way, you’re chilling on the beach surrounded by live music, great food and good times… sounds like a win to us.

Our Summer Fun Report has taken you all over the state, from music festivals to country fairs. Thank you for sticking with us and we hope you made many Wisconsin memories along the way. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see what other fun we have in store for you!

Fun on Wisconsin’s Islands

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We know what you’re thinking, and yes, you read right…Wisconsin is home to a handful of beautiful islands. The Apostle Islands, Madeline Island and Turtle Flambeau Flowage make fantastic travel destinations. But that’s not all, there’s also Rock Island and the Lower Wisconsin River Sandbars are which are two must-see destinations.

Rock Island
Think of Rock Island as the little sister island to Washington Island in Door County. In fact, to access this primitive oasis, you have to take a 10-minute ferry ride from Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. There are no permanent residents on this 912-acre island, and cars and bikes are not allowed. Which is good, because you won’t need either. The entire island is a state park and features 10 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 feet of beach!

Most visitors make it a day trip. But if you’re up for a greater dose of the great outdoors, there are some great backpack camping sites. Just don’t forget to pack your own… everything.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Pottawatomie Lighthouse. Not only is it Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, it may be the most unique, too. You can actually live in the lighthouse for a week at a time on the condition that you serve as a tour docent. The lighthouse enthusiasts are more than willing to put up with no electricity or running water for this unique volunteer opportunity.

Lower Wisconsin River Sandbars
Need an idea for a cool, end-of-summer trip with friends? Hit the Lower Wisconsin River in southwest Wisconsin.

The 92 miles of the Lower Wisconsin River from the dam at Prairie du Sac to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, is prime territory for sandbar islands. Canoeists, anglers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts consider this their warm-weather Mecca when water levels are low and sandbars are plentiful.

Three days and two nights on the river are perfect. Paddle, fish, play during the day and camp on the sandbars at night. It’s a trip you won’t soon forget. But remember to bring your camera. If there are beginner paddlers in your group, no worries, the lower river is free from rapids and falls.

Wisconsin River Outings is one of the largest outfitters with several hundred canoes and several dozen kayaks, and specializes in group outings. The best part of this stretch of the river? It is completely protected. Spin around 360 degrees and you’ll see no development, just tree lines, bluffs, and, if you’re lucky, some eagles.

Share some pictures of your Wisconsin island adventure with us on our Facebook page!

Wisconsin Summer Fun Report: 8/25/11 – 8/31/11

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We’re two weeks away from Labor Day so it’s time to kick things into high gear! Travel Wisconsin’s Summer Fun Report has the scoop on all happenings throughout the state so don’t get ready for fall just yet.

Erin Hills in southwestern Wisconsin is set to host to the US Men’s Amateur Golf Championship, Aug. 22-28. Watch as three hundred of the sport’s top amateur players try to tame the par 72 course. At 7,760 yards, Erin Hills is the longest course in United States Golf Association history!

The Festival of Flavors in Eagle River certainly lives up to the name. Held at Riverview Park Aug. 27-28, enjoy 50 booths of Wisconsin products from local restaurants and other culinary artisans. Taste some of the finest wine and cheeses Wisconsin has to offer. You can even learn from professionals during cooking demonstrations!

Are you having fun in Wisconsin this week? Snap a picture and post it to our Facebook Page!

Picture the Fun Photo Contest: Winner Announcement

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Our Picture the Fun Photo Contest has come to a close and one thing is for sure…Wisconsin is chalk full of fun (and some pretty good photographers too)!

We’d like to thank everyone who entered, and are thrilled to announce the winners in each of our four categories: “The Great Outdoors,” “Wisconsin Landmarks & Attractions,” “Fairs, Festivals, & Food,” and “Hidden Gems.”  Our lucky first place winners will receive a $250 gas card. Second place receives a $100 gas card and third a $50 gas card.

Check out their fun Wisconsin shots in our gallery below or see all of the entries on our website. And remember, just because our contest is over doesn’t mean the photos have to stop; we ALWAYS love to see your great Wisconsin pics on our Facebook wall.

The Great Outdoors
• 1st Place: Dawn Vinz, Waupaca WI, “Rainbow Lake”
• 2nd Place: Catie Jones, Monroecenter IL, “Lane Flying High”
• 3rd Place: Gervase Thompson, Brule WI, “All in a Day’s Work”

Hidden Gems
• 1st Place: Gail Donaldson, Duluth, GA, “Fun in Door County”
• 2nd Place: Andrea Ulrich, Stillwater, MN, “Jewel of the Midwest”
• 3rd Place: Rebecca Meyer, Kiel, WI, “Sand Fan”

Landmarks & Attractions
• 1st Place: Mary Serowski, Franklin, WI, “The Milwaukee Brewers”
• 2nd Place: Gail Donaldson, Duluth, GA, “Milwaukee Art Museum”
• 3rd Place: Tami Dettinger, Madison, WI, “A Capitol Kiss”

Fairs & Festivals
• 1st Place: Jenny Hernandez, Rincon, GA, “Summerfest”
• 2nd Place: Dawn Vinz, Waupaca, WI, “My Heroes”
• 3rd Place: Gervase Thompson, Brule WI, “July 4th in Lake Nebagamon”

Congratulations everyone!