While we all struggle to say goodbye to our Midwest summer, once the crisper air and vibrant foliage settles in across Wisconsin, we’re ready to welcome festive fall traditions and cozy holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, Wisconsin’s charm shines brightest as the seasons change. In this issue, we invite you to explore the unique experiences that make these next few months magical.
Our journey begins in Door County, a place that perfectly captures the essence of Wisconsin’s autumn beauty. In our feature story on page 14, we highlight the stunning coastal landscapes, apple orchards and quaint towns that draw visitors from near and far. Whether you’re hiking through golden forests, enjoying local cider or exploring the historic lighthouses, Door County is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of fall.
Of course, no autumn in Wisconsin would be complete without a celebration of Oktoberfest! From Milwaukee to La Crosse to Elkhart Lake, these lively festivals bring German heritage to life with traditional music, hearty foods and, of course, plenty of beer. We’ll guide you through some of the most spirited Oktoberfests happening across the state on page 18, where lederhosen and sauerkraut-eating contests make for unforgettable weekends of fun.
As fall slowly gives way to the holiday season, the festive spirit in Wisconsin only grows stronger. On page 32, discover an array of holiday markets where local artisans showcase their craftsmanship. Be sure to check out a few of our favorite “From Wisconsin” holiday gift ideas on page 37, too.
As the days grow shorter and the festive lights begin to twinkle, we hope this issue inspires you to embrace the best of fall and the holidays in Wisconsin. From picturesque weekend getaways to cozy winter markets, there’s something magical around every corner. Happy exploring, and may your season be filled with joy and adventure!
Katie Scrivano Editor katie@ntmediagroup.com
1
Door County Lighthouse Festival Oct. 4-6
My dad handed down his love for lighthouses, and this festival offers the opportunity to tour treasured lighthouses not typically open to the public!
2
Elkhorn Oktoberfest Oct. 19
I’m ready to raise a stein and welcome the flavors of fall at this soughtafter fall festival so close to my home!
3
Christmas Train, East Troy Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21
You don’t have to be a kid to get swept up in a little holiday magic! I’ll be hopping aboard the special holiday trains from the East Troy Railroad Museum and enjoying tasty treats at the Elegant Farmer stop!
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New to You Spots
News, attractions and experiences to check out!
WAUWATOSA TO GET STATE’S FIRST GIANT TROLL
A new Wauwatosa park is set to receive the state’s first giant troll by famed Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, according to a recent report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. His first creation for Wisconsin is set for installation in Spring 2025 at a new park off of 116th Street. Dambo, who has created more than 138 of the whimsical giant troll creatures entirely from recyclables, will make the one piece of the sculpture in Denmark, then will finish the four-week installation in May onsite in Wauwatosa.
TAKE AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK THROUGH WONDEROUS CANYONS
Wilderness Resort and Moment Factory partner for Aquavia Lumina, an Enchanted Night Walk through a canyon of wonders. This new attraction, expected to open in fall 2024, takes guests through the Wilderness Canyon located between the main resort and Glacier Canyon Lodge, and across a multimedia pathway inspired by the wonders of the Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany plans to introduce a bill to redesignate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve and the state’s first National Park. Wisconsin Public Radio recently reported. The lakeshore includes 21 islands covering more than 69,000 acres of land and water on Lake Superior.
FOLLOW WISCONSIN’S “TOP CHEF” JOURNEY
Take a deep five into Wisconsin’s food and drink scene with a Foodie Pass that allows travelers to follow in the footsteps of the Season 21 “cheftestants” by visiting restaurants featured on the show. For more information, visit travelwisconsin.com/top-chefwisconsin. ew
APOSTLE ISLANDS PROPOSED AS STATE’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK
Brookfield
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin lies the charming Town of Brookfield. As one of Wisconsin’s premier destinations for shopping, dining and entertainment, our town offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just minutes away from the big city, Brookfield welcomes guests to discover its hidden gems. When it’s time to unwind, our selection of top-notch hotels ensures a comfortable and rejuvenating stay. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Brookfield offers accommodations to suit every traveler. Throughout the year, our town comes alive with a myriad of events and festivals that celebrate our rich heritage and vibrant community spirit. From our Town Food Truck Festival to our Brooktoberfest, there’s always something exciting happening in Brookfield. Whether you’re strolling through our bustling shopping districts, savoring the flavors of our local cuisine or immersing yourself in the excitement of our lively events, one thing’s for certain you’ll wish you had visited sooner!
Fun Fall & Holiday Festivals Across Wisconsin
BE SURE TO ADD THESE UNIQUE AND QUIRKY FESTIVALS TO YOUR SEASONAL CALENDARS! Do you have an event you’d like to submit? Email our editor at katie@ntmediagroup.com
Get ready to cozy up at some of the best seasonal festivals and experiences across the state! From Oktoberfests, pumpkin picking and cranberry bogging this fall, to wintery light shows and Santa cruises this holiday, there’s something for everyone!
SEPTEMBER
SCARECROW FEST
SEPT. 14
DELAVAN
Enjoy Scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, food and live music throughout downtown Delavan. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM BIKE NIGHTS
STARTING SEPT. 19
MILWAUKEE
Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., grab your bike and join fellow riders (and non-riders) for free live music, fun, droolworthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage. All wheels welcome.
FALL FESTIVAL
SEPT. 21
HAYWARD
An annual tradition that celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art & craft booths, sidewalk sales, food vendors, brat & beer tent, kids’ activities, scarecrow contest and live music downtown.
GINORMOUS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
SEPT. 28
RIVER PRAIRIE
Free event showcasing giant pumpkins and the artistry and passion of participating growers. Immerse yourself in the biggest pumpkins you’ve ever seen, crisp autumn air, fall flavors and fall colors.
Ginormous Pumpkin Festival
OCTOBER
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR TOP 10 OKTOBERFESTS ON PAGE 18
WORLD DAIRY EXPO
OCT. 1-4
MADISON
The world’s only event focused strictly on the dairy industry, offering elite commercial exhibits and dairy cattle. North America’s top dairy cattle compete in seven breed shows for the title of World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champion.
LEDGE GAMES
OCT. 5
FOND DU LAC
Show off your timber skills and compete in a day filled with beards, flannels, beer, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting education access for students focusing on engineering, manufacturing and technology in the Lake Winnebago Region.
LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
OCT. 4-6
DOOR COUNTY
Air, land-based, boat and adventure tours that offer access to all 11 of the treasured lighthouses in Door County not typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point Lighthouses.
WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL
OCT. 14-20
MADISON
Unleash your curiosity and explore science from every possible angle – 2024’s focus is on agriculture. Staged in venues across Wisconsin, the event welcomes people of all ages to look, listen, feel, touch, taste and discover the wonders of all aspects of the sciences, arts and more through interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, lectures, demonstrations and conversations with leading researchers and creative thinkers.
GOTHIC HISTORY TOURS
OCT. 18, 19, 25
CEDARBURG
Get immersed in the dark side of Cedarburg’s history with stories and live performances representing hauntings and atrocities from bygone days. More than just ghost stories, the past comes alive in encounters with the ghostly citizens of old Cedarburg through costumed actors, historic photos and a walking tour that includes stops at notorious crime scenes.
Door County Lighthouse Festival
World Dairy Expo
Ledge Games
NOVEMBER
OLD FASHIONEDS UP NORTH
NOV. 9
EAGLE RIVER
Northwoods bartenders test their skills for an Old Fashionedmaking competition; multiple restaurants participate, with live entertainment in a supper-club feel event.
HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR
NOV. 22-24
WEST ALLIS
Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. You can explore the ways music, food, dance and art weave together a message of welcome.
THE DOMES HOLIDAY SHOW
NOV. 23-JAN. 5
MILWAUKEE
Stay warm while you’re wowed by the Mitchell Park Domes’ “A Holiday Snow Globe” – a stunning display of winter beauty for all to experience that sits amid a field of hundreds of poinsettias, decorated spruce trees and a polar paradise of playful animals.
SANTA CRUISE
NOV. 29-DEC. 31
LAKE GENEVA
Embark on a magical Christmas cruise to Santa’s North Pole Hideaway. Along your lake tour, enjoy the twinkling lights and displays along the shoreline of Geneva Lake. Cruises run every evening with the exception of Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
DECEMBER
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MARKETS AND LIGHTS FESTIVALS ON PAGE 32
CHRISTMAS CARD TOWN PARADE
DEC. 7
ELKHORN
Elkhorn, also known as Christmas Card Town, will celebrate its 43rd annual holiday parade. Families, local organizations and business groups bring their festive gear and floats and caravan through town to welcome Santa Claus to Elkhorn.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DEC. 7-15
EAGLE
Stroll through a picturesque Victorian village full of bustling shops, scenic stops and endless good cheer at Old World Wisconsin. Create ornaments, find your family Christmas tree in an old-fashioned pine lot and dash through the snow on a horsedrawn wagon complete with jingling bells. Plus, visit Victorian Santa in his magical toy workshop.
CHRISTMAS TRAINS
DEC. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21
EAST TROY
Take a magical ride from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s workshop located at Elegant Farmer. Children can visit Santa and take a photo with the jolly elf himself! The trolleys will be heated and bathrooms are available in our East Troy Depot. ew
SHARE YOUR wisconsin
EVENT
We know there’s an endless list of events in every corner of the state. Whether it’s a fun new seasonal festival or a mustsee experience, tell us about events happening in early 2025.
With its vibrant foliage along an expansive shoreline, Door County transforms into a fall wonderland, as charming towns and scenic landscapes offer a picture-perfect backdrop for autumn adventures, from apple picking to cider tasting to unforgettable festivals.
By Vanessa Whiteside
It’s a cool, crisp fall morning in Door County as water laps on 300 miles of shoreline. Canadian Geese soar above vibrant orange-red and yellow foliage, a mix of Sugar Maple and birch trees’ leaves sway in the breeze.
The picturesque scene attracts visitors seeking slow-paced exploration, while the community activities draw highenergy festival fun. Each village, from Sturgeon Bay to northernmost Washington Island, hosts experiences catering to travelers who seek engaging experiences.
EMBARK ON APPLE ADVENTURES DURING HARVEST
Picking apples at one of Door County’s orchards is a long-standing tradition for many during autumn. The area includes 400 acres of apples with more than a dozen varieties. For locals like Destination Door County’s Senior Media Relations Manager Jen Rogers, driving the family to
Sturgeon Bay’s Cherry Lane Orchards to pick McIntosh and Cortland varieties signifies the season’s start.
“My daughter loves to climb the old ladders and pick apples. Kids can pour apples inside an old-school apple shine tumbler. We always come home with more apples than we need and make lots of fresh apple sauce,” says Rogers.
In Bailey’s Harbor, Koepsel’s Farm Market attracts families to celebrate its fall traditions centered around its orchard. Grandma’s farm stand in the front yard in 1940 evolved into a 4,000-square-foot building where shoppers stock up on homemade jellies, fruit butter, and jams. The Chopped Red Cherry Jam, a best seller, competes with homemade fruit pies and baked goods for take-home gifts. Shoppers are encouraged to make their craft beer six-pack from a vast selection.
DAN EGGERT, RIGHT: JOHN NIENHUIS
Gills Rock at Sunset
Koepsel’s is more than a farm market; it is a memory-making destination. Mounds of pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks create a photo-worthy scene. Each year, a colossal fiberglass pumpkin serves as a play space for kids.
“It’s nice to be able to see people come back,” says Manager Karina Oram. “They bring their kids and grandkids. Ninetynine percent of customers are what make it a rewarding part of the job.”
SAVOR FLAVORS FROM SEED TO GLASS
To fully experience fall, locals recommend creating a selfguided tour of three cideries in the region.
Island Orchard Cider produces Normandy-style hard cider after handpicking apples harvested on seven acres on Washington Island. At its Ellison Bay taproom, a production facility, cider drinkers can build a flight of four five-ounce pours or request a full glass pour. Sip cider on the dog-friendly patio during a cool-weather day.
At Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market in Fish Creek, the top-ranking hard cider made with estategrown fruit tastes semi-dry to sweet. Build a tasting flight and purchase charcuterie snacks at the market before exiting the outdoor patio, where seating overlooks a bountiful vineyard and orchard.
Located 20 minutes south at Sturgeon Bay’s Door Peninsula Winery, they’ve mastered fruit-forward hard ciders, recently earning medal honors at the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition. On Fridays, savor a glass of refreshing aged cider while listening to live music at the Wine and Cocktail Garden.
APPRECIATE STUNNING FALL FOLIAGE VIEWS
Picture this: A canopy of color surrounds as the light filters through the branches. Leaves tease onlookers with their best hues, from fiery orange to cheerful yellow. And the best time to see the show? Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report estimates the county’s fall colors to peak in the third week of October.
One of the most sought-after views of the region is from the Eagle Tower observation platform at Peninsula State Park . Through Oct. 31, Eagle Tower provides nature lovers panoramic views from a 60-foot observation deck above Green Bay. Navigate to the top via the wheelchair-accessible ramp or ascend 100 steps, stopping periodically to rest at benches before reaching the top.
“I love the crisp air and sun-shiny days of fall in Door County,” says Destination Door County’s Chief Communications Officer Jon Jarosh. “In particular, the scenic views at several locations along the coast offer spectacular viewpoints to take in the splendor of the county’s fall foliage.”
Jarosh adds bonus lookout points, including Washington Island’s Mountain Tower, Ellison Bluff County Park,
Wood Orchard Market
and Whitefish Dunes State Park’s Old Baldy are not to be missed. Drivers must have a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker to enter, which can be purchased online or at the parks’ drive-up windows or kiosks. A day pass sticker ranges from $8 to $20.
The peninsula, surrounded by 300 miles of shoreline, inspires outdoor seekers to immerse in vivid fall colors on a scene cruise via Shoreline Boat Tours or airplane. The Door County Maritime Museum’s Fall Lighthouse Festival tours from Oct. 4-6 venture to three lighthouses not ordinarily open to the public departing from various peninsula locations. This year, the museum is also sponsoring a Night Lights Hike event on Cana Island, where hikers can witness the 1869 iconic lighthouse illuminate sweeping views of Baileys Harbor.
“There is a wonderful atmosphere of preservation and education and sharing of our maritime history, which is easily accessible. We offer the ability for people to get into them (lighthouses) a couple of times of year,” says Paige Funkhouser, Door County Maritime Museum Community Engagement Manager. “And the people that provide the tours do their best to share information. They’re very welcoming.”
The museum’s airplane tours offer a bird’s-eye glimpse of the fall color spectrum via a 60-minute tour with a pilot,
who is also an arborist. On a calm water day, the $300 flight often includes identifiable shipwrecks. Reservations to the museum’s excursions are available at dcmm.org.
But why see trees from overhead when you can traverse through them? Adventure hounds get a unique perspective of the treetop canopy by gliding along a thrilling 2,000foot zipline course with Lakeshore Adventures in Bailey’s Harbor. The guided one-hour tour is reserved in advance and costs $69.99 for adults and $59.99 for youth.
At Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay, leaves crunch underfoot during a guided Wooded Walk Ride on horseback. For $75 each, each rider, ages six and up, is assigned a horse based on their abilities for the one-hour wooded and open trail experience.
DISCOVER UNIQUE ACTIVITIES AT FALL FESTIVALS
According to Rogers, the county’s seasonal events are popular with locals and visitors. In fact, many tourists rebook their lodging accommodations to return the following year, and festivals are a big reason.
Car enthusiasts will appreciate the nostalgia of the Autumn Fest Classic Auto Show on Sept. 14. Morning activities kick off with a brisk Hey Hey 5K Run, starting and ending at Door County Brewing Company’s taproom in Bailey’s Harbor, followed by a car and motorcycle cruise downtown.
TOP AND RIGHT: MIKE TITTEL
Eagle Lighthouse
Listen to live music, peruse arts and crafts booths, or indulge in food truck fare in good company.
In Sturgeon Bay, the annual Harvest Fest promises to draw a celebratory crowd on Sept. 21 for family-friendly entertainment. Place your bid at the Bass Around the Bay Street Art Project’s live auction at Martin Park until 5:30 p.m. Afterward, jam to the sounds of the rock band Glass Hamr.
What is fall without a spirited Halloween party? Don a prize-winning worthy costume to Jack O’Lantern Days on Oct. 26 in Fish Creek, a Halloween-themed event for all ages, complete with town-wide trick-or-treating.
Not to be missed, test your bravery at Thrills and Chills in downtown Sturgeon Bay on Oct. 26 by walking through the Boys & Girls Club of Door County’s haunted house. It’s free to tour, and repeated walk-throughs are encouraged for the fearless.
While Door County offers high-energy autumnal adventures, Funkhouser considers it a destination where first-time and return visitors can delight in a relaxed setting.
“The change in the air, crispness, and the energy starts to slow down. People describe the winter hush hibernation feel,” says Funkhouser. “Yes, we have festivals and events on the weekends, and people come up and want to see the colors. But it’s a different pace, a vacation vibe.” ew
Vanessa Whiteside is a freelance travel writer and owner of One Delightful Life blog, which earned her Midwest Travel Network’s 2022 Blogger of the Year.
Dine Like a Local
OLD POST OFFICE RESTAURANT
10040 Water Street, Ephraim
Reserve a seat at a traditional fish boil prepared outside over an open fire by boil master Jeremy “Torch” Klaubauf, who appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef” reality show. Savor a locally sourced whitefish dinner with captivating waterfront views through the last Sunday in October.
MELT BISTRO AT RENARD’S ARTISAN CHEESE
2189 County Road DK, Sturgeon Bay
A Wisconsin trip without cheese isn’t complete. Feast on loaded macaroni and cheese or a Honey Truffle Melt before shopping the market’s Wisconsin products for what else? Cheese, of course. Fresh cheese curds are available to sample.
AL JOHNSON’S SWEDISH RESTAURANT & BUTIK
10698 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay
Surrounded by a Nordic aesthetic, breakfast lovers order Swedish pancakes with tangy lingonberries or strawberries. A side of homemade meatballs is customary. Spy goats on the rooftop, a must-see attraction at the restaurant celebrating its 75th year.
HILL STREET
4149 Main Street, Fish Creek
Craving comfort food? Dripping burgers served with house-made condiments, tacos, and heaping salads arrive tableside, resembling highend restaurant fare, an unexpected twist for a townie pub with a regular following.
CARRINGTON AT THE LANDMARK RESORT
7643 Hillside Road, Egg Harbor
Stunning sunset views of the Bay of Green Bay compete for attention during upscale dining at the resort’s restaurant. An award-winning menu, Wednesday Wings prepared five ways and Saturday Prime Rib specials.
WILSON’S RESTAURANT AND ICE CREAM PARLOR
9990 Water Street, Ephraim
Since 1906, diners have listened to jukebox tunes while biting into flame-broiled burgers at the old-fashioned diner. Home-brewed root beer and ice cream sundaes are somehow tastier when enjoyed on the patio watching boats on the water.
Sturgeon Bay Shopping
PROST!
Get ready to raise your steins and don your lederhosen as Wisconsin celebrates Oktoberfest in grand style. From lively parades to authentic German cuisine and beer, the state hosts some of the best fests in the country.
By Maddie Wilcox
Oktoberfest celebrations date back to 1810, when the Bavarian crown prince hosted the first massive public celebration in honor of his new bride. The annual event has grown into a celebration across the world of German culture, food and beer. With Wisconsin’s notable German American population, there’s an endless selection of stein-slinging fests across the state. Check out these 10 Oktoberfest events.
HAYWARD: 9/14
Hosted by Hayward Lions Club at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds, the 4th annual Hayward Oktoberfest is welcoming crowds. Hayward’s event was inspired directly by the co-chair couple’s trip to Germany with a memorable stop at Munich’s Oktoberfest. After loving the original event, Kevin and Terri Joyce wanted to bring the fun back to Hayward’s Lions Club as a community fundraiser.
The most impressive aspect of the event is the authentic German food. “We have a gentleman that is our ‘head chef’ that was born and raised in Germany, and he worked the
Elktoberfest
Hayward Oktoberfest
real Oktoberfest in Munich in his late teens and early twenties,” Kevin Joyce says. Don’t miss out on one of the Bavarian Plate specials for $15. The food is proudly complemented by a selection of imported German beer on tap.
When you’re not chowing down, you can peruse craft vendors and local nonprofit booths. Your competitive friends will love axe throwing and stein holding contests.
The event has grown substantially since its inception, with nearly 1,000 attendees in 2023. Accessible parking and an accessible portable toilet are readily available. You’ll enjoy free parking and a max ticket price per person of $5 for those 21 and older. Kids 12 and under get in free.
CHIPPEWA FALLS: 9/20 –
9/21
Missy Prissel, Programs Director for the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, explains that for more than two decades, the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest has “evolved into a beloved community tradition that celebrates our heritage and brings people together.” Join the official kickoff to the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest with the royalty announcement of the Festmeister and Festmeistrin at the famed Leinenkugel Brewery. The new royalty lead the procession to the Golden Keg at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
Bringing in upwards of 7,000 attendees, the festivities are surrounded by meticulous decorations. With multiple stages, you have your pick of musical stylings.
In addition to the classic stein-holding showdown, Chippewa Falls boasts two unique competitions: barrel rolling and sauerkraut eating for kids and adults. The Familientreff Stage will keep the whole family entertained
with face painting, color-your-own Oktoberfest stein, a reptile show and a live yo-yo comedy performance.
The two-day wrist band can be purchased for $18, a daily wristband for $12, and kids 12 and under get in free.
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
Chippewa Falls
ELKHART LAKE: 9/20 – 9/22
Elktoberfest is a growing fall celebration with a uniquely Elkhart Lake twist.
Get your steps in strolling the Elkhart Lake Farmers Market or during the Wine & Beer Run 5K on Saturday morning. For an early 5K registration fee of $30 or $50 closer to the event, athletes receive a t-shirt and medal.
Sip some SwitchGear Brewing Co. beer from your cheeky, commemorative stein featuring a pretzel and stein bedecked elk. Munch on a giant pretzel and hotoff-the-grill brat at the Miesfeld’s Tent.
Kids have a place of their own at the Root Beer Garten with pumpkin painting and a bounce house to work out the energy boost from all that root beer!
If you are coming in from out of town, stay at one of Elkhart Lake’s resorts, all offering exclusive Elktoberfest
packages. Admission is free at Elktoberfest’s all-in fall celebration.
BARABOO: 9/21
Raise your glass while you sing with the cleverly named WisconSing Bierchoir at the Baraboo Oktoberfest. The Circus World Museum grounds convert to Baraboo’s Oktoberfest for one day. Baraboo takes pride in its circus connections and loves to tie in the German roots of many circus performers. Like the circus, Baraboo Oktoberfest has multiple acts that will be sure to wow the audience, while the Fest Masters will serve as the event’s ring masters.
Get in the German spirit with the highly competitive authentic costume contest. Dress accordingly! Attendees looking to get their competitive fix can also participate in traditional pub contests and the classic stein holding. Local breweries and food trucks will serve you a craft brewski and a salty pretzel or refreshing German relish salad to help soak up that hoppy beverage.
Admission costs $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
LA CROSSE: 9/26 – 2/29
The La Crosse Oktoberfest holds the title as the longestrunning Oktoberfest in the Midwest, bringing beer and smiles since 1961.
Two different parades showcase the La Crosse businesses, organizations, and students as the routes cut through the city. Grand theatrics continue with fireworks on Saturday.
Lederhosen games run throughout the fest with stein races, barrel rolling, grain toss and a scavenger hunt.
Elktoberfest
Elktoberfest Wine & Beer Run 5K
Show off your talents and you may win a coveted prize! Multiple music stages host a range of genres while carnival rides bring an extra thrill to attendees. Riders will need to purchase a ride wristband.
La Crosse Oktoberfest pays special attention to the area’s senior population. Seniors enjoy a Senior Breakfast on Thursday, Brats for Seniors on Sunday and, following the big weekend, the 2024 Oktoberfest Royal Family visits area assisted living facilities to spread gemütlichkeit.
You can purchase an admission wristband online or in-person for about $25. With a valid college student ID, college students get in free on Thursday night. Discounts are available for members of the military and military veterans.
APPLETON: 9/28
Appleton’s Octoberfest is a celebration of food, fun and philanthropy, that takes over downtown, drawing 200,000 people from across the state. The free two-day festival begins Friday night with License to Cruise, an alcohol-free event featuring more than 400 classic cars lining the street. Music and food welcome visitors to the start of an epic weekend.
Nikki Voelzke, Appleton Octoberfest’s PR and Marketing Chair, loves Octoberfest. “A big festival favorite is our traditional Spaten beer toast,” she says. “The ceremonial toast is a tribute to the annual ritual Spaten keg beer tapping at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.”
Purchase a drink wristband and tickets to enjoy the selection of draft beer, cider, and seltzers available.
With every step you take down the thoroughfare, you will hear a diverse music line-up on various stages with traditional polka down one street and 2000s hits down another. As you wander down the street towards Lawrence University, discover the Arts & Crafts area with woodworking, painting and knit goods. The youngest in your crew will enjoy the Family Fun Area with interactive circus skills workshops, a karate demonstration and a slew of comedians and musicians performing on stage.
Accessible parking and toilet facilities are available.
GERMANTOWN:
9/28 – 9/29
In 2023, AAA Living Magazine ranked the Germantown Oktoberfest one of the top three places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Wisconsin.
SAVOR THE FALL FLAVOR
Time to sample this year’s harvest of seasonal beverages, including these four fall-release beverages that offer cozy vibes.
GERMAN-FEST BREW HUBBLETON BREWING COMPANY
Scheduled for release the first week of September, Hubbleton Brewing Company’s annual German-Fest Brew, 5.2% ABV, is a tasty, grain-based brew and an easy sipper. Lightweight, this features finishes with a sweet caramel pop. Find it on tap at Hubbleton Brewing Company’s brewery or tap room and get it at your local grocer.
ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK 3 SHEEPS BREWING CO.
The self-proclaimed “celebration of the game” is here in the form of the Armchair Quarterback, an easydrinking lager with a malty backbone. Find this tailgate companion in a six-pack or on tap across Wisconsin.
FIRESIDE FLANNEL VARIETY PACK LIFT BRIDGE BREWING COMPANY
The seasonal favorite, Original Fireside Flannel brown ale is now back with friends in the Fireside Flannel variety pack. Accompanying the original in the brandnew variety pack is the S’mores Fireside Flannel, Coffee Fireside Flannel and Peanut Butter Fireside Flannel. You can find this roasty toasty pack at Lift Bridge’s taprooms in New Richmond, WI and Stillwater, MN, or at your local liquor store.
WINTER SPICE WINE NORTHLEAF WINERY
This rich port is fortified with brandy and flavored with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and clove. The spiciness complements an evening under a blanket. Visit the restored 1844 wheat warehouse which now serves as Northleaf’s stunning tasting room in Milton The Winter Spice Wine is exclusively available at Northleaf.
Deeply rooted in the legacy of this small community, the Germantown Historical Society organizes an impressive two-day event drawing a couple thousand attendees to Dheinsville Historical Park.
There’s a lot to see, but Bill Dix, Germantown Historical Society President, shares “one of the biggest attractions is without a doubt the Dachshund Dog Races.” The race of the wiener dogs on Saturday is so popular they run multiple heats to whittle down to the finalists.
All three museums on the park grounds will be open with free admission, including the Our Christ Church Museum of Local History building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The three museums were built in the 1800s and now house the history of Germantown.
Enjoy free admission and free parking. Grab a brat and draft beer for only $12. Accessible parking and multiple accessible restroom facilities in the buildings are available.
MILWAUKEE: 10/4 – 10/6
Beer is flowing and brats are grilling at the Milwaukee Oktoberfest the first weekend in October. Not surprisingly, the Milwaukee Oktoberfest is chock full of engaging events and even better food from the famed Kegel’s Inn.
Feast on Milwaukee’s signature sausage at the Usinger’s Brat Eating Competition, a speed eating challenge. Saturday night frauleins compete for the title of Miss Oktoberfest by showing off their skills in yodeling, stein hoisting, and beer chugging. The last of the tournaments wraps up with the Sunday cornhole tournament and wiener dog beauty pageant.
Milwaukee Oktoberfest is free and open to the public. If you want to consume alcohol, there is a $2 wristband fee. There is parking around Cathedral Square Park.
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN: 10/16 – 10/19
Passion for this community event radiates when you talk to Prairie du Chien Oktoberfest board member, Mike Ulric.
Originally from La Crosse, Ulrich had the idea of bringing a family-friendly, event-focused Oktoberfest to Prairie du Chien. Fast forward and this year will be the event’s 15th anniversary.
For the event’s major anniversary, Prairie du Chien Oktoberfest will unveil a new annual event, the sauerkraut eating contest. “My thing is being able to get everyone together and see how many people come here with their family and friends,” he explains.
Past attendees can still look forward to seeing their favorite returning events, including the keg toss and kids’ stein holding competition. The musical line-up features a 20-piece German band.
Admission price is $4 for adults; kids get in free.
ELKHORN: 10/19
For one day a year, downtown Elkhorn transforms into Elkhorn Oktoberfest. On a sunny fall day, up to 10,000 people flood Elkhorn for the festivities. Kate Abbe, Marketing Coordinator for the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, sums up the magic of Elkhorn Oktoberfest as “something truly delightful when you see people literally dancing in the streets!”
Two beer and wine tasting tents pour up adult beverages on the streets. Wine and beer tastings start at just $2. The local bars and restaurants join in on the theme and create tasting menus of their own.
In addition to the drink tents, two live stages fill the air with music throughout the day. Food vendors offer entrees ranging from $10-$20 and an array of sweet and salty nibbles. Examine the craft and artisan stands lining the streets for your take-home treasure.
Parking and entrance to the event are free. Bathroom facilities include accessible portable toilets. ew
Maddie Wilcox is a proud Midwesterner, born and raised in Wisconsin, who loves travel, hiking and a good drink.
Germantown Oktoberfest
Elkhorn Oktoberfest
Elkhorn
It’s the right time to visit Elkhorn, WI! Highlighting the fall season on Oct. 19th is local favorite, Elkhorn Oktoberfest. This one-day fest celebrates with German biers, potato pancakes and sizzling sausages! If live music, shopping, eating and beer tasting is your thing, then this is your reason for a day trip to Elkhorn!
Whether you’re coming to raise a stein at Oktoberfest or making the trek to procure seasonal pumpkins, apple cider donuts and do a little Christmas shopping, we’re excited to welcome you to our quintessential community where our motto is “small town, big fun!”
Rated #1 in snowmaking, you’ll have even more fun on the Alpine Valley Resort ski hills! Check out the 100 acres of skiable acres, including 20 runs and three terrain parks for a full day of family fun! #53121FORFUN at visitelkhorn.com
EXPLORING WISCONSIN’S
LATEST
Cheese-y Creations
Wisconsin’s cheese producers, from large-scale operations to small artisanal makers, consistently offer creative and innovative delights for cheese lovers nationwide.
Discover exciting new ways to enjoy this beloved staple — from trendy new flavors to popular cheese board workshops and charming gourmet shops — that remind us why we love Wisconsin cheese.
By Kristine Hansen
When it comes to Wisconsin cheese, you likely already know about — and have tasted many times — cheese curds, aged cheddar and coldpack cheese spreads.
Given that Wisconsin’s a mecca for cheese production, the ingenuity around cheese never stops. New cheeses are introduced every year and the number of cheese shops in communities around the state is also increasing. This includes following national trends. Tajin is the shiningstar seasoning in a new flavored feta that will be released by Roth as part of its Athenos by Roth label later this year. This lime, sea salt and chili peppers seasoning injects hot, new flavor into grocery-store aisles — and that now includes cheese.
If you’re looking to shake up — in a good way — your consumption of Wisconsin cheese, here are a few ideas on what to try next, and suggested places to track those cheeses down. But before you do that, it’s worth learning how to build an amazing cheese board. Classes at cheese shops coach in how to not only make every cheese, nut, spread, preserve, cracker and veggie look delicious but also how to strike the perfect balance. Among the places where you can take a class are Fromagination in Madison, Schuby’s in La Crosse, The Milk Merchant in Wausau, Tricky Foods in Madison and Pasture and Plenty in Madison.
Cheesemongers can be your BFF when it comes to satisfying and diversifying your palate as they work hard to source from artisan, boutique-sized creameries and large, familiar brands alike. These are also ideal spots to inquire about how to build a cheeseboard, with many shops even hosting classes in this skill.
On the East Side of Madison, The Wedge opened earlier this year with its cute name and equally adorable storefront that
includes a neon wedge of cheese on one wall. Cold cheese sandwiches are served, made by a former L’Etoile chef and using only Wisconsin cheese, as well as 20 cheeses from Wisconsin cheesemakers to create your own cheeseboard. Because it’s within a former brewery’s taproom, it makes sense to also pour beer (cheese’s best Wisconsin cousin).
Further north, The Gouda Life debuted in Waupaca last November and is as much a cheese shop as it is a gourmet grocery, with nearly every item made in Wisconsin. Customers can easily find these gems by looking for a sticker in the shape of Wisconsin with a heart in the center. The building was once a tavern, as early as 1908, and its original tall ceilings and interior brick wall remain. On one wall is an Instagram-friendly feature: a
The Wedge
“say cheese” sign on a greenery wall, where customers can take photos.
Closer to Milwaukee, The Charcuterie House popped up in downtown Waukesha in late 2024. Among its offerings is a Cheese of the Month Club, with many selections from Wisconsin. While the shop’s cheese stash is spectacular, and also closely tied to Wisconsin, what also sets the shop apart are its events. In August there was a foodand-cheese pairing class, for example.
These cheese shops are great places to hunt down smallproduction cheeses made in Wisconsin and only distributed within the state. This includes Landmark Creamery, a producer of mostly goat’s-milk and sheep’s-milk cheese in Paoli, although they sometimes turn to cow’s milk too. One example is the new Fontina from Brown Swiss cow’s milk. It’s available in three flavors: Original, Herbs de Provence and Umamier. If you’re scratching your head about that last flavor, this is a spice blend created by The Deliciouser in Madison featuring sea salt, mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger and red miso.
small cheesemaker is Chalet Cheese in Monroe. Known for its cult-favorite (and very stinky) Swissstyle limburger, and now the only U.S. producer of this soft cheese, there are two new cheeses coming from this cheesemaker that functions as a cooperative. It was founded by five dairy farmers in 1885. Chalet Cheese’s two new cheeses are Alpenaro (fusing Gouda and Parmesan) and Bier Kase (a German-style cheese that pairs well with beer).
Another
The Charcuterie House
The Charcuterie House
Landmark Creamery
While most Wisconsin cheesemakers have Swiss heritage — and, for many, Switzerland is where their relatives learned to make alpine-style cheese — quite a few have Italian roots. This includes Cheese Merchants’ president Bob Greco, whose “nonna” (Italian for grandmother) was named Francesca. The company’s newest cheeses in the Mama Francesca line go beyond its grated Parmesan in a container. Now you can also buy wedges of Fontina, Romano, Asiago and Creamy Formaggio.
Also born out of Italian cheese-making traditions is Sartori Cheese, which was founded in 1939 by an Italian immigrant. Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Pam Hodgson, one of only two female Master Cheesemakers in the world, recently revived the brand’s Old World Cheddar with hints of Italian Herb and Sriracha. At the 2017 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, her Black Pepper BellaVitano won “Best of Show” and that’s just one of Sartori Cheese’s many awards.
Another perennial award-winner is America’s most awarded cheesemaker, Master Cheesemaker Sid Cook, at the helm at Carr Valley Cheese, which just released Cabana White. Made from cow’s milk, this fresh cheese is a milky, sweet
and salty cheese all at once. You can eat it right out of the package or fry it up in a pan.
Klondike Cheese Company in Monroe released its Odyssey® Labneh at this year’s Winter Fancy Food Show and earned a gold medal for it at the 2024 American Cheese Society Competition. Cow’s milk goes into this cheese, which is creamy and spreadable and sold in a tub. Labneh is popular in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, whether enjoyed as a dip or cooking/baking ingredient.
We can’t talk about Wisconsin cheese without a mention of cold-pack cheese spreads. Since 1963, Pine River ’s plastic containers of cheesy spreads in 22 flavors (including Port Wine and Sharp Cheddar) have been a huge hit. Now you can add Maple Bacon, Pimento and Vintage Reserve to the list.
And, finally, it’s not every day that a cheese comes back after being on hiatus for a few years. But that’s exactly what’s happened with Pavé Henri by Brunkow Cheese, a familyowned cheese producer in Darlington since 1899. This washed-rind, Trappist-style cheese offers up buttery notes on the palate and is very smooth, also featuring a crunchy rind and intriguing aroma. What’s unique about this cheese is its single sourcing, which you more commonly see at farmsteads: all of the milk for Pavé Henri came from a single Jersey-cow herd at Jordandal Farms. It’s sold at Dane County Farmers’ Market.
Based in Milwaukee, Kristine Hansen writes about food, travel and design in Wisconsin and is also the author of Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook: Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, and Savory Recipes from the State’s Best Creameries and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin: How America’s Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State.
Carr Valley Cabana White
Cheese Merchants Mama Francesca
Racine
Choose your adventure in Racine County! Come for a day, evening or weekend to discover something incredible! From North Beach on Lake Michigan’s shore, to paddling on the Fox River, there’s always something to do outdoors in fall — even play Pickleball at Mount Pleasant’s Campus Park all year long! Check out Jellystone Campground and Bear Paw Adventure Park for Fall Frenzy fun like shooting apple cannons and Shipwreck laser tag. If picking your own apples and pumpkins is on your list, visit Apple Holler in Sturtevant and Swan’s Pumpkin Farm in Franksville. The Racine Zoo also is open year-round and Bear Den Petting Zoo loves the fall season. Experience a thriving art scene with a show at the Racine Theatre Guild or get lost in complete creativity at the Racine Art Museum. Take a tour of SC Johnson’s Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. And for an unforgettable holiday experience, check out the quaint charm of Burlington and the never-ending list of events in Downtown Racine. Visit Racine County today!
Wisconsin by Wheels
As the leaves change color, mountain biking becomes an ideal and scenic way to enjoy the fall season. The state’s trails offer a mix of scenic views and enjoyable rides. Whether you’re new to biking or an experienced rider, there’s a trail for everyone to explore this autumn.
By Melanie Radzicki McManus
Biking has soared in popularity over the last few years, thanks in part to the pandemic that drove people outdoors. And within the world of cycling, mountain biking is especially prevalent, with new trails debuting in every corner of Wisconsin on a regular basis.
Southern Kettle Moraine has been a popular mountain biking destination since the early 1990s, when the sport first began to explode in the state, says Ariel Schoeninger, president of the Southern Kettle Off Road Riders, or SKORR. This non-profit, volunteer organization is dedicated to maintaining and improving the 50-plus miles of mountain biking trails in the Southern Kettle,
which lie within the John Muir and Emma Carlin Trail Systems. These locales, Schoeninger says, offer some of the Midwest’s finest singletrack trails.
“The topography and glacial geography in the Southern Kettle are the reasons it’s so incredible to ride here,” Schoeninger says. “The moraines and kettles give you some fun climbs and descents. It’s such a unique experience.”
Another factor in the systems’ popularity is that they contain a wide variety of trails for riders of all abilities, plus a fair amount of singletrack. There’s even a short skills course where you can practice your riding skills
Destination Door County
on various manmade features, although there are no manmade features (e.g., jumps, bridges or ramps) on the rest of the trails.
Amber Ader is a biking enthusiast and group ride leader based in Appleton. About a decade ago she got into fat tire biking, and now that type of mountain bike is her preferred ride. A fat tire bike, or fatty, sports giant, poofy tires that are often 3.8 inches wide or larger. The tires have low pressure, allowing them to easily navigate soft terrain.
“Fat bikes can go everywhere — singletrack, gravel, muddy terrain, snow and even sand, which is great when you’re in a state on the Great Lakes,” she says. “You just float over everything.”
Ready to hit the trails? Make sure you’re wearing a helmet, Schoeninger says, and if you’re unsure of a trail’s difficulty, walk it first. It’s also wisest to start on a trail system’s easier loops, expanding to the longer loops — which have more technical features — as you gain confidence.
You can also contact a local trail group such as SKORR or the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) if you want advance information about trail conditions, Ader says, or the availability of amenities such as restaurants or shops.
To aid in your planning, here are several mountain biking locales that mountain biking enthusiasts consider some of the state’s best offerings.
CAMBA TRAIL SYSTEM
One of the top destinations in the state, the CAMBA Trail System features more than 300 miles of signed and mapped trails — 135 miles of singletrack, 70 miles of groomed winter trails and more than 200 miles of gravel routes. These trails wind through the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Bayfield and Sawyer County Forests in the state’s northern reaches. Not surprisingly, given its size, you’ll find a wide variety of trails here, from easy rolls to gnarly paths to the newer flow trails, which are built for speed and minimal pedaling by being wider and less technical then traditional mountain biking trails.
WINMAN TRAILS
WinMan, in Vilas County, offers something for everyone. In the summer and fall, you can ride on more than 23 miles of singletrack trails. Some are flow trails, while others feature rocks, advanced features and wooden features. Class 1 e-mountain bikes can use these trails, too. In winter, more than 10 miles of trail are groomed for fatties.
Fat Tire Biking
With their gigantic, poofy tires, fat tire bikes are not only eye-catching, but growing in popularity. They’re also increasingly being used year-round.
In Wisconsin, people have been pedaling fatties mainly in the winter, when many resorts and recreational areas groom special paths for them. Wausau’s Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area, for example, grooms nearly eight miles of snowy trail for winter fat tire biking.
But fat tire enthusiasts no longer want to stash them in the garage when the snow melts, opting to use them all year long. And why not? You can easily pedal them along the beach, over rocky and rooty terrain, and through mud and water. Sound intriguing? Then rent a fatty and take it out for a spin. Warning: you very well may get hooked.
Fall Mountain
Biking Events
Sept. 13-14: Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival
This popular biking festival in Cable features three races: Little Loggers, a 15-minute, continuous loop for kids; Short & Fat, a 16-mile off-road race; and Chequamegon 40, the 40mile headliner from Hayward to Cable along the famous American Birkebeiner Ski Trail. cheqmtb.com
Sept. 21: Fat Tire Charity Ride of Lake Geneva
Winding through Lake Geneva, Fontana and Williams Bay, this approximately 21.5-mile, unorganized ride offers several rest stops and pretty views of Geneva Lake and Lake Como. Registration fee includes a pig roast. fattireride.com
Sept. 28: Fall Color Festival
Head to the John Muir trails in southeastern Wisconsin for this annual mountain bike fundraiser, where the proceeds support trail maintenance and development. The festival features six races/rides: a 33-miler, 22-miler, 11-miler, 5-miler, parent/child tag-team event and a children’s ride. There will also be food, music and a beer garden. fallcolorfestival.org
BLUE MOUND STATE PARK
This park west of Madison contains more than 15 miles of challenging singletrack trail; watch out for the rocks and roots! Bonus: the top of Blue Mound is the highest point in southern Wisconsin, at 1,719 feet of elevation.
SILVER LAKE PARK
Kenosha County’s Silver Lake Park features some of the state’s newest singletrack trails. These 10 miles of trail include everything from a kids’ loop to fast, flowy paths. Bonus: After a warm-weather ride you can take a dip in the park’s signature lake.
LEVIS/TROW MOUND RECREATIONAL AREA
If you’re a fan of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, with its sandstone bluffs and mounds, Levis/Trow Mound in central Wisconsin is for you. More than 24 miles of singletrack trail wind through this 135,000-acre Clark County forest, ranging from easy to very difficult. Tip: The more advanced trails wind up and down the mounds, while the easier paths are at the mounds’ bases and in the surrounding forest. During winter, 13.5 miles of trail are groomed for fat tire biking.
NORTHERN HIGHLAND-AMERICAN LEGION STATE FOREST
This expansive forest north of Rhinelander contains hundreds of miles of trails and roads, all of which are open to mountain biking with the exception of a few
nature trails. In addition, there are four trail systems dedicated to mountain biking: McNaughton, Madeline Lake, Lumberjack and Raven.
The McNaughton Trail System is great for beginners, as it follows old logging roads. The 10 miles of trail in the Madeline Lake System are wide and generally easy, winding through thick forest and past pretty Madeline Lake. The paths at Lumberjack require a little more effort, as they roll over grass, dirt, rocks and sand while showcasing the Manitowish River, Fishtrap Flowage and White Sand Lake. In winter, two loops are packed for fat tire biking. The 14.5 miles of trail at Raven are for intermediate and advanced riders, and include a skills course with log rides, bridges, teeter-totters and rock areas. ew
Note: Some of the trails in these four systems are closed to biking whenever they’re groomed for cross-country skiing.
Melanie Radzicki McManus, a freelance writer based in Sun Prairie, is the author of “Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail” and “100 Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells Before You Die.”
Amber Ader on her fat tire bike
SHOP & SHINE AT WISCONSIN’S TOP
Find your joy in the holiday magic with Wisconsin’s enchanting markets and dazzling light shows, where the festive spirit comes alive and wraps you in seasonal joy.
By MaryBeth Matzek
Wisconsin’s holiday markets and light shows are guaranteed to put you in a festive spirit. In fact, thanks to its German heritage, the state is home to multiple Christmas Markets, also known as “Christkindlesmarkts.” With their mix of homemade specialty gift items, holiday items and food, these attractions boast a long history here.
MERRY MARKETS
New Glarus, located about 30 miles from Madison, embraces its Swiss heritage with its Christkindi Market, featuring locally sourced gifts, holiday decorations and food. This year, the market runs Dec. 6-8.
The outdoor market features vendors in decorated mini chalets. There’s also sled and carriage rides, live caroling and a visit from St. Nick himself.
“It’s very charming. A lot of the storefronts have Advent calendar décor,” says Sarah Warner, PR and Communications Manager with Destination Madison. “It’s a great place where you can grab some hot chocolate and walk around.”
The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake is a long-time holiday tradition for many. The 26th annual event is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 6-15.
Modeled after the traditional Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremburg, an enormous, heated tent is filled with fragrant boughs and unique items from international and local artisans, including Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, Estonia woolens, fine chocolates and more. Admission is $7 for adults.
The Door County Christkindlmarkt is only in its fourth year but already become a popular holiday tradition for many. Organized by the Sister Bay Historical Society, the market is held at the Corner of the Past Museum, located at Highway 57 and Fieldcrest Road. The museum grounds are a replica of a pioneer homestead from the late 19th century. Vendors and food booths are in the heated buildings or under a heated tent.
Local artists and craftspeople sell handmade art, crafts, clothing, home goods and Christmas décor, with most coming from northern Door County. A food court offering German and Nordic offerings, including sausage, pastries, Gluhwein and hot chocolate, is in the Koessl Barn. Live music and a gift-wrapping service is also located in the barn.
This year’s free event runs the weekends of Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10.
Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin holds an Outdoor Christmas Market for six weekends starting Nov. 16-17. The winery’s piazza is transformed into a lighted market
Door County Chiristkindlmarkt
Door County Chiristkindlmarkt
Door County Chiristkindlmarkt
New Glarus Christkindi Market
New Glarus Christkindi Market
with holiday season vendors tucked into arched porticoes while others are inside.
“Our venue, which feels like you’re in Italy, sets us apart. Our piazza is decorated with garland and sparkles,” says Katherine Kujak, winemaker and vice president of Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards. “We originally started this to help vendors from the community and to provide them another place to sell their wares. It has been really successful.”
An array of Italian market foods — the croissants are a crowd favorite — and mulled wine are for sale along with
other activities including wine tastings and a cooking class in Villa Bellezza’s Great Hall, available during the market.
LIGHT SHOWS
Wisconsin is home to dozens of holiday light shows designed to put visitors into the holiday spirit. Depending on the show, revelers can walk or drive through the holiday light displays. Be sure to grab hot chocolate before heading out.
The WPS Garden of Lights at the Green Bay Botanical Garden features more than 350,000 twinkling Christmas lights adorning more than 40 nature-themed holidays. Attendees walk through the gardens to view the naturethemed light displays, including a 60-foot-long caterpillar tunnel, which are unique and different from what attendees would normally find at a holiday light display.
Half of the trail is paved, making it accessible for those in wheelchairs, and a wheelchair-accessible golf cart can be used to view the remainder of the garden. Visitors also can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride to view parts of the garden.
“The lights are a long-standing family tradition for many. You’ll see grandparents with their grandchildren who come year after year,” says Rachel Mueller, the garden’s PR and content coordinator. “What really sets the displays apart is the focus on nature. There are displays featuring flowers and animals, which fits well with our mission of being a botanical garden.”
The WPS Garden of Lights is open on selected nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival includes four parks with dazzling decorations — Cathedral Square, Pere Marquette Park, Red Arrow Park and Zeidler Union Square. Each park has its own theme. Cathedral Square Park transforms into a festive forest with dozens of evergreen trees, with each tree featuring unique ornaments decorated by area students and organizations. Pere Marquette Park features animated elves and other characters along with cheerful North Pole scenes, while Zeidler Union Square boasts interactive displays and lots of fun for families. Red Arrow Park is home to the Slice of Ice skating rink and holiday décor.
There’s also an ornament trail along Wisconsin Avenue featuring larger-than life handcrafted ornaments, glittering chandeliers over Wisconsin Avenue and jolly jingle bell rides. The free festival’s 26th season begins Nov. 21 and runs through Jan. 1.
With more than 3 million lights, The Rotary Lights Display in La Crosse’s Riverside Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Attendees can drive, walk or take a carriage ride through the park. Santa visits nightly until Dec. 23. There’s also a live nativity on selected
Villa Bellezza Outdoor Christmas Market
Villa Bellezza Outdoor Christmas Market
nights and the ice rink with free skate rental is also open as weather allows.
The Rotary Lights Display has an All-Abilities Night from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 where the lights and music are turned down to accommodate people who might not have been able to experience the event due to flashing lights and loud music.
Nearly 160,000 visitors annually enjoy the park whether they’re driving, walking or taking a carriage ride. The free event is open from Nov. 29-Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m.
After more than 20 years in a lakeside park, the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights moved last year to the EAA Grounds in Oshkosh and the 1.2-mile event featuring 750,000 twinkling lights returns this year. From their vehicles, guests can see a 100-foot-tall tree, 120 trees filled with lights, sculpted scenes and animated light displays. There’s also wagon rides and visits with Santa at the EAA Air Academy Lodge. With visibility from U.S. 41, the 2023
event attendance was 60% higher than the previous year. This year’s event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31.
“While we made the EAA grounds available in 2023 to keep the event alive, everyone quickly saw the possibilities that were here,” said Chris Farrell, EAA’s director of events. “Celebration of Lights was a marvelous display that brought people to the EAA grounds at a different time of year.”
The cost to see the light display is $20 per car with $5 off with a donation of a sealed hygiene item or food. There are also several free community nights. Funds raised go to support the Salvation Army and other local organizations. ew
MaryBeth Matzek is an award-winning writer and editor based in Appleton, Wisc.
WPS Garden of Lights
GIFTS FOODIES WILL LOVE
Curated by Kristine Hansen
Wisconsin’s vibrant food and beverage scene offers unique and artisanal products that make perfect holiday gifts for the foodies in your life.
Here’s five of our favorites.
1. WISCONSIN ARTISAN AWARD WINNERS CHEESE BOARD, WISCONSIN CHEESE MART cheeses: Holland’s Family Cheese’s Marieke Young Gouda, Uplands Cheese Co.’s Pleasant Ridge Reserve, apple-smoked cheddar.
2. TOOTSIE’S TEA Blends loose-leaf teas into unique flavors: Blood Orange Forest, Door County Cherry, Sweet Sage and more. Many weave in founder Lizz Statchura’s Hispanic/Indigenous heritage.
and The Big Hawaiian.
3. UNCLE MIKE’S BAKE SHOP Door County Cherry, Brandy Old Fashioned
4. FOOD TOURS ADVENT CALENDAR Kohler Chocolates’ peppermint terrapins, coffee sachets from Ruby Coffee Roasters and Charlie’s Caramels.
5. WISCO POP! Organic, alcohol-free sparkling sodas in fun flavors — Strawberry, Cherry, Grapefruit and Ginger. ew
Destination Geneva National
Experience the ultimate getaway at Destination Geneva National, nestled among the picturesque wooded slopes and shores of Lake Como, featuring 54 holes of championship golf designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino.
Choose from three distinctive lodging options at the Cottages, Suites or Lodge, and six onsite restaurants, including the award-winning Hunt Club Steakhouse and Crafted Italia. Cool off in the two saltwater pools, embrace adventure with kayaking on the lake, and enjoy our outdoor putting course, the Dance Floor.
Whether it’s relaxation or recreation, Destination Geneva National offers an unforgettable escape.
experience WISCONSIN
VISIT THESE LOCALES FEATURED IN OUR FALL/HOLIDAY ISSUE
