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WELCOME Marshfield is on the move Marshfield is proud to welcome travelers, and we’re working hard to make our community an even better place to visit. Construction is under way on important projects in our community, and we’re bringing some major conventions to the area in 2018. Opening this summer, Wenzel Family Plaza will be the heart of activity and events in our downtown. The Wildwood Connector Bike/Walk Trail will provide visitors with an easy walking and biking route. Work is also underway on a new Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA, a major expansion to create a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facility for our city that is scheduled to be completed in 2019. Our top attractions continue to draw strong numbers of visitors, including Munsey and Boda, (the star twin Kodiak bears at the Wildwood Zoo) and the “iron age” creatures of Jurustic Park. Marshfield also hosts some of the best festivals in Wisconsin from May through September. We invite visitors to experience these lively celebrations and enjoy everything Marshfield has to offer. --Bob McManus, Mayor, City of Marshfield CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 >
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WELCOME (CONTINUED) There’s a lot to enjoy in Marshfield this year. Whether you are here for business, fun, or getting state-of-the-art medical care at the Marshfield Clinic Health System, you’ll find there’s a lot to love about Marshfield. We will be hosting three major conventions in 2018: The Fur Takers of America 50th Anniversary Fall Rendezvous in June, Wood County Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in July and the 59th Annual Wisconsin Square & Round Dance Convention in August. Return visitors will notice some changes. The Marshfield Mercantile is a wonderful new store on 4th Street and Central Avenue downtown. It can be defined as a cross between a gathering place and an antique mall that features a wide variety of vendors and crafters. They have organic meat and dairy products and plan to offer a variety of workshops and classes, from Greek cooking to candle making and floral arrangement. Our new Wenzel Family Plaza will be opening this summer in downtown Marshfield. Check our website, visitmarshfield.com, or like us on Facebook so you don’t miss any of the wonderful activities scheduled to take place at the plaza. In addition to the three big conventions we will be hosting this year, we’re gearing up for everyone’s favorite festivals: Dairyfest in the spring, Hub City Days and the Central Wisconsin State Fair in the summer, Maple Fall Fest in the fall and Rotary Winter Wonderland in the winter. Take “a walk on the wild side” to visit our rare Kodiak bears Munsey and Boda at Wildwood Park & Zoo or launch an “archeological” excursion at Jurustic Park. You can enjoy live concerts at The Vox, with some of the top indie singers/songwriters in the country providing big city music, small-town vibe! The Vox is planning to open its new venue this year, offering you even more opportunities to attend a concert. We’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors in 2018 and encouraging them to enjoy everything Marshfield has to offer. --Matt McLean, Director, Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
NEW IN 2018 Marshfield is well-known through the region and the state for its fun, interesting events and conventions, and 2018 is no exception, as three new events will bring new visitors and experiences to the area.
THE BIG 3 FTA 50th Anniversary Rendezvous From June 28-30, the Wisconsin Trappers Association will host the Fur Takers of America’s (FTA) 50th Anniversary Rendezvous at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park. This national show will attract visitors from all 50 states and will feature more than 200 vendors and extensive hunting and trapping educational seminars. To learn more about the FTA and find more details about their rendezvous this summer, visit their website, www.furtakersofamerica.com
59th Wisconsin Square & Round Dance Convention Grab your partner for another fun convention on tap this summer—the 59th Wisconsin Square and Round Dance Convention will visit Marshfield from August 10-12 at Marshfield Senior High School. Dancers from across the state will converge on Marshfield for this fun convention, which will feature Mike Hogan as the special guest caller, in addition to many other local and regional callers, cuers, and prompters from Wisconsin and the surrounding states. The Siegmann family will facilitate the Sunday Inspirational Hour with their live dance band.
From 8:30am to 12:30pm August 10, the group will be sponsoring a “Dairy Trifecta!,” offering a tour of Marshfield’s leading tri-fold dairy industry— producing, processing and marketing. Tours will make three stops: at Nasonville Dairy, Heiman Holsteins and Weber’s Farm Store. The tour, which costs $15 a person and includes bus transportation, begins and ends at Marshfield Senior High School. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit wisquaredanceconvention.org
2018 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Marshfield and Wood County will pay tribute to the state’s farming legacy while embracing the future of this vital industry at the 2018 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days from July 10-12. As Wisconsin’s largest agriculture show and one of the nation’s finest, Farm Technology Days attracts thousands of visitors and highlights the research and technology advancements that continue to propel the agriculture industry forward while remaining a staple provider since the pioneering days of Wisconsin. Agriculture is a large economic driver in the state of Wisconsin, as the industry contributes an estimated $88.3 billion to the state’s economy. With 68,700 farms providing some 413,500 jobs, Wisconsin is deeply immersed in agriculture—and right at the heart of it is Wood County.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2018 WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS INCLUDE: • 600+ exhibitors, including large and small equipment vendors, agricultural products and services, free skin cancer screenings and a heritage equipment display • Innovation Square, which features a miniature cranberry marsh and the newest developments in ag technology • Field demonstrations for alfalfa mowing and cutting, hay merging, forage harvesting and unmanned aerial scouting • UW Extension presentations – talk with crop and livestock experts, review the latest in university research and educational displays • Farm tour of the D&B Sternweis Farms, Weber’s Farm Store • A youth tent with hands-on learning, farm safety education and agriculture career speakers • Food tents where you can enjoy a variety of foods and try specialty grilled cheese sandwiches • A Family Living section with entertainment, interactive learning sessions and arts & crafts and vendors • Admission is $8 per person, but parking is free. The family farms hosting Farm Technology Days for Wood County have a long, rich history in the area. The Daryl & Brenda Sternweis family runs a fifth-generation family farm that was established in 1879. As visionaries, the Sternweis family built the area’s first free-stall barn and milking parlor in 1965 and recently constructed a modern free-stall barn with rotary milk parlor. Their partner host families, the Ken & Joellen and Kelvin & Marilyn Heiman families, have a long history in the Wood County dairy industry as well. Their legacy begins with a cheese factory organized in 1885 by area farmers which has now grown into a 100-employee factory that continues to provide service to area farmers. The Heiman family company has grown into a six-entity business that includes Heiman Holsteins which features a modern 40-cow rotary parlor with viewing area. The Heiman families are very committed to the Marshfield area community and the agriculture industry, with plans for a future on-farm education center. For more information and a schedule of events, visit: wifarmtechnologydays.com/wood/
NEW PLAZA A DRAW FOR RESIDENTS, VISITORS A vibrant new plaza in downtown Marshfield promises to become a strong attraction that will benefit both residents and visitors. The Wenzel Family Plaza, scheduled to open in Summer 2018, is a new outdoor space that will host a variety of concerts and events. The plaza has been constructed on a site that was once home to the Marshfield News-Herald. The plaza is being built with a combination of city and private funds, which includes a large contribution by the Wenzel family, creators of Wenzel’s Farm Sausage. “My father, Harry J. Wenzel, had a very simple, straightforward philosophy,” said Judy Wenzel, a member of the family. “He always said, ‘Leave a place better because you have been there.’ “My father, mother, and my brother Russell were dedicated to making Marshfield a better place. Clearly, Marshfield is a community of people who embrace and live by that philosophy. It shows in the many unique parks, buildings, and projects that make this city so very special. I hope the Wenzel Family Plaza will be a centerpiece for the continued growth in downtown Marshfield.” The idea of having a green space in the downtown area is something that the City of Marshfield has been working on for many years. “Nowadays in communities, and especially downtowns, people are looking for opportunities to gather for various events, whether it’s music performances, or farmers markets, or just a place for people to come and throw a Frisbee,” said Jason Angell, former Director of Development Services for the city of Marshfield. “These community gathering spaces have proven throughout the country to be an effective driving force helping to spur economic development, especially to improve downtown businesses dependent on foot traffic.” According to Angell, the city identified a need for a community gathering space about 15 years ago. In 2015, the updated downtown master plan reinforced that need. The space will host a whole variety of activities in the heart of downtown Marshfield. The design will be uniquely Marshfield, reflecting the city’s railroad heritage throughout the plaza. The main entrance for the new plaza will be located on the corner of Second and Chestnut streets. Design elements include amenities such as green space, a performance stage for outdoor concerts and a water element. The plaza will feature bistro-type seating for outdoor dining areas, and bicycle parking along with nearby vehicle parking. Wenzel Family Plaza will serve as a multi-use, year-round gathering space in the community for events, relaxation, art and entertainment, and is expected to be completed by July.
Power of Tourism in Wisconsin The Power of the Vacation
Can’t Miss Events
This summer fill your calendar with yourIMPACT bucket list, not your OF to-do list!TOURISM It’s proven that travel is valuable and necessary for strengthening ECONOMIC personal relationships, inspiring creative thinking, improving professional performance and promoting better health. Here are four reasons Visitors Marshfi why you need to take afuel vacation this year.eld area economy
JUNE 1-3 Dairyfest, Marshfield
Lively events, a world-class hospital and a great mix of shopping andRelationships attractions draw visitorsand to friends. Marshfield, providing boost to theand Creativity. When a person 1. Improved with family 3. BusinessaProductivity local economy.
takes a walk on the beach or hikes a trail, the ideas start flowing. On vacation, you’re away from the stressors of everyday life According to fi gures from the state Department of Tourism, visitors spent and able to tune in and connect with what is most important. When do you ever hear someone say they discovered their best $93.0 million in Wood County 2016, a 1.81 percent increase over 2016. It’s aboutVisitors making memories thatCounty last a lifetime with the people idea orinfound inspiration from sitting in their cubicle? But send a to Wood generated $11.8 million state and local tax revenue. person on vacation and see what happens. you love. Did you know that 2 out of 3 adults ages 55 and older remember family vacations from ashas early grown as five years “Traveler spending an old? average of 4.5% per year since 2011,” Whencredit you travel, you get an education. You learn Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said. “It’s4.aEducation. tremendous to the industry in all 72study counties they do to create funand you meet new people. When 2. Healthtourism and Wellness. A new health reveals and that the work geography, history and culture, vacation experiences, market their destinations, and provide great vacation has a strong impact on stress and can provide shortthis happens, it usually makes you more curious about the world customer service that makes travelers want to return to Wisconsin term improvements in overall well-being. People who take their around you. You’ve heard of the 3 R’s, but here’s one more to each year.” consider: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Roaming. Don’t let vacations are healthier, happier, more mentally alert and physWOOD COUNTY TOURISM ically fit. A variety of studies show that vacations cut the risk of theEXPENDITURES world pass you by. Direct Visitor State and heart attack, cancer and other health conditions. Employment Spending Local Taxes Millions
%
2016
2017
Change
$91.4
$93.0
1.81%
20
Total 2016
%
Millions
JUNE 14-17 Prairie Villa Rendezvous, Prairie du Chien JUNE 22-23 Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival, Ellsworth JUNE 27-JULY 8 Summerfest, Milwaukee JULY 6-7 Eaux Claires Music Festival, Eau Claire JULY 14-15 Art Fair on the Square, Madison JULY 19-21 Lumberjack World Championships, Hayward JULY 23-29 EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh AUGUST 2-12 Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis AUGUST 17-19 National Championship Musky Open, Eagle River AUGUST 24-25 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, Superior SEPTEMBER 1-3 Ho-Chunk Pow-Wow, Black River Falls
%
2017
Change
2016
2017
Change
2,227 2,226
-0.03%
$11.6
$11.8
1.29%
Attractions for Your Bucket List
JUNE 8-10 Walleye Weekend, Fond du Lac
According to the state’s numbers, Marshfield’s visitors support a substantial number of jobs. Total visitor-generated employment stands at 2,226 people in Wood County. The tourism industry provides work across the spectrum of employment from entry-level and part-time jobs to management, executive and entrepreneurial positions. Unlike some industries, the jobs can’t be exported.
WoodFalls, County, these workers are paid a combined $62.8 million and many 1. Big In Manitou Superior of those dollars are spent and invested back into the local community. Local businesses, including lodging establishments, restaurants and retail stores, 3. Elroy-Sparta Kendall all benefiState t fromTrail, traveler spending.
2. Circus World Museum, Baraboo
4. Dane County Farmers Market, Madison Why people visit Marshfield 5. Discovery World, Milwaukee
The Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau recently surveyed visitors
6. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Hayward and potential travelers about their thoughts on Marshfield. As one might
7. House on the the Rock,world-class Spring Green Marshfield Clinic is a top reason why people come expect, to Marshfi but Hall travelers identifi 8. Lambeau Field &eld, Packers of Fame, Greened Bayseveral other reasons for visiting the community as well.
Calling to the explorer in all of us, the Apostle Islands National is known worldwide for its breathtaking Events are a big draw, contributing MarshfiLakeshore eld economy. 10. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau millions to the sandstone cliffs and sea caves. This chain of 21 Major 2018 events include Farm Technology Days, the Fur Takers accessible of 11. Lumberjack Steam Train & Camp Five Museum, Laona America 50th Anniversary Rendezvous and the 59th Square islandsWisconsin off the shores of Bayfield is ideal for exploring historic & Round DanceKenosha Convention. lighthouses, old-growth forests, windswept beaches and 12. Mars Cheese Castle, offers numerous kayaking and 13. TheOther Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville top activities visitors engage in include sporting events, shopping andhiking opportunities
9. La Crosse Queen Cruises, La Crosse
business trips. Top theyrocks, are inrock? Marshfi eld Niagara Escarpment is a Think The 14. New Glarus Brewery, Newthings Glarusvisitors say they do while
include dining out, shopping, visiting the zoo, checking out Marshfield’s 440-million-year-old cliff that extends from Wisconsin to Niagara Falls. Rich with fossils, forestland, rare plant species, 16. Peninsula Players Theater, Fish Creek and waterfalls, this rock The Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is caves committed to growing the corridor also has petroglyphs, 17. Road America, number of Elkhart visitorsLake to Marshfield, and is looking forward to continued growth pictographs and effigy mounds. in tourism development. 18. Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc One of just 80 – and our state’s only – national scenic 19. Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum, Spooner byways, Wisconsin’s Great River Road National Scenic 20. World’s Largest Penny, Woodruff Byway encompasses 250 miles along the Mississippi. The byway, named “The Prettiest Drive in America” by readers of Huffington Post, offers breathtaking views best enjoyed while meandering through 33 quaint river towns.
15. Original Wisconsin Ducks, children Wisconsinto Dells nightlife and taking Jurustic Park.
Explore Wisconsin’s National Treasures
Travelers looking for outdoor adventure, exploration and discovery need not head any further than Wisconsin. The Marshfi eld Convention state is filled with National Park Service, National Forest and Visitor Service and other federallyBureau designated areas where quiet 700 S. Central waters await paddlers, peacefulAve. forests beckon hikers and Marshfi eld, 54449 scenic byways show off theirWI splendor.
For even more waterfront views, head to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, established to preserve the area’s natural resources. The lush landscape provides the perfect backdrop for camping, biking, fishing and countless other outdoor activities. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile tour of Wisconsin’s glacial history. One of only eight scenic trails in the country, it offers hikers striking vistas along lakes and streams, remnant prairies and former lumber camps. The trail ambles from Potawatomi State Park, through the Kettle
Morraine State Forest, to Devil’s Lake State Park and Antigo Falls and ending at Interstate State Park. Don’t put away those hiking boots – try the North Country National Scenic Trail. The 4,000-mile trail travels through seven northern states, including Wisconsin, where it clips the northwest corner of the state for 200 miles, passing through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties. Cave of the Mounds is a designated National Natural Landmark, nicknamed the “jewel box” of America’s major caves for its delicate formations. The main cave began forming more than a million years ago and was accidently discovered in 1939 when quarry workers removing limestone blasted into rock, revealing the cavern. Today, the cave is open for tours, where it’s a comfortable 50-degrees year-round. Established in the 1930s, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest sprawls across an astounding 1.5 million acres, with units across Wisconsin’s northwestern and northeastern regions. The forest comprises most of the federally protected land in Wisconsin with its dense woodlands and sparkling waterways perfect for observe black bears, ruffed grouse and loons in their natural habitat. Speaking of natural habitats, Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the nation. It’s best known as a migratory stop for vast flocks of Canada geese, but it’s more than just geese—upwards of 300 species of birds have been spotted here.
Toll Free: 800-422-4541 | Phone: 715-384-4314 visitmarshfield.com 201 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 TravelWisconsin.com ı tourinfo ı travelwisconsin.com ı 1-800-432-8747
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM: Our mission is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel information and establishing strategic partnerships, we play a significant role in delivering exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin.