essential travel
BY ANNE SAYERS
hen you drive from the south into Wisconsin, as so many Illinois folks do to experience the incredible vacation destinations in the Badger State, those using Highway 90 are welcomed by the city of Beloit, the gateway to Wisconsin.
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UNCOVERING WISCONSIN’S HIDDEN GEMS
BELOIT
And it’s lucky for you because Beloit is an incredible destination all its own. Named an All-America City by the National Civic League and one of Travel + Leisure’s Greatest American Main Streets, Beloit is a historic city offering the best of a small-town getaway with big-city attractions, including top-ofthe-line culinary experiences, unique cultural attractions, and gorgeous views along the Rock River. Beloit has been called the mostunderrated city in Wisconsin, so plan to do what more than one million other tourists do each year—make some time to discover the unexpected in Beloit with the help of the following itineraries.
THE FAMILY TRAVELER On the banks of the Rock River, the Ironworks Hotel has industrial character and rustic charm with everything you need for the whole family (even offering a special room service menu for your dog!). This boutique hotel is within walking distance of many attractions in the area. In fact, it’s just a 15-minute walk from one of the crown jewels of Beloit, Riverside Park. The 23-acre park comes alive in the summer, and visitors can rent paddleboats, fishing poles, and tandem bikes to make for a fun day. The kids will love Turtle Island, a playground that features a treehouse, a lookout, a sandpit, and a shipwreck to explore. If the team is in town, take the family out to the ballgame to see the Beloit Snappers for major league talent at minor league prices. The games even feature fireworks at Saturday games in the summer.
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