Best of Menomonie 2022

menomonie Best Of

WHAT'S GOOD AND WHERE TO GO IN THE GEM ON THE RED CEDAR

menomonie:

NORTHWOODS BEAUTY MEETS SMALL-CITY CHARM

It’s easy enough to call Menomonie a “college town,” and while that’s a fair description, it barely scratches the sur face of one of western Wisconsin’s most beautiful communities. Nestled around gorgeous Lake Menomin, the town generates a story book vibe, with enough hills and urban trees to make exploring the place a mini adventure. But don’t let Menomonie's small town looks fool you. It’s home to some of the region’s most interesting shops, businesses, and eateries, showing us how the people of Menomonie don’t shy away from new ideas and concepts. And speaking of that college, UW-Stout adds a powerful dose of forward thinking as well, offering some of the state’s most exciting degrees in fields such as industrial design, fashion, environmental science, and game design. That’s on top of the thousands of young people it draws into the city each year. Finally, proving Menomonie is a Wisconsin town through and through, it rests alongside some of the region’s very best trails, waterways, forests, and parks, giving its residents easy access to all kinds of outdoor fun. Oh, and lest we forget, this town also features one for the Midwest’s most celebrated historic theaters. In short, check out Menomonie. You’ll be happy with what you find.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

MABEL TAINTER THEATER

Best Of

menomonie

PRIDE IN THE PUNCHBOWL

MENOMONIE GEOLOGICAL LANDMARK GETS NEW INVESTMENT words by MCKENNA SCHERER

The Devil's Punchbowl, officially established as a landmark more than 50 years ago in 1961, is an isolated and unmatched geological gem in the Menomonie area. Carved by water over the course of thousands of years, the landmark’s name is a fitting description of how the cascading water falls down into a sandstone hollow

However, you’ll have to wait a few weeks to travel into the iconic gem – voted the region’s Best Kept Secret in Volume One’s annual Best of the Chippewa Valley Poll – as it is currently closed for construction.

In the beginning of 2021, the Landmark Conservancy – the nonprofit entity that owns the Punchbowl – launched a campaign to raise funds to replace the stairway to Menomonie’s gorgeous and rare landmark. Last renovated in 2015 with the addition of the upper part of the stairway, the wooden stairs

were originally built in 2000. By the time the fundraiser was underway at the end of April, the steps were more than ready for renovation, said the Landmark Conservancy’s Community Outreach Coordinator Sara Norman.

“This preserve gets a lot of visitation, like a lot, and the old stairway was worn out from visitors heading down into the bowl to experience the unique natural rock amphitheater,” Norman explained.

The steps provide a much safer and direct path down into the bowl, though the Punchbowl also has two short trails. The upper trail winds near the top of the Punchbowl and goes through a small patch of woods, overlooking down into the bowl. The second trail is straight off the parking lot and brings visitors to a long stairway leading to the waterfall and exposed rock of the bowl. That trail is specifically marked as a challenge, recommended for folks who are well-versed in that type of

trail who are wearing appropriate footwear.

While the $75,000 fundraising goal was reached at the end of May 2021, it wasn’t until this past April that the Landmark Conservancy was able to secure Market & Johnson to build the new stairway. With a gorgeous proposed plan for the steps, the new stairs will also wrap even higher up than before.

“The stairway is being built out of treated lumber. A big improvement is that there are now cement footings and the tread of the stairway will be higher above the ground,” Norman said.

While the Punchbowl is stunning to the eye, it is also home to a unique array of plant life, so much so that UW-Stout Professor of Biology Amanda Little and Environmental Science student Britney Serafina have been conducting a rare plant study there. Funded by a grant

from the Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund, as of July 14, the duo had identified 125 species – and more are expected.

“I think what is so interesting is that it is a very, very small area with such a high diversity of species that have a huge range of habitat requirements: dry prairie to moist cliffs and northern forest,” Little said.

Such a diverse and unique concentration of habitats and plant life only furthers the importance of Punchbowl visitors respecting the land, Norman said.

Though construction of the stairway is weather-dependent, it is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

The Devil’s Punchbowl is on 410th Street about three miles from the city of Menomonie. See updates on the Landmark Conservancy's Facebook page and website (landmarkwi.org)

THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL NEW STAIRCASE

THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL IN WINTER

Best Of

menomonie

HAVE YOU CURD THE GOOD NEWS?

ELLSWORTH CREAMERY OPENS IN MENOMONIE

words + photo by MCKENNA SCHERER

Not to be too cheesy, but Ellsworth Co-op Creamery's Menomonie Grand opening event on Thursday, July 14, was grate. It was so gouda, it can only get cheddar from here. In fact, if you're feelin' blue (cheese), swing into the new shop – it’ll make you brie-lieve in magic. OK, I’m done milkin' the cheese puns (no, I'm not).

Nestled into a unique 60,000 -square-foot space off County Road B just outside of Menomonie, the new Ellsworth Creamery location’s grand opening weekend kicked off just with short and sweet remarks from notable Ellsworth Creamery and Menomonie folks, and even the secretary of Wisconsin's Depart ment of Agriculture.

Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack welcomed and thanked the co-op, not only for the new cheese-slingin’ location, but also for bringing more jobs to the community.

“We are known as America’s Dairy land for a reason,” Romanski said. “Agriculture is a $104.8 billion industry, and the dairy industry is about half of that. It’s important to support projects like this.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, pre

sented by the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, invited all who were outside the creamery to join in on the iconic moment, with confetti flying as the official cut was made.

Perhaps the most unique part of the Menomonie location lies beyond the array of Sprecher’s Root Beer, as sorted cheeses and crackers, or ice cream flavors available for scoopin’. The new Ellsworth Co-op offers visi tors a glimpse right into the chee semaking process, with windows from the retail store showing the workers and machinery who create the beloved squeaky curds. At about 60,000 square feet, the facility was made for cheesy greatness.

In fact, the Menomonie location is a chip off the ol’ block: Ellsworth has been dubbed “the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin” thanks to the co-op’s world-famous white cheddar curds. The co-op now makes cheese in Menomonie, Ellsworth, and New London, and sells it both through its own stores, online, and at grocery stories and cheese shops far and wide.

Swing by the new Ellsworth Co-op, 3001 County Road B, and visit their Facebook page @EllsworthCheese.

GET A SLICE OF THIS

ELLSWORTH CREAMERY'S LATEST LOCATION IS RIGHT OUTSIDE OF MENOMONIE.

Best Of

menomonie

THE CADDIE CONNECTION

PARK FEATURES HOME OF GIRL WHO INSPIRED BELOVED CHILDREN’S BOOK

words by MCKENNA SCHERER | photo by ANDREA PAULSETH

A scenic spot a few miles outside Menomonie is also a notable historic park named for a much-loved children's book character. Known for more than just its picturesque outdoors charm, Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park is operated by the Dunn County Historical Society. It is perhaps best known as the onetime home to Caroline Augusta Woodhouse, or “Caddie,” who inspired the title character from the 1935 Newbery Awardwinning children’s book, Caddie Woodlawn

For folks who have read the beloved book, the park will hold a specific allure as the location of the 1856 home of the Woodhouse family. The park was dedicated to Caddie more than 50 years ago. The ceremony featuring the book’s author, Carol Ryrie Brink, granddaughter of the real-life Caddie.

At the ceremony, Brink thanked the community, saying her grandmother would have been proud: “There is something firm and stable in a community

that values its past. It makes me happy to know that my grandmother will always be remembered in Wisconsin as part of that cherished past.”

Though it was moved from its original site a few hundred yards away, the park is part of Caddie’s father’s 160-acre farm. In fact, the original Woodhouse patriarch, John V. Woodhouse, acquired official land ownership via papers signed by Abraham Lincoln himself.

In addition to the house, which is free to tour, the park includes a log cabin and a covered picnic area with restrooms and running water. The historic park is open during daylight hours from spring through fall, and is located about nine miles south of Menomonie at N1250 Highway 25.

For more information and travel directions, check out the Dunn County Historical Society website dunnhisory.org.

WOODHOUSE HOME

The original Woodhouse family, whose daughter Caroline Augusta inspired Caddie Woodlawn, lived in the above house.

Best Of

menomonie

NEW TO TOWN

THIRSTY? HUNGRY? NEED A TRIM? THESE NEW MENOMONIE BUSINESSES HAVE GOT YOU COVERED

words by MCKENNA SCHERER

With its historic gems and stunning outdoor views, Menomonie's beauty is well known. Amid this treasured small-town atmosphere, Menomonie continues to expand and offer exciting, must-see businesses.

Here’s a roundup of new spots to visit:

Broadway Barber Co.

1120 Broadway St., Menomonie

This new barbershop – the only one in Menomonie – specializes in fades, straight-razor neck shaves and beard trims, and more, priding itself on “bringing back old-school

barbering with a modern day-twist.”

The co-owners and current barbers at Broadway, Aloha Montgomery and Naomi Smith, have a combined 25 total years of experience. “We wanted Broadway Barber Co. to be a step above being more than just an in-and-out haircut place," the duo said. With the help of a friend, the duo took the leap from their jobs in Eau Claire to launch Broadway Barber Co. Experienced in all textured hair and styles, the shop is usually by-appointment, but they take walk-ins dependent on availability.

Learn more about Broadway Barber or book an appointment on their Facebook page (@BroadwayBarberCo).

Foxwood Gallery

645 S. Broadway St., Menomonie

Foxwood Gallery’s Grand Opening celebration will be held over the weekend of July 23-24, with doors opening at noon on July 23. The tattoo shop and art gallery is being opened by award-winning and locally known tattoo artist Eric Schultz, who focuses on realistic black-and-white tattooing. Appointment booking will begin on July 23 for in-person visitors with plenty of cool Grand Opening specials, including $50 flash tattoos and a few chances to win free tattoos.

Follow Foxwood Gallery on Instagram (@foxwoodgallery) or check out the website (foxwoodgallery.com) for more information.

6th Avenue Cidery

120 6th Ave., Menomonie

Opening near the start of 2022 by duo Tanya Husby and Penny Burstad, 6th Avenue Cidery specializes in – you guessed it –ciders. With a wide variety of cider options, including several on-tap, their menu also includes cocktails,

beer, hard coffee and tea, and food! Snag a charcuterie board to go along with your ciders or wine, or if you're feelin’ sweet, try their cheesecake. With a unique and mouth-watering menu of both food and drinks, 6th Avenue Cidery strives to be a true hang-out spot with a chic vibe where folks can truly connect.

Learn more about 6th Avenue Cidery via their Facebook page (@6thAvenueCidery) or website (6thavenuecider.com).

Mechelle’s KAB Salon

390 Red Cedar St., Suite N, Menomonie

Recently settled into its new location inside the professional building on Red Cedar Street, Mechelle’s KAB (Keeping America Beautiful) Salon focuses on braid styles for men, women, and children, including box braids, feed-in braids, dread re-twists, and more. The salon also offers eyelash extension services and an electric massage chair.

Keep up with Mechelle’s Salon via Facebook (@MiaMakesTheMoney).

Best Of

THE BARN AT COPPER CREEK

MUSIC, FOOD, AND RELAXATION ARE ALL IN THE BARN words by SAWYER HOFF

Not trying fresh farm-to-table meals made by local chefs is a big miss-steak. The century-old barn at Copper Creek (N7681 500th St., Menomonie) is hosting farm-to-table events with a new addition this year: live music.

While half of the 2022 events have passed, there are still more oppor tunities coming up on Aug. 4 and 19, Sept. 9 and 22, and Oct. 7. Each of these events will have its own menu showcasing some of the savory meat that comes from the farm, which is just a few miles north of Menomonie off of Highway 25.

Menus at the past events have fea tured all sorts of food, including Rabbit au Vin, Pork Blanquette, Ratatouille, tacos, pizza, and more. While you enjoying your delicious

meal, live music will run from 5:308:30pm.

Upcoming performers will be Mat thew Sayles, Kelsey Miles, Betty Danger, Glen Everhart, Nick Ander son, and Josh White. The menu for the evening usually comes out one week in advance and can be seen on the Barn at Copper Creek’s social media pages.

The secluded, restored barn can hold up to 300 people and is a re laxing indoor space to enjoy these farm-to-table nights. The barn is also a scenic wedding venue with a scenic rural background.

To learn more, visit them online at barnatcoppercreek.com or search for @barnatcoppercreek on Facebook and Instagram.

THE BARN AT COPPER CREEK

menomonie

Best Of

menomonie

DON'T MENOMO-MISS THESE SPOTS

10 OF THE COOLEST OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS IN MENOMONIE

words by SAWYER HOFF | photos by TIMOTHY MATHER & ANDREA PAULSETH

The Menomonie area offers an abundance of things to do outdoors, including some you just can't miss. Here is a list of local favorites you can enjoy by yourself or with your friends and family!

Devil's Punchbowl

410TH ST., MENOMONIE

While the name may give a queasy feeling, The Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the prettiest – and most unique – places to hike in Menomonie. There is a beautiful waterfall inside the “bowl,” which is a circular wall of rocks carved over the millennia by water. The stairway is currently under construction but will reopen soon. This is a challenging trail – so be aware! Learn more about the rare and gorgeous site at landmarkwi. org.

Dunn County Recreation Park

620 17TH ST., MENOMONIE

This park is a great place for families to spend the day, with many fun things to do. There is a picnic area, restrooms, a track, an ice hockey arena, lighted ball fields, and exhibition buildings. That sounds like a day of fun to us! Learn

more at menomonie-wi.gov.

Dunnville Wildlife Area

SOUTH OF CHIPPEWA RIVER + COUNTY HIGHWAY Y AND 210TH AVENUE ON THE NORTH

Also called “Dunville Bottoms,” this area has sand beaches, steep hillsides, and a vast forest. It's a great space for camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov.

Red Cedar State Trail

912 BRICKYARD ROAD, MENOMONIE

This 14.5-mile trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail and passes prairies, farmland, bluffs, and the Red Cedar River for one beautiful adventure. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov.

Govin's Farm

N6134 670TH ST., MENOMONIE

For some good ol’ farm fun, head over to Govin’s Farm where –depending on the time of year – they have a barn with cute farm animal babies, berry picking, and a corn maze and haunted trail during

the spooky season. Learn more at govinsfarm.com.

Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm

N1409 566TH ST., MENOMONIE

A fan of fishing? This farm is known for its Rainbow Trout fishing and beautiful views. They also cook up your catch at their “Hobo Shorelunch” and have drinks and live music on the weekends. Learn more at eatmyfish.com.

Lake Menomin

2997 DOMANIN DRIVE, MENOMONIE

There is plenty to do on Lake Menomin such as visiting the park, their 8.3-mile Lake Menomin Loop, and – of course – swimming and fishing in the lake. Learn more at dnr.wi.gov.

Irvington Campground, Tube, & Canoe Rentals

E4176 COUNTY ROAD D, MENOMONIE

For all you campers out there, the Irvington Campground has everything in the name. Bring

your tents or RVs (they have full hookups with electricity and water) and enjoy a fun time in the woods. Learn more at menomoniecamping. com.

Wakanda Park and Water Park

909 PINE AVE. E, MENOMONIE

Your kiddos will have a blast swimming in the water park and enjoying a fun time on the large playground in Wakanda Park. The park also includes the Russell J. Rassbach Museum, the Menomonie Lions Club Game Park and natural trail, ballfields, playgrounds, an 18hold disc golf course, views of Lake Menomin, and more. Learn more at facebook.com/wakandah2opark.

Wilson Park

800 WILSON AVE., MENOMONIE

Wilson Park is an iconic part of Menomonie, hosting the city’s farmers market and the weekly Ludington Guard Band concerts (each Tuesday from June to early August). There are also tons of fun events held in the park – like yoga and the city’s Pride events! Learn more at Wilson Park’s Facebook page.

JEREMIAH'S BULLFROG FARM

GOVIN'S FARM

Best Of

BEST EATERIES AND MORE!

WHAT’S REALLY THE BEST OF MENOMONIE?

Best Restaurant in Menomonie

A whole slew of restaurants in the Menomonie area make flavor their middle name. LUCETTE BREWING CO. AND WOODFIRE EATERY (910 Hudson Road) not only brews beer but also serves up some of the best eats in the Menomonie area. Try their Sweet Honey Love pizza, and fall in love with this restaurant on your own. JAKE’S SUPPER CLUB (E5690 County Hwy. D) is known for can’t-miss specials. Try the sandwiches, steaks, and prime rib to get the full Menomonie experience. LOG JAM BAR & EATERY (709 Broadway St. S.) takes third place for its laidback vibe with casually delicious food, brews, and entertaining sports broadcasts in the back. An honorable mention goes to TED’S PIZZA PALACE (306 Main St. E.), whose hand-crafted pizza pies and

love for great food earned them a close fourth place.

A-maze-ing Faves

Two Menomonie corn-maze-ing spots made the Top 3 for our readers. GOVIN'S FARM (N6134 670th St.) snagging the No. 2 spot. It’s a family favorite known for its berry pickin’ season and fall activities. Following up at No. 3, VALLEY PASTURE FARM (E7631 N County Rd. E, Elk Mound), a 15-minute drive from Menomonie, is well known for its pumpkin patch and fall activities, like its corn maze, of course.

Get Outside

Several examples of Menomonie’s unmatched scenic beauty landed in our Best Of results. The RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL , which weaves through the Red Cedar Valley and has its Menomonie

trailhead at the depot visitor center along Highway 29, was voted the No. 2 Best Trail for Biking. HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA (740th Street) was voted No. 3 Best Trail for Hiking. It offers more than 700

acres of preserved wetlands, prairie land, and wooded hills to hike your way through. And THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL (410th Street), a rare natural rock ampitheater, was voted the No. 1 Best Kept Secret by our readers. (We won’t tell anyone!)

HERE’S WHAT VOTERS IN OUR LATEST BEST OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY POLL SAID words by V1 STAFF | photo by ANDREA PAULSETH

menomonie

LUCETTE BREWING CO.

Best Of

menomonie

SUN’S OUT, FUN’S OUT

FROM MUSIC TO RACING, ENJOY THESE EVENTS BEFORE SUMMER IS FINISHED words by V1 STAFF | photos by ANDREA PAULSETH

As much as we hate to admit it, summer is halfway over. But that shouldn’t stop us from making the most of what’s left. Here is a list of some of the cool events in Menomonie that are still coming up on the summer calendar.

Music Over Menomin

Thursdays, Aug. 4 and 11 •

Menomonie Public Library, 600 Wolske Bay Road

Held right on the front lawn of the Menomonie Public Library, Music

Over Menomin is wrapping up its 12th season. You can listen to Cathy Reitz and the 7Swing on Aug. 4 and North of Dixie on Aug. 11. The shows start at 7pm and are free to all!

Zymurderfest

Saturday, Aug. 13 • Zymurgy Brewing Co., 624 Main St. E

If you’re a fan of death metal, this festival will have you throwing up the devil’s horns for artists like Pitlord, Ancient Entities, Coffin Rites, Dead Soul Symphony, Blodwar, and Torment. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Season Championship at Red Cedar Speedway

Friday, Aug. 19 • Red Cedar Speedway, 620 17th St. SE

The Red Cedar Speedway is wrapping up its regular season with

the Championship Night on Aug. 19. The grandstands open at 5pm, but you can arrive earlier with your kids to participate in Kids Club activities. The racing starts at 7pm.

Sadistic Century Bike Race

Saturday, Aug. 20 • Dunn County Recreation Park, 620 17th St. SE

Grind your gears at this challenging 100-mile, 100 km, and 60 km bike ride. The 100-miler begins with a rolling start at 7am, and includes 30 climbs with a nearly 9,000-foot elevation gain! Register online before August and get a free T-shirt. Sameday registration starts at 6:30am, and the post-ride meal and refreshments will be served from 11am to 4pm.

FAST TIMES

You can catch the action at Red Cedar Speedway throughout the racing season, which runs April to September.

WINTERDAZE

WINTERDAZE

VINTAGE BASEBALL

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

A YEAR'S WORTH OF ANNUAL EVENTS IN AND AROUND MENOMONIE words by JAMES JOHONNOTT | photos by TIMOTHY MATHER & ANDREA PAULSETH

Don’t take Menomonie’s small-town charm as an indication that there’s not hing to do here. In fact, the year is packed with annual events you won’t want to miss. Here’s a sampling of what the next 12 months will hold:

Summertime Live Music in Menomonie Outdoor live music is a Chippewa Valley summer tradition.

• Ludington Guard Band • Tuesdays at 7:30pm at Wilson Park • Find it on Facebook A community concert band dating back to 1877.

• Music Over Menomin • Thursdays at 7pm outside Menomonie Public Library • menomoniepubliclibrary.org Live music on the shore of Lake Menomin.

• Vino Cappucino • Fridays & Saturdays, 5:307:30pm • vinocappuccinobistro.com Music on the patio of this Bistro in Elk Mound. Wine, woodfired pizzas, artisan desserts, and more.

• Jeremiah’s Fish Farm • Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30-4:30pm • eatmyfish.com Music and fishin’ on the shore of the trout pound.

Dunn County Fair Late July (July 27-31, 2022) • Dunn County Fairgrounds • dunncountyfair. org Celebrating 136 years. Carnival rides, entertainment, vendors, animal exhibitions, and more.

Red Cedar Film Festival Late July-Early August (July 28-31, 2022) • redcedarfilm.org •

Downtown Menomonie Held in the heart of Downtown Menomonie, this festival screens a variety of films outdoor in Wilson Park and in Mabel Tainter.

Menomonie Airfest Early August (Aug 6, 2022)

• Menomonie Municipal Airport • Menomonieairfest.org Watch planes taking off and landing, wander through the car show, enjoy a pancake breakfast and beer garden, food vendors, paint a real car, tethered hot air balloon rides, and kids activities.

Zymurderfest Mid-August (Aug 13, 2022) • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com Zymurgy Brewing hosts an annual death metal music festival featuring metal bands from near and far. The area’s can’t-miss death metal event.

Sadistic Century Late August (Aug 20, 2022) • Dunn County Recreation Park • corbatrails.org A truly punishing bike race with over 30 separate climbs and a total of 8,819 foot elevation gain in the full century (100 miles). After party with a free meal and beer with registration.

Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail Late October• Govins Farm • facebook.com/ twistedtalesofhorror An annual spooktacular set in scenic Govin’s Farm.

Winterdaze Parade Early December • Downtown Menomonie • facebook.com/ downtownmenomonie Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus,

ride horse-drawn wagons, hot cocoa, parade, fireworks, and more.

Stout & Porter Fest Early April • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com Enjoy dark beer offerings from regional breweries, along with a keg tapping of a Zymurgy original porter or stout.

Mabel’s Community Celebration Late May • Mabel Tainter Center • mabeltainter.org The historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts gives back to the community with a free event featuring art vendors, food trucks, music, dance performances, and cash bars.

Wine Walk Mid-June • Downtown Menomonie • facebook.com/downtownmenomonie An annual wine event where you can sample wine varietals and shop at 10-15 shops in historic Downtown Menomonie.

Menomonie Vintage Baseball Festival

L ate June • Phelen Park • facebookcom/ menomoniebluecaps A baseball tournament played like it was in 1860. Hosted by the Menomonie Blue Caps vintage baseball team, this festival features teams from around the country.

Menomonie Pride Drag Show Late June • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com An annual drag show fundraiser for the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center featuring 15+ drag star performances, raffle drawings, giveaways, dance party, and more.

menomonie Best Of

WHO’S THAT?

PEOPLE BEHIND FAMOUS MENOMONIE NAMES words by TOM GIFFEY

You may notice a number of Menomonie buildings, in stitutions, streets, and even bodies of water named after people. So who were these Menom-onamesakes? Read on to meet a few of them:

James Huff Stout

The educational institution that evolved into what is now known as UW-Stout was endowed by lumber man and politician JAMES HUFF STOUT . His father, Henry Stout, was one of the founders of Knapp, Stout & Co., which dominated the region’s lumber industry in the latter part of the 19th century. James took over manage ment of the company in 1889, and a few years later was elected to the state Senate. Starting in 1891, he funded the Stout Manual Training Schools, which provided manual and domes tic education, and even trained kin dergarten teachers. This became the Stout Institute, which passed into state hands after James died in 1910 and eventually became UW-Stout.

Mabel Tainter

Generosity born out of grief is the reason people known the name of MABEL TAINTER nearly 135 years after her death at the age of 19. Mabel, the daughter of lumber baron Andrew Tainter and his wife, Ber tha, died in 1886. The couple spent $125,000 to fund the construction of the grand Romanesque building in downtown Menomonie that bears her name. It was completed in 1889, and in addition to housing an elabo rate theater – complete with balco nies and a massive pipe organ – the Mabel Tainter was home to a library and the Unitarian Society. Today it’s a beloved (and still active) landmark.

John Holly Knapp

While not as well-known today as Stout, the Knapp name has also survived in the Menomonie area for more than a century. JOHN HOLLY KNAPP was just 21 when he bought an interest in a sawmill on the Red Cedar River in 1846. His partnership with William Wilson evolved into Knapp, Stout & Co., which by the end of the 19th century essentially controlled the entire Red Cedar basin – in the words of one history book, “the river flowage, the timber, the land, and to a degree the people of the valley.” Knapp, who died in 1888, gave his name to Meno monie’s Knapp Street as well as the nearby village of Knapp.

William Wilson

A steamboat captain from Iowa, WILLIAM WILSON came north and decided to try his hand in the lumber business in partnership with Knapp (though Wilson’s name was never on the business because he was heavily in debt and apparently didn’t want his creditors to come after the lumber company). He came to Menomonie in 1846 and was the city’s first mayor. In 1859, he built what is now the Wilson Place Museum, originally a Colonial-style mansion on a 22-acre estate. When he died in 1892, his daughter, Angelina, and her husband, James Huff Stout, inherited the home, which they ex panded and remodeled in the Queen Anne style. By the 1920s, one of Wilson’s grandsons, George Wilson LaPointe Jr., owned the home and transformed it once again – this time into a Mediterranean villa (while also reducing its size by two-thirds).

Today, the Wilson Place Mansion is a museum, and the Dunn County His torical Society offers tours.

Best Of

menomonie

A PLEASIN’ SEASON

MUST-SEE PERFORMANCES FROM MABEL TAINTER’S UPCOMING SEASON

words by JAMES JOHONNOTT | photo by ANDREA PAULSETH

The historic, Victorian era Mabel Tainter Theater is Menomonie's premier spot to see performances of all kinds, in cluding comedy, live music, acrobat ics, and more. This season’s lineup was announced recently, and we’ve highlighted a few shows that are sure to be a hit.

Kathy Mattea & Suzy Boggus: Together at Last Tour SEPT. 6 & 7

Friends since their early days in Nashville, these two singer/songwrit ers with accomplished careers in the country music industry join forces for this unbeatable tour featuring fan-favorite songs and never-beforeheard stories.

The Great DuBois SEPT. 8

A high-energy circus show for all ages showcasing juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic, and audi ence interaction. This two-person team even appeared in the film The Greatest Showman.

Lee Roy Parnell Trio SEPT. 10

Lee Roy Parnell is a Grammy Awardnominated Americana/Blues-Rock artist. Parnell is particularly known for his skill at the slide guitar, his smooth soul-drenched voice, and top-notch songwriting skills, which set him a cut above. His trio has inspirations from Texas blues, Mem phis soul, and Southern rock tradi tions.

Pam Tillis

NOV. 4

Grammy- and CMA Award-winning Pam Tillis is a country music legend, performing for decades with a sound that’s equally at home in an intimate Southern cafe or on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Colin & Brad: Scared Scriptless

MARCH 4

Comedy masterminds Colin Moche rie and Brad Sherwood of Whose Line is it Anyway...? take to the stage to build original scenes and songs from audience suggestions.

MABEL PONDERS

The Mabel Tainter is one of the few theaters from the 1800s that is still mostly in its original state. Many such the aters were converted for the movies, while others were demolished.

In order to continue to serve the community and to keep the theater

The Best of Second City

APRIL 1

This show features some of the best sketch comedy and songs from the Second City vault, updated for the modern era, with plenty of their

trademark improv comedy. What started in 1959 in Chicago as a small comedy club has grown to include theater in Hollywood and Toronto, and has produced some of the great est comedy legends in the world.

Learn more and get tickets at mabeltainter.org.

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

historically intact, while also giv ing it a longer life, the institution’s board of directors is studying the possibility of pursuing a $6.75 mil lion fundraising campaign.

The board contracted Crescendo Fundraising Professionals to con duct a Campaign Readiness Study

Summit on July 26. This summit was meant to help determine the finan cial capacity, leadership potential, general interest, and economic cli mate for the proposed fundraiser. Afterward, there will be a combina tion of online public surveys, focus groups, and confidential interviews to make recommendations to the

board of directors.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the project by complet ing a short survey. To complete the survey, go to the “Development” page on The Mabel Tainter’s website at mabeltainter.org. The deadline to complete the survey is Aug. 15.

Best Of

menomonie

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

THINK MENOMONIE

AWESOME MENOMONIE EVENTS, PLACES TO GO, EXPERIENCES, & MORE

listings by JAMES JOHONNOTT

ATTRACTIONS

—

A to Z Produce and Bakery - Pizza Farm N2956 Anker Lane, Stockholm • (715) 448-4802 • info@atozproduceandbakery.com • atozproduce andbakery.com This weekly pizza destination is open Tuesdays from 4:30-8pm during the Summer. Drivers arrive by car or even horseback. The later you arrive in the season the wait is (can be up to an hour) but the pie is worth it. If you're in a rush, they can fix you one to go. Also a CSA farm. You're welcome to bring your own snacks and games, explore the farm, or purchase beer while you wait.

The Bottoms Put "524th Street/Dunnville Rd" into Google Maps, Menomonie If you’re looking for a pristine beachscape, or a chill secluded place to camp, nothing beats The Bottoms. Once you make your way along the dirt path toward the water, the beach stretches for about a mile along the Red Cedar River in the shadows of a walking bridge from the Red Cedar Trail. The sand is soft, the water is cool, and half the fun is in finding it. Once you’re there, it’s the ultimate oasis for a sunsoaked getaway right here in the Valley.

Brewery Nonic 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • facebook.com/brewerynonic A small, taproom only, truly handcrafted brewery specializing in super fresh beers from a wide variety of influences

Of menomonie

in a historic building. Built within the old train depot building in historic downtown Menomonie. The brewery features 8 taps, 4 of which are yearround favorites. The remaining are filled with seasonal and experimental concoctions.

Cady Cheese Factory 126 State Road 128, Wilson • cadycheese.com Cady Cheese specializes in American type cheeses Colby, Cheddar, Mon terey Jack and Gouda made from 100% natural ingredients. Enjoy free samples of the 100+ flavors of cheeses when you visit.

Crystal Cave W965 State Road 29, Spring Valley • (715) 778-4414 • acoolcave.com Knowl edgeable guides will lead you on a one-hour tour through a maze of well-lighted passages where glistening cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging from the ceiling or covering the ledges. The cave is accessed by a series of steps and ramps that allow you to descend 70 feet underground where your journey follows well-lit, graveled trails. The cave temperature hovers near 50 degrees, so a sweatshirt is recommended.

Devil's Punchbowl 410th St, Menomonie • landmarkwi.org/devils-punchbowl/ The Devil’s Punchbowl is a surreal geological rarity outside Menomonie. Created by the movement of glaciers over 500 million years ago, the bowl is a stunning sandstone hollow circle where water trickles down to the center.

Eau Galle Cheese Factory N6765 State Highway 25, Durand • eaugallecheese.com Fam ily owned since 1945, Eau Galle Cheese produces millions of pounds of cheese every year. Their asiago and parmesan have won 6 awards in national and international cheese competitions. They are a certified organic producer of hard Italian cheeses.

Ellsworth Creamery Cooperative 3001 County Road B, Menomonie • ellsworthcheese. com The recently opened Menomonie location of the award-winning Ellsworth Creamery. Watch the cheesemaking process, try deep fried cheese curds, and enjoy pizzas, sandwiches, ice cream, fudge, specialty meats, and more.

Farm to Fork - Pizza Nights S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • (715) 210-1799 • farmto forkretreat.com Head to the Farm to Fork retreat 5-9pm, Thursdays through Saturdays for woodfired pizza nights. They close for weddings, so keep an eye on their website or Facebook to stay up to date. $15 for basic pizzas, and $18-22 for specialty pies. They serve a variety of local beers at their Milk House Bar.

Furlong Gallery 178 Micheels Hall, UWStout, Menomonie • (715) 232-2261 • uwstout.edu/ furlonggallery/ The Furlong Gallery at UW-Stout features student and touring art exhibits in a variety of media.

Govin’s Meats & Berries N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • govinsmeat sandberries.com In fall, Govin’s features three full acres of pick-your-own pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled hay rides, 11-acre corn maze. They sell a variety of produce and grass-fed/range-fed meats. In Spring, their lambing barn opens to pet the cute animals. In summer, Govin's opens for strawberry picking.

Jeremiah's Bullfrog Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd., Menomonie • (715) 664-8775 • facebook.com/JeremiahsEatMyFish Visit the fish farm and catch your own fish (no license required) and watch as it is netted, cleaned, and iced. Enjoy a shore lunch fish sandwich and live music.

Lucette Brewing Company 910 Hudson Rd., Menomonie • (715) 233-2055 • lucettebrew ing.com Lucette takes its name from Paul Bun yan's girlfriend. Their brews include the Farmer’s Daughter (a blonde ale with coriander) or a highly rated pale ale Ride Again (a drinkable ale with notes of floral and citrus), plus one-of-a-kind small-batch creation. Try their four-beer sampler flights or "guest beers" from other Wisconsin breweries. The Woodfired Eatery serves classic house pizzas, seasonal creations, calzones, and salads.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main St. East, Menomonie • (715) 235-6533 • mmfc.coop Located in downtown Menomonie, this co-op stocks a wide variety of locally sourced

HOFFMAN HILLS

Best Of

menomonie

meats such as beef, buffalo, chicken, heirloom pork, brats & sausages, lamb, and fresh, local sea food. Offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, cheeses, dairy items, breads, spirits, and more gro cery items. They have a deli, serving up fresh cuts and sandwiches, and they teach classes focusing on wellness, foraging, nutrition, and cooking.

Nelson Stone Barn - Pizzeria S685 County Road KK, Nelson • (715) 673-4478 • info@ nelsonstonebarn.com • thenelsonstonebarn.com/ pizzeria Open Friday through Sunday from 5-9pm through the spring and summer months, Nelson boasts a hand-rolled thin crust and meats from lo cally raised livestock. Nelson offers custom pizzas as well as wine, beer, and ice cream. New pizzas are added to the menu often, and you always cus tomize your pie with a "build your own" option.

Red Cedar Speedway 1700 block of Stout Rd., Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie • (715) 235-6318 • info@redcedarracing.com • redcedarracing.com Watching races at the The Red Cedar Speedway is a classic Menomonie area pastime from April through mid August every Friday. Pit gates open at 4pm, main gates at 5pm, with racing at 7pm.

Simply Dunn - Dunn County Pottery E4606 County Rd. C, Downsville • (715) 6648368 • marionlang@charter.net • simply-dunn. com Simply Dunn's newly renovated 18th century schoolhouse is surrounded by spectacular gardens and offers a lovely view of the river valley below. The gallery features fine, local arts and crafts, a shop offering locally made and fair trade gifts, and a beautiful space available to rent for events, classes, and meetings. The gallery and gift shops feature the stoneware, porcelain, and terra cotta pottery of John Thomas.

Valley Pasture Farm E7631 N County Road E, Elk Mound • (715) 256-7676 • valleypasture farm.com In September and October, Valley Pasture Farm hosts a Fall Harvest Festival and pick your own pumpkin patch. Attractions include hay wagon rides, bounce houses, corn maze, giant slides, farm animals, lawn games, and much more. Their store sells free range eggs and pastured lamb.

Vino in the Valley W3826 450th Ave., Maiden Rock • (715) 639-6677 • vinointhevalley. com Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Open Thursday through Sunday, May through September (with additional weekends OctoberDecember), enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta din ner among the vines in an outdoor setting nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley.

Wakanda Waterpark 909 Pine Ave E, Menomonie • (715) 232-5050 • menomonie-wi. gov The Wakanda Waterpark season runs from late may to late August. Nearly 14,000 square feet of water and a 31 foot high waterslide.

Zymurgy Brewing 624 Main Street East, Menomonie • facebook.com/zymurgybrew ing Zymurgy takes its name from the Greek word for the study and practice of fermentation. Brewmaster Jonathan Christenson serves 15 taps from a raw-edge bartop. Zymurgy is modeled to be sustainable, earth-conscious, and minimize waste creation. Many brews are made with local ingredients. 12 taps of unique creations, and non-beer options like root beer, seltzer, and house ginger ale.

LOCAL HISTORY

—

Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park 9 miles S. of Menomonie on Hwy 25, Menomonie • (715) 232-8685 • dunnhistory.org/sitecw.html The house in which Caroline Woodhouse lived has been moved to the park from a nearby farm. Her

granddaughter, Carol Ryrie Brink, based the 1935 Newbery Award-winning children's book Caddie Woodlawn on her life.

Colfax Railroad Museum 500 E. Railroad Ave., Colfax • (715) 962-2076 • colfaxrrmuseum.

org The depot houses the large collection of lanterns, railroad china, and the nation's largest railroad paper-weight collection. The primary purpose of these artifacts is to show what people encountered on day-to-day activities with the rail roads and how the technology changed throughout time.

Fall Creek Historical Society Museum

E111940 County Road J, Fall Creek • (715) 8772850 • kunztwo@centurytel.net • fcHistorical Society.com See items from Fall Creek's history including a doctor's office, a drugstore, dresses, and military uniforms. Also on the grounds are a washhouse, kitchen, and jail. Open weekends from Memorial to Labor Day, or by appointment (call ahead).

Historical Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • (715) 2350001 • office@mabeltainter.com • MabelTainter. com The Mabel Tainter building includes a lavish 313-seat "crown jewel" Victorian theatre and a historic reading room. It is a premier example of a restored vintage American Theater. Take a self-guided tour to inspect the intricate handstenciling, hand-carved white pine archways, rich walnut, mahogany, and oak woodwork, gleaming brass fixtures, leaded glass windows, and a rare working Steere and turner tracker pipe organ with 1597 pipes.

Old Courthouse Museum and Jail 315 W. Madison St., Durand • (715) 672-5423 • OldPepinCountyCourthouse.org Wisconsin's last remaining woodframe courthouse features an ironlatticed cellblock in the jail, upstairs courtroom in near-original condition, railroad room, bridges of Durand, century-old paintings, doctor and dentist office equipment, and antique appliances & tools. Open Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm Memorial Day through Labor Day and Saturdays 1-4pm Memo rial Day Weekend through mid-October.

Wilson Place Mansion 101 Wilson Circle, Menomonie • (715) 235-2283 • facebook.com/wil sonplacemansion Wilson Place was built in 1859 by Capt. William Wilson, a principal in Knapp, Stout, & Co. lumber company, founder and first mayor of Menomonie, and the area's first state senator. Three generations of Wilsons remade it from a colonial house to a Queen Anne-style man sion to a Mediterranean villa. Call for admission rates and tour times.

ANTIQUE STORES

—

Collective Souls 305 Main St. East, Menomonie • facebook.com/Collective souls305/ Collective Souls (formerly Crimson Skies) offers unique restyled, refinished and re-loved furniture and handcrafted décor by local artists for your home.

Town and Country Antiques 244 Main St. E, Menomonie • (715) 231-3222 • lchase@ wwt.net An entertaining and ever changing multidealer shop with 25 dealers offering a wide variety of treasures and antiques in historic downtown Menomonie. Down the street you'll find a second lo cation; a music store that features vinyl, refurbished stereos, consoles, turntables, musical instruments, and accessories.

Triangle Art and Antiques 335 Main St E, Menomonie • (715) 953-4242 • triangle.antiques@ gmail.com • Find it on Facebook The Triangle Building (built in 1906) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and features experi enced dealers and beautiful art and antiques.

Best Of

menomonie

HIKING & BIKING TRAILS

Bjornsen Recreation Center Trail Trail loop options through woods with creeks and several footbridges as well. From I-94 take the Hwy Q exit and drive north to 700 Avenue. Turn right and head to 160th Street. Look for signs. You might have to park at the gate and walk to the center. Otherwise, there is ample parking at the center.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area

730th Ave., Colfax Several different trail options from easy to moderate to difficult. Very hilly in the woods section of the park, most leading to a 60-foot tower with a wonderful view of the area and worth the climb. The grass-prairie and wetlands section of the park is easy and passes by ponds hidden from view of most of the trail.

Lake Menomin Park Trail Walk through the woods, emerge next to Lake Menomin, and then through meadow before re-entering woods. From I-94 head south on Cty Rd B, turn right at 3M Drive, turn left at Stokke Parkway, turn right at Red Cedar Street/Domain Drive.

Menomonie Lions Game Park Trails

Very short trail starts near animal exhibits and features a little boardwalk. Fun stroll for families with little kids. From I-94 head south on North Broadway Street, turn left on Pine Avenue E to Game Park Rd. Plenty of parking spaces on paved lot.

Red Cedar State Trail 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie Small bluffs with a waterfall will be on one side and the Red Cedar River on the other side. Bald eagles frequently sighted. Going other direction from Dunnville takes you through the Dunnville State Wildlife Area across a trestle near the confluence of the Chippewa River and the Red Cedar River. This meets up with the Chippewa River Trail.

HOTELS —

HAMPTON BY HILTON INN & SUITES

• 2017 Stout Street, Menomonie • 715-231-3030

Hilton.com

BEST WESTERN PLUS INN & SUITES • 320 Oak Ave, Menomonie • 715-235-5664 • Bestwestern.com

COBBLESTONE INN & SUITES • 149 Main Street E, Menomonie • 715-233-0211 • Staycobble stone.com/Wi/Menomonie

MOTEL 6 • 2100 Stout St., Menomonie • 715235-6901• Motel6.Com

SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM • 1622 North Broadway, Menomonie • 715-235-8889 • Wynd hamhotels.com

AMERICINN BY WYNDHAM • 425 Oak Ave West, Menomonie • 715-235-4800 • wyndham hotels.com

QUALITY INN & SUITES • 1721 Plaza Drive NE, Menomonie • 715-235-1500 • Choicehotels. com

SKOOG'S PARKSIDE SUPPER CLUB & MOTEL • 912 N Broadway St, Menomonie • 715-235-6124

Momandpopmotels.com

WOODLAND RIDGE RETREAT • E4620 County Rd C, Menomonie • 715-664-8220 • Wood landridgeretreat.com

BED & BREAKFAST

OAKLAWN INN • 23 Technology Dr E, Menomonie • 715-235-6155

Oaklawninn.com/

HAY RIVER HOUSE • E4517 County Rd Ff, Boyceville • 715-702-1809

Hayriverhouse.com

CAMPGROUNDS

IRVINGTON CAMPGROUND & RENTALS • E4176 County Rd D, Menomonie • 715235-2267

Menomoniecamping.com

TWIN SPRINGS RESORT & CAMP GROUND • N6572 530th St, Menomonie • 715235-9321

Twinspringscampingresort.com/