Beloit
This riverfront city sports historic charm, a thriving dining scene and family-friendly events. Throughout the city, you’ll find a wide variety of shops and boutiques to explore, including a trail of over a dozen antique and vintage shops. A great summer weekend in Beloit also includes a stroll along the Rock River, a visit to the award-winning Downtown Farmers Market, and a stop at ABC Supply Stadium to see the minor league Sky Carp play.
EAA Aviation Museum
Flight enthusiasts can find their wings at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, home to more than 200 historic aircraft and interactive exhibits. Visitors learn about aviation history, starting from the first flight of the Wright brothers to modern experimental planes. Plus, you can step inside cockpits and explore the kid-friendly Pioneer Airport, a one-of-a-kind “living history” re-creation of what airports looked like during the first days of air travel.
Greater Richland Area
Richland Center is in the heart of the Driftless Area, one of Wisconsin’s most unique topographical regions, its rolling hills and sandstone bluffs unmarked by glaciers. Full of tranquil nature and adventure, Richland Center has plenty to offer the outdoors enthusiast. One of the area’s most unique spots is Pier Natural Bridge Park, a bluff that features a half-mile-long “finger” of layered sandstone 60 feet above two merging valleys. The Ash Creek Community Forest and Ocooch Mountain Recreational Trails are also must-stops.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Sheboygan’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a nationally recognized destination for contemporary and folk art. It’s famed for its artist-built environments, outdoor and indoor spaces that have been transformed by an artist to create an immersive exhibit. With free admission, community programming and an on-site cafe, it’s an inspiring and engaging visit.
Sun Prairie: A New Arts Destination
In June, Sun Prairie unveiled exciting murals created by nine artists from around the country. The city celebrated its heritage as the birthplace of famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe by inviting artists from around the nation to create the piece. Over 100 artists applied, submitting both a portfolio and a statement explaining how O’Keeffe inspired their work. Nine were chosen – including John Kowalczyk of Milwaukee – and at the end of June spent a week live-painting their pieces along the wall of the Washington Mills building (251 E. Lane St.) for Sun Prairie’s inaugural Mural Fest. Visit the finished work honoring O’Keeffe – and then stop by the Sun Prairie Historical Museum to learn more about the legendary artist.
We spoke to Lena Ugren, a Madison-based artist and muralist , about how she spearheaded Sun Prairie’s new O’Keeffe-inspired mural.
What was the inspiration for this multi-artist mural honoring George O’Keeffe?
I’m an artist myself and a muralist. I’ve been a part of some festivals and paint jams, and I found them to be really amazing due to the fact that a lot of us who work in the arts are often alone, painting alone in the studio. When you’re outside, among your peers, painting together it’s such a lovely, unique experience, and you learn from each other. When I saw the wall of Washington Mills in Sun Prairie it was perfect. We organized a festival for all these artists to create the mural.
What was the process for artists to apply?
Every artist submitted five outdoor pieces they’ve done, along with an essay on what inspired them about George O’Keeffe. Those were fascinating to read, and were really a wonderful representation of the many artists she has inspired through her legacy. Now they want to pay it forward to the next generation.
Over 100 artists applied. We had a local jury that reviewed the applications and narrowed it down to nine artists. We were considering the quality of the art, how their styles would work next to each other, a diversity of themes and artists. There were so many amazing submissions. We plan on continuing this next year so there will be more opportunities. In the end, we ended up with a muralist from California, Richmond, Virginia, Atlanta, Georgia, Michigan, and then three from Wisconsin.
I’m really excited for the public experience these pieces and to see the amazing community we have here in Sun Prairie.
Lake County, Illinois
Located along Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago, Lake County, Illinois is a great getaway for family fun! Check out Six Flags Great America and its newest heart-pounding coaster, Wrath of Rakshasa. Enjoy a splash-tastic good time at Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark. Or escape into nature with a trip to Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Illinois Beach State Park or Volo Bog State Natural Area, the only “quaking” bog in the state. When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of diverse dining destinations – some with spectacular lakeside views. Play all day, then stay all night in Lake County, Illinois.
Rahr-West Art Museum
Housed in a 19th-century Victorian mansion in Manitowoc, the Rahr-West Art Museum is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a Wisconsin landmark. Exhibits rotate eight times a year, and the permanent collection features works from artists like Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Mary Cassatt. On the stranger end of the spectrum, the museum even houses a replica of the 20-pound piece of the Russian Sputnik IV spacecraft that landed across the street from the premises in 1962.
Looking for an escape outside the Dairy State? Only a day’s drive away from Milwaukee, Nebraska offers visitors unbeatable vistas, unique small towns, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. Visitors can explore scenic landmarks, national monuments, and art and history museums. Whether you hike the Sandhills or dine at one of Omaha’s many restaurants, Nebraska is chock full of charm. A great destination for a long weekend or a summer road trip, the beauty and culture of the Great Plains has much to offer. Request a free travel guide at VisitNebraska.com/request-travel-guide.
Whitewater
Located between Madison and Milwaukee, the greater Whitewater area offers outdoor adventure, perfect for a long summer weekend. Along the edge of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater has abundant hiking trails, including the Historic Ice Age Trail, along with fishing and canoeing spots along lakes and rivers. UW-Whitewater’s Nature Preserve has over 120 acres of native ecosystem to explore. The city also boasts a lively dining scene, with several restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries at which to relax after a day of exploration.
Staycations
The North Shore
Milwaukee’s North Shore communities – Glendale, Brown Deer, River Hills, Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood – offer visitors adventure and entertainment. Shop boutiques in Whitefish Bay’s charming downtown; dine at spots like Solly’s Grille, Pastiche Bistro, Moxie and many more. Or time your visit to attend one of the area’s many festivals and events, such as the annual Sprecher Root Beer Bash on Aug. 2.
The Pfister Hotel
A Milwaukee icon since 1893, The Pfister Hotel offers guests and visitors 23 stories of historic elegance with modern amenities. Visitors can meander through the Pfister’s opulent lobby or delight in a service at WELL Spa + Salon. Make a night of it and indulge in dinner at the award-winning Mason Street Grill or stop at the 23rd-floor cocktail lounge, Blu, to enjoy panoramic views of the city before resting in a newly renovated guest room or suite.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Spend a weekend gaming, dining and relaxing at this local destination. You’ll find hundreds of slots, table games and more, including a new Sportsbook and Poker Room. Plus, enjoy dinner at one of Potawatomi’s restaurants, such as Rock & Brews, RuYi Sushi or Dream Dance Steakhouse. And make it a night with a stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms.
