Beloit
Beloit pairs a revitalized downtown and vibrant riverfront with the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors want to linger awhile. Spend a Saturday at the Downtown Beloit Farmers Market, catch a Sky Carp game at ABC Supply Stadium or sip drinks at The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin. Summer highlights include Old Settlers Days (June 18-21) and the free Music at Harry’s Place concert series along the Rock River. This fall, Beloit’s entertainment scene grows again with the opening of the Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino, set to become one of the largest casinos in Wisconsin.
Fox Cities
Set along the Fox River, the Fox Cities combine a thriving arts and music scene with scenic outdoor spaces, walkable downtowns and a strong sense of community. Catch a Broadway show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, hike the limestone bluffs at High Cliff State Park or visit the Trout Museum of Art before exploring the rest of downtown Appleton. Summer shines with events like Mile of Music (July 30-Aug. 2) and Paperfest (July 16-19).
Greater Richland Area
Tucked into Wisconsin’s Driftless region, the Greater Richland Area is all rolling hills, winding creeks and a slower pace that makes it easy to unplug. Friday nights at Wild Hills Winery bring sweeping views, wood-fired pizza and live music all summer long. Or paddle the gentle Pine River starting at Natural Bridge County Park and hike the scenic trails at Ash Creek Forest. Come fall, the landscape lights up with color – and a packed weekend of events Oct. 2-4 adds to the appeal.
Hayward Lakes
Experience the best of the Northwoods in the Hayward Lakes, where pristine waters, dense forests and a deep-rooted outdoor culture set the tone. Climb to the top of the world’s largest muskie at the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, explore the Chippewa Flowage – a sprawling 15,000-acre lake dotted with islands and known for exceptional fishing – or browse your way through downtown Hayward. Summer highlights include the Lumberjack World Championships (July 16-18), featuring log rolling, speed climbing and axe throwing, and the LCO Honor the Earth Powwow (July 17-18).
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, Sheboygan’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) has been a beacon of creativity, connection and community since 1967. The JMKAC is a welcoming space filled with inspiration. You’ll find eight stunning galleries, two performance spaces, hands-on art studios, classrooms, a cozy café and a thoughtfully curated gift shop. A short drive away, the Art Preserve (3636 Lower Falls Rd.) offers an awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind experience as the world’s first museum dedicated to artist-built environments – immersive, often deeply personal spaces transformed by artists into living works of art.
Sun Prairie
In Sun Prairie, every smile, every street and every celebration feel welcoming. Stroll the historic downtown filled with locally owned shops, cozy cafés and inviting patios, or explore the city’s expansive park system, including the scenic trails and wildlife viewing at Patrick Marsh. Art lovers can visit the Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired murals honoring the famed painter’s hometown roots. Summer also brings the Sweet Corn Festival (Aug. 19-23), featuring live music, carnival rides and plenty of buttery corn, along with adrenaline-pumping races at the newly opened Sun Prairie BMX track.
Whitewater
Just a short drive from the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater offers plenty for a nature lover to enjoy: four segments of the Ice Age Trail, Whitewater Lake and the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve with its 100 acres of preserved prairie. Fuel up for a hike at the historic downtown’s many restaurants. Try Fanatico for classic Italian, and consider grabbing a drink at Second Salem Brewing or Stevo’s.
South of the Border
You’ll find a year-round variety of outdoor adventure and family fun just north of Chicago in Lake County, from peaceful forest preserves and charming downtowns to world-class festivals and multicultural dining. Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is marking a milestone year, celebrating 50 years of unforgettable memories. The park’s summerlong 50th Anniversary Celebration runs through Aug. 9, featuring special entertainment, limited-time menu items and new reasons to celebrate the park’s five-decade legacy.
Staycations
The North Shore of Milwaukee
Just minutes north of Milwaukee, the North Shore offers an easy escape that feels part staycation, part getaway. Spend the day exploring Schlitz Audubon Nature Center or touring Sprecher Brewery, Milwaukee’s oldest craft brewery. Catch a concert at The Argo in Whitefish Bay, one of Wisconsin’s newest award-winning live music venues, featuring a 700-capacity space, craft cocktails and a menu by chef Dan Jacobs. Summer highlights include Taco Fest (July 18) and the Brew City Cigar Festival (Aug. 29) at Bavarian Bierhaus.
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
For a staycation with big-city energy, check into Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. The vibrant scene in the lobby, with live music nightly and an eclectic crowd, makes you feel like you’re in the center of it all. Creativity and individuality are celebrated at every turn, with rotating exhibitions from the hotel’s SEED art collection and immersive experiences like the monthly Art Tour + Portrait Drawing Class. Dine at The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails or Proof Pizza, then visit nearby theaters, Fiserv Forum and the Milwaukee Art Museum just steps away.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Game the night away and grab a memorable dinner at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Forget any stereotypical ideas you might have about “casino dining.” Potawatomi takes it to another level with its on-site restaurants. RuYi serves delicious Asian cuisine – signature dishes include the pad thai and crab rangoon. Dream Dance Steakhouse is the spot for a premium steak, fresh seafood and a glass pour from the extensive wine list. Or head to the Marketplace, a new food hall with vendors serving pizza, ramen, burgers and more.
A Wisconsin Sports Bar – in Chicago
Get a taste of the Wisconsin Northwoods just south of Wrigley Field at Will’s Northwoods Inn, where cabin vibes and Friday fish fries meet Chicago nightlife. Stop in before a Cubs game, or plan a trip around Musky Fest (Sept. 11-13), the bar’s lively weekend street festival with food, drinks and live music. It’s the go-to Chicago hangout for Wisconsin sports fans and a safe haven for Packers fans deep in the heart of Bears territory.
