Your Summer Getaway Guide
Warm weather is finally here! Check out these destinations and special events – some near and some far – for a staycation, day trip or weekend away.
Day Trips
BELOIT
Less than two hours from Milwaukee, Beloit is a shopping destination. The vibrant downtown and its surrounds boast many vintage and antique shops, including Vintage Bliss, which stocks a showroom full of unique home goods, and Best of Beloit Vintage Mall, which features 144 vendors in one 20,000-square-foot space. May also marks the reopening of the Beloit Farmers Market, the second-largest in the state with over 130 vendors every Saturday until October. visitbeloit.com
DOOR COUNTY CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR
Located at the Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek, the Door County Contemporary Art Fair is a one-of-a-kind art celebration featuring the work of modern-day artists. From June 5-8, the fair hosts 20 galleries from across the Midwest, with dozens of pieces across many mediums. Visitors can expect artist talks, panel discussions, exhibits, site-specific artwork and projects, as well as plenty of food and drink to enjoy. doorcountycontemporary.com
FRAGRANT ISLE LAVENDER FARM
On May 1, Fragrant Isle opens its 21-acre lavender farm, the largest in the Midwest, for the season to visitors looking to explore over 20,000 aromatic, beautiful lavender plants, which typically reach full bloom in July and August. On Washington Island off the tip of Door County, Fragrant Isle’s farmers grow 12 varieties of lavender, cultivated to create lavender products. After exploring the beautiful bursts of purple, visit the farm’s shop to find handmade lavender caramels, candles, teas, cologne, simple syrup, hand sanitizer and more – all made with Fragrant Isle’s therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil. fragrantisle.com
GREATER RICHLAND AREA
Wisconsin’s Driftless Area is home to rolling hills and breathtaking valleys, and the Greater Richland Area is an ideal place to explore that natural beauty. Its Pier Natural Bridge Park has an unusual feature – a half-mile-long finger of sandstone rising nearly 60 feet above the floodplain of two merging valleys, with a natural bridge over the Pine River. Another scenic site is the Ash Creek Community Forest, Richland County’s largest park, spanning more than 350 acres including hiking trails and trout streams. Mountain bikers and hikers can explore the Ocooch Mountain Recreational Trails. greaterrichlandtourism.com
GREATER LA CROSSE
Along the Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region has plenty to offer for both city- and nature-lovers. Hike the area’s many trails, including marsh trails, lower Hixon trailhead, and up famed Grandad Bluff for an unmatched, tri-state view. Consider taking a La Crosse Queen Cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat down the Mississippi. Or spend a weekend visiting the area’s many local businesses including Drift Mercantile, Starlight Lounge, Huck Finn's on the Water, Rainbow Ridge Farms, and more. explorelacrosse.com
McHENRY COUNTY
In northern Illinois, the Riverwalk Shoppes of McHenry will open on May 2, welcoming visitors to explore a unique new shopping experience. The Shoppes are an incubator for businesses that are testing out brick-and-mortar concepts. Walk along the beautiful and scenic Fox River and support the local economy by shopping at places like AteaCo Coffee & Tea, Big Bear Glasses, KEST Jewelry, Marvin’s Toy Store, Windy Cindy Wheelers and more. naturallymchenrycounty.com
THE U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN AT ERIN HILLS
The top stars of women’s golf head to Wisconsin for the first time for the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally. Defending champion Yuka Saso, alongside a world-class roster, looks to cement her name in the history books. Visitors 17 or younger receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. And if you’re looking for a premium, all-inclusive experience, The Lodge ticket packages provide unlimited food and beverages throughout the day. uswomensopen.com/2025/tickets
WHITEWATER
On the edge of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Whitewater area captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural landscape. The community is graced by the pristine waters of Whitewater and Cravath lakes, offering serene paddling and abundant fishing. Whitewater boasts miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through ancient glacial formations, lush woodlands and native prairie restorations. Visitors discover a retreat where outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality create an authentic Wisconsin experience. discoverwhitewater.org
Staycations
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM
For motorcycle fans and history buffs alike, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum features exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie and love for the sport. Explore the stories behind the iconic brand, as well as early concepts, including the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence, Serial Number One. Walk through the extensive collection of memorabilia and motorcycles designed throughout the company’s 120-plus-year history. For some interactive fun, make a stop at the Experience Gallery on the first floor, where visitors can sit on the latest Harley-Davidson models. bit.ly/harleymus
THE PLAZA HOTEL
One of Milwaukee’s most historic hotels, the Plaza has been an East Side destination for 100 years. Situated among some of Milwaukee’s most popular destinations – including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and the Theater District – the hotel is a great headquarters for a weekend of Downtown fun. Be sure to grab breakfast on the scenic patio, an outdoor oasis right outside the iconic art deco breakfast counter. plazahotelmilwaukee.com
The Plaza Hotel
Harley-Davidson Museum
Cary Rotary Park | Cary, IL
McHenry Music Festival | McHenry, IL
Von Bergen’s Country Market | Hebron, IL
The Quarry Cable Park | Crystal Lake, IL
POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL
After completing a major renovation last year, Potawatomi Casino Hotel now boasts over 500,000 square feet of gaming, recreation, hotel and entertainment spaces. The two-year, $195 million renovation added new spaces, including Cream City Coffee Co., the Marketplace Dining Hall, Rock & Brews Restaurant, and the Sportsbook and Poker Room. The new two-story sports betting hub can hold 400 fans, with over 20 televisions, a broadcast booth, 75 kiosks and ticket writers. paysbig.com
WISCONSIN & BEER LOVER’S FESTIVAL
This is a day filled with delicious brews, live music and good vibes. Whether you’re a craft beverage connoisseur or just looking for a fun time, the Wisconsin & Beer Lover’s Festival is perfect for you. Sample beers from more than 60 breweries from across Wisconsin, indulge in tasty bites from local restaurants and caterers, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with fellow beer enthusiasts. New this year to this long-running event, distilleries and wineries will be offering samples as well! Don’t miss out on this ultimate celebration of Wisconsin’s beer, food and beverage culture. bit.ly/wibeerlf ◆
Explore Nebraska
There’s something unbeatable about a Midwest summer. This year, explore some new sites with a trip westward to Nebraska. A great destination for scenic road travel and outdoor adventure, Nebraska offers incredible vistas, including the Sandhills in the north-central region, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff and any of the diverse state parks. With water sports, hiking, fishing and more on tap, a summer visit to Nebraska offers abundant opportunities for adventure. visitnebraska.com
PHOTO:
Scotts Bluff
