Fall 2026
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HEAVENLY VIEW AT HOLY HILL PADDLE INTO FALL CHEESE CURD DELIGHTS
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FALL 2026 | CONTENTS
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
12
10
Hidden gems to explore next time you’re in the city.
Fun places to explore
New & Noteworthy
Destination: Milwaukee
26
14
The Dish
Fall Kayaking Guide
Cheese Curds
Twelve waterways to explore before the snow flies.
27
18
Made in Wisconsin
A Holy Place
Carmex
For a peaceful place to connect with nature, explore Holy Hill in southeast Wisconsin.
21
Mineral Point is a Dream for Artsy Travelers
IN EVERY ISSUE Holy Hill
18
This small town packs big charm into a perfect trip.
6
From the Editor
8
Event Calendar
On the Cover: Holy Hill ©Travel Wisconsin
24
Rooted
Mineral Point
Rooted
24
4 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
The Dish: Cheese Curds
21
Fall Kayaking Guide
14
26
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: LEFT: FORREST FARMS, MIDDLE TOP: TRAVEL WISCONSIN, MIDDLE: HILLARY SCHAVE, MIDDLE BOTTOM AND RIGHT: TRAVEL WISCONSIN
A tour of the garden centers and shops worth the drive.
OPEN DAILY May 1 - October 31 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. E11376 Shady Lane Road Baraboo, WI 53913
Photo by Ted Thousand
SAVINGCRANES.ORG SEE THE WORLD’S 15 SPECIES OF CRANES
VISIT THE
CRANE DISCOVERY CENTER
Fall for Wisconsin There’s a particular kind of Wisconsin morning that only shows up in fall — cool enough for a flannel, still warm enough to leave it unzipped, with that smell of leaves and woodsmoke drifting in from somewhere down the block. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know exactly the one I mean. You also know it doesn’t last. The color turns fast, the light gets low and golden in a hurry, and before you’ve had your fill, it’s gone. That’s what this issue is about: catching fall before it slips into winter, one weekend trip at a time. We sent our team out to chase it all over the state. In Mineral Point, that means wandering stone-cobbled streets and Cornish stone cottages that look like they were lifted straight out of the English countryside (because, in a way, they were) — a whole town of history you can walk in an afternoon. In Milwaukee, we skipped the obvious and went digging for the hidden gems locals actually love, the kind of places that don’t make the tourist brochures but should. We got out on the water for one last paddle before the lakes go still and quiet for the season, and we climbed the tower at Holy Hill for a view of the hills turning gold and red for what feels like a hundred miles in every direction. And because no fall issue of this magazine would be complete without it, we tracked down some of the squeakiest, freshest cheese curds in the state — still warm, still squeaking, exactly how they should be. Fall in Wisconsin doesn’t ask to be noticed. It doesn’t need to. It just shows up, quietly spectacular, and waits for you to look up from whatever you’re doing and pay attention. Consider this issue your excuse to do exactly that. Best wishes,
1
EDITOR’S PICKS
FAVORITE FALL FINDS
PARFREY’S GLEN Just down the road from Devil’s Lake State Park, famous for its towering 500-foot quartzite bluffs, sits a quieter, wilder spot I love even more: Parfrey’s Glen. Both are carved from the ancient Baraboo Hills, among the oldest exposed rock formations on Earth, but where Devil’s Lake draws crowds to its beaches and cliffs, I’ve always been drawn to wander a little farther. The drive out each fall is half the magic, county roads tunneling beneath fiery maple and golden birch. Then the trail narrows and you’re swallowed by a mossy sandstone gorge unlike anything else in the state. It’s a truly remarkable setting!
2
DOOR COUNTY FISH BOIL I still remember my first fish boil as a child. Now I go in fall, when the air’s cooler, crowds are thinner and the orchards nearby are turning color. It’s Wisconsin dinner theater at its best when the boil master douses the fire with kerosene, and flames shoot skyward as the kettle boils over. First-timers always jump! Then everyone eats right there, finishing with Door County cherry pie.
Tegan Beese // Editor
3
NATIONAL BOBBLEHEAD HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect a bobblehead museum to be one of my favorite stops in the state, but here we are. Tucked into a bright, playful space just south of downtown Milwaukee, it’s the only museum of its kind in the world. Here you’ll find over 10,000 bobbleheads covering everything from sports legends to pop culture icons to moments in history. It’s impossible to walk through without grinning, and it’s an easy, unexpectedly fun way to spend an hour.
6 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: TOP AND MIDDLE: TRAVEL WISCONSIN, BOTTOM: VISIT MILWAUKEE ROYALTY FREE
FROM THE EDITOR
Fall 2026 PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Tegan Beese tmb@ntmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Fleming kim@ntmediagroup.com SALES ADVERTISING SALES Cindy Smith csmith@ntmediagroup.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com DIGITAL DIGITAL MANAGER Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kayla King kayla@ntmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTORS Kristine Hansen, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Kevin Revolinski ABOUT EXPERIENCE WISCONSIN Experience Wisconsin is a digital publication by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President.
Experience Wisconsin is produced three times a year by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. For advertising rates and information, please call 262-729-4471. COMMENTS? We welcome your inquiries. Call us at 262-729-4471, or email bak@ntmediagroup.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL WISCONSIN
Visit our website at experiencewisconsinmag.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @experiencewisconsin No portion of this digital magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher. ©2026 Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.
Holy Hill Art Fair
Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 7
EVENT CALENDAR
Looking for great outdoor entertainment this fall? From farmers᾽ markets to fishing, wine walks and Santa sightings, there’s something festive for everyone. Oktoberfest in LaCrosse
SEPTEMBER SEPT. 24-27 OKTOBERFEST USA LA CROSSE
oktoberfestusa.com
SEPT. 25-27 WARRENS CRANBERRY FESTIVAL WARRENS
cranfest.com
Billed as the world’s largest cranberry festival, this Monroe County tradition draws visitors to the heart of cranberry country for bog tours, a massive arts and crafts fair, a parade and every cranberry-flavored treat imaginable. Time it right and you’ll catch the marshes at peak crimson.
8 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
Bayfield Apple Festival
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: TRAVEL WISCONSIN
One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations — celebrating 65 years — in the country takes over downtown La Crosse for five days of parades, polka, beer tents and Gemütlichkeit. Between festhalle sessions, wander the Maple Leaf Parade route or catch the torchlight parade before settling in for a stein at one of the city’s riverside taverns.
OCTOBER OCT. 2-4 BAYFIELD APPLE FESTIVAL BAYFIELD
bayfield.org
More than 60,000 visitors flock to this Lake Superior harbor town for orchard tours, a grand parade, live music and craft vendors lining the bluff-top streets. Grab a cider donut and catch the fall color along the Chequamegon Bay while you’re at it.
OCT. 3 FALL WINE WALK WISCONSIN DELLS
wisdells.com
Historic downtown Wisconsin Dells trades waterpark noise for a cozy afternoon of wine sampling, shopping and live music along the storefronts. It’s a low-key way to see the Dells’ small-town side before the holiday crowds arrive.
OCT. 3-4 CRANBERRY FEST EAGLE RIVER
eagleriver.org
The Northwoods celebrates its harvest with a sprawling arts and crafts fair, live entertainment and fresh-picked cranberries, all set against some of the best fall color in the state at the Vilas County Fairgrounds.
OCT. 16-18 80TH ANNUAL SISTER BAY FALL FESTIVAL SISTER BAY
doorcounty.com
Door County’s marquee fall event turns 80 this year, with a Lions Club fish boil, a Saturday pancake breakfast and parade, and a huge arts and crafts fair filling the streets of this bay-side village.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: TRAVEL WISCONSIN
NOVEMBER NOV. 12-DEC. 28 CHRISTMAS AT HOUSE ON THE ROCK SPRING GREEN
thehouseontherock.com
The Infinity Room and Streets of Yesterday get dressed for the holidays with hundreds of decorated trees and elaborate modeltrain displays, making this one of the state’s most over-the-top Christmas attractions.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
NOV. 19-JAN. 1 MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL MILWAUKEE
county.milwaukee.gov
decorated vehicles, even animals — plus more than 20 marching bands from across northeast Wisconsin.
Downtown Milwaukee glows for six weeks straight, with more than half a million lights strung across three lakefront-adjacent parks, plus ice skating, a Santa house and weekend entertainment. A can’t-miss anchor for the state’s biggest city.
NOV. 19 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH HOLIDAY PARADE OSHKOSH
visitoshkosh.com
This year’s “Winter Wonderland” theme brings floats, marching bands and Santa’s arrival to downtown Oshkosh, kicking off the holiday season on the shores of Lake Winnebago.
NOV. 19-DEC. 19 CHRISTKINDLMARKET ON BROADWAY GREEN BAY
downtowngreenbay.com
Wooden chalets, mulled wine and local makers fill Green Bay’s Broadway District for a German-style holiday market with weekend entertainment running Thursdays through Saturdays.
NOV. 24 DOWNTOWN APPLETON CHRISTMAS PARADE APPLETON
NOV. 27 LIGHTIN’ UP DOWNTOWN KENOSHA
visitkenosha.com
Kenosha’s day-after-Thanksgiving tradition flips the switch on the city’s holiday lights along the Lake Michigan lakefront, with music, treats and a visit from Santa to kick off the season.
DECEMBER DEC. 4 WAUSAU HOLIDAY PARADE WAUSAU
visitwausau.com
Downtown Wausau’s biggest holiday event of the year brings floats, marching bands and Santa through the streets after dark, capping the evening near the historic depot.
DEC. 4-6 CHRISTKINDLI MARKET NEW GLARUS
swisstown.com
“America’s Little Switzerland” leans all the way into the season for its sixth annual market, with wooden stalls, alpine treats and old-world holiday charm filling downtown New Glarus.
appletonwi.gov
The 55th annual parade, Appleton’s biggest holiday tradition, rolls down College Avenue at 7 p.m. with 80 units — floats,
Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 9
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
New to You Spots
NEW EXHIBITION SPACE AT DOOR COUNTY MARITIME MUSEUM, STURGEON BAY
The Door County Maritime Museum just gave itself a reason for repeat visits. Its new Peterson Gallery is a rotating exhibition space built for shows that come and go, so the museum's story keeps shifting even if you've been there before. The debut exhibit, "Beside the Lake, Beneath the Wind," leans into the moody, water-and-weather themes that define this stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. It's a great addition for a museum already beloved for its lighthouse climbs and shipbuilding history and proof that even a Door County institution steeped in tradition is still finding new stories to tell its visitors.
DELLSHIRE RESORT, WISCONSIN DELLS
Subtlety was never on the table here. Guests are welcomed to Dellshire Resort by a 70-foot, fire-breathing metal dragon guarding the entrance. And then there are the 208 rooms built around a full medieval-fantasy theme, five different dining outlets and a family entertainment center made for rainy afternoons. It's the kind of over-the-top concept that could only work in Wisconsin Dells. Whether you're there for the waterparks or just passing through, it's worth a drive-by for the dragon alone.
Dellshire Resort
counterpoint to the Dells' usual chaos of waterslides and go-karts, proof there's a slower, cozier side to the state's biggest tourist town.
history while spotlighting the present too, including contemporary art, athletics and craftsmanship.
NORTHWOODS FOREST HISTORY EXPERIENCE, MANITOWISH WATERS
Cannery Park sits along the Chippewa River just northeast of Mayo Hospital, with a playground, basketball court, open pavilion and green space built for picnics, pickup games or just watching the water go by. It's named for the canning facility that once stood on the land, a nod to the neighborhood's industrial past even as the space becomes something entirely new. For visitors exploring Eau Claire's growing riverfront, it's a nice, low-key add to the walking or biking loop.
The North Lakeland Discovery Center added a new museum wing, the Northwoods Forest History Experience, dedicated to the story of logging and forest history in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Exhibits trace the region's logging boom and the forests that grew back from it, but the real draw is what's just outside the door, where you’ll find trails leading straight into the woods that the museum is telling you about. It's an easy pairing of learning and hiking that fits the Northwoods' whole ethos: less lecture hall, more trailhead, with a little history to carry along the way.
KAHNEKANO·LÚ CULTURAL CENTER, ONEIDA
The Oneida Nation's new museum is now the Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center, a 21,000-square-foot space that finally gives a collection of roughly 3,000 objects, 12,000 photographs and 25,000 archival pieces the visibility it always deserved, moving from a tucked-away former location to a more prominent spot near the airport. Exhibits trace Oneida Nation
KALAHARI TREEHOUSE ADVENTURES, LAKE DELTON
Not far down the road is another Wisconsin Dells icon — the Kalahari Resort. For travelers who'd rather sleep among the trees than in a standard hotel room, Kalahari's new treehouse collection overlooking Lake Delton is the move. Built in partnership with Nelson Treehouse & Supply — the crew behind Animal Planet's treehouse-building show — these stilted cabins include built-in slides on some units and stargazing nets for lying back under the sky. It's a quieter, more scenic
10 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
Madison Public Market
CANNERY PARK, EAU CLAIRE
MADISON PUBLIC MARKET, MADISON
After literal decades of false starts, Madison finally has its public market. Housed in a renovated former city warehouse at First and East Johnson streets, it packs in 28 permanent merchants selling food, drinks and goods from a wide mix of cultural backgrounds, plus rotating pop-up space reserved for startups and minority-owned businesses. Expect empanadas next to burgers next to bottled hot sauce, all under one roof. The market has been quietly filling up with new vendors week by week, leading up to the official grand opening taking place November 19.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: TOP: DELLSHIRE RESORT, BOTTOM: HILLARY SCHAVE
Blink and you'll miss it! Wisconsin's been on a building spree. From a dragon-guarded resort in the Dells to a museum you can walk straight into the woods from, your must-see list has just grown! Here's what's new, where to find it and why it's worth the drive.
SEPTEMBER
SAT
9/19
SAT
9/26
SAT
10/3
SUN
10/4 SUN
10/11
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest
Downtown Burlington | 10am-10pm Handcrafted, small-batch German beers, authentic Bavarian food, and incredible entertainment! German bands, dancers, stein hoisting contests, dog costume contest, and more!
Burlington’s Fall Wine Walk: Cheers to Two Fiddy!
Downtown Burlington | Noon-4pm 17 retail stops with drinks, 6 restaurants with a snack, 4 hours of experiencing Burlington, and 1 memorable day with your friends and fam!
Zuffren in the Loop
Downtown Burlington | 4:30-7:30pm Vintage German Car Show in the loop paired with the last weekend of Oktoberfest!
Burlington Fly-In
Burlington Airport | 10am-2pm Vintage German Car Show in the loop paired with the last weekend of Oktoberfest!
CBFD Pancake Breakfast
165 W Washington | 7am-11am Their biggest fundraiser of the year! Support our firemen!
NOVEMBER
SAT
10/31 FRI
11/20
DECEMBER
Spooky City, Coffin Races, & Dia de los Muertos
Downtown Burlington | 9:30am-5pm Trick-or-treating at businesses, kids activities, and nail biting coffin races down pine street!
Light up the Night
Downtown & City-Wide | 4pm-8pm Over 75 businesses open late for shopping, dining, and experiencing Burlington in the moonlight with horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping deals, and getting a head start to the holiday season!
THURS
Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run
SAT
Small Business Saturday
FRI
Burlington’s Christmas Parade
11/26 11/28
Burlington High School | 8:30am Raising money on Thanksgiving morning for Love Inc!
City-Wide | Business Hours Support our local businesses!
12/4
Downtown Burlington: Kane, Milwaukee, Chestnut, Pine | 6:30pm Thrivent Presents Burlington’s favorite annual tradition! Participant sign-up coming soon!
FRI-SUN
Santa’s Chalet
Square Park 12/4 - Wehmhoff Fri: 6pm-8pm, Sat/Sun: 2pm-4pm free visit with Mr. & Mrs Claus 12/20 Ainside their cozy chalet!
SCAN HERE FOR MORE BURLINGTON EVENTS!
EAT SHOP EXPERIENCE BURLINGTON, WI!
HIDDEN GEMS to Explore Next Time You’re in the City By Melanie Radzicki McManus
VIRMOND PARK, 10606 N. LAKE SHORE DR. Located about 20 minutes north of Milwaukee, Virmond Park quietly boasts some of the best Lake Michigan views in the Milwaukee area. A 225-step staircase completed in 2023 will take you down the 100-foot bluffs and directly to the shoreline. There, you can enjoy a sandy beach and a dip into the bright blue water. Above the beach, Virmond Park contains an Important Bird Area (IBA), one of three in Ozaukee County. It’s a great spot for birders to catch species like loons, grebes and raptors. The park also includes volleyball and pickleball courts, a baseball field and a scenic 0.4-mile nature loop. DOWNTOWN BOOKS, 624 N. BROADWAY Tucked near some of Milwaukee’s most sought-after attractions, like the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Public Market, Downtown Books announces itself with its bright yellow facade and huge selection of used books. While Milwaukee isn’t necessarily known for its independent bookstore selection, Downtown Books is a gem you won’t 12 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
want to miss for discounted books. In-store, customers will find rows upon rows of books with an extra stellar fiction section. The store also offers all kinds of other goodies, including art, comic books, DVDs, CDs and vintage magazines. A treat for any physical media lover!
Koz’s Mini Bowl
KOZ’S MINI BOWL, 2078 S. SEVENTH ST. Not only is Koz’s Mini Bowl tons of fun, but it’s also a historic landmark. The quaint bowling alley is the last original duckpin bowling venue in the United States, where the balls and pins are smaller and lighter. Unlike traditional bowling, where speed and power are highly valued, duck bowling requires an accurate touch. The venue is tiny, just like the equipment, with four small lanes. Koz’s Mini Bowl boasts a full bar, jukebox and pool table, all of which contribute to the vintage atmosphere.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: MAIN IMAGE: TISH11 ©SHUTTERSTOCK, BOTTOM: JUSTIN KOSAKOSKI
M
ilwaukee is stocked with places that you might not see on “best of ” lists. From hidden cocktail bars and historic architecture to scenic trails, antique shops and tasty barbecue, these spots offer a different way to experience the city. Whether you’re a lifelong Milwaukeean looking for somewhere new, or a first-time visitor hoping to venture beyond the usual attractions, there’s plenty to discover. Keep reading for eight Milwaukee-area hidden gems that deserve a spot on your list the next time you’re in the city.
ANTIQUE CENTER, WALKER’S POINT, 1134 S. FIRST ST. The Antique Center offers a huge collection of antique goods across multiple levels and three separate businesses. From furniture and clothing to homewares and eccentric trinkets, this shop is the perfect place to get lost in searching for a perfectly unconventional item. The spot is particularly known for Clocktower Antiques, a business on the second floor, and their hallmarks of curated vintage clothing and timeless home furnishings. If you’re looking for an item that deserves to be loved once again, the Antique Center is an ideal place to peruse.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: SEVEN BRIDGE TRAIL & BURNHAM BLOCK: TRAVEL WISCONSIN, SWEET SMOKE BBQ: ADAM BEILKE
SHANGHAI SPEAKEASY, 2238 N. FARWELL AVE. They might not be a hidden gem anymore – Shanghai Speakeasy was named the 2025 No. 1 Best Speakeasy by USA Today, but they are still hard to find. Patrons have to know how to find the cocktail bar, which is located in Black Cat Alley — a hidden gem in its own right — covered in local art. It’s certainly unassuming, situated behind a chainlink gate with a small “S” in the middle. Inside, customers will find some of the best cocktails in Milwaukee, maybe even the country. They also have an absinthe bar, with Milwaukee’s largest selection of the beverage. The space is cozy, covered in vintage posters and art among candlelit high-top seats and brick walls. Shanghai Speakeasy also recently expanded its small space, now providing extra room for private parties and large groups.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S BURNHAM BLOCK, 2732 W. BURNHAM ST. Many know that the world-famous architect was born in Wisconsin and spent time across the state, including stints in Madison and Spring Green. While some of his most famous works are located in neighboring Illinois, there is actually a location in Milwaukee where enthusiasts can see Wright’s work up close and personal. On Burnham Block, visitors can find a series of six homes Wright designed to be affordable and small, dubbed “American System-Built Homes.” Built in 1915 and 1916, these designs are a shining example of Wright’s earlier work. Intended to be a nationwide project for mass-produced homes, the project fell through due to World War I. Two homes on Burnham Block are open to the public and exhibit classic characteristics of Wright’s work, including beautiful natural light, flat roofs and built-in furniture. These homes are a lovely stop to explore for those interested in architecture and the history of the Wisconsin native’s work.
Seven Bridges Trail Sweet Smoke BBQ
SEVEN BRIDGES TRAIL Located in Grant Park, the Seven Bridges Trail takes hikers on a scenic two-mile loop of some of the best nature Milwaukee has to offer, plus a stunning view of Lake Michigan. Only a quick 15-minute drive from downtown, the trail feels like a completely different world from the bustle of the city. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, over seven bridges crossing creeks and ravines, culminating at the sandy shores of the lake. The hike isn’t too long or difficult, perfect for families or those who just want to take a break from the city and enjoy nature.
SWEET SMOKE BARBECUE, 4177 S. HOWELL AVE. Sweet Smoke Barbecue is a bit of an elusive spot without a permanent brick-and-mortar location. On most Fridays and Sundays, patrons can find the tasty barbecue joint in a coffee shop – Hawthorne Coffee Roasters. Obsessed with perfecting Texas-style barbecue flavors, the owners, Adam and Cindi Beilke, have made it their mission to give Milwaukee a “world-class barbecue spot.” Their menu includes classics like brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and turkey, plus specials like tri-tip bocadillo and a pork tenderloin sandwich. ew Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 13
FALL KAYAKING GUIDE
By Kevin Revolinski Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands
CLASS I (EASY): Flat or slow-moving water, small riffles CLASS II (NOVICE):
Straightforward rapids with wide channels and medium waves up to three feet high. Requires occasional maneuvering and basic steering.
CLASS III (INTERMEDIATE):
High, irregular waves, strong currents and narrow passages requiring good boat control. The max for casual paddlers.
CLASS IV (ADVANCED): Long,
powerful rapids with constricted chutes, large holes and unavoidable features. Demands precise, rapid maneuvering and scouting from the shore.
Most destinations are accessible for beginners and casual paddlers, while a few may show some intermediate Class II runs. Whitewater is for experts, but is available. Sea kayaking on the moody Great Lakes is also generally not for the inexperienced to try on their own, but professional guides trained in safety and rescue can take all skill levels.
NORTHEAST DOOR BLUFF HEADLANDS At Garrett Bay on the Green Bay side of the Door County Peninsula, this route follows a mile of rocky beach beneath a 200-foot-tall limestone bluff. Native American pictographs on the rock are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and in the shallow bay you can paddle over a shipwreck. CAVE POINT This Door County paddle on the Lake Michigan side follows the rocky edges of the shore, which rise about 20 feet and show the wear and tear of centuries of waves. The area along the namesake county park features shallow caves. A guide is highly recommended.
14 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
LOWER WOLF RIVER With put-ins at Shiocton, New London and Fremont, the lower Wolf River features mostly flatwater paddling through forest and farm, with minimal Class I rapids on some of the bends.
NORTHWEST THE SEA CAVES OF THE APOSTLE ISLAND NATIONAL LAKESHORE Only experts with sea kayaks should even consider this on their own, yet even beginners can do it – on an excursion with guides trained in sea rescue. Lake Superior’s waves and wind have shaped these 40- to 50-foot sandstone cliff faces, giving us the “sea caves” and colorful sculpted formations. Trips start from Meyers Beach to the west and, when the water is cooperative, allow
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL WISCONSIN
W
isconsin’s abundant rivers and lakes make it a prime destination for kayakers of all ages, especially when fall colors fire up.
paddlers to get up close to the rock, enter caves and paddle through arches. Trips are four to five miles roundtrip and often include a beach lunch.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: TOP: GLENN SANDERSON | TRAVEL WISCONSIN, MIDDLE: VISIT MILWAUKEE ROYALTY FREE, BOTTOM: DEBORAH PROCTOR ©TRAVEL WISCONSIN
ST. CROIX RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY The Upper St. Croix is narrow, serpentine and more intimate, with frequent riffles and Class I passes, as well as plenty of wildlife and thick forest right up to the banks. After it joins the Namekagon (also part of the national riverway), it grows bigger and offers a few easy Class II rapids. The Lower St. Croix, below Interstate State Park, is wider and gentle, suitable for all skill levels, with numerous put-ins/ take-outs on both the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides.
Kayakers on the St. Croix River
BOIS BRULE Spring-fed and pristine, The River of Presidents (five have visited to trout fish) is fairly easy, with only a few short, straight Class I runs on the section south of US-2. After the highway, it is more intermediate with Class II, or even III, rapids depending on water levels.
SOUTHEAST MILWAUKEE The Milwaukee River below Estabrook Park runs unobstructed to Lake Michigan and the confluence of the Kinnickinnic and the Menomonee rivers. Green space creates the illusion of wilderness, while downtown the Riverwalk offers places to moor and stop for lunch or a brewery tour. Local rental options available.
Kayakers in Milwaukee
HORICON MARSH WILDLIFE AREA This is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, and during fall migration 300,000 birds pass through, including thousands of cranes. The water is still or slow-moving, so you can paddle to the town of Horicon or return to where you put in.
SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN RIVER The last 92 miles of the Wisconsin
Cave Point County Park
Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 15
FALL KAYAKING GUIDE River are dam-free and popular for both daytrips and overnight camping on sandbars. Paddling is easy, and the current is ample, but without rapids. Local outfitters run trips out of Sauk City, Spring Green and Boscobel. You can reach the Mississippi River and Wyalusing State Park. DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK Wisconsin’s most visited state park features two towering rocky bluffs overlooking the namesake lake. There are no waterskiers or speedboats, so it is a calm paddle in one of the most scenic spots in the state. A concessionary outfitter offers rentals.
ARE YOU AN EXPERT?
Wisconsin has some exhilarating runs for the high-level paddler. Wausau Whitewater Park offers more than 12 natural and engineered features along a 1/3 mile-stretch of the Wisconsin River, featuring Class II to III+ rapids, during dam releases. Waivers, ACA (americancanoe.org) membership documentation and fees are required.
MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK Often overshadowed by nearby Devil’s Lake, the dam-made lake puts paddlers up close to carved sandstone bluffs and rich forest. A concessionaire offers rentals. KICKAPOO RIVER All skill levels love this shallow, “crookedest river in the world,” as it winds tightly back and forth along gorgeous carved sandstone bluffs. Outfitters in Ontario, Wisconsin, can set you up, or bring your own equipment for the ride. Wildcat Mountain State Park is halfway along the most popular section for camping or launching. ew
Red River, the last four-mile stretch between Lower Red Lake Dam in Gresham to the County Road A Bridge offers Class III+ rapids, is for kayakers with experience and requires scouting the river first, as well as using a helmet and specialized kayak. Menominee River and Peshtigo offer Class III-IV rapids including drops up to 10 feet.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL WISCONSIN
Kayaker at Devil’s Lake
16 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
r e v o c s i D
FALL IN THE FOX CITIES!
Fall feels different here. Along the shores of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, the Fox Cities invite you to slow down and savor the season. Bike scenic waterfront trails, wander quaint downtowns, discover local art and history,
PLAN YOUR VISIT
FOXCITIES.ORG
then settle in for dinner with seasonal flavors and locally crafted drinks. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family getaway, autumn is waiting just a short drive away.
A Holy Place
About 40 minutes from Milwaukee lies the peaceful Holy Hill, a destination for contemplation and connecting with nature. By Shelby Deering
W
hether you’re with your family or taking a trip to Wisconsin, Holy Hill, especially in fall and winter, is a must-see. In addition to the views, this place of worship also has a fascinating history. A SACRED HISTORY Officially called the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Holy Hill certainly has a grand appearance, with its spires rising above the scenery. Today, more than half a million make the journey to visit Holy Hill and to experience its storied history and aweinspiring architecture. Native Americans once inhabited the hill, and its modern history starts with someone named François Soubrio, who was known as a hermit and discovered the hill in the 19th century. As a resident there, he happened upon a French diary and map with the date 1676, showcasing a small mountain. The person who kept the diary felt it 18 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
was a holy place, and built a shrine that included a stone altar and cross, and dedicated the spot to Mary. Eventually, early Irish settlers gave the mountain its namesake: “Holy Hill.” It’s even been nicknamed “Hermit Hill” after Soubrio. In 1876, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee took possession of the land. Portions of the construction were started in the late 19th century, and were finished in 1920. Additional portions of the basilica were completed in 1926, and it was finally finished and consecrated in 1931. The hill came into existence over 10,000 years ago from a glacier, and today, it stands at 289 feet within the Kettle Moraine region. A GRAND DESIGN You can feel the history and spirituality of the church as soon as you enter. Its neo-Romanesque architecture is equal parts stunning and reverent. Situated on 453 acres, Holy Hill is made up of
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAVEL WISCONSIN
There are many places in Wisconsin where fall colors come out in their best array: the Great River Road that flanks the Mississippi River, Devil’s Lake State Park and Wausau’s Rib Mountain to name a few. But there’s one fall-color destination that may be a bit off the beaten path. In Hubertus, atop a glacial rise in the landscape, lies Holy Hill. In autumn, this Catholic basilica is surrounded by thousands of trees lit up in bright autumn hues. Holy Hill is equally as picturesque after the snow falls, punctuated by pines.
the Old Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, which was started in 1879, three shrines and the church, which reached completion in 1931. The neo-Romanesque architecture movement began in the mid-19th century and was inspired by the Romanesque architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries. Marked by fortresslike visuals, rounded arches and impressive towers, Holy Hill displays all of these aspects. While you can still see the centuryold architectural features, which remain today, the architecture has been refreshed in recent years. For instance, the basilica tapped religious and classical architect Duncan G. Stroik to design new bronze doors at the main entrance, outfitted in relief sculptures of saints. And some of the architecture has been painstakingly restored by professionals, such as the terrazzo floors and pendant fixtures. For many visitors, the Scenic Tower is the gem of Holy Hill, with 178 steps that lead to the top of the 192-foot tower, giving people the best seat in the house to take in the sweeping scenery. It’s open from May 1 through October 31.
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VISITING HOLY HILL While Holy Hill has never offered tours, the self-guided experience allows visitors to take their time as they pray, reflect, meditate, hike the grounds and simply meander. You can choose to take part in their Daily Mass or Sunday
Mass to truly feel connected spiritually to the basilica and its ambiance. First of all, even before you visit the grounds themselves,the drive up to Holy Hill can be breathtaking, especially in the fall. Visit the basilica to take in the architecture, go to a service or climb the Scenic Tower. Also, many people enjoy ambling the property. The Ice Age Trail, with a segment that’s seven miles long, cuts through the grounds, allowing for photo opportunities of the trees and buildings. There are also picnic tables available if you’d like to bring along lunch. Outside, don’t miss the Stations of the Cross, which display scenes of Jesus’ crucifixion through striking, lifelike statues. To make the most of your experience, you can have a meal at the Holy Hill Cafe, which serves up soups, sandwiches and salads. You can take a trip to the gift store packed with Holy Hill souvenirs and religious items. And to really immerse yourself, you can stay at the Holy Hill Guesthouse, with its quiet, simple retreat rooms located in The Old Monastery Inn and the remodeled New Guest House. It’s important to keep accessibility in mind when visiting Holy Hill. While the main church is fully accessible, the Scenic Tower and guest houses are not. Even though Holy Hill undoubtedly shines its brightest during fall, you’ll find it beautiful in all seasons, and is well worth the pilgrimage to get there. ew
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Mineral Point is a Dream for Artsy Travelers This small town packs big charm into a perfect day trip. By Shelby Rowe Moyer
Red Rooster Café
A beautiful bookstore. A niche stationary shop. Tons of good eats and about a dozen art galleries. Mineral Point has so much more than you’d ever expect from a small town — here’s how to spend a leisurely day in this gorgeous area. Also: Bring a cooler, because you’re taking treats home.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLARY SCHAVE
9 A.M. Café 43 downtown on High Street is a must. Located within the historic Old Royal Inn, Café 43 has cozy charm with a rotating breakfast and lunch menu based on what’s seasonally available. If French toast is on the menu, order it.
Café 43
10 A.M. Most shops and art galleries can be found downtown along High and Commerce streets, and there are a few places it’s recommended you visit. Republic of Letters is an independent bookstore with a stellar selection of books. In the back, you’ll find The Book Kitchen, which hosts cooking and baking classes. Michael’s Fine Art and Antiques up the road is not your typical gallery. Many of the awe-inspiring 19th-
and 20th-century paintings have been collected by the owner during his travels abroad. Then there’s Mayday Press, specializing in European and Japanese stationery and office supplies. Treat yourself. You’ll find pens for $2.25 all the way up to $290. (No joke.) Make sure you visit the many art galleries that are clustered on High Street, including Little Elk Art Collective, Green Lantern Studios, Wantoot, Sirus Sunlight Glass Studio and Huie Art. 12:30 P.M. Red Rooster Café on High Street is a favorite for Cornish fare — especially their Figgyhobbin, a layered pastry with raisins and caramel sauce. Cow Tippers on Commerce Street has patio seating with great cocktails and specialty burgers.
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2 P.M. If you haven’t already walked the shops on Commerce Street, now’s the time. Long Branch Art Gallery and Jane Wilcoxson Studios are personal favorites. On the other end of the block, award-winning Hook’s Cheese Company cheese can be purchased at their factory location or across the street at Five Point Market and Liquor.
4 P.M. Take a mini break at American Wine Project, which is open afternoons, Thursday through Sunday. The inside is cute, but the gardens are truly stunning. It’s the perfect place to sit for a while and taste its wines made with “locally sourced, cold-climate hybrid grapes,” according to the winery. Grab your cooler and stock up on house-made wine, locally made cheese and butter, and craft beer. 5 P.M. Commerce Street Brewery Hotel offers comfort food in an intimate environment. They’re known for their English style fish and chips. The best part? You don’t even have to leave — seven quaint rooms are located right upstairs. In the mood for something else? Popolo offers wood-fired pizzas, and The Sweet Life Ice Cream Parlor is next door for a sweet meal ending. ew 22 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
Mineral Point Downtown
Huie Art
Red Rooster Café
American Wine Project
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3 P.M. Drive down Shakerag Street. It’s where you’ll find Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts. Workshops and classes are held year-round for everything from writing and painting to jewelrymaking and blacksmithing. The miniature campus is open to the public during daylight. Nearby is Brewery Pottery. The 1850s limestone building was a brewery for over 100 years. Now, it’s stocked with pottery made onsite and tons of other wares from area artists.
Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLARY SCHAVE
Choose Your Weekend Adventure in Racine County Enjoy the beautiful fall colors, hayrides, pumpkins and apple picking Crisp autumn walks along Lake Michigan’s shoreline Self-guided rural driving tour of Quilts on Barns mounted on rustic and historic structures Vibrant music scene, quality theater, world class art museum & galleries of every size Famous for Kringle and Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
KEEP IN TOUCH AND PLANYOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY
VisitRacineCounty
ROOTED
A tour of the garden centers and shops worth the drive By Melanie Radzicki McManus
Northwind Perennial Farm
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ere in Wisconsin, an intriguing mix of plant shops can be found around the state, including the four below. Pop into these shops and see what catches your eye. You may end up scoring some colorful and intriguing finds for yourself, or even holiday gifts for your loved ones. FORREST FARMS, TWIN LAKES Always wanted to take a plant class, such as floral arranging, creating holiday wreaths, growing succulents or how to fashion a knock-out terrarium? Forrest Farms in Twin Lakes offers traveling plant classes in several southeastern Wisconsin cities, plus a few locales in northeastern Illinois. Head to the closest spot when your favored class is on the schedule. If you have extra time, stop into their Twin Lakes store to scope out the 24 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | Fall 2026
Forrest Farms
goods. There are loads of lush plants for purchase, of course, plus vases, planters, potting soil, soaps, body oils, greeting cards, a candle bar, holiday décor and much more. Don’t forget to follow their Facebook page to catch various sales and specials. Earlier this year, for example, anyone whose name started with a “T” – first or last — could stop in and receive a free mini plant. Every year, Forrest Farms holds a Bouquets & Brays fundraiser for Solstice Sanctuary Hay Barn in Salem Lakes. The rescue and healing farm focuses on large animals, such as horses and donkeys. During the event, you’ll receive instructions on how to create your own flower crown or floral arrangement. Afterward, stay and hang out with the Sanctuary animals.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAIN: C.MAE PHOTOGRAPHY, BOTTOM: FORREST FARMS
Business blossomed at local plant shops during the COVID pandemic, as people quickly beautified their indoor living and work spaces. While demand cooled in the post-COVID era, people are still seeking out plants, flowers, herbs and more at a higher rate than in the past.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOP: C.MAE PHOTOGRAPHY, HANGING PLANT: CHANSOM PANTIP ©SHUTTERSTOCK, BOTTOM: PAWEL CZERWINSKI ©UNSPLASH
Northwind Perennial Farm
NORTHWIND PERENNIAL FARM, BURLINGTON Perennials make a great addition to any garden. They come back every year, which saves you money. Once mature, you can split them into new plants to move elsewhere or gift to a friend. And their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion. Ready to buy some? Then consider a trip to Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington. Located on a 10-acre parcel of land dominated by a spacious, red barn, the owners have been growing perennials there since 1991. In addition to selling popular plants such as lavender, hostas, coneflowers and decorative grasses, you may be able to score yarrow, hyssop, anemones, dianthus and prairie dropseed. In the market for some garden art to enhance your yard? You’ll have plenty of options at Northwind. The business’ Garden Shop, tucked into the barn, contains local goods, garden accents, gifts, birdhouses and birdbaths, wrought iron pieces and glass ornaments. You’ll also find salvaged and restored items, such as tables and picture frames. Build in extra time to explore after you’ve finished shopping. Paths wind throughout the business’ acreage, taking you past stunning display gardens, tranquil ponds and several intriguing old structures, including an outhouse with, yes, a crescent moon carved on the door. Keep an eye out for the cats and chickens that are typically wandering around. A variety of classes and events are held at Northwind throughout the year, such as yoga, foraging, blade-sharpening and, of course, courses on creating a beautiful garden.
THE PLANT PEOPLE, GREEN BAY This longtime Green Bay business is famed for its lush potted plants, succulents and cacti, garden bowls and terrariums. It’s also the place where locals head when they’re looking for orchids and the Louise Hanson Rose, a hardy, disease-resistant plant featuring rich red semi-double blooms. If you’d like to learn more about plants and their care, The Plant People offer a large selection of classes, both public and private. Think floral arranging, houseplant care, makeand-take sessions, holiday decorating and even bow-making. You can also suggest a topic for a class and The Plant People may just offer it. ALOE & JADE, SPOONER Looking for an uncommon plant, and perhaps one you can pair with a fun gift? Then check out Aloe & Jade in Spooner. The shop, which bills itself as the largest plant boutique in northern Wisconsin, is known for carrying lesscommon plants, such as carnivorous pitcher plants, lithops — aka “butt plants,” which are tiny succulents that look like buttocks — and pickle plants, which are also succulents, but this time resembling gherkin pickles. They also carry unique planters and plush plant toys, which are soft, stuffed novelties designed as whimsical room décor. If you have kids — or a sweet tooth — you’re in luck. Aloe & Jade is also home to a popular candy bar carrying a wide variety of sweets. If you’re even luckier, you’ll be in town when the boutique offers one of its specialty events, such as Ladies’ Night, which features sales, giveaways, appetizers, refreshments and more. ew Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 25
THE DISH
Cheese Curds
Carr Valley
By Kristine Hansen
A
t their best when the unaged curds are so fresh they squeak when you take a bite, because they were made within the last 48 hours, this is the last stage in the cheese-making process before being molded into bricks or blocks. As long as cheese has been produced for commercial reasons in Wisconsin, so have curds. Initially this was a factory byproduct, but now it’s considered an artisan cheese on par with other varieties, such as cheddar, gouda and mozzarella. Since 2022 cheese curds have had their own category for judging at the World Championship Cheese Contest, but even earlier than this, in 1984, Ellsworth, Wisconsin, was named the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, an honor bestowed upon the city by then-Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl. Whether you enjoy cheese curds fresh (bought at cheese shops and grocery stores, and also gas stations) or deep-fried (easy to order at restaurants and bars), there isn’t a corner of the state where you can’t find these. Most cheese shops, grocery stores and, yes, even gas stations around the state carry these. The best place to satisfy a craving for
deep-fried cheese curds is often at a craft brewery’s taproom, because a key ingredient to nailing the recipe is battering and frying the curds in not only oil but also beer. Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee even calls their version “Our Famous Cheese Curds” and they are served with a side of ranch dressing, just like at Baraboo’s Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen. Similarly, Potosi Brewery in Potosi (in southwestern Wisconsin) pairs its beer-battered white-cheddar cheese curds with ranch. At J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard inside American Family Field, which is home field for the Milwaukee Brewers, beerbattered cheese curds come with pickled peppers as well as sour cream onion aioli for a fun fusion of flavors. Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison is home to quite a few craft breweries. One of those, Stark Weather Brewing, includes deep-fried cheese curds on its food menu. These hail from Decatur Dairy in Brodhead, which has been making curds since the 1940s and has the unique distinction of being home to the only certified master cheesemaker in the world, owner Steve Stettler, specializing in cheese curds. ew
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL WISCONSIN
Cheese curds are unequivocally unique to Wisconsin. With very few exceptions, you won’t find these salty, bite-sized fresh pieces of cheddar cheese produced in other U.S. states, although the closest version geographically is in a classic Canadian dish called poutine: fries topped with curds and slathered in gravy.
CARMEX: A FAMILY FORMULA
Created in a Milwaukee-area kitchen, Carmex stays true to its family roots
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARMA LABORATORIES, INC.
By Becky Peck If you’re like me, chances are you’ve got at least one tube tucked away in a pocket, cosmetic bag or maybe the console of your car. Carmex is one of the most widely known brands of lip balm manufactured today. However, few know that it was — and still is — created in Wisconsin or how it became a staple for anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere. The Carmex story began in a suburban Milwaukee kitchen in the early 1930s, when Alfred Woelbing launched a personal mission to resolve his chronically chapped lips. Working with a blend of menthol, camphor, beeswax, cocoa butter and lanolin, he created a formula that actually worked. In 1937, he began selling it commercially under the Carmex name, which was derived from the combination of “carbolated” and “mentholated.” Woelbing had no funds to market the new product, so he pounded the pavement, visiting pharmacies within driving distance of his Milwaukee home. He would leave behind a dozen jars and an order form, trusting the product to sell itself.
And it worked. News spread and soon the product was selling throughout the Midwest. When the business outgrew their kitchen, the Woelbings moved to a rented space and eventually their son, Don, would join the company. By the 1970s, the company had moved production to an assembly line located in the Milwaukee suburb of Franklin, where it remains today. As times changed, so did Carmex. Squeezable tubes arrived in the late 1980s and then came the “click-stick” in the 1990s. Then there was SPF and medicated formulas as well. Through all of this, the company has remained family-owned. Alfred worked at the company well into his 90s, before passing away at age 100 in 2001. Today it is led by Alfred’s grandson, Paul Woelbing. There are approximately 75 employees. And their products are sold around the world. So next time you’re reaching for that tube, just remember how some of the best products are often created through ingenuity, determination and a little help from family. ew Fall 2026 | experiencewisconsinmag.com | 27
Find Your Fall Adventure Hike the trails. Chase the colors. Explore the lakes. Discover your perfect fall getaway in Whitewater, Wisconsin.