BELOIT Official Visitor Guide
Where Stories Begin VISITBELOIT.COM 608.365.4838
60 Miles South of Madison 75 Miles West of Milwaukee 90 Miles West of Chicago
Where Stories Begin
In Beloit, we begin our stories through our senses. We taste and smell our way through our incredible foodie scene. We feel the urge to explore and be adventurous. We listen to music carrying its way through the streets. We visually entice ourselves with arts in a variety of forms. Stories begin in Beloit because of our energy, because we welcome everyone, because our community has something to tell, and at the top of the list is because we are a trailblazing destination. Stories are what weave together the fabric that holds this destination together. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, making a first time trip or have visited before, we’re confident our memorable supper clubs and local hotspots, seasonal outdoor adventures, vibrant entertainment, and culturally unique arts will have you creating stories to remember for years to come.
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DOWNTOWN BELOIT STREET DANCE
Contents 2
HISTORY AND CULTURE 4 Must See Attractions
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FOOD AND DRINK 6 Fine Dining 7 Grapes and Hops 8 Hotspots 9 Eat Like a Local 10 Caf s 11 Sweet Eats
12 MAPS
ABC SUPPLY STADIUM: HOME OF THE BELOIT SKY CARP BIRD SCOOTERS
DOUBLE B FARM COUNTRY STORE & CAFÉ
14 SHOPPING 14 Downtown Beloit 16 Farmers’ Market 17 Shop Local 18 Antique Trail 19 THINGS TO DO 19 Outdoors 20 Sports and Recreation 21 Live Entertainment 22 ACCOMMODATIONS 24 EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
VISIT BELOIT An independent non-profit organization. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, but no responsibility is assumed for errors or omissions. Circulation: 10,000. All photos have been provided by Visit Beloit and its tourism partners. Visit Beloit 656 Pleasant St., Beloit, WI Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center I-39 NB / I-90 WB, Rest Area 22, Beloit, WI Visit the Welcome Center to get local and state travel information, as well as traffic updates.
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FRIDAYS IN THE PARK
The Destination Marketing Accreditation Program seal by Destinations International recognizes our organization’s commitment to industry excellence and demonstrates that we meet performance and accountability standards.
COVER PHOTO: Music at Harry’s Place is a free, outdoor concert series that takes place most Friday nights from July through September at Riverside Park.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
history and culture The Beloit region has seen more than 200 years of American history unfold. This area, first home to the Ho-Chunk people, was a prime destination for trading especially due to its proximity to the current Rock River. The New England Immigrating Company began purchasing land in the mid1830s to form Beloit as a city. After actively growing during the Industrial Revolution, Beloit continues to honor its heritage through adaptive reuse of industrial, commercial, and historical buildings.
1. Step back in time on the Beloit College Campus. Founded in 1846, it is the oldest continuously operated college in Wisconsin and was founded while the state was still a territory. Situated high on a hill overlooking the Rock River, the campus offers 40 wooded acres of winding walkways to meander along, and 20 conical, linear, and animal-shaped effigy mounds built between about AD 400 and 1200.
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3. Paddle down Turtle Creek and enjoy the view of an operational 1869 five-arch stone bridge. The Tiffany Bridge is the oldest such in Wisconsin. Paddling and kayaking in Beloit and the surrounding area is amazing! 4. After nightfall, take time to stroll off of 3rd Street onto (affectionately named) Spine Road to see the illuminated murals honoring the thousands who worked at Beloit Iron Works and Beloit Corporation, now a technology and business campus with more than 50 companies.
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2. Wander through the historic streets of Downtown Beloit and see many original buildings and businesses like an old-fashioned barber shop and a shoe store that opened in 1907.
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
Our streets are steeped in history! 4
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
Must see attractions!
1. Take a tour of the state’s oldest operating grist mill. Beckman Mill is an authentically restored 1868 grist mill that is surrounded by a 50-acre park. Tours are available on weekends, May through October from 1-4 pm, and watch their grinding demonstrations on Saturdays. 2. View more than 75 historic autos including John Dillinger’s getaway car at Historic Auto Attractions. You will also find Hollywood memorabilia and one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy and Kennedy Family artifacts in the country. 3. You will appreciate the beautiful architecture, as well as the fine art on display at the Wright Museum of Art. You will find more than a dozen exhibitions, drawn from the permanent collection, regional and student artists, and national touring shows. 4. Meet traders and trappers, French voyageurs, and Native Americans at Macktown Living History Education Center, located in Rockton. 5. Enjoy the work of premier and established local and regional artists at the Beloit Art Center. If you are here on the first Friday of a month, attend their reception and gallery show opening.
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6. Take a stroll through the Beloit College campus and view artifacts from around the world at the Logan Museum of Anthropology. The museum, founded in 1894, contains 300,000 archaeological and ethnological objects including Native American baskets, preColumbian pottery, and prehistoric North American ceramics. 7. Explore the city and view Beloit’s vast array of public art created by O.V. Shaffer. There are 30 pieces of his art throughout Beloit including “The Landing” which rises 60 feet.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
fine dining Beloit and the surrounding region is fast becoming known for its gourmet cuisine and locally-owned restaurants. Beloit’s collection of legendary supper clubs featuring Old Fashioneds, fish fries, and Grasshoppers will not disappoint. 615 Club features entrées that are served in classic supper club style—complete with a relish tray, soup, salad, and cinnamon rolls. Benedetti’s is famous for their Friday fish fry and dessert drinks.
1. Step back in time at the The Butterfly Club, a retro-style supper club that features big band music in the lounge.
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2. Explore the many regions of Italy through wine and crafted dishes made from scratch at the sultry Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian, located inside Hotel Goodwin. Choose from more than 100 wine labels paired with house-made pasta and artisan-style bread to sustainably sourced seafood.
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3. Enjoy amazing food with riverfront views at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, with its rustic feel, hardwood floors, and abundant photographs capturing Beloit’s history. You’ll love the attentive service, uncompromised quality, and excellent steakhouse fare. 4. Enjoy a cocktail and the view of Downtown Beloit from The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin, Beloit’s only rooftop bar and event space. This indoor/ outdoor setting is open to the public unless closed for private events.
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FOOD AND DRINK
grapes and hops Beloit has some great spots for a craft beer or glass of vino. If you love stopping for a wine tasting or beer flight, we’ve got the places for you.
1. Enjoy the panoramic landscape from the highest point in Beloit at G5 Brewing Company. In addition to beer, they offer a full bar and gourmet pub food. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax in summer.
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2. This brew pub is the newest kid on the block. CheezHead Brewing is located in the heart of Downtown Beloit and prides itself on serving great Wisconsin beer, cheese, sausage, and more. Enjoy good brews and the fresh outdoors while playing yard games in the beer garden. 3. Get out of town and into DC Estate Winery. Nestled in the lightly rolling countryside of South Beloit, DC gives you the feeling of being in Tuscany. Enjoy a wine tasting, the cozy fireplace, or sit creekside in a comfy Adirondack chair in the summer. DC is the perfect spot to celebrate a special event or simply spend a relaxing weekend afternoon.
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If you are here a few days, complete our craft beer trail and get a collectible shirt! Get details at BeloitBeerTrail.com.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
hotspots
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Beloit has a variety of fun, locallyowned restaurants that serve creative dishes and cocktails.
1. Walk right off the street through the garage doors (weather permitting) and you’ll experience the same unreal gourmet street tacos at truk’t as you’d find in big cities like Los Angeles or NYC right in Downtown Beloit. You’ll be amazed at their one-of-a-kind recipes, house-made tortillas, or their selection of more than 100 tequilas and whiskeys!
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2. When you step into Zen Sushi & Grill, you will not feel like you are in a small Midwestern city. Zen is Beloit’s premier Japanese restaurant featuring fresh, authentic cuisine in a chic atmosphere. You can enjoy your meal on the gorgeous outdoor patio in the summer. 3. Don’t miss a true Wisconsin experience at Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar. Feast on stuffed burgers made with real Wisconsin cheese and a glass filled with locally-crafted beer. Finish with a famous “Tipsy” shake! Kick back and unwind, and enjoy dining on the sidewalk in the warmer months. 4. Located right along the scenic Rock River, The Rock Bar & Grill offers indoor and outdoor dining, an extensive craft beer selection, amazing loaded Bloody Marys, and a robust menu. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit and patio near the water.
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FOOD AND DRINK
Eat like a local.
Locals love their neighborhood hangouts for casual laid-back atmospheres, great menus, and fair prices. And, so will you! Enjoy homemade wood-fired pizza on Wednesdays throughout the summer on a working farm at Double B Farm Country Store & Café. A multi-cuisine cafe, Jerry’s Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious homemade breakfast and lunch. It is a great place that is good for both kids and adults! For some amazing margaritas and of course, fajitas, head to Fresco Fajita House. The atmosphere is cozy and is nestled in the heart of Downtown Beloit. The Liberty House Grill menu features Wisconsin-produced steaks, house-made pastas, a range of seafood and gourmet burgers. While you wait for your table, enjoy a beverage in the big city ambiance of the Whiskey and Wine Cellar. Known for having one of the most loaded pizzas, “The Kitchen Sink.” Tilley’s Pizza House & Ballyhoo Tavern is one of Beloit’s oldest restaurants.
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truck You can find many mobile restaurants throughout the Beloit region. For a complete list, head to: visitbeloit.com/food-trucks
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
cafés If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee and a scrumptious breakfast or lunch, you’ll discover many options in the Beloit area. For delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts—including gourmet cupcakes—be sure to stop at Fatt Cat Café which resides in a charming historic home in Rockton. The Blender Café serves coffee and espresso drinks, Italian soda, smoothies, and more! The menu includes fresh breakfast and lunch items including bakery, sandwiches, salads, and soup. Located in the Beloit Public Library, make sure you explore their community calendar for exciting things to do while grabbing your coffee.
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At Bagels & More Local Café, you will find a delightful café that offers delicious coffees, smoothies, and lattes. They serve breakfast and lunch using local ingredients and have great options for their vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free customers.
1. If you love Wisconsin products, you have to go to Blue Collar Coffee Co. Their hand-crafted coffee drinks are made from beans roasted by Wisconsin-based Ruby Coffee Roasters. They also offer Kombucha, Wisco Pop, and several pastry and breakfast options.
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2. Eat, drink, and shop at Bushel & Peck’s Local Market, known for being part restaurant, part store, part preservation kitchen, and part farm. B & P is a must when you’re in Downtown Beloit. 3. For an authentic farm-to-table breakfast or lunch, check out Double B Farm Country Store & Café. The kids will love seeing the goats, ducks, chickens, and pigs. Make sure you order a famous “Duck Butt” muffin! 10
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sweet eats If you need to fill your sugar craving, you may have a hard time deciding which specialty shop to visit. Dairyhäus, in nearby Rockton, will satisfy your sweet tooth with one of sixty flavors of small batch ice cream. Make sure to order it in a homemade waffle cone. Shopiere Soda and Ice Cream Bar is located in an historic, 1950’s-style soda shop dating back to the mid-1800’s. This family-friendly shop, features “Chocolate Shoppe” ice cream, shakes, malts, root beer floats, and smoothies. For those young at heart, there are tasty Grasshoppers and Alexanders.
1. Have you ever had bubble tea? Discover it at Flying Pig! They also offer coffee drinks, shaved ice, smoothies, savory and sweet gourmet popcorn, cookies, and more. 2. If you’re heading to Rockton, be sure to stop in Sugar Britches, an old-fashioned candy store offering a mixture of gourmet, handmade chocolate truffles, sea-salted caramels, fudge, turtles, peanut brittle, and all of the candies you remember from your childhood. 3. For some of the best gourmet popcorns, fudges, ice creams, candies, and chocolates around, stop in Northwoods Premium Confections.
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RESTAURANTS HOTELS/B&BRd 251 9. Fatt90Cat Cafe 1. Anna Maria’s 1. 1810 Emerson House B&B ur Mc C 10. G5 Brewing Company 2. Baymont Inn Kelly-2. Benedetti’s 39 Meyers 68 3. Blender Cafe 11. MJerry’s 3. Best Western Legacy Inn Rd Park cCurry Cafe Rd y r r u C 68 Bar & Grill 4.Mc Boundaries 12. Imperial Palace 4. Fairfield Inn & Suites Ledges Golf Club Roscoe 5. Bravo Pizza 13. Liberty House Grill 5. Hampton Inn 6. Butterfly Club Ho 14. The Rock Bar & Grill 6. Holiday Inn Express no 7. Double neB Farm & Country Cafe Lo ga 15. Tilley’s Pizza 7. Home2 Suites h 8. Downtown RBeloit Restaurants d 8. Hotel Goodwin Elevator Rd Elevator Rd 8 9. Ironworks Hotel KAYAK/CANOE LAUNCHES 10. Quality Inn 1. John Rose Landing More details at: 11. Rodeway Inn 2. Schollmeyer Park friendsofturtlecreek.com 12. Super 8 rockrivertrail.com 3. Town of Turtle Launch
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ATTRACTIONS Settlers Park 1. Antique Shops 11. Historic AutoHAttractions on Macktown on eg Golf 2. AppleCourse Hut 12. Ironworks Golf Lab ah Rd d 75 RMill rt 3. Beckman 64 o p 13. Macktown Living History Free 4. Beloit College/LoganRed Museum 14. Nature at the Confluence 8 Barn of Anthropology/Wright Golf 15. Pearl Lake Course Museum of Art 16. Pohlman Field/Edwards Ice 5. Beloit Historical Society Arena 6. Beloit Sky Carp (ABC Supply 17. Preservation Park 2 Stadium) 18. Riverside Park 7. Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center 19. Rockton Shopping 8. Big Hill Park 20. Skydive the Rock 9. DC Estate Winery 21. Visit Beloit 10. Downtown Beloit Shops 22. YMCA Sports Complex and Farmers’ Market Wagon Wheel Rd
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DINING/CAFES/BARS 1. 5Bar 530 E. Grand Ave. 207-3805 2. 615 Club 615 Broad St. 364-4615 3. Bagels & More Local Café 324 State St. 363-1850 4. Blue Collar Coffee 443 E. Grand Ave. 368-7155 5. Brass Rail 646 Fourth St. 362-9999 6. Bushel & Peck’s Local Market 328 State St. 363-3911 7. Carom Room 614 E. Grand Ave. 365-1811
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8. CheezHead Brewing 414 Pleasant St. 313-5086 9. Domenico’s Italian Restaurant 547 E. Grand Ave. 365-9489 10. Fresco Fajita House 315 State St. 207-9471 11. Grand Avenue Pub 132 W. Grand Ave. 312-2363 12. Grand Slam 173 W. Grand Ave. 362-6013 13. La Casa Grande 618 Fourth St. 361-0011 14. Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar 430 E. Grand Ave. 312-4477
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15. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint 500 Pleasant St. 313-0700 16. Mr B’s Snack Shop 315 Short St. 207-9684 17. Palermo’s Pizza 618 4th St. 365-3043 18. Pig Iron Pub & Grub 614 Broad St. 312-2057 19. truk’t 443 E. Grand Ave. 368-7144 20. Velvet Buffalo 500 Public Ave. 312-2991 21. Zen Sushi & Grill 430 E. Grand Ave. 299-8888
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Stateline Restoration Prairie Park SHOPPING 1. Always and Forever Formal Wear 317 State St. 365-9697 2. Arcane Archives 635 Broad St. 312-2400 3. Autumn Moon 412 E. Grand Ave. 312-2013 4. Beloit Bicycle Company 110 W. Grand Ave. 362-8735 5. Bushel & Peck’s Local Market 328 State St. 363-3911 6. Chic & Unique Clothing & Furniture Boutique 318 State St. 312-4222 7. Flying Pig 431 E. Grand Ave. 312-2554 8. Haute Bridal 444 E. Grand Ave. 436-5600 9. Haute The Luxe Bridal & Beauty House 406 Pleasant St., Ste. 210 436-5600 10. J & G Coins, Rings and Things 419 E. Grand Ave. 359-5751 11. Jewelry by Christopher 322 State St. 312-2300
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6. Tresses by Letisha 136 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 304 481-2794 7. WM DaySpa Salon 604 Pleasant St., Ste. 130 312-2722
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SERVICES 1. Austin’s Barber Shop 4. First Class Cosmetology 316 State St. 365-0006 School 306 State St. 362-5216 2. Beloit Transit 255 Shirland Ave. 364-2870 5. Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce 3. Downtown Beloit Association 635 Third St., #5 365-8835 557 E. Grand Ave. 365-0150 ATTRACTIONS 1. ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Ave. 362-2272 2. Beloit Art Center 520 E. Grand Ave. 313-9083
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3. Beloit College/Logan Museum of Anthropology/Wright Museum of Art 700 College St. 363-2000
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12. Nest Egg 816 E. Grand Ave. 365-0700 13. Nine Bells & Cat Tails 421 E. Grand Ave. 626-537-5329 14. Northwoods Premium Confections 314 State St. 363-9000 15. Novedades Castillo 167 W. Grand Ave. 359-8895 16. Pizzazz Gift Boutique 313 State St. 365-6660 17. Rindfleisch Flowers 512 E. Grand Ave. 363-7673 18. Rock County Gems 312 State St. 346-7132 19. Stanton Shoes 311 State St. 362-5014 20. Tin Dog Records 312 State St. 312-4076 21. Villager Gallery & Framing/ My Apt.@429 429 E. Grand Ave. 365-6007 22. Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts 408 E. Grand Ave. 313-0600
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7. Stateline Family YMCA 501 Third St. 365-2261 8. Visit Beloit 656 Pleasant St. 365-4838
BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
head downtown When visiting Beloit, you’ll surely love the eclectic shops, galleries, and boutiques. Downtown Beloit is the best spot to find local goodies.
1. Start your adventure at the corner of State St. and Grand Ave. at Bushel & Peck’s Local Market. They sell local jams, sauces, relishes, soups, and fermented foods made by hand right in Beloit. The market’s café also provides a pleasant place to dine, relax, and have a little fun.
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2. Step back in time at Stanton Shoes, a classic shoe store in the heart of Downtown Beloit. They have had the same family ownership and location for more than a century.
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3. Explore Tin Dog Records, a vintage-style record store in a hip and modern space. They carry both new and used records, as well as apparel and musical equipment. You can also find several bins filled with a variety of albums from $3-$15. 4. Get your Beloit-branded merchandise at Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts. They also feature customized and personalized gifts and apparel, awards, screen printing, and more!
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SHOPPING
5. If you’re in search of a super cute clothing store offering a large variety of products from clothing to home goods, then you have to stop in Pizzazz Gift Boutique. 6. For up-cycled clothing, jewelry, and home furnishings, Chic & Unique Clothing & Furniture Boutique is the perfect place to shop. Want to get your palm or tarot cards read? Nine Bells & Cat Tails features the talents of local artists while opening up your world to metaphysical wonders.
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Beloit is home to the state’s oldest flower shop—Rindfleisch Flowers. They’ve been in Downtown Beloit for more than 100 years and feature beautiful fresh-cut flower arrangements and a large selection of green and blooming plants. Explore eleven rooms full of everything from accent furniture, to children’s clothing and toys, to wine racks and accessories at The Nest Egg.
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Stop in the Villager Gallery & Frame Shop for local original art works and reproductions. With new monthly features, the gallery is always changing. Then, head upstairs to see the unique re-purposed items in My Apt.@429.
Downtown is dazzling during the holidays!
DOWNTOWN BELOIT HOLIDAZZLE TROLLEY
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
Wisconsin’s second largest farmers’ market. 16
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SHOPPING
shop local The Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market has been drawing thousands of locals and visitors to the heart of Downtown Beloit since 1974! Rain or shine, the open-air market bursts at the seams every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm from May through October. With more than 100 vendors, the Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market is currently the second largest market in the state—second only to Dane County’s! The markets’ vendors sell an unimaginable variety of goods including fresh seafood, organics, produce, artisan crafts, gourmet popcorn, Amish baked goods, raw honey, fresh flowers, and more. In addition to market vendors, there are also several food trucks on-site serving a variety of ethnic foods and fresh seafood! It’s a great place to grab lunch and enjoy frequent live music performances. Bring the kids too! There are plenty of activities for them, including face painting, balloon animals, and henna tattoos.
Get more locally-sourced products at The Apple Hut. Their gift shop offers 17 varieties of apples, apple pies—baked and frozen, caramel apples, pumpkin bread, apple cinnamon bread, apple cider, jams, and honey. They are best known for their famous apple cider donuts.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
shop the antique trail Whether you’re on the hunt for a 19th-century carved oak table, hoping to find some unique gift items, or just intrigued by the idea of discovering old treasures, a visit to antique and vintage shops await you!
Vintage Bliss Beloit
Vintage Etcetera
Start your day around 10 am so you have plenty of time to shop around. You can visit all the places on our list at any time, but check ahead on hours of operation.
Beloit
My Apt.@429
Best of Beloit Vintage Mall
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Helsell’s Antiques and Collectibles South Beloit
Angela’s Attic South Beloit
Frosted Farmhouse Rockton
Home on Hayloft Rockton
Pick-A-Dilly Antiques Rockton
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THINGS TO DO
outdoors Beloit has 32 city parks and more than 23 miles of hiking, biking, and river trails to explore. You can hike trails through wetlands and native prairie restorations managed by the Green-Rock Audubon Society, rent a tandem bike and enjoy the Beloit Riverwalk, or go on a guided kayak or tubing adventure with Sugar River Adventures. You can even go big and jump out of a plane with Skydive the Rock.
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1. For hiking, picnics, and cross-country ski trails, head to Big Hill Park located on the bluffs of the Rock River. This 190-acre park is also home to the Welty Environmental Center. Don’t miss the scenic overlook with a spectacular vista! 2. Make a stop at Nature at the Confluence, an outdoor urban ecology center dedicated to creating the historic confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek in South Beloit a place of gathering, exploration, recreation, learning, and inspiration for people of all ages and abilities.
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3. Rent a paddle boat or tandem bike and explore the Riverwalk—a 3.5-mile paved walking/bike path in Riverside Park. This 28-acre park is home to Turtle Island Playground and Harry C. Moore Pavilion which hosts a free summer concert series, Music at Harry’s Place, and free dance lessons during Dancing at Harry’s Place.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
sports and recreation Whether you want to participate, or simply be a spectator, Beloit offers a variety of opportunities for the whole family. If you like watching cars race, Blackhawk Farms Raceway is the place. Like ice skating? Get over to Edwards Ice Arena and rent some skates October through early March. If golf is your thing, you’ll want to reserve a tee time at Krueger-Haskell Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole, par 70 course with rolling terrain and mature trees. Afterwards, swing into the clubhouse for a meal. If you’re looking to play in the water, Krueger Municipal Swimming Pool is a great spot. And, if you are a guest at Ironworks Hotel or Hotel Goodwin you can enjoy “Member for a Stay” privileges to the Stateline Family YMCA and the Beloit Club. Beloit Club is regarded as one of the best country clubs in Wisconsin and offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, a beautiful swimming pool, and an amazing restaurant and bar.
1. Enjoy America’s pastime at a Beloit Sky Carp game at the brand new ABC Supply Stadium! The Sky Carp are a High-A central affiliate of the Miami Marlins, giving you major league fun at minor league prices. 2. Skydive the Rock offers tandem skydiving, solo training, and welcomes novice and experienced skydivers. Enjoy a jump from 14,000 feet with experienced tandem masters and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Rock River and surrounding countryside! 3. Play golf and other sports yearround at Ironworks Golf Lab. Their high-definition simulator lets you choose from 80+ golf courses, and the other two simulators let you choose between golf or 14 other games, including hockey and zombie dodgeball. You can also enjoy appetizers, beer, and soft drinks.
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THINGS TO DO
live entertainment
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Beloit offers many opportunities for live entertainment throughout the year. You can enjoy a concert by the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra, a collaboration of musicians dedicated to educating patrons to the joys of classical, pop, and contemporary music. If you like community theatre, take in a play produced by the Beloit Civic Theatre. Performances are held in the intimate 200-seat Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre. There’s live music and karaoke throughout the week at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, Grand Avenue Pub, Coach’s Bar & Grill, 5Bar, and more. Think you’ve got the smarts? Join locals for trivia night at G5 Brewing Company, The Rock Bar & Grill, 5Bar, or CheezHead Brewing.
1. See the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra perform. In addition to its series of classical and pops concerts, each year it performs an outdoor Independence Day concert. 2. From May through September, you can grab lunch and listen to live bands at Fridays in the Park. Lunch is provided by a local restaurant for $7 and served from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. 3. Dance the night away most Friday evenings from June through August at Music at Harry’s Place. This free summer concert series showcases top regional bands from 7-9 pm.
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
sweet dreams The Beloit region has many lodging options to meet your needs. From luxury boutique to extended stay, you will rest easy.
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1. For industrial charm with modern amenities, the Ironworks Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel located on the bank of the Rock River in Downtown Beloit is for you. The hotel is home to one of the area’s best restaurants, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, and is within walking distance of many other area attractions and nightlife. You’ll love the two-sided gas fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms, and plush robes. 2. If bed and breakfasts are your style, you will fall in love with 1810 Emerson House, located in an elegant neighborhood near historic Beloit College. Enjoy breakfast served on fine china and a delectable antipasto plate with an assortment of tasty appetizers in the evening. 3. Another boutique property in Downtown Beloit is Hotel Goodwin which features 34 guest rooms. You will be amazed by the many unexpected touches, like in-room turntables, record collections, and edgy artwork. They also offer a rooftop bar and outdoor terrace. Be sure to check out Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian restaurant located inside the hotel featuring décor of a turn-of-the-century European café.
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There are also many other options, including but not limited to Home2 Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites. Check out the full list at visitbeloit.com/hotels-motels.
ACCOMMODATIONS
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Big city luxury! VisitBeloit.com
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BELOIT—WHERE STORIES BEGIN
major events 1. The Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) is an annual ten-day film festival that celebrates the power of independent film. More than 100 films are shown and patrons can meet filmmakers from around the world. The New York Times listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca. Jon Voight, Melissa Gilbert, and David Zucker have previously attended the festival. 2. The largest music festival in the Stateline area, Old Settlers Days invites some of the best up and coming and top hit makers to the Main Stage. Other highlights are a carnival, parade, OSD 5K, kids’ activities, beer tent, and food vendors. Four fun-filled days of entertainment and activities. 3. Dance the night away at Street Dance, one of the biggest events in Downtown Beloit. It’s a huge block party with top regional bands, a beer tent, and food trucks. The day starts with awesome sidewalk sales which is a great way to kick off your weekend. In September, do it all over again during Oktoberfest!
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EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
PLEASE VERIFY DATES AND TIMES AT VISITBELOIT.COM/CALENDAR BEFORE ARRIVING All events are in Beloit unless otherwise noted.
ONGOING EVENTS
AUGUST
are a High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins baseball team. Check the website for full schedule and specials. skycarp.com
Sidewalk sales Friday and Saturday morning. Street Dance Friday night on the 300 block of State St. downtownbeloit.com
APRIL-SEPTEMBER: BELOIT SKY CARP BASEBALL The Sky Carp
DOWNTOWN BELOIT SIDEWALK SALES & STREET DANCE
MAY-OCTOBER: FARMERS’ MARKET Award-winning market with
ANNUAL BELOIT DIRTY DASH Family mud run/obstacle course.
MAY-OCTOBER: BECKMAN MILL GUIDED TOURS Every Saturday &
SOUTH BELOIT FIREMAN’S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CORN BOIL
MAY-SEPTEMBER: FRIDAYS IN THE PARK Live music and lunch
SEPTEMBER
130+ vendors! Saturdays mornings. Rain or shine. downtownbeloit.com
Sunday. Corn grinding on first Saturday of the month. beckmanmill.org
from a local eatery. downtownbeloit.com
JUNE-AUGUST: ROCKTON RIVER MARKET Shop to great live music in Downtown Rockton, IL every Wednesday. rocktonrivermarket.com
JUNE-AUGUST: DANCING AT HARRY’S PLACE Free dance lessons on the second and fourth Mondays at Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com
Big Hill Park. beloitrecreation.com/dirty-dash
Flea market, softball and volleyball tournaments, bingo, live music, and more at Viking Lanes in South Beloit, IL. southbeloitfire.com
MOVIE ON THE BIG LAWN Sit under the stars and enjoy a family-friendly movie shown on a giant 50’ blow-up screen. Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com
THUNDER ON THE ROCK BOAT RACING Stock outboard, modified outboard, junior classes, and more! marineracingclub.com
JULY-SEPTEMBER: MUSIC AT HARRY’S PLACE Free concert series
HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL Explore free local events and historic sites
NOVEMBER-APRIL: WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET Indoor market on
HERITAGE SUNDAY Historic demonstrations, soldiers, food, and music.
most Friday evenings at Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com
Saturday mornings. downtownbeloit.com
JANUARY BELOIT WINTERFEST Indoor and outdoor family fun throughout Beloit.
beloitrecreation.com/beloit-winterfest
FEBRUARY
ROCKTON YETI FEST Snow sculpting, Yeti hunting, ice skating,
dog sled mushing, cocoa crawl and more in Downtown Rockton, IL! facebook.com/rocktonyetifest
BELOIT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF) Ten-day film festival featuring more than 100 independent films. Meet the filmmakers from around the world at several downtown venues! beloitfilmfest.org
APRIL
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Fun zone, photos with the Easter bunny,
mascots, face painting, balloon animals, and more! downtownbeloit.com
DOWNTOWN BELOIT SPRING WINE WALK Enjoy wine tastings at several shops throughout historic Downtown Beloit. downtownbeloit.com
MAY
during the three-day celebration. beloithistoricalsociety.com Beckman Mill. beckmanmill.org
OKTOBERFEST German beer, music, and food! Also, sidewalk sales in Downtown Beloit. downtownbeloit.com
BELOIT AUTORAMA Car show, parts swap, arts and crafts, and car corral. Preservation Park. beloitautorama.com ANNUAL FLYING CIRCUS FUN FLY RC plane flying, helicopter flying,
and FPV quad gate races all on three dedicated flying sites. Free admission. facebook.com/rockriveraero
OCTOBER
DOWNTOWN BELOIT FALL WINE WALK Enjoy wine tastings at several shops throughout historic downtown. downtownbeloit.com DEVIATE Part art show, part party. An interactive event featuring
contemporary art, live music, food and drink with an industrial vibe. Ironworks Campus Spine. deviatebeloit.com
TASTE OF THE CHAMBER Enjoy food samples, beer tasting, live music, and more! Eclipse Event Center. greaterbeloitchamber.org DOWNTOWN BELOIT HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE AND PARTY Kids costume parade on Grand Avenue followed by live music, entertainment, fun zone, and more! downtownbeloit.com
TEAM WORLD HORSESHOES TOURNAMENT Players representing their home state or country challenge each other. facebook.com/Beloit-Horseshoe-Club
NOVEMBER
U.S. KUBB OPEN Swedish yard game tournament for competitors of all
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY A vast majority of Downtown Beloit businesses will have sales, specials, treats, etc. to help welcome you to Shop Small®. downtownbeloit.com
ages and skill level. kubbunited.com/us-kubb-open
JUNE
GRAND LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE Live music & tree lighting,
followed by lighted parade and holiday festivities. downtownbeloit.com
OLD SETTLERS DAYS Music festival, carnival, and fundraiser for the
DECEMBER
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS Prayer, poetry, speeches, acknowledgment
children’s events, and holiday treats in Downtown Beloit. Free trolley. downtownbeloit.com
Rockton Lions Club. Settler’s Park. Rockton, IL. oldsettlersdays.com of local residents, music, and fun. visitbeloit.com
HOLIDAZZLE Artists in 30+ locations. Live music, Santa visits,
JULY
OUTDOOR CONCERT Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra Independence Day concert. beloitjanesvillesymphony.org
ICE CREAM SOCIAL/ARTISTS IN THE PARK Enjoy old-fashioned ice cream and desserts and watch artists at work at Beckman Mill. beckmanmill.org
VISITBELOIT.COM/CALENDAR
CHECK OUR FACEBOOK EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE FUN EVENTS!
Visit BELOIT 656 Pleasant St. Beloit, WI 53511
LIBERTY HOUSE GRILL
With our memorable foodie scene, seasonal outdoor adventures, vibrant entertainment, and culturally unique arts, you’ll be creating stories to remember for years to come.
EDWARDS ICE ARENA
MUSIC AT HARRY’S PLACE
BELOIT ART CENTER