2024 Visit Beloit Visitor Guide

BELOIT Where Stories Begin

BELOIT | SOUTH BELOIT | ROCKTON 2024 OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE

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Welcome Downtown Beloit

It is time to be the author of your own story You can write your own Beloit story through our palpable energy, welcoming personalities, and by experiencing our unique and authentic travel adventures that can only be found here.

Visitbeloit.com

We want you to use this guide to choose your own adventure and begin writing the next chapter in your book of memories. The stories of our people and businesses 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 are confident that our memorable supper clubs and local dining hotspots, seasonal outdoor activities, vibrant entertainment, and culturally unique arts will have you dreaming and authoring your own memorable stories for years to come.

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. Printed in 2024.

OUR LOCATIONS: Visit Beloit 656 Pleasant St., Beloit, WI

On the Front Cover Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian Photo credit: Catalyst Design & Photography

Wisconsin Welcome Center - Beloit I-39 NB / I-90 WB, Rest Area 22, Beloit, WI

On the Back Cover ABC Supply Stadium Photo credit: Beloit Sky Carp

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Content 3

Fine Dining

3-4

Cafés and Sweet Eats

5-6

Eat Like a Local

7-8

Grapes & Hops and Hotspots

9-10

CHAPTER 2: PLACES TO STAY

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CHAPTER 3: SHOPPING

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Downtown

13-14

Markets

15-16

Antique Trail

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CHAPTER 4: Beloit & Beyond Trails

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Map of Beloit and Map of Downtown Beloit

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CHAPTER 5: ATTRACTIONS

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Must See

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Sports and Recreation

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Live Entertainment

25-26

CHAPTER 6: MAJOR EVENTS

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Beloit Area Event Calendar

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CHAPTER 7: HISTORY & CULTURE

Beloit Sky Carp at ABC Supply Stadium

29 @Visitbeloit / #VISITBELOIT

CHAPTER 1: FOOD & DRINK

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Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian

The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin

Visitbeloit.com

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

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FOOD & DRINK CHAPTER ONE

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 Supper Club is famous for their Friday fish fry and dessert drinks.

The Butterfly Club

Step back in time at the The Butterfly Club, a retro-style supper club that features big band music in the lounge. 2024 marks their 100 year anniversary.

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.

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.

In 2023, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint won Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s Best of the House—Front of the House (FOH).

FOOD & DRINK

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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Cafés Bushel & Peck’s Local Market

Bagels & More Local Café

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.

DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor radiates the charm of a cozy, smallscale café, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. For a refreshing pick-meup, enjoy their speciality coffee or teas and bakery items.

Visitbeloit.com

The Blender Café serves coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and more!

The menu includes fresh breakfast and lunch items including bakery, sandwiches, and soup. Located in the Beloit Public Library, make sure you explore their community calendar for exciting things to do while grabbing your coffee.

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 glutenfree customers.

Stop 1 If you love Wisconsin products, you can’t miss a stop at the expanded Blue Collar Coffee Co. at its new location downtown.

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.

Stop 2 Eat, drink, and shop at Bushel & Peck’s Local Market, known for being part restaurant, part store, part preservation kitchen, and part farm. Bushel & Peck’s is a must when you’re in Downtown Beloit.

Stop 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!

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SWEET EATS

DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor was named Restaurant Guru’s 2024 best café in Rockton, IL.

If you need to fill your sugar craving, you may have a hard time deciding which specialty shop to visit.

Flying Pig

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.

Down the street, you’ll find The Mix. They have amazing donuts, ice cream, espresso, bubble teas, craft sodas, candy, shakes, and smoothies.

Stop 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.

Stop 2 For some of the best gourmet popcorns, fudges, ice creams, candies, and chocolates around, stop in Northwoods Premium Confections.

Stop 3

FOOD & DRINK

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.

Northwoods Premium Confections

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Dulce Vida

Eat Like a local Locals love their neighborhood hangouts for casual laid-back atmospheres, great menus, and fair prices. And, so will you!

In the mood for a mouthwatering burger? Nestled in the heart of Downtown Beloit, you’ll find Hatley’s Pub. A multi-cuisine café, Jerry’s Café is a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious homemade breakfast and lunch. It is a great place that both kids and adults love!

Visitbeloit.com

Drive-thru or walk-up to the window at Rise & Grind Coffee Haus serving healthy and clean options for breakfast. Only organic and natural ingredients are served with locally roasted coffee beans.

For some amazing margaritas and authentic Mexican dishes head to Hacienda San Miguel.

The atmosphere is festive and next door you’ll find some of the best desserts at Dulce Vida.

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.

Liberty House Grill

Once you’ve had a small square of Tilley’s Pizza House pizza, you’ll be hooked! From the specialty homemade thin crust and pizza sauce to the wide selection of toppings, including sausage with fennel seeds, your mouth will be watering for your next trip to Tilley’s.

If it’s thick crust, Chicago deep-dish pizza you’re looking for, then try the stuffed pizza at Anna Maria’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria.

Hidden Creek Estates is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice glass of wine or whiskey, a relaxing friendly environment, live music, and a European inspired food menu. The food truck L’Osteria can be found next to the yellow barn on the patio.

You can find many mobile restaurants throughout the Beloit region. For a complete list, head to: visitbeloit.com/food-trucks

food

truck

FOOD & DRINK

Voted best fish fry in the Stateline area many years in a row, it’s so good at The Shopiere Tap that they offer it on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Tap has been in business at the same location for more than 100 years.

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G5 Brewing Company

CheezHead Brewing

DC Estate Winery Zen Sushi & Grill

Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar

truk’t

Visitbeloit.com

The Rock Bar & Grill

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GRAPES & HOPS Beloit has some great stops 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.

Stop 1

Stop 2

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.

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.

Stop 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.

HOTSPOTS Beloit has a variety of fun, locally-owned restaurants that serve creative dishes and cocktails.

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.

Don’t miss a true Wisconsin experience at Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar. Feast on stuffed burgers made with real Wisconsin cheese and beers only poured from Wisconsin breweries. Finish with a famous “Tipsy” shake! Kick back and unwind, and enjoy dining on the sidewalk in the warmer months.

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.

FOOD & DRINK

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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PLACES TO STAY CHAPTER 2 Hotel Goodwin

MAPPING OUR TRACKS

Visitbeloit.com

“Beloit is the perfect weekend getaway from Chicago that offers a charming small-town vibe, with tons of outdoor activities along with some of the best food you will ever try. With one million tourists visiting Beloit annually, you know there is plenty to do and it will keep you entertained.

Hotel Goodwin is one of the newer hotels in downtown Beloit which offers lots of accommodations. Downstairs, you will find Velvet Buffalo, which is one of the best Italian restaurants you will dine in. Upstairs, you will find a very chic rooftop which serves lots of yummy cocktails with views overlooking downtown. Make sure to stop

by here for fireworks, it’s the best view in the whole town!

Beloit being only a quick 90-minute drive from Chicago, is the perfect weekend trip for those wanting to escape the big city vibes and explore something different. We hope you have the best time visiting Beloit!” www.mappingourtracks.com

VISITORS FROM

CHI CAG O

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SWEET DREAMS The Beloit region has many lodging options to meet your needs. From luxury boutique to extended stay, you will rest easy.

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.

1810 Emerson House

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.

There are also many other options, including but not limited to Home2 Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites.

Check out the full list at visitbeloit.com/stay.

Ironworks Hotel

PLACES TO STAY

Another boutique property in Downtown Beloit is Hotel Goodwin.

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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SHOPPING CHAPTER 3

DOWNTOWN When visiting Beloit, you’ll surely love the eclectic shops, galleries, and boutiques. Downtown Beloit is the best spot to find local goodies.

Tin Dog Records is a vintage-style record store with new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, new turntables, and branded merchandise.

Get your Beloit-branded merchandise at Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts.

They also feature customized and personalized gifts and apparel, awards, screen printing, and more.

Luxurious bath & body products, bursting with natural ingredients, can be found at Bath + Body Fusion.

Indulge in high quality spa treatments in the comfort of your own home. You’ll also find locally-made jewelry, clothing, hats, candles, and wax.

Rock County Rocks and Gems

Stop in The Villager Gallery & Frameworks for local original art works and reproductions. Celebrating 50 years with monthly features, the gallery is always changing. Then, head upstairs to see the unique re-purposed items in My Apt. @429.

Visitbeloit.com

Visit Beloit is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We embrace the identities and backgrounds of those who live, work, learn, and visit in the greater Beloit region.

Tin Dog Records

At visitbeloit.com you can search by diverse-owned businesses such as Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned, black-owned, Hispanic-owned, owned by people with disabilities, veteran-owned, and women-owned.

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In 2017, Beloit was named as having one of the top five most romantic main streets in America.

First National Bank & Trust Plaza

Hobbyists will appreciate Arcane Archives tabletop games, trading card games, and collectibles. Weekly events are held here for gamers of all levels. This hobby shop has everything from Magic, Pokémon, Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.

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.

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.

Visitbeloit.com

Beloit is home to the state’s oldest flower shop—Rindfleisch Flowers.

Opened in 1888, they’ve been in Downtown Beloit for more than 135 years and feature beautiful freshcut 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.

J&G’s Coins, Rings & Things

Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market

Bountiful Beloit

Visitbeloit.com

MARKETS

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The Apple Hut

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FRESH PRODUCE 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.

STOP 1

Stop 4

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.

Two Saturdays a month from May through September from 10 am to 2 pm you can support local businesses while enjoying the fresh country air at Kauffman’s Country Market. Located at Kauffman’s Country Store with ample parking, this market hosts food trucks and live music, as well.

Stop 2

Stop 5

Shop beautiful flowers, plants, fresh fruits, and vegetables at Shady Tree Farm Market.

Holiday and seasonal arrangements are available, including Christmas trees.

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 have lunch, relax, and have a little fun.

Stop 3 An indoor market open all year, Bountiful Beloit farm market is a natural foods store, a farm stand, and a pottery shop. All produce is grown by the owners at their farm. And, the pottery and jewelry is made in-house by the owners, as well.

SHOPPING

And now visitors can enjoy the Farmers’ Market all year round as it continues indoors at the Downtown Beloit Association’s office November through April, every Saturday morning 9 am to noon.

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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 our local antique and vintage shops await you!

Start your day early in the morning 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 Vintage Bliss 20,000 square feet of flea market flips, vintage, antique, and new items.

Vintage Etcetera Overlooking the Rock River, shop at 35 booths filled with a variety of products.

My Apt. @429 Shop vintage clothes, shoes, and housewares.

SOUTH BELOIT Best of Beloit Vintage Mall 20,000 square foot vintage paradise with 100 vendors.

Angela’s Attic 35,000 square foot bargain hunter’s dream with more than 100 dealers.

Helsell’s Antiques and Collectibles 31 spaces full of antiques and collectibles.

ROCKTON Pick-A-Dilly Antiques Cozy antique store inside the historic Hopkins building.

Frosted Farmhouse Vintage antique and home décor store.

Visitbeloit.com

Ric-Rac Embellishments & Gifts Vintage decor, gifts, and clothing with modern elegance.

Best of Beloit Vintage Mall

Vintage Etcetera

Outdoor Art Trail

Beers & Cheers Trail

Beloit & Beyond TRAILS CHAPTER 4 The Beloit & Beyond trails are the perfect way to learn the history of the area, experience our bars, restaurants, food trucks, cafés, family attractions, and outdoor public art while exploring the city.

Outdoor Art Trail Taco Trail

DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Scan the QR code.

STEP 2 Experience the city.

Historical Walking Trail Beers & Cheers Trail Loved by Locals Trail

STEP 3 Win prizes such as stickers, a Beloit beanie hat, a Beloit fanny pack, a Beloit poster, a Beloit blanket, and Beloit playing cards! *Prizes subject to change.

BELOIT & BEYOND

Outdoor Art Trail

Beers Cheers

Prairie

MAP OF BELOIT Philhower Rd

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10. Downtown Beloit Shops RESTAURANTS 15. Jane’s Café ATTRACTIONS Settlers Park and Farmers’ Market 1.

Benedetti’s 16. Jerry’s Café 1. Antique Shops 251 Ho no Macktown 11. Historic Auto Attractions ne 2. Beloit Family Restaurant 17. Jersey’s Bar & Grill 90 Golf ga 2. AppleCourse Hut h Kelly39 12. 64 Ironworks Golf Lab Rd 3. Meyers Blender Café d 18. Johnny’s Café ort RMill 75 3. Beckman Freep Park McCurry Rd Rd & Grill y r r 13.

Macktown Living History Bar u 8 4. Boundaries C 19.

Liberty House Grill 68 Mc 4. Beloit College/LoganRed Museum Barn 5. Bravo Pizza 14. Nature at the Confluence 20. LittleRoscoe Mexico Golf of Anthropology/Wright Course 6.

Butterfly Club 15.

Pearl Lake Beach 21.

Neli’s Family Restaurant Museum of Art HoRestaurant 7.

Dita’s Family 22.

Nora’s Place 16.

Pohlman Field/Edwards Ice n on 5. Beloit Historical Society eg Arena 8. Doc’s ah 23.

Pho Thanh Thu 2 R 6. Beloit Sky Carp (ABC Supply 9. Double B Farm & CountrydCafé 24. Road Dawg Family Restaurant 17. Preservation Park Stadium) 10. Downtown Beloit Restaurants 25. Sophia’s Restaurant Elevator Rd 18. Riverside Park 7. Wisconsin Welcome Center 11. Dulce Vida 19.

Rockton Shopping 26.

The Rock Bar & Grill - Beloit 27. Tilley’s Pizza 20. The Castle at 501 Prospect 12. G5 Brewing Company 8. Big Hill Park 13. Hacienda San Miguel 28. Vince’s Pizza 21. Visit Beloit 9. DC Estate Winery 14.

Happy House 29. West Side Family Restaurant 22. YMCA Sports Complex Wagon Wheel Rd

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ATTRACTIONS 1. ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Ave. 362-2272 2. Beloit Art Center 520 E. Grand Ave. 313-9083 3. Beloit College/Logan Museum of Anthropology/Wright Museum of Art 700 College St. 363-2000 4. CELEB 437 E. Grand Ave. 361-6611 5. Hendricks Center for Performing Arts 409 Pleasant St. 363-2366 6. Ironworks Golf Lab 625 Third St., Ste. 100 473-0095 7. Stateline Family YMCA 501 Third St. 365-2261 8. Visit Beloit 656 Pleasant St. 365-4838

5. Medical Grade Aesthetics 136 W. Grand Ave., Ste 101 856-6180 6. LUX Cuts 444 E. Grand Ave., Ste 101 368-8066 7. Tresses by Letisha 136 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 304 481-2794 8. WM DaySpa Salon 604 Pleasant St., Ste. 130 312-2722

HOTELS 1. Hotel Goodwin 500 Public Ave. 361-6622 2. Ironworks Hotel 500 Pleasant St. 362-5500

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WINNEBAG CO.

SHOPPING 11. Nest Egg 1. Always and Forever Formal Wear 816 E. Grand Ave. 365-0700 317 State St. 365-9697 2. Arcane Archives 12. Nine Bells & Cat Tails 635 Broad St. 312-2400 421 E. Grand Ave. 626-537-5329 3. Bath & Body Fusion 13. Northwoods Premium Confections 430 E. Grand Ave., Ste. 104 299-8036 314 State St. 363-9000 4. Bushel & Peck’s Local Market 14. Pizzazz Gift Boutique 328 State St. 363-3911 313 State St. 365-6660 5. Chic & Unique Clothing 15. Rindfleisch Flowers & Furniture Boutique 512 E. Grand Ave. 363-7673 318 State St. 312-4222 16. Rock County Gems 6. Flying Pig 312 State St., Ste. A 346-7132 431 E. Grand Ave. 312-2554 17. Tin Dog Records 7. Haute Bridal 312 State St., Ste. B 312-4076 444 E. Grand Ave. 436-5600 8. Haute The Luxe Bridal & Beauty House 18. Villager Gallery & Framing/ 406 Pleasant St., Ste. 210 436-5600 My Apt. @429 429 E. Grand Ave. 365-6007 9. J&G Coins, Rings and Things 419 E. Grand Ave. 359-5751 19. Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts 10. Jewelry by Christopher 408 E. Grand Ave. 313-0600 322 State St. 312-2300

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DINING/CAFÉS/BARS 1. 5Bar 11. Hatley’s Pub 530 E. Grand Ave. 207-3805 435 E. Grand Ave. 312-2030 2. 615 Club 12. La Casa Grande 615 Broad St. 364-4615 618 Fourth St. 361-0011 3. Bagels & More Local Café 13. Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar 324 State St. 363-1850 430 E. Grand Ave. 312-4477 4. Blue Collar Coffee 14. Merrill & Houston’s 108 W. Grand Ave. 368-7155 Steak Joint 5. Brass Rail 500 Pleasant St. 313-0700 646 Fourth St. 362-9999 15. Mr. B’s Snack Shop 6. Bushel & Peck’s Local Market 315 Short St. 207-9684 328 State St. 363-3911 16. Palermo’s Pizza 7. Carom Room 618 4th St. 365-3043 614 E. Grand Ave. 365-1811 17. truk’t 8. CheezHead Brewing 443 E. Grand Ave. 368-7144 414 Pleasant St. 313-5086 18.

Velvet Buffalo 9. Grand Avenue Pub 500 Public Ave. 312-2991 132 W. Grand Ave. 312-2363 19.

Zen Sushi & Grill 10. Grand Slam 430 E. Grand Ave. 299-8888 173 W. Grand Ave. 362-6013

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SERVICES 1. Austin’s Barber Shop 603 Broad St. 365-0006 2. Beloit Transit 255 Shirland Ave. 364-2870 3. Downtown Beloit Association 557 E. Grand Ave. 365-0150 4. First Class Cosmetology School 306 State St. 362-5216

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MAP OF DOWNTOWN BELOIT

For an interactive experience with Downtown Beloit, download distrx.

Clark St

VISITBELOIT.COM | 365.4838 | INFO@VISITBELOIT.COM WISCONSIN WELCOME CENTER - BELOIT | 365.8344

Local area code is 608.

CHAPTER 5

ATTRACTIONS

21

MUST SEE Stop 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 make sure to watch their grinding demonstrations on Saturdays.

Stop 2 View more than 75 historic autos including John Dillinger’s getaway car and a car from Elvis’ collection 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.

Stop 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.

Stop 4 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, pre-Columbian pottery, and prehistoric North American ceramics.

Stop 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 from 5-7 pm.

Stop 6

Visitbeloit.com

Founded in the mid-1830’s, Macktown Living History Education Center has fun historical events and is open for tours. Located in Rockton on a forested bluff overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, you’ll find remnants of Winnebago County’s earliest settlement.

Stop 7 Enjoy America’s pastime at a Beloit Sky Carp game at the new ABC Supply Stadium! The Sky Carp are a High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, giving you major league fun at minor league prices. (Pictured on back cover.)

Wright Museum of Art Logan Museum of Anthropology

Beckman Mill Macktown Living History Education Center

Beloit Art Center

Historic Auto Attractions

Historic Auto Attractions was awarded Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award in 2023.

23

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 or motorcycles race, Blackhawk Farms Raceway is the place. Want to race a car? Call Advanced Autosports about their Arrive & Drive program. If you’re a bowler, go for a 300 game at Viking Lanes. Like ice skating? Get over to Edwards Ice Arena and rent some skates October through early March.

If you’re looking to play in the water, Krueger Municipal Swimming Pool is a great spot or spend the day on the beach at Pearl Lake. 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.

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.

Play golf and other sports year-round 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.

Lake Victoria

24

32 CITY PARKS

2 3 + M I L E S O F H I K I N G, B I K I N G, A N D R I V E R T R A I L S

OUTDOORS You can hike trails through wetlands and native prairie restorations managed by the Green-Rock Audubon Society, ride your bike along the Beloit Riverwalk—a 3.5mile paved walking/bike path in Riverside Park, or go on a guided kayak or tubing adventure with Sugar River Adventures.

If you are looking for a group to ride bikes with, nobody knows the routes better than the Stateline Spinners. During the warmer months, they gather every Tuesday evening for a ride and no riders are left behind.

Stop 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!

STOP 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.

STOP 3 Bring your own kayak and coast on the crystal clear water along the sandy shores of South Beloit’s Lake Victoria. Before or after kayaking, walk the path around the lake or bring your discs for a round of disc golf.

ATTRACTIONS

Riverwalk Path

Music at Harry’s Place

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

Fridays in the Park

The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin

26

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 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, truk’t, Grand Avenue Pub, 5Bar, Liberty House Grill, 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.

Stop 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.

Stop 2 From May through September, you can grab lunch and listen to live bands at Fridays in the Park. An affordable lunch is provided by a local restaurant and served from 11:30 am1:30 pm.

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. And free dance lessons are offered the second and fourth Mondays during Dancing at Harry’s Place.

ATTRACTIONS

Stop 3

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Major Events CHAPTER 6

Beloit Kubb Open

Visitbeloit.com

From seasonal outdoor adventures to a memorable foodie scene, vibrant entertainment, and culturally unique arts, the Beloit area has a multitude of events to inspire your story.

Stop 1

Stop 3

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.

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!

Stop 2

STEP 4

The largest music festival in the Stateline area, Old Settlers Days invites some of the best local and national acts 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.

Kubb is a yard game for all skill levels and the Beloit Kubb Open is a tournament for all to join and have fun! Whether your firsttime players, past champions, or spectators, we hope you will spend the day with us celebrating a decade of kubb in Beloit in 2024.

All events are in Beloit unless otherwise noted.

THE EVENTS LISTED ARE ACCURATE AS OF JANUARY 2024 AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE VERIFY TIMES AND DATES.

JUN

BELOIT AREA EVENT CALENDAR

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS Prayer, poetry, speeches, music, and fun. visitbeloit.com/calendar

Events and updates can be found at Facebook.com/VisitBeloit and at

MAKE MUSIC DAY Free, city-wide summer solstice music festival.

VISITBELOIT.COM/CALENDAR

APR-SEP: BELOIT SKY CARP BASEBALL Affordable fun at ABC Supply

makemusicday.org/beloit

JUL

ONGOING EVENTS Stadium! The Sky Carp are a High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins baseball team. Full schedule and specials at skycarp.com

MAY-OCT: BECKMAN MILL GUIDED TOURS 1-4pm, Saturdays &

50’ screen. Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com

and lunch from a local eatery. downtownbeloit.com

BELOIT DIRTY DASH Family mud run/obstacle course.

MAY-SEP: ROCKTON RIVER MARKET 5-8pm, Wednesdays. Shop to

Big Hill Park. beloitrecreation.com/dirty-dash

SEP

live music in Downtown Rockton, IL. rocktonrivermarket.com

JUN-AUG: DANCING AT HARRY'S PLACE Free dance lessons on the second and fourth Mondays at Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com

historic sites during the three-day celebration. beloithistoricalsociety.com

NOV-APR: WINTER CRAFTER AND FARMERS’ MARKET 9am-12pm,

BELOIT AUTORAMA Car show, parts swap, arts and crafts, and car corral. Preservation Park. beloitautorama.com

JAN

Saturdays. Indoor market. downtownbeloit.com

OKTOBERFEST German beer, music, and food on the 300 block of State St. downtownbeloit.com

AMERICAN CORNHOLE ORGANIZATION TOURNAMENT Watch

DEVIATE An interactive event featuring contemporary art,

over 100 teams participate in the Beloit Major. americancornhole.com

live music, food, and drink. deviatebeloit.com

BELOIT WINTERFEST A weekend of indoor/outdoor family fun

OCT

throughout Beloit. beloitrecreation.com/beloit-winterfest

DOWNTOWN FALL WINE WALK Enjoy wine tastings at several shops in historic downtown. downtownbeloit.com TASTE OF THE CHAMBER Food samples, beer tasting, and live music. Eclipse Event Center. greaterbeloitchamber.org

MAPLE SUGAR FEST Sap-collecting, syrup-making demo, craft area, and story-time. weltycenter.org

DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE AND PARTY

BELOIT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF)

bunny, mascots, face painting, balloon animals, and more. downtownbeloit.com

Ten-day film festival featuring more than 100 independent films.

Meet the filmmakers from around the world at several downtown venues. beloitfilmfest.org

DOWNTOWN SPRING WINE WALK Enjoy wine tastings at several

shops in historic downtown. downtownbeloit.com

TEAM WORLD HORSESHOES TOURNAMENT

Professional horseshoe tournament Friday-Sunday. facebook.com/Beloit-Horseshoe-Club

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Parade organized by the United

Veteran's Memorial Day Parade Committee. visitbeloit.com/calendar

NOV

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Fun zone, photos with the Easter

Kids costume parade followed by live music, entertainment, fun zone, and more. downtownbeloit.com

GRAND LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE Live music & tree lighting,

followed by lighted parade and holiday festivities. downtownbeloit.com

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY A vast majority of businesses will have sales, specials, treats, etc. downtownbeloit.com

DEC

MAR

ice skating, dog sled mushing, cocoa crawl and more in Downtown Rockton, IL. facebook.com/rocktonyetifest

APR

FEB

FPV quad gate races all on three dedicated flying sites.

Free admission. facebook.com/rockriveraero

HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL Explore more than 12 free events and

nearly every Friday at Riverside Park. friendsofriverfront.com

MAY

FLYING CIRCUS FUN FLY RC plane flying, helicopter flying, and THUNDER ON THE ROCK BOAT RACING Stock outboard, modified outboard, junior classes, and more. marineracingclub.com

JUN-AUG: MUSIC AT HARRY’S PLACE 7pm, free concert series

ROCKTON YETI FEST A weekend of snow sculpting, Yeti hunting,

BELOIT KUBB OPEN Registration at 7:30am; play starts at 9am.

MOVIE ON THE BIG LAWN Family movie shown on a giant

MAY-SEP: FRIDAYS IN THE PARK 11:30am-1:30pm, Fridays. Live music

food truck. visitbeloit.com for dates, times, and location

DOWNTOWN STREET DANCE Live music, beer, and food on the 300 block of State St. downtownbeloit.com Register early online. Pohlman Field. visitbeloit.com/kubb

Sundays. Corn grinding on first Saturday of the month. beckmanmill.org

JUN-AUG: WEDNESDAY WIND DOWN Stop by for live music and a

Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks show. visitbeloit.com/calendar cream and desserts while watching artists at work at Beckman Mill. beckmanmill.org

AUG

market with 130+ vendors! Rain or shine. downtownbeloit.com

CONCERT AND FIREWORKS Music by the Beloit Janesville

ICE CREAM SOCIAL/ARTISTS IN THE PARK Old-fashioned ice

MAY-MAR: BIFF YEAR ROUND 6:30pm, Wednesdays. Pre-screens of films submitted for the Beloit International Film Festival. beloitfilmfest.org MAY-OCT: FARMERS’ MARKET 8am-1pm, Saturdays. Award-winning

OLD SETTLERS DAY Music festival and carnival. Settler’s Park.

Rockton, IL. oldsettlersdays.com

HOLIDAZZLE Shopping, art, live music, Santa visits, children’s events, free trolley, holiday treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. downtownbeloit.com

ROCKTON CHRISTMAS WALK A Christmas tree lighting, lighted

parade, holiday events, shopping specials, and live music in Rockton, IL. rocktonchristmaswalk.com

SHARE YOUR STORIES BY TAGGING US @VISITBELOIT AND USING #VISITBELOIT

Visitbeloit.com One of Beloit’s most famous citizens was Roy Chapman Andrews, an explorer, adventurer, and writer. Andrews is best known for leading a series of expeditions through China in the early 20th century into the Gobi Desert and Mongolia that led to such discoveries as the first-known nests of fossilized dinosaur eggs. He is believed to be the person that fictional character Indiana Jones was based on! Learn more at roychapmanandrewssociety.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

29

Beloit College

Downtown Beloit

Tiffany Bridge

Spine Road

30

History & Culture CHAPTER 7 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 mid-1830s 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.

Stop 1

Stop 3

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.

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!

Stop 2 Wander through the historic streets of Downtown Beloit and see many original buildings and businesses.

Stop 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.

Visit BELOIT 656 Pleasant St. Beloit, WI 53511

ABC Supply Stadium

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.

VISITBELOIT.COM 608.365.4838 @VISITBELOIT #VISITBELOIT