Getaway Guide 2019

THE GETAWAY GUIDE

the coolest places around

silver screen sights

HOLLYWOOD PUT THESE 6 BADGER STATE LOCATIONS ON THE BIG SCREEN, AND YOU CAN PUT THEM ON YOUR VACATION ITINERARY

compiled by tom giffey

Wisconsin is a long way from Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean that filmmakers haven’t come calling when they need eye-catching settings – from spaceage museums to historic banks to the world’s largest carousel – for their action blockbusters and costume dramas. Here are some real-life Wisconsin locations that have been featured on the big (and small) screen that you should put on your travel bucket list.

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK

• Where: Between Dodgeville and Spring Green

• As seen in: American Gods (STARZ TV series)

• Learn more: thehouseontherock.com

The House on the Rock is Wisconsin’s ultimate roadside attraction: Perched atop a tower of rock along a state highway in rural Iowa County, what began as a unique, secluded home built by the eccentric Alex Jordan turned into a tourist attraction in the 1960s when Jordan began charging visitors a few cents to rubberneck at his creation. The House gradually grew to include room after room of imaginative marvels –gargantuan music machines, a 200-foot sea monster, a room that reaches to infinity over a wooded valley, and what is billed as the world’s largest carousel. Visitors can spend literally hours wandering its hallways, bedazzled by the endless displays. Among the millions who have paid a visit is fantasy author Neil Gaiman, who made the House an important locale in his 2001 novel American Gods. The Starz network TV series based on the novel began its second season in March with an episode titled “House on the Rock,” which was filmed on location last May. The show’s stars, crew, and Gaiman himself descended on the tourist attraction, where the fictional Old Gods gathered to ride on the magical carousel. The real-life House on the Rock was awe-inspiring, even for Hollywood types. “When you read Neil’s description of it in the book, you think it can’t possibly be weirder seeing it in person,” actor Orlando Jones (who plays trickster god Mr. Nancy) told the Star Tribune. “But it far surpasses his description. That’s insane, because I didn’t think that was possible.”

MILLER PARK

• Where: Milwaukee

• As seen in: Mr. 3000

• Learn more: www.mlb.com/brewers/ballpark

The 42,000-seat retractable-roof stadium is obviously seen on TV frequently as the home to the Milwaukee Brewers (who just opened their season there March 28 against the Cardinals). It also made it to the big screen in the 2004 comedy Mr. 3000, which centered on a former Brewer (played by the late, great Bernie Mac) who has to come out of retirement to preserve his place in the baseball record books. Miller Park’s predecessor, County Stadium, also served as a film set, in this case as a stand-in for the home of the Cleveland Indians in the Charlie Sheen-fronted comedy Major League in 1989 (which also featured real-life Brewer play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker).

STARZ

THE GETAWAY GUIDE

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

• Where: Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shoreline

• As seen in: Transformers 3, Bridesmaids

• Learn more: mam.org

The Milwaukee Art Museum has a 130-year history and a massive collection of 25,000 pieces of art, from ancient pottery to 20th-century pop. One of its most famous artworks is part of the museum itself – the 142,000-squarefoot Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001. The pavilion is topped by the now-iconic Burke Brise Soleil, a vast, movable sunscreen with a wingspan as big as a Boeing 747, which opens and closes daily. The eye-catching brise soleil (that’s French for “sun breaker”) has made its way into several big-budget Hollywood films. For example, the museum was transformed (pardon the pun) into a car museum for billionaire Dylan Gould (played by Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey) in the billiondollar blockbuster Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In the flick, Sam (Shia LaBeouf) compares the building to the Starship Enterprise (although – spoiler alert! – Dempsey turns out to be one of the bad guys). The museum has also made an appearance in the comedy Bridesmaids (which was set in Milwaukee, although it was mostly filmed elsewhere) as well as on American Idol and even in a Victoria’s Secret commercial.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

• Where: Milwaukee

• As seen in: Public Enemies

• Learn more: milwaukeehistory.net

The Milwaukee County Historical Society headquarters along the Milwaukee River in the city’s downtown houses tens of thousands of artifacts and more than a million documents and photos. But it was the building itself – a former bank built in 1913 – that was the attraction when the makers of the crime drama Public Enemies were scoping out the Badger State for filming locations. The 2009 biopic of Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) includes a scene in which the beautifully restored “bank” is held up by a gun-toting Depp and his gang. A good deal of Public Enemies was filmed in Wisconsin, at locales including the Masonic Temple in Oshkosh, the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters (where the real Dillinger escaped an FBI raid after a shootout), and the state Capitol in Madison (which served as a stand-in for FBI headquarters). Scenes were also filmed in Beaver Dam, Darlington, Columbus, and Baraboo. (Eau Claire was scouted, but didn’t make the cut.) A short-lived state tax credit program helped lure the film to the Badger State. Universal Pictures reportedly got a $4.6 million tax credit after spending $5 million in Wisconsin, which left some critics crying robbery.

UW-MADISON CAMPUS

• Where: Madison

• As seen in: Back to School

• Learn more : wisc.edu

“When I used to dream about going to college, this is how I always pictured it,” Rodney Dangerfield proclaims while walking down UW-Madison’s iconic Bascom Hill in the 1986 flick Back to School. The late comedic genius stars as a wealthy man who decides to (you guessed it) go back to school by enrolling in the same college as his son, Grand Lakes University – in reality, the campus of UW-Madison. Dangerfield and Co. engage in all the college hijinks you would expect in an ’80s comedy: hot tub parties, dance parties, beer parties (where the cops show up not to write underage drinking tickets but to deliver more Miller Lite). According to a 2016 article in Isthmus magazine, the filmmakers scoped out numerous campuses before settling on UW-Madison. “It was clear that this was absolutely the iconic, perfect campus,” cinematographer Thomas Ackerman told the magazine. “There’s hardly a way to frame it, or a direction to point the lens that did not convey ‘the halls of ivy.’ It was perfect for us.” Campus settings that made it into the film include Library Mall, the Memorial Union Terrace, Science Hall, the Red Gym, Helen C. White Hall, Observatory Hill, and more.

wisconsin film festival

FRESH WATER FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

• Where: Hayward

• As seen in: Blood Hook

• Learn more: freshwater-fishing.org

Never heard of Blood Hook? Well, you’re in for a treat – if your idea of a “treat” entails watching copious amounts of fake blood spurting from fishermen being murdered by a giant muskie lure on a northern Wisconsin lake. This low-budget horror-comedy from 1986 was filmed on location in Hayward, which is famed as a fishing destination. In fact, Hayward is home to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, where you’ll find the World’s Largest Muskie: a four-story fiberglass monster big enough to swallow a bus. This quirky roadside attraction – as well as the lakes and woods around Hayward – are feature prominently in Blood Hook. If a slasher film set against the backdrop of a fishing tournament sounds like the target of mockery on an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, it’s for good reason: It was directed by Jim Mallon, who went on to help launch MST3K a few years later at a Minnesota cable station.

If you’re interested in film, now’s the time for a road trip to Madison, where the annual Wisconsin Film Festival runs April 4-11. You’ll have the opportunity to check out more than 150 films from around the world and here at home. Find out more at wifilmfest.org.

MICHAEL HICKS CREATIVE COMMONS 2.0

BOBBY LIGHT / CREATIVE COMMONS 2.0

THE GETAWAY GUIDE

border crossing boogaloo

TIPS FOR VISITING OUR NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH (AND WE DON’T MEAN THE U.P.)

words by lauren fisher

When it comes to road tripping, Wisconsinites have a geographical advantage when it comes to international vacationing. Depending on how committed you are at the wheel, a day’s drive can probably get you within eyesight of a Mountie or moose. Crossing the Canadian border can be a quick and painless process, assuming you’ve prepared and planned ahead. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re planning on going up north-er.

IDENTIFICATION

U.S. citizens traveling to and from Canada should have proof of citizenship. This can be a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status and a photo identification. Pick your poison and top it off with a bona-fide U.S. passport. Make sure the vehicle you are traveling in is up-to-date in its registration, and that it’s registered in your name, to ensure a smooth border crossing.

MINORS

Parents can bring their 15-year-old or younger children across the Canadian border so long as they have a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate

Organization will go a long way in ensuring a speedy, hassle-free border crossing. Have all relevant documents, including identification, vehicle registration, declaration forms, permission slips, etc., ready before you arrive at customs.

(although a passport is generally recommended). If you are traveling without the child’s other parent, bring along a signed letter of consent from the other parent. Include the parent’s contact information in the letter, in case a customs agent wants to call and confirm permission. Divorced parents should carry legal custody documents. If the child’s other parent is deceased, have a copy of the death certificate available. Customs agents may ask children questions about your trip to confirm everybody’s safety. It’s a good idea to tell them in advance so they will be able to answer with confidence.

PETS

Cats and dogs younger than three months may be taken across the Canadian border

freely, so long as they appear to be in good health at the time of crossing. If your animal is older than three months, you must present a signed and dated copy of a certificate of health from a veterinarian. The certificate should verify that your cat or dog has been vaccinated for rabies in the past three years, and include information about the duration of the vaccine’s effectiveness. The transport of birds and animals considered livestock are stricter, and can be found here (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ animals-animaux-eng.html).

PRODUCTS

Travelers can transport some products across the Canadian border for personal use and consumption, but not others. For example, firewood may not

be transported across the Canadian border. Other organic materials, including untreated wood, plants, and animal products, should be left behind. Limited amounts of alcohol and tobacco products can be transported for personal use only. For a more comprehensive list of rules, visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website (www.cbsa-asfc. gc.ca/noncan-eng.html).

CROSSING

Organization will go a long way in ensuring a speedy, hassle-free border crossing. Have all relevant documents, including identification, vehicle registration, declaration forms, permission slips, etc., ready before you arrive at customs. Keeping them in a folder might come in handy. Children should arrive in the same vehicle as their guardians. Roll down all windows so that agents can see passengers. Keep items that must be declared accessible for inspection, if required. Be prepared to answer questions about your destination and your plans while you’re in Canada, which will hopefully be to have a grand ol’ time.

For more information about crossing the Canadian border, visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website at www. cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html.

‘fingers crossed’ for more skiing

SPRING MAY BE HERE, BUT SNOW REMAINS AT THE U.P.’S MOUNT BOHEMIA SKI RESORT

words by rebecca mennecke

There’s something to be said about the lake effect in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, where the average snowfall is roughly 300 inches, The Ski Journal said. For Midwestern folks who want nothing more than some green grass, this sounds like the opposite of ideal – but for skiers at Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in Mohawk, Michigan, this longer ski season means more time for hitting the hills.

Featuring a vertical drop of 900 feet that peers over the Lac La Belle and Lake Superior, this ski resort offers 585 acres of “extreme skiing” and “endless adventure.”

The 300-some inches of snow accumulate because Mount Bohemia doesn’t groom its hills, the ski resort’s website said, which offers the opportunity of a longer skiing and snowboarding season.

The 2017-18 season ended on May 2, said Stacy Kremer, director of media relations at Mount Bohemia. “Keeping our fingers crossed for some early-tomid-spring blizzards!” Kremer said.

In addition to having the largest hot tub in the Upper Peninsula, which seats 30, the resort also offers a movie night every Thursday, with free movie candy, featuring ski-themed movies such as Better Off Dead, Downhill Racer, and Out Cold, their website said.

Every Friday and Saturday, Jan Arnold also performs live music. Bring your own instrument and you can play, too!

Mount Bohemia also offers retreat opportunities for businesses, families, schools, or spiritual organizations, accommodating between 10 to 80 people with opportunities for hiking, kayaking,

paddle boarding, fishing, and more.

Daily lift tickets at Mount Bohemia cost $68. The lift runs from Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Satur -

day from 9:30am to 5pm, and Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm.

For more information, call (906) 2894105 or email lmbohemia@yahoo.com.

THE GETAWAY GUIDE

booking a trip? this list has you covered

INDIE BOOKSTORES PEPPER THE UPPER MIDWEST, CREATING PERFECT TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE READING

words by kellie williams

Have you ever planned your vacation around the bookstores you could visit on the way? Does your souvenir collection include bookmarks from all the places you’ve been? Do you pack your suitcase with more books than clothes? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, this list is for you. There are so many independent bookstores ready to draw you into the cityscape or countryside in search of a good read all within a one- or two-day drive of the Chippewa Valley.

FAIR ISLE

Washington Island

If you’re searching for adventure, Fair Isle Books on Washington Island is the place to look. This quaint little shop can only be accessed by boat. The 30-minute ferry ride to the island is an Instagram-worthy scene to capture your current reading situation. At Fair Isle, all books are hand-selected by the owner, and there is a generous collection of local reads about Washington Island and Door County’s rich history. Be sure to find a unique souvenir to take back to the mainland as all non-book items are fair trade.

RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP

St. Paul

Set your imagination free at Red Balloon . Located on historic Grand Avenue in St. Paul, this shop is a must on any road trip to the Twin Cities. It gets its name from the beautiful Albert Lamorisse film, which perfectly embodies the friendly atmosphere inside. The shop will make you feel like a kid again with everything from board books for infants to doorstop-sized young adult novels. Plan your visit during story time and you just might run into your favorite childhood character.

MYSTERY TO ME BOOKS

Madison

There’s something about vacation and mysteries that go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a case to solve, plan a stop at Mystery to Me Books, located just blocks from Camp Randall Stadium. Whether you’re looking for the latest Lee Child novel or a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, you’ll find your next book here. Don’t worry if mystery isn’t your genre of choice – they keep many popular titles in stock and have a darling little children’s section for budding bibliophiles.

READER’S LOFT BOOKSTORE

Green Bay

Any trip to Titletown should include a visit to Reader’s Loft. It’s tucked away on the southeast side of Green Bay, and you’ll instantly feel relaxed when you walk in the door. The cozy atmosphere is made even cozier when greeted by Sophie and Greta, the shop cats. Plan your Green Bay getaway soon and you may catch Untitled Town Book and Author Festival, with familiar guests such as Nickolas Butler and Michael Perry.

PEARL STREET BOOKS

La Crosse

At the heart of downtown La Crosse, this store is every book lover’s dream. There are so many books, they are literally stacked to the ceiling. With Jules’ Coffee House right next door and a cozy reading area upstairs, you may never leave. Pearl Street boasts an inventory of thousands and the ability to acquire almost anything you may be looking for, so let yourself get lost in the stacks, floor boards creaking beneath your feet, the smell of fresh brewed coffee wafting through the air…

5 can’t-miss spring fests

In Wisconsin, spring festival season begins as soon as the ground thaws and the first bits of green begin peeking out of the ground. Whether you’re interested in rare mushrooms or maple syrup, Wisconsin has the festival for you! Check out some of the most popular happening around the state.

HO-CHUNK POW-WOW

May 25-26, Black River Falls • Each Memorial Day, the Ho-Chunk tribe invites the public to a pow-wow as a celebration of thanks and camaraderie. Listen closely and the thundering drums will lead you straight to the action at Andrew Blackhawk Memorial Pow-wow grounds. Throughout the pow-wow, you’ll marvel as singers, dancers, and drummers perform traditional tribal music in their vibrant ceremonial garb. Who knows – maybe they’ll even invite you to join in! Grab some delicious fry bread and don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience an authentic Ho-Chunk tradition firsthand.

100-MILE GARAGE SALE

May 2-5, Pepin • Each year in May, 100 miles of the Great River Road between Fountain City and Prescott are transformed into a rummager’s paradise. Individuals and local businesses alike take the opportunity to clean out their attics and stockrooms and price their wares to sell! There isn’t a master list of every sale along the route, so you have to keep an eye out for the ribbons marking which sales are participating – almost like a scavenger hunt! Whether you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe at a great price or are keeping your eyes

peeled for something you didn’t even know you needed, you’re sure to find it somewhere along the famous 100 Mile Garage Sale.

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 6, Phelps • Everybody loves maple syrup, but do how much do you know about where it comes from?

To answer this question and more, look no further than Phelp’s Maple Syrup Festival. Perfect for all ages, the whole family can watch live tree tapping demos and hop on a free guided bus tour of local sugar bushes to get a better understanding of how raw sap is transformed into the delicious maple syrup we douse our pancakes with.

Once you’ve developed a new appreciation for fresh maple syrup, head to the Maple Café, where you can get your hands on just about any maple-flavored treat you can think of! Stick around and you’ll even get to see who’s crowned champion of the maple syrup contest.

MOREL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

May 18-19, Muscoda • The uniquely challenging growing conditions of morel mushrooms make it impossible for them to be harvested commercially, so they’ve become something of a rare delicacy. One place you won’t have to hunt for them is at Muscoda’s Morel Mushroom Festival, where local growers and mushroom enthusiasts alike gather to trade thousands of pounds of these delectable morsels throughout the weekend.Head to mushroom headquarters, where you can sample of sautéed morels while supplies last. You can also find them prepared in plenty of other ways too – we highly recommend giving the morel bratwurst a taste test!

Once you’ve had your fill, be sure to check out the craft fair and carnival before catching the fireworks display after the sun sets.

DOWNTOWN BARABOO FAIR ON THE SQUARE

May 11, Baraboo • Every spring, Baraboo’s charming downtown comes alive with art, music, and delicious food. Art Fair on the Square draws more than 150 artists and crafters to put their unique talents on display. You’ll see everything from hand-blown glass to metalwork sculptures, intricate pottery, and plenty more. The main attraction may be the local artists, but there’s even more to be found at Art Fair on the Square. Be sure to take a stroll through the farmer’s market where local growers also put the fruits of their labor on display. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some grub from a local vendor and stop to enjoy live music surrounded by beautiful art and great company.

words by travel wisconsin