2016 Waupaca Chain O' Lakes Visitor Guide

Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Area Welcome to the

Table of Contents

Nestled among pristine spring-fed lakes, this beautiful tourist destination boasts endless outdoor recreational opportunities, a unique shopping scene, an assortment of dining to please every palette and comfortable lodging facilities and campgrounds.

With a solid business community, a diverse and friendly populace, and a natural playground all around, it’s no wonder so many find the Waupaca Area so irresistible!

Waupaca Area Events

4

Lodging

8

Dining and Nightlife

18

Area Maps

23

Things to Do

28

Sample Travel Itineraries

35

Area Churches

34

Shopping

36

Services

40

Calling all girls!

Discover Wisconsin will be featuring four great getaways for girlfriends everywhere. Grab your BFF and take notes on the best places in Wisconsin for shopping, paddle boarding, dining and more. Waupaca is one of the wonderful destinations highlighted in this episode just for the ladies. Host Mariah Haberman takes an old friend from college to the best places in Waupaca for eating, dancing, recreation, shopping and lodging. Don’t miss our special Girlfriend Getaways episode!

Cover photo by Craig Libuse

Official Waupaca Area Visitors Guide Printed by Multi Media Channels, LLC, this guide is an annual publication of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce supported by participating businesses.

221 South Main Street Waupaca, WI 54981 (715) 258-7343 (888) 417-4040

I Love Waupaca!

For immediate access to our website, scan this code with your smart phone.

www.WaupacaMemories.com Info@WaupacaAreaChamber.com www.WaupacaMemories .com

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Events

May continued 30

Memorial Day Programs Rotary Riverview Park, Waupaca & Wisconsin Veterans Home King 715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com VFW Post 1037’s Ladies Auxillary waterslide ceremony at Rotary Riverview Park in Waupaca followed

by Lakeside and Cemetery services, flags displayed on over 6,000 graves, picnic and musical entertainment at the Wisconsin Veterans Home King.

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18

Take a step back in time with a visit to the historic Hutchinson House with its impressive collection of Victorian artifacts. Free admission.

18-19

Memorial Day Parade, Program and Pig Roast Iola 715-445-4005

Free Fishing Weekend Statewide

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Waupaca County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale Waupaca County Fairgrounds

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Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Social Camp LuWiSoMo 920-622-3350 www.LuWiSoMo.org

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Community Wide Rummage Sales, Waupaca Lioness Waupaca Area

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Maps available at the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Flag Day Wisconsin Veterans Home King

715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com Avenue of Flags proudly displayed.

Strawberry Fest Waupaca 715-258-7343 www.WaupacaMemories.com Held annually on the third full weekend in June. Strawberry Fest is a family festival that features an art/craft fair with 150 vendors, strawberry shortcake, a children’s costume contest, live entertainment, great food and more, providing a great way to celebrate the first taste of summer.

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Strawberry 5K Run Cross Country Track Waupaca High School 715-942-2725 www.FoundationsForLivingWaupaca.com Railroad Depot Open House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Waupaca 715-256-9980 www.WaupacaHistory.org

Annual Lions Fly-In, Drive-In Breakfast Waupaca Municpal Airport 715-258-2710

American Legion King Day 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wisconsin Veterans Home King 715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com Chicken Barbecue, band concert and a parade.

Iola Historical Society Strawberry Fest 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Iola Historical Society historic village 715-445-4005 www.ISChamber.org

July Saturdays

June 30-July 2

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In extstance since 1887. Final concert is at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

June 21 - Aug. 7

Summer Youth & Joyful Hearts Camp Camp LuWiSoMo 920-622-3350 www.LuWiSoMo.org

Iola Fireworks Dusk Shores of Lake Iola 715-445-4005 www.ISChamber.org Softball games, food & beverages, raffle and fireworks at dusk.

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DAV King Day 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wisconsin Veterans Home King 715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com

Waupaca City Band Summer Concert Series Fridays at 7 p.m.

Downtown Waupaca 715-252-7280

Mid-Western Rodeo Manawa Rodeo Grounds 800-74RODEO www.ManawaRodeo.org It’s Big - It’s Wild - It’s Western! Voted the Great Lakes Circuit best medium rodeo. Bull and bronc riding, steer wrestling, team and tie down roping, women’s barrel racing, pony rides, vendors, free dances after the evening rodeo performances, chicken bbq, Stampede 5K/10K fun run/walk and rodeo parade.

Hometown Day Celebration Downtown & South Park, Waupaca 715-258-7343 www.WaupacaMemories.com The 4th of July celebration features a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m., a chicken barbecue lunch at South Park at 11 a.m., a waterski show on Rainbow Lake at 6 p.m. and fireworks over Shadow Lake at dusk.

Roast beef dinner, band concert and door prizes.

June 17 - July 29

Chain Skiers Water Ski Show 6:30 p.m.

Rainbow Lake www.WaupacaChainSkiers.org Weekly water ski show on Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes. Held mid-June through August on Rainbow Lake. Viewing available at the Wisconsin Veterans Home Marden Center, King.

Strawberry shortcake, viewing of historic buildings and antique appraisals.

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Chapel on the Lakes Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.

Clear Water Harbor, Waupaca 715-258-7688 Interdenominational service held weekly aboard the Chief Waupaca sternwheeler.

Breakfast, bake sale, raffle, airplane viewing and rides. Fun for the whole family.

Public is welcome.

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Stawberry Fest Train Show 9 a.m. -5 p.m. on 6/18 & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on 6/19 Waupaca Recreation Center 715-824-2045 www.wamrltd.com

Mid-June through Mid-Aug.

Two gyms of model railroad layout and sales tables. Food stand and model contest. Model railroad related demonstration tables.

June 4-5

Hutchinson House Museum Open House- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

South Park, Waupaca 715-256-9980 www.WaupacaHistory.org

7-9

Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet Iola Old Car Show Grounds 715-445-4000 www.IolaOldCarShow.com Theme “Keep on Truckin and Charging Ahead.” “Teamed to Learn” education tent, 4,430 swap meet spaces, car corral area with vehicles 2000 and older.

Great food and camping is available.

Visit Waupaca’s historic railroad depot and see the recently acquired caboose.

www.WaupacaMemories .com

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Events

September continued 17

Fall O Rama 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

South Park, Waupaca 715-258-4435 www.WaupacaFallORama.com Children’s parade, pumpkin carving demonstrations, food, craft fair, live music and a petting zoo.

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Walk For Wellness 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

South Park, Waupaca 715-258-8211 This non-competitive walking event will offer options of 1-mile, 5K and 10K routes.

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6-7

23-27

Homelessness Experience TBA 715-942-2725 www.FoundationsForLivingWaupaca.com

Sept. 30Oct. 2

Hidden Studios Art Tour Waupaca & Portage Counties 715-258-0195 www.HiddenStudiosArtTour.com A Tour of Working Studios in Central Wisconsin. Generally considered the peak fall foliage weekend in central Wisconsin, October, this is the only weekend of the year that the Hidden Studios open their doors to the public.

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17-31

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Autumn Harvest Fest King Celebrate fall with this interactive family festival complete with pumpkin carving, crafts, fresh produce, entertainment and more! Waupaca area merchants participate with in-store specials to give you even more reason to celebrate autumn. Enjoy a trip to the pumpkin patch and Waupaca’s fall colors during Autumn Harvest Fest.

Summer Nights Series: Waupaca Homecoming

715-258-7343 www.WaupacaMemories.com

Performance by the Waupaca High School Choir in Marden Center.

Women’s Blaze Orange Bonspiel Waupaca Curling Club 715-412-0832 www.CurlWaupaca.com This is a three day curling bonspiel with four events and a three game guarantee.

December 3

Community Halloween Party 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Waupaca Recreation Center, 407 School Street 715-258-4435 3 Free haunted house Monday - Friday and community event with food, games, activities, arts & crafts and dancing on Halloween.

November 4-6

Veterans Day Program 9:30 a.m.

Wisconsin Veterans Home King 715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com

Chain O’Lakes Blues 19 Serendity Craft Show Festival 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Waupaca Rec / Senior Center Indian Crossing Casino, Waupaca 715-258-7343 Holiday craft show. www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.

19 Deer Widows Weekend com Craft Shows Good times and great music at the 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. historic Indian Crossing Casino featuring Various Locations in the Waupaca some of the best regional blues bands.

Area 715-258-7343 Lutefisk Supper and www.WaupacaMemories.com Norwegian Bake and Craft Sale Round robin of craft shows held 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m throughout the Waupaca area.

Northland Lutheran Church, Iola Last Classic Christmas 715-445-2956 Weekend Participating Waupaca Area Annual Lutefisk Supper and Norwegian of Nov. Businesses Bake and Craft Sale features local 715-258-7343 culinary talent. www.WaupacaMemories.com Scarecrow Contest Shop Waupaca, King and in between to Participating Waupaca Area find the perfect gifts for everyone on Businesses your Christmas gift list. Over 40 unique 715-258-7343 shops with holiday specials. www.WaupacaAreaChamber.com Scarecrows featured at area businesses, vote for your favorite with donations to the Waupaca Area Food Panty.

Enter to win gift certificates to area businesses.

October 1

18-20

Bonfire and Tailgating at South Park

County Line Trail Blazers Annual Chicken BBQ East Road & Crystal Lake Rd, Waupaca 715-258-9316 Old snowmobile show and live music.

Taste of Norway/Lost Arts 11 Fair & Annual Fall Gift & Craft Show Iola 715-445-5505 www.ISChamber.org traditional Norwegian Featuring pastries and lefse, displays of Norwegian artifacts, a craft show and more.

Hutchinson House Museum Open House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

South Park, Waupaca 715-256-9980 www.WaupacaHistory.org Take a step back in time with a visit to the historic Hutchinson House with its impressive collection of Victorian artifacts. Free admission.

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1

Taste of Christmas 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Spencer Lake Christian Center 715-258-5707 www.Spencer-Lake.org Annual community-wide celebration kicking off the Christmas season with all of the traditional sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays.

Iola Lioness Christmas Parade 10 a.m.

Downtown Iola 715-445-4005 www.ISChamber.org

Visit with Santa, treats, kids Women’s Fall Crafting entertainment and Toys for Tots Retreat collection.

Camp LuWiSoMo 7 Pearl Harbor Day Program 920-622-3350 9:30 a.m. www.LuWiSoMo.org Wisconsin Veterans Home King Enjoy a weekend dedicated to crafting..

715-258-4247 www.WisVets.com Performance by the Waupaca High School Band.

www.WaupacaMemories .com

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Large map see seper

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2016 Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Visitors Guide

rate InDesign doc

www.WaupacaMemories .com

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Travel Itineraries

Summer

Make the most of summer in the Waupaca Area.

With so much to do and choose from you can stay as busy as you like or just sit back and enjoy.

Day 1: Book a stay at one of the areas many vacation rentals or campgrounds. Wolf River Trips & Campgrounds offers camping and tubing trips down the Wolf River. Ding’s Dock Indian Cottages & Casino offers exciting canoe trips down the Crystal River.

See pages 12 & 14 for a list of campgrounds and rentals to find the perfect place to enjoy time with your family and friends. The Waupaca area hosts several summer events that may interest you. The Iola Old Car show, the Waupaca Area Triathlon, Hometown Day Celebration, and Strawberry Fest are a few of our favorites. No matter when your stay is, don’t miss out on a visit to Clear Water Harbor located on the Chain O’Lakes. Great food and refreshment both inside and on the deck, scenic boat cruises and entertainment makes this a destination in itself.

Day 2 : Check out Amherst Maine, Anchor Point Marina, Becker Marine, and Taylor Lake Marine to enjoy some time on the water.

Before heading out, stop at The Minnow Bucket for fishing supplies and the Chain One Stop for food, snacks, and other items to take out with you. Reserve some time for a round of miniature golf at nostalgic Tom Thumb Miniature Golf. For dinner head to Chef Chu’s. Dine in or carry out before

For lunch stop by The Iron Grille to enjoy up-scale American food. Finish off with a stop at The Millstone of Iola Mills listed on the National Register of Historic Places where you can find handmade Gelato, an espresso bar, and handmade pizza.

Craig Libuse photo

Day 4 : In the morning stop by King Berry Farm & Greenhouse. Wander through their shop for flowers, produce, and gift ideas. Stop for lunch at J.R.’s Sportsman’s Bar and visit their deer park. Head to South Park Beach in Waupaca where you will find a sandy swimming beach and fishing pier. While at South Park tour Hutchinson House Museum, open Saturdays and Sundays in the summer.

Set away some time for a stop at Doc Atty’s Pour House which is home to a brew pub, winery, and distillery all under one roof. For dinner head to Hahn-a-Lula Resort located on a bend of the Wolf River in Fremont offering great nightly specials and their famous buffet. ❚

heading to the Bandstand on the City Square in Waupaca where concerts are performed at 7PM on Friday nights.

Day 3 : In Iola visit the Crystal Cafe to find home cooking made from scratch. While there pay a visit to the Iola Historical Society Historic Village where you will be able to tour historic structures and learn about Iola’s cultural heritage. Next take in a round of golf. Page 31 has a complete listing to find the challenge and golfing experience you are looking for.

Craig Libuse photo

Fall

Fall is beautiful in the Waupaca area with our picturesque tree lined streets beckoning you to come take a walk. Check out one or more of our parks and take time to enjoy a stop along the way at a cozy shop or restaurant.

Day 1: To inspire that cozy feeling check into one of our area bed and breakfasts. Look for the listings on page 10. After settling in plan a visit to scenic Brainards Bridge Park with great photo opportunities. Before heading to the park stop at Niemuth’s Steak and Chop Shop to plan the perfect picnic lunch. Warm up at The Sanctuary for specialty coffee before taking in some of the local gift shops. At Main Street Marketplace, Embellishments, and Waupaca River Gallery & Gifts you will find many one of a kind specialty items and unique gifts. While strolling along Main Street make a stop at Paca Pub & Grill one of Waupaca’s oldest bars.

Craig Libuse photo

Head out to Chain O’ Lakes Bar & Grill for a great dinner and be sure to check their schedule of entertainment.

Day 2 : After breakfast drive to Ferg’s Bavarian Inn and Village where you will find beautiful grounds, a gift shop and a Biergarten all celebrating their Bavarian culture. Next take a short drive to Manawa to visit the Wine Maker’s Daughter where you can unwind with a glass of wine or craft beer or join them at their tasting bar where you can sample infused vinegars and oils along with their delicious wines.

Day 3 : After enjoying your breakfast head to the Wisconsin Veterans Home to explore the grounds and the stunning views of Rainbow Lake. For lunch enjoy warm and cozy dining at King’s Table Restaurant with natural wooded views. After lunch take time to stroll through the many specialty shops in King. Cate & Company, The Cinnamon House, Anne’s Heart Desire, and Timber Creek Country Gifts all offer unique gifts and personal items that are sure to please. After touring the shops head to the Wheel House for great dinner specials and homemade pizza. ❚

Winter/Spring Mike Kirk photo

See website www.WaupacaMemories.com for itineraries www.WaupacaMemories .com

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Services

Services Animal Health Countryside Animal Hospital E2691 Larson Road, Waupaca (715) 258-2200 1 www.CountrysideAnimalHosp.net Offering complete pet health care services, pet supplies and boarding services with experienced, animal-loving veterinarians.

Waupaca Small Animal Hospital 780 Bowling Lane, Waupaca (715) 258-3343 2 www.WaupacaSmallAnimal.com We take pride in offering the latest in medical technology and providing your pet with the individual care they deserve.

Automotive Waupaca Mobil Travel Center 1222 West Fulton St., Waupaca (715) 258-7676 11 See page 21 for more info.

Churches First Assembly of God 1420 Berlin Street, Waupaca (715) 258-2705 7 www.FirstAGWaupaca.com First Assembly of God making a difference at hearts and lives of people in and around our Waupaca community.

Clubs & Organizations Waupaca Breakfast Rotary Club P.O. Box 612, Waupaca 8 www.WaupacaRotary.org Committed to raising the standard of living in our community and around the world. Meets Wednesday at 7 a.m., Waupaca Ale House.

Contractors Fehrman Builders, LLC (715) 256-9871 9 General contractor, new homes, remodeling, pole buildings, decks, garages, roofing an siding, kitchen and baths, windows.

K & E Builders, Inc. E1022 State Rd. 54, Waupaca (715) 258-5410 10 Serving Waupaca and surrounding areas for all your construction needs since 1996. Certified home and radon inspections.

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Economic Development Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation (920) 982-1582 www.VisitWaupacaCounty.com Find a favorite activity, locate a business or download an app.

Everything you need to enjoy your day in Waupaca County.

Health Care Services Community Eyecare Center, S.C. 222 S. Washington St., Waupaca (715) 258-2020 12 www.CommunityEyecareCenter.com A complete eyecare center, offering optical, medical and emergency care for the entire family in Waupaca and Iola.

Park Vista 950 County QQ, Waupaca (715) 256-0100 13 www.ParkVistaLiving.org Park Vista sits in a secluded part of town with beautiful walk paths and is near Foxfire Golf Club.

ThedaCare Physicians / ThedaCare Medical Center 800 Riverside Drive, Waupaca (715) 258-1000 14 www.ThedaCare.com Family medicine, general surgery and specialists located at Riverside Medical Center, a 25 bed acute care, critical access hospital with a 24-hour emergency room.

Marinas Amherst Marine, Inc 422 South Main Street, Amherst (715) 824-5635 3 www.AmherstMarine.com Amherst Marine has been taking care of central Wisconsin’s boating needs since 1988. Sales - service - storage. Located in Downtown Amherst.

Anchor Point Marina 9118 Marion Lane, Fremont (920) 446-2224 4 www.AnchorPointMarina.com Full serive marina with boat slips, sales, service, fuel, storage, rentals, 10 person houseboat rentals available and pontoons.

2016 Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Visitors Guide

Becker Marine E1208 County Highway Q, Waupaca (715) 258-9015 5 www.BeckerMarine.com See page 31 for more info.

Taylor Lake Marine N2757 County Road QQ, Waupaca (715) 258-8840 6 www.TaylorLakeMarine.com See page 31 for more info.

Publishers Journal Print Group 600 Industrial Drive, Waupaca (715) 258-1332 17 www.JournalPrintGroup.com Journal Print Group is a full service printer dedicated to customer satisfaction. Serving our customers for over 40 years.

Multi-Media Channels, LLC 600 Industrial Drive, Waupaca (715) 258-3207 18 www.WaupacaNow.com Official newspaper and online source for local news, sports and community events.

Radio WDUX AM 800/FM 92.7 200 Tower Road, Waupaca (715) 258-5528 23 www.WduxRadio.com Local radio station 92.7 FM - The best of yesterday and today, and sports nights and weekends.

AM 800 - classic country.

Real Estate Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group 109 East Badger Street, Waupaca (715) 258-3221 19 www.ColdwellHomes.com Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group - Waupaca office. We specialize in recreational, residential & commercial real estate in and around Waupaca County!

Faye Wilson Realty LLC 970 Furman Dr., Suite B, Waupaca (920) 407-0003 20 www.FayeWilsonRealty.com Your full service real estate agency selling waterfront, residential and vacant land properties in the Waupaca, Waushara, and surrounding Counties.

Shambeau & Thern Real Estate, LLC 110 East Badger Street, Waupaca (715) 258-9900 21 www.WaupacaAreaRealEstate.com Locally owned and operated, serving Waupaca, Waushara and Portage counties. Chain O’ Lakes specialists, your home town team.

United Country-Udoni & Salan Realty Group 120 East Badger Street, Waupaca (715) 258-8800 22 www.UnitedWaupaca.com Waupaca’s leading Lifestyle Real Estate Sales & Marketing Company specializing in Chain O’ Lakes waterfront properties, as well as recreational, residential, and commercial properties.

Sanitation Maverick Pumping/ Packerland Portables E2021 King Road, Waupaca (715) 258-5452 25 www.MaverickPumping.com Septic and grease trap services with 24 hour emergency service available. Portable restroom rental short term or long term.

Small Engine Sheridan Service Garage Co. E519 Rieben Road, Waupaca (715) 256-1600 26 Outdoor power equipment and small engine sales, service and repair. Located just west of Waupaca off of Highway 10 in Sheridan.

Misc. Services CAP Services 101 Tower Rd., Waupaca (715) 258-9575 www.capserv.org CAP Services is a private, nonprofit community action agency helping low income people attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1996.

Community Insurance & Associates 201 S. Main St., Waupaca (715) 258-2300 15 www.community-insurance.com Employment Options 1337 Royalton St., Waupaca (715) 258-7644 11 www.employmentoptions.biz Employment Options can provide staffing for all your business needs.