2008 Fall Sampler - Travel Wisconsin

six great fall color road trips • fall festivals • foodie fun
orchards • wineries • state parks • attractions
RJ & LINDA MILLER
RJ & LINDA MILLER
The timeless charm of fall
Fall in Wisconsin is a season of timeless charm. As the
state’s forests burst into color, honking flocks of geese fly
overhead, and harvesting begins. Classic roadside stands
and farmers’ markets burst with a cornucopia of fresh
produce, while picturesque small towns – seeming
straight from a Norman Rockwell painting – bustle with
activity. Festivals statewide celebrate culinary delights
ranging from apples, pumpkins and cranberries to Swiss,
German and other ethnic cuisines and cultures. It is a
season of celebrations, to be sure.
Fall is also a time when the state’s winding rustic
roads exert a magnetic attraction on motorcycle and auto
enthusiasts; its colorful forest trails beckon hikers and
bikers; and children of all ages flock to expansive corn
mazes, orchards and pumpkin patches. It’s also a prime
season for bird watchers, as the state’s globally significant
wildlife refuges welcome millions of migratory waterfowl.
Use this sampler as a guide to the state’s food, fun
and festivities. Experience the ageless appeal of autumn
in Wisconsin.
2
FESTIVE VENUES
People in Wisconsin love food. And why
wouldn’t they? Wisconsin serves up everything
from ethnic cuisine to artisan cheeses, from
impeccable fresh produce to innovative chefcreations. Fall is an especially bountiful time
with food-focused festivals and harvests galore.
In fact, more Wisconsin festivals happen in fall
than in any other season.
The listing to the right shows just a handful
of the 200+ fall festivals road-trippers will find
as they chase the fall color. There’s something
for everybody and every palate: Madison stages
“Taste of Madison” in late August, Appleton
celebrates Octoberfest in September, Warrens
hosts its famous Cranberry Festival in late
September, and the Bayfield Apple Festival
rounds out the season in October.
Immerse yourself in fall in Wisconsin: the
fruits of our farming heritage, our dairy expertise, and the land stewardship forged by environmentalists such as Leopold, Muir, Nelson
and others. Slow down, relax – and enjoy.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Fall color flows through Wisconsin from north
to south starting in mid-September and ending
in late October. The accompanying map divides
the state into thirds and shows the historic
march of color through the state.
For weekly reports and up-to-the-minute hot
tips on scenic locations statewide,
call 800/432-8747, or visit
www.travelwisconsin.com.
NOTABLE
FALL EVENTS
Aug 29-30: Wisconsin State
Cow Chip Throw, Prairie du
Sac
Aug 30-31: Taste of
Madison, Madison
Sept 5-7: Indian Summer,
Milwaukee
Sept 7: Ford Ironman
Wisconsin – Madison
Sept 12-14: Wo-Zha-Wa
Days, Wisconsin Dells
Sept 12-14: Chequamegon
Fat Tire Festival,Cable and
Hayward
Sept 13: U.S. Watermelon
Seed-Spitting & Seed-Eating
Championship, Pardeeville
Sept 13-14: Laura Ingalls
Wilder Festival, Pepin
Sept 19-21: Green County
Cheese Days, Monroe
Sept 20-21: Wine & Harvest
Festival, Cedarburg
Sept 25-27: Octoberfest,
Appleton
Sept 26-28: Warrens
Cranberry Festival, Warrens
Sept 26-Oct 4: Oktoberfest,
La Crosse
Sept 27-28: Gays Mills
Apple Festival, Gays Mills
Sept 27-28: 18th Annual
Wade House Civil War
Weekend, Greenbush
Oct 3-5: Bayfield Apple
Festival, Bayfield
Oct. 4-5: Cranberry Fest,
Eagle River
Oct 11-12 & 18-19:
Autumn on the Farms at Old
World Wisconsin, Eagle
Oct 24-26: Kohler Food &
Wine Experience, Kohler
This booklet is a sampler of Wisconsin’s
many fall destinations, activities and
events; it is by no means inclusive.
For more information on great fall driving
tours, visit www.travelwisconsin.com.
3
La Crosse to Prairie du Chien
other adventures...
Heading south from
La Crosse to Prairie
du Chien at the mouth
of the Wisconsin
River, this portion of
the state’s scenic Great
River Road follows the
edge of the mighty
Mississippi and looks up to towering
bluffs to the east.
La Crosse Queen: Tour the
upper Mississippi River
aboard one of the few
remaining paddle wheelers
in operation. A variety of
cruises are available through
October. (608/784-2893,
lacrossequeen.com)
Ferryville Cheese and
More: Choose from a wide
variety of Wisconsin cheeses
and meats, including
Ferryville cheese curds.
(608/734-3121,
ferryville.com)
tasty tips...
Wyalusing State Park,
Bagley: Find some stunning
views of the Mississippi and
Wisconsin River valleys, hike
hardwood forests and spy
up to 100 different species
of migrating birds. (608/9962261, wiparks.net)
Wisconsin Welcome
Center, La Crosse: Stop-in
for statewide travel planning, free maps and travel
literature, and a warm
smile. (I-90 rest area, eastbound only, 608/783-6403,
travelwisconsin.com)
RJ & LINDA MILLER
Housed in an historic redbrick railroad building
from the 1880s, Freight House Restaurant in
La Crosse has gained national notoriety for its
naturally aged, hand-cut steaks and succulent
seafood. An excellent wine list and a tempting
selection of cognacs and single-malt scotches
will impress any connoisseur. Stop in for a
prime rib dinner and enjoy live entertainment
on the weekends. (608/784-6211, freighthouserestaurant.com)
Hickory and apple wood-smoked barbeque
is the main attraction at this La Crosse eatery
set in a renovated 1871 foundry building.
Piggy’s Restaurant slow-smokes everything
from baby back ribs to duck breasts. Chef Chris
Roderique has put together a unique menu that
includes fresh flown-in seafood and fabulous
homemade soups. Tasty desserts like the
caramel apple pecan cheesecake are a sure bet.
(608/784-4877, piggys.com)
A part of downtown Prairie du Chien for
more than 80 years, Kaber’s Supper Club is
the real deal; a true Wisconsin supper club serving steak, seafood and an impressive salad bar.
Expect your traditional dining experience to
come complete with great service from the
friendly, attentive staff. And check-out the
horseshoe-shaped bar. (608/326-6216)
PEARL STREET, LA CROSSE
4
RJ & LINDA MILLER
EVENTS
Sep & Oct: On the weekends, take a two-hour, fall
foliage cruise on the
Mississippi River boarding in
Prairie du Chien or La
Crosse. Or, on Friday and
Saturday evenings enjoy a
cruise with a local musician
who combines folk and
blues with some naturalist
narration. (877/647-7397,
MississippiExplorer.com)
Sept-Oct: Visit Market in
the Park on weekends in
Ferryville for Amish crafts,
homemade preserves and a
flea market
GRANDAD’S BLUFF
more foodie fun...
City Brewery, La Crosse: See the world’s
largest six-pack and get a brewery tour.
(608/785-4200, citybrewery.com)
Pearl Street Brewery: Sample some of the
handcrafted microbrews at La Crosse’s other
brewery. (608/784-4832,
pearlstreetbrewery.com)
Vernon Vineyards: Just 20 miles east of
Genoa down several country lanes near
Viroqua, the winery hosts free wine tours and
tastings Friday through Sunday. (608/634-6734,
vernonvineyards.com)
Lisa’s This-N-That, Desoto: Come find a
whole assortment of preserves and a nice selection of pumpkins, gourds and other fall harvest
items. (608/648-2778)
The Red Lion Pub and Eatery: Get your fish
and chips, bangers and mash, and a fine selection of imported and domestic beers at this bit
of Britain in DeSoto. (608/648-3100)
Shihata’s Orchard, Prairie du Chien: You’ll
find 19 varieties of apples plus an assortment of
local products and cider at the Apple House.
There’s also a pumpkin patch. (608/326-2785)
The Cannery, Prairie du Chien: Satisfy a
sweet tooth with more than 15 flavors of fudge
as well as saltwater taffy and ice cream.
(608/326-6518, thecannerygifts.com)
Sept 6-7: Villa Louis
Carriage Classic, Prairie du
Chien. See the Midwest’s
most stylish equine festival.
(866/944-7483, wisconsinhistory.org/villalouis)
Sept 12-13: Cannons and
Redcoats in Prairie du Chien
is an historical reenactment
exploring life in 1814. It
includes exhibits on candle
making, lead pouring, and
cannon firing.
(608/326-6960,
fortcrawfordmuseum.com)
Sept 27-28: The Gays Mills
Apple Festival includes an
arts and crafts fair, food,
music and a parade.
(608/735-4341, gaysmills.org)
Sept 26-Oct 4: Oktoberfest
in La Crosse is a weeklong
event celebrating
Wisconsin’s German heritage with parades, a carnival, music, dancing and
plenty of good food and
beer. (608/784-3378,
oktoberfestusa.com)
Oct 4-5: Shihata Orchard
Fest, Prairie du Chien. Enjoy
wagon rides, apple picking
and pumpkins. (608/3262785)
Oct 11: Historic Downtown
La Crosse Day. Celebrate
with live music, guided
walking tours, free trolley
rides and more. (608/7840440, historicdowntownlacrosse.com)
5
Hudson to Saint Croix Falls
other adventures...
The St. Croix River
Valley graces western
Wisconsin with an
autumn canopy of
maples, oaks and
birches. Historic small
towns are knee-deep in
drifting leaves. Yet their
restaurants, shops and attractions are
as lively as ever.
Willow River State Park,
Hudson: Offers 2,000 acres
of waterfalls, lakes and
forestland for hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming and
fishing. (715/386-5931,
wiparks.net)
Indian Burial Grounds,
Hudson: View the St. Croix
River from historic Birkmose
Park, with Native American
burial sites along the ridgeline. (715/386-8411,
hudsonwi.org)
tasty tips...
Octagon House Museum,
Hudson: This 150-year-old
house museum on the
National Register is one of
nine eight-sided homes left
in the state. (715/386-2654,
pressenter.com/~octagon)
For a relaxed view of the river and a kickback
dining experience, try Andy Kron’s Pier Five
Hundred Restaurant overlooking Hudson’s
Lakefront Park. The menu offers classic
American fare, with house-made meatloaf and
apple crisps as signatures. Brews from the Rush
River and New Glarus breweries are served.
(www.pierfivehundred.com, 715/386-5504)
The Dam Bistro in St. Croix Falls is a great
find for any hungry visitor looking for dishes
beyond the ordinary. Owner Jeff Halverson
emphasizes local produce and pastas garnished
with area cheeses. On crisp fall nights, enjoy
fireplace dining and ale from Ashland’s South
Shore Brewery, an Island Wheat from Madison’s
Capital Brewery, or vintages from Chateau St.
Croix Winery. (715/483-5003).
Phipps Center for the
Arts, Hudson: The center
hosts a year-round calendar
of performance and visual
arts. (715/386-2305,
thephipps.org).
Luhrs/Bjornson Artworks,
St. Croix Falls: Pottery,
glass, paintings and drawings
created in an historic granary
building under the talented
hand of this resident husband-wife team. (715/4839612, stcroixfalls.com)
RJ & LINDA MILLER
DON DAVENPORT
Interstate Park, St. Croix
Falls: Wisconsin’s first state
park, Interstate protects the
rocky Dalles of the St. Croix
River, and is the home of an
Ice Age Interpretive Center.
(715/483-3747, wiparks.net)
Wisconsin Welcome
Center, Hudson: Stop-in for
statewide travel planning,
free maps and travel literature, and a warm smile. (I-94
exit 2, 715/386-2571,
travelwisconsin.com)
OCTAGON HOUSE
6
WILLOW RIVER STATE PARK
RJ & LINDA MILLER
EVENTS
Sept 12: Hudson – Girls
Night Out, bike ride, car
show & “Laff Boat” comedy
cruise. (800/657-6775,
hudsonwi.org)
Sept 27: Autumn Taste
Walk, Hudson. Local restaurants share their harvest
secrets. Cooking demonstrations, fashion shows and
trolley rides. (715/386-8411,
hudsonwi.org)
Sept 27-28, Oct 4, 5 & 12:
Leaf Viewing Trips, Osceola.
Board the Osceola & St.
Croix Valley Railway to revel
in the crimson, orange and
yellow palette of the forest.
(651/228-9263, trainride.org)
THE SCENIC SAINT CROIX
Sept 27: St. Croix Fall
Festival. Enjoy autumn with
a craft fair, plenty of music
and delicious food.
(715/483-3580)
more foodie fun...
Oct 16-18: Spirit of St. Croix
Days, Hudson. Pro walleye
tourney, Taste of Hudson,
lumberjack shows. (800/6576775, hudsonwi.org)
Oct 18 & 19: Pumpkin
Train, Osceola. Board the
Osceola & St. Croix Valley
Railway for a ride to a
pumpkin patch for pumpkins, hayrides and treats.
(651/228-9263, trainride.org)
RJ & LINDA MILLER
Barker’s Bar & Grill, Hudson: Burgers, tenderloins, and yellow fin tuna are among the most
popular menu items. Cool off the hot, hot, hot
chicken wings with one of dozens of microbrews or imported beers. (715/386-4123,
barkersbarandgrill.com)
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, Osceola:
Enjoy brunch, dinner or even pizza aboard vintage rail cars while riding through the St. Croix
River Valley. (651/228-9263, trainride.org)
Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard:
Tastings of locally made wines are offered at
this French-style chateau north of St. Croix Falls.
(866/654-9463, chateaustcroix.com)
Fine Acres Market, St. Croix Falls: Select
organic and local produce, herbal remedies,
bulk spices, trail food and natural snacks.
(715/483-9918).
Dalles Char House, St. Croix Falls:
Everything a traditional Northwood’s steak
house should be. (715/483-3246)
St. Croix Cafe: Looking for comfort food?
Stop for soups, sandwiches and daily specials in
a family-oriented atmosphere. (715/483-9079)
For even more exciting Wisconsin vacation ideas,
great fall events, fall color reports and much
more, visit travelwisconsin.com.
7
Minocqua to Tomahawk
other adventures...
Northern Wisconsin in
autumn is a wonder to
behold. Outside, the
forest is painted in
fall’s festive palette.
Inside, hearty eaters have
a menu heyday in palatepleasing supper clubs.
Wa-Swa-Goning, Lac du
Flambeau: Explore the culture and history of the
Ojibwe people at this outdoor
recreation of an 18th century
tribal village. (Tours Tues-Sat,
10am-4pm thru Sep, 715/5883560, waswagoning.org)
Bearskin & Hiawatha State
Trails: Hike or bike either of
these popular area rail-trails.
(715/453-1263, wiparks.net)
tasty tips...
Rustic Roads: Both R-58
(Blue Lake & Mercer Lake
Roads) and R-59 (Sutton
Road) are just west of
Minocqua traversing nearly
15 miles of autumn lake
country. (608/267-7753)
Steaks rule at Chy’s Red Steer Supper Club in
Minocqua. But owner Chy Karau doesn’t forget
fish fans, with walleye and catfish. Her ice
cream drinks pack a punch. (715/356-6332,
chysredsteer.com)
Bootleggers Lodge Supper Club in
Tomahawk was built in 1928. Its famous guests
supposedly included Al Capone and John
Dillinger. From the adjacent lounge, Lake
Nokomis presents a magnificent view. Casual is
the way to go. (715/453-7971)
Charbroiled steaks and prime rib are the
house specialties at the Pine Tree Supper Club
in Tomahawk. This popular downtown eatery
also serves up terrific seafood, weekend specials, homemade soups, and sandwich baskets.
(715/453-4235, explorewisconsin.com/
pinetreesupperclub)
Northern Lights Playhouse,
Hazelhurst: Uproarious comedy and Broadway-style musicals make for a great vacation
theater experience.
(Thru Sept 21, 715/356-7173,
nl-playhouse.com).
Wisconsin River Cruises,
Rhinelander: Brunch, dinner
and sightseeing cruises thru
Oct 5 aboard the doubledecker Wilderness Queen.
(Call for departure times,
715/369-7500,
wildernesscruises.com)
CHRISTOPHER DRIES
Wildwood Wildlife Park,
Minocqua: Visit a world of
exotic and woodland animals,
from zebras and tigers to
whitetail deer and otters.
(Open thru mid-Oct,
715/356-5588,
wildwoodwildlifepark.com)
The Waters of Minocqua:
The kids will enjoy this 10,000
sq. ft. indoor waterpark with
an indoor/outdoor pool,
waterslides, plunge pool, and
two hot tubs. (Open to the
public, 877/992-8377,
thewatersofminocqua.com)
BOOTLEGGER’S LODGE SUPPER CLUB
8
DOUG ALFT & MARCIA SAWYER
EVENTS
Sept 11-14: Tomahawk Fall
Ride. Motorcycle fans ride
for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association, then return for
street dancing, food and
beverages. (800/569-2160,
gototomahawk.com)
Sept 13: Fall Colors Craft
Show, Minocqua. Arts &
crafts show, concessions and
live music in Torpy Park.
(800/446-6784,
minocqua.org)
CHRISTOPHER DRIES
RJ & LINDA MILLER
FALL COLOR RIDE
Sept 26-27: Beef-o-Rama,
Minocqua. Revel in the
Rump Roast Run, watch the
Parade of Roasts, sample a
hot beef sandwich.
(800/446-6784,
minocqua.org)
DAN’S MINOCQUA FUDGE
more foodie fun...
Oct Weekends: Tomahawk
Berry Farm corn maze and
pumpkin patch. For spooky
family fun, try the corn
maze in the evening, but
bring a flashlight. (715/4532609, gototomahawk.com)
Oct 18: Hall-O-Wine
Tasting, Minocqua. Sample
beers from the Minocqua
Brewery and wines from
around the world, plus tasty
cheeses. (Americinn, 6-9pm,
800/446-6784,
minocqua.org)
H.D. HUSSONG
Ann Marie’s Fine Coffee & Tea; Minocqua:
Sip in or order out. Nicholas Moss and
Bridgewater pottery in stock, plus ceramics
from England, Austria and Italy. (715/356-1515,
annmarie.com)
Mama’s Restaurant, Minocqua: Sicilian cuisine in the Northwoods – calamari, veal parmigiana, chicken cacciatore, mostaccioli, cannoli,
even spumoni ice cream. Mama mia!
(715/356-5070, mamasrestaurant.biz
Dan’s Minocqua Fudge: Dan boasts “the
largest selection of handmade chocolates in the
Northwoods.” Hard candy, taffy, and an oldfashioned ice cream parlor. (715/356-2662)
Silver Birch Supper Club, Tomahawk: Fish,
ribs, mouth-watering steaks and all the trimmings, coupled with excellent service. (715/4532025)
The Cheese Shoppe, Tomahawk: Wisconsin
cheese curds, bison sausage, hand-rolled butter,
maple syrup and wines. (715/224-2627,
thecheeseshoppeonline.com)
Sept 20: Wife Carrying
Championships, Minocqua.
That’s right – contestants
carry their wives over an
obstacle course in Torpy
Park. Top four times win
their wives’ weight in beer,
brats, bottled water and
cranberries. (800/446-6784,
minocqua.org)
AUTUMN BIRCH
9
Waupaca to Shawano
other adventures...
Lakes and rivers flow
through colorful
forests and farm fields
that harbor autumn
whitetail deer and
migrating sandhill cranes.
You’ll find small town
appeal at either end of the
route and everywhere in between.
Hartman Creek State
Park, Waupaca: See excellent fall colors and migrating birds, with state Rustic
Roads 23 & 24 just outside
the front gate. (715/2582372, wiparks.net)
Chief Waupaca
Sternwheeler: Cruise
across eight of Waupaca’s 22
lakes; weekend cruises are
offered early September to
mid October. (715/258-2866,
clearwaterharbor.com)
tasty tips...
The Red Mill Gift Shop,
Waupaca: Housed in an old
mill on the Crystal River the
property includes the lovely
Chapel in the Woods.
(715/258-7385, visitwaupaca.com/RED_MILL.html)
Joe Bikeler’s Bike Shop,
Shawano: Rent wheels for
a roll on the Mountain Bay
State Trail. (715/526-2216,
joebikeler.com)
Belle Plaine Cheese,
Shawano: Taste-test everything from Colby to
Limburger, as well as fresh
curds and local maple syrup.
(715/526-2789)
GLENN SANDERSON
Shawano offers up a bit of “la dolce vita” at
Luigi’s Pizza. Be prepared for an avalanche of
cheese on your Italian pie, and don’t overlook
their marvelous selection of pasta dishes. The
bar offers more than 100 beers, including many
Wisconsin microbrews, as well as a regional
classic, Sun Drop soda – bottled just outside the
back door. (715/524-4791)
Not to be outdone, Waupaca offers its own
pizza perfection at The Wheelhouse
Restaurant. Overlooking the lovely Chain O’
Lakes, The Wheelhouse serves a legendary thincrust pizza and a line-up of delicious pastas. But
what’s up with the dollar bills stuck to the ceiling? (715/258-8289,
wheelhouserestaurant.com)
If you are looking for great “slow food,”
Chez Marche Café in Waupaca is the place.
Chef/owner Bonni Miller strongly supports local
and organic ingredients; her constantly changing menu reflects the seasons. Everything is
made from scratch. Soups are always popular
and fall brings winter squash turnovers that
shouldn’t be missed. (715/256-2672, chezmarchecafe.blogspot.com)
Weasels in Waupaca serves up excellent
homemade pizza and is also a great place for
lamb – they raise their own. (715/258-5900,
waupaca.info/weasels.htm)
BELLE PLAINE CHEESE
10
GLENN SANDERSON
EVENTS
Aug 27- Sept 1: Shawano
County Fair. Enjoy games,
rides, tractor pull, demolition derby, cotton candy,
and much more.
(866/715-6532,
shawanocountyfair.net)
Sept 12-13: Weyauwega
Horse and Buggy Days offers
a parade, hayrides, live
music, lost arts demonstrations, and more. (920/8672500)
THE WHEELHOUSE RESTAURANT
GLENN SANDERSON
TOURISM PHOTO FILE
Sept 13: New London Fall
Family Fest. Shop more
than 100 craft, produce, and
food vendors, or taste and
purchase locally made
cheese and sausage.
(920/982-5822)
Sept 27: Oktoberfest: The
traditional fest brings live
music, polkas, and German
food to downtown
Shawano. (715/853-3775)
Oct 2-5: Caroline Lions
Colorama features wagon
rides, camping, huge trail
rides, live music and more.
(715/754-2010, carolinelionscolorama.com)
CHIEF WAUPACA STERNWHEELER
more foodie fun...
THE RED MILL GIFT SHOP
Simpson’s Indian Room Restaurant,
Waupaca: A traditional supper club with an
emphasis on seafood. One of Waupaca’s best.
(715/258-2330)
Sigrid’s Bavarian Trail, Shawano: German
lunches and dinners, and a deli overlooking
tranquil Loon Lake. (715/745-2660)
The Freckled Frogg, Waupaca: Gourmet
sandwiches and excellent salads. (715/2587363, thefreckledfrogg.com)
Arnelo’s Torch Lite, Shawano: Mamma mia!
Arnelo’s has a huge menu specializing in Italian
cuisine. (715/526-5680)
Bill’s Produce, Shawano: At N3364 Highway
22 south of town, Bill’s sells pumpkins, gourds
and colored corn.
Oct 11: A Taste of Wine and
Cheese in Clintonville.
(715/823-4606, clintonvillewi.org/chamber)
Oct 11: The Great Pumpkin
Extravaganza Arts & Crafts
Street Fair, Weyauwega
(920/867-2500)
Oct 24-25: Marion Family
Fright Fest features live
bands, fireworks, lighted
parade, children’s activities,
food and concession stands.
(715/754-4566)
11
Sheboygan to Fond du Lac
other adventures...
The 40-mile drive from
Sheboygan to Fond du
Lac is an adventure of
seasonal color,
picturesque small
towns, one of the state’s
finest historic sites, the
pinestral Kettle Moraine
State Forest, and, of course, food…
wonderful food.
John Michael Kohler Art
Center, Sheboygan: Expect
the unexpected as you wander through eight specialty
galleries. (920/458-6144,
jmkac.org)
Kohler Design Center,
Kohler: See more bathroom
fixtures than you can imagine – all from Kohler, the
hometown favorite.
(920/457-3699, kohlerco.com)
Wade House, Greenbush:
This 1844 stagecoach inn
graced the area’s original
Plank Road. This WHS site
includes the inn, blacksmith
shop, water-powered
sawmill, and a 100-piece carriage museum. (920/5263271, wadehouse.org)
tasty tips...
Sheboygan’s cozy Trattoria Stefano in a renovated downtown building is garnering kudos
from the state’s food critics. The pastas and
entrees have a decided Tuscan touch. Across
the street, Field to Fork is a regionally-based
natural foods restaurant featuring artisan
cheeses and breads as well as in-house roasted
coffee. (920/452-8455, 920/694-0322,
visitsheboygan.com)
Since the 1930s, Schreiner’s Restaurant
in Fond du Lac has been famous for its pies,
made-from-scratch gravy, chicken and
dumplings, and famous clam chowder.
(920/922-0590, www.fdlchowder.com)
Downtown, Sebastian’s prides itself on its
hand-cut steaks broiled to perfection. Enjoy
seafood, prime rib, pasta, pork and chicken
served in their atrium dining room. (920/9223333)
12
Lakeside Spirit, Fond du
Lac: Lake Winnebago’s only
excursion craft. Enjoy indoor
or outdoor seating, dinner
and sightseeing cruises.
(Cruises thru Sept, 800/9379123, lakesidespirit.com)
DON ABRAMS
DON ABRAMS
TRATTORIA STEFANO
Lakeside Park, Fond du
Lac: Enjoy this 400-acre
park on the south end of
Lake Winnebago. Climb the
park’s 40-foot lighthouse
(Open through mid-Oct,
800/937-9123, fdl.com)
SCHREINER’S RESTAURANT
Historic Galloway House
and Village, Fond du Lac:
Thirty historic buildings
include a Victorian mansion
and the Blakely Museum.
(920/922-1166, fdl.com)
Kettle Moraine State
Forest - Northern Unit,
Campbellsport: 29,000
acres of autumn splendor.
Trace the Kettle Moraine
Scenic Drive and stop at the
Henry Reuss Ice Age
Interpretive Center.
(262/626-2116, wiparks.net)
EVENTS
Sept 6: Fond du Lac Fondue
Fest is the city’s largest
downtown event. Kids’
Zone, free entertainment,
farmers market, plus great
food and drink. (920/9219500)
DON ABRAMS
KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST NORTHERN UNIT
Sept 19-20: Octoberfest,
Plymouth. Polka music, folk
dancing, ethnic foods, a
spanferkel (pig roast), fish
boil on Fri night, Biergarten,
petting zoo and pony rides.
(920/892-8409,
plymoutharts.org)
Sept 19-21: Road America
Vintage Festival, Elkhart
Lake. More than 300 vintage sports cars in wheel-towheel competition.
(800/365-7223,
roadamerica.com)
more foodie fun...
ARTCafé, Sheboygan: Savor a chicken artichoke wrap or a chipotle pork loin sandwich at
this eatery in the John Michael Kohler Arts
Center. Tour the exhibits, shop ARTspace, then
eat = a great day. (920/458-6144, jmkac.org)
Jumes Restaurant, Sheboygan: Serving
down-home comfort food since 1929.
Delightful décor, juicy hamburgers, malts and
shakes, and real buttermilk pancakes. Look for
the original neon sign outside. (920/452-4914,
jumesrestaurant.com)
Cool Beans & Bagels, Fond du Lac: Decisions,
decisions. A bagel with peanut butter and jelly,
or one spread with homemade hummus?
(920/924-9749)
Fond du Lac Seafood Company: Stock up on
handmade crab cakes, Norwegian salmon and
wild walleye. (920/517-8862, fdlseafood.com)
Joan’s Kitchen, Fond du Lac: For the “Best
Pancakes in Town,” plus sippin’-good soups
and daily sandwich specials. (920-921-9660)
Sept 20-21: Antique Farm
and Equipment Show, Fond
du Lac. See old-fashioned
power equipment at work
at the historic Galloway
House. (920/922-0991,
fdl.com)
Sept 27-28: Civil War
Weekend, Greenbush.
Battlefield action, military
encampments, vintage
music and drills at the Wade
House. Wisconsin’s largest
reenactment. (920/526-3271,
wadehouse.org)
Sept 27-28: Lake Street
ARTfest, Elkhart Lake.
Features crafts, fine music
and marvelous food. (920876-2385, elkhartlake.com)
JOHN NIENHUIS
PATRICK FLOOD
Oct 24-26: Harvest Moon
Ball, Elkhart Lake. Ballroom
dancing and a five-course
dinner at The Osthoff
Resort. Reservations necessary. (800/876-3399,
osthoff.com)
Visit travelwisconsin.com
for more great events,
fall color reports and a
veritable cornucopia of
exciting vacation ideas.
FOND DU LAC LIGHTHOUSE
JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
13
Sauk City to Wisconsin Dells
other adventures...
Follow US Highway 12
as it takes you over
the Wisconsin River
and through the
Baraboo Hills on an
autumn journey that
includes colorful state
parks, tasty stops, and
premier Wisconsin attractions.
Devil’s Lake State Park,
Baraboo: Check out the
amazing view of fall colors
from atop one of the park’s
500-foot bluffs. (608/3568301, wiparks.net)
International Crane
Foundation, Baraboo: See
all 15 of the world’s crane
species on a guided tour of
the facility. (608/356-9462,
savingcranes.org)
tasty tips...
Mid-Continent Railway
Museum, North Freedom:
visit this extensive railroad
museum with a working
diesel train offering special
pumpkin and fall-color train
rides. (608/522-4261, midcontinent.org
Aldo Leopold Legacy
Center, Baraboo: Guided
tours Thurs, Fri & Sat of this
quintessential green building. (608/355-0279,
aldoleopold.org)
GARY KNOWLES
Located just south of the river on Hwy. 12,
Green Acres Restaurant has been a popular
Sauk City supper club for generations. Choose
from a menu packed with native and exotic
seafood, primo steaks and chops, Italian pastas,
and daily specials. Their country hospitality
begins at the front door. (608/643-2305,
greenacresrestaurant.com)
Check out the Blue Spoon Café in Prairie
du Sac, serving sandwiches, soups, salads and
Italian-style gelato with a view of the Wisconsin
River. (608/643-0837, bluespooncafe.com)
Housed in a building designed by one of
Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégés, Del-Bar on the
strip in Lake Delton has taken the supper-club
concept to gourmet levels. Since 1943 the
Wimmer family’s institution has been serving up
expertly prepared custom-aged steaks as well as
veal, duck, chicken, pastas and sumptuous
seafood. A meal here is an unforgettable experience. (866/888-1861, del-bar.com)
If you need a break from the meat and
potatoes scene, the Cheese Factory
Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells is a vegetarian
eatery that won’t disappoint. The eggplant
parmesan sandwich gets raves and the oldfashioned ice cream soda fountain offers up
some tempting desserts. (608/253-6065,
cookingvegetarian.com)
Natural Bridge State
Park, Leland: Take a short
hike to the state’s largest
sandstone arch. Rustic Road
21 is just outside the park
entrance. (608/356-8301,
wiparks.net)
BLUE SPOON CAFE
14
BRETT MORGAN
EVENTS
Sept 6: Fighting Bob Fest
brings political Progressives
together in Baraboo to celebrate the legacy of
Wisconsin’s Bob La Follette.
(608/256-1339,
fightingbobfest.org)
Sept 12-14: Wo-Zha-Wa
Days in Wisconsin Dells
includes an arts and crafts
fair, antique flea market,
Maxwell Street Days, live
entertainment and a
parade.(800/223-3557,
wisdells.com)
PHOTO COURTESY OF MID-CONTINENT RAILWAY MUSEUM
MID-CONTINENT RAILWAY MUSEUM
more foodie fun...
TOURISM PHOTO FILE
FARM MARKETS
Oct 3-5 & 10-12: Autumn
Color Weekend at the MidContinent Railway Museum,
North Freedom. (608/5224261, midcontinent.org)
Oct 11: AMCORE Bank Faire
on the Square in Baraboo
brings out 200 art and craft
exhibitors, kid’s activities,
food, a Farmer’s Market,
and live music. (608/3567995)
WOLERSHEIM WINERY
Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge: Taste some
homemade fudges, caramels, butter toffee, and
caramel apples. (608/254-4101)
Ski-Hi Apple Orchard, Baraboo: Located near
Devil’s Lake, Ski-Hi sells much more than apples;
choose from pies, cider, comb honey, squash,
Indian corn and gourds. (608/356-3695)
Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac: Stop in
for a tour and tastings of their nationally
acclaimed wines. (608/643-6515,
wollersheim.com)
Log Cabin Family Restaurant, Baraboo:
Great Pies! (608/356-8034)
Green Thumb Farms, Prairie du Sac: Pickyour-own pumpkins and other fall harvest
bounty. (608/643-2613, gtfarms.com)
Baraboo Candy Company: Home to the dairy
state’s famous Cow Pies and Udderfingers.
(608/356-7425, baraboocandy.com)
Oct 11-12: Walden West
Fest in Sauk City celebrates
the legacy of local author
August Derleth with readings, a dinner and tour.
(derleth.org)
Oct 17-19: The Fall Art Tour
features 54 artists and
craftspeople in and around
Baraboo, Spring Green and
Mineral Point. Maps are
available at the Cornerstone
Gallery in Baraboo.
(608/356-7805,
fallarttour.com)
Oct 18-19: Autumn Harvest
Fest in Wisconsin Dells.
Enjoy scarecrow stuffing,
pumpkin decorating, arts
and crafts, a farmer’s market, hay and pony rides, live
entertainment, microbrew
tasting and more. (800/2233557, wisdells.com)
Visit travelwisconsin.com
for more great events,
fall color reports and a
veritable cornucopia of
exciting vacation ideas.
15
Supper clubs: a Wisconsin original
Wisconsin’s love affair with the supper club began long ago.
Historically, our people are a blend of mostly European and
Mediterranean cultures, each with its favored cuisine. We love
good food and we eat out often.
Yet, supper clubs serve a more standard, American fare. From the
relish trays and bread sticks to the prime rib and mashed
potatoes, they appeal to all cultures. Then, as now, supper clubs
bring people together for friendship and a Friday night fish fry.
For a taste of this great Wisconsin original, look for cozy
roadhouses with lighted beer signs in the windows and packed
parking lots on any Friday night.