How to Travel to Michigan From Wisconsin

There are a number of reasons to visit Michigan, from employment to visiting family. Travelers can explore the natural beauty of state, including some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes and the vast forests and wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. Visitors from Wisconsin can travel to Michigan by air, land and water. Daily, year-round passenger bus and rail services are available via Chicago to southern Michigan, and bus services link Wisconsin's north with the Upper Peninsula. Daily flights also connect communities in Wisconsin with Detroit, Flint, Manistee and Ironwood.

Tips For You
Travel by Ferry

1. Determine where in Michigan you plan to travel to. Ferry services link Wisconsin and Michigan via Lake Michigan. Lake Express offers daily services between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan. In addition, the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry sails from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan. Muskegon is a gateway to destinations in central and southern Michigan, while Mantiowoc is best for destinations in northern Michigan.
2. Confirm that ferry services are available for your preferred departure date. Ferries between Wisconsin and Michigan generally operate from May to October. Services are also subject to weather conditions on Lake Michigan. Call or visit the websites for Lake Express and the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry to confirm ferry availability.
3. Determine which ticket you require. Passenger seating is available onboard the Lake Express and S.S. Badger ships. If traveling with a vehicle, tickets are also available for passengers with cars, bicycles, trucks or motorcycles. You can purchase tickets online from the ferry services' websites or at the ferry terminal.
4. Travel to the ferry departure point and sail to Michigan. Travel time between Wisconsin and Michigan by ferry is approximately two-and-a-half to three hours. It is recommended that you arrive one hour before your departure time for S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry crossings, and 30 minutes if traveling without a vehicle and 45 minutes with a vehicle for Lake Express ferries.

Travel by Car

1. Determine where in Michigan you are traveling to. If the destination you wish to travel to is not served by ferry, air or rail, and you wish to bring your car with you, there are a number of ways to reach Michigan by road. Different routes connect Wisconsin with the Upper Peninsula and southern and central Michigan.
2. Travel on Interstate 94 to visit Southern Michigan and Detroit. Interstate 94 traverses southern Wisconsin and continues to Michigan via Chicago. Once in Michigan, Interstate 94 connects with other highways to reach destinations throughout the state.
3. Travel to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan via the U.S. highway system. Visitors to the Upper Peninsula can use several routes and main highways, including U.S. Route 51 to Ironwood, Michigan, U.S. Route 45 to Land O'Lakes, and U.S. Routes 2, 8 and 141 to Iron Mountain, Michigan.

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The Atwood Festival in Madison, Wisconsin

The Atwood Summerfest lets you support a good cause and have fun in the process. A fundraiser for the Goodman Community Center, Summerfest also celebrates local and neighborhood businesses in Madison, Wisconsin. Held on a weekend in late July, the festival takes place on the 2000 and 2100 blocks of Atwood Avenue. First organized in the early 80s, the festival now includes two stages for live music, local food, children's activities and booths for purchasing artisanal goods.

About the Goodman

• The Goodman Community Center aims to engage and welcome community members through various programs and activities for children, adults and families. Serving all ages from youngsters to senior citizens, the center's programs include, but are not limited to, child care, art classes, a food pantry, a cafe and a fitness center. The proceeds from Atwood Summerfest, which have ranged from $16,000 to $28,000 in recent years, support the continuation of the Goodman's services.

Music

• The festival offers two stages for live music: the Harmony Bar/Capital Brewery Blues Stage and the Maximum Ink/Ale Asylum Rock Stage. In recent years, the festival lineup has involved mostly local and regional bands. Some of the acts in recent years have included eclectic groups performing rockabilly blues, 70s-inspired funk, power pop and Latin groove. The musical acts typically perform from mid-afternoon to evening, with concerts on Sunday ending earlier in the evening.

Food and Activities

• Attempting to be environmentally-conscious, the Atwood Summerfest was the first festival in Wisconsin to provide compostable beer cups. Along with beer and other cold drinks, the festival brings in specialty food vendors offering kolaches, chocolates and kettle corn, as well as ethnic restaurant booths serving up Jamaican, Costa Rican, Laotian and Thai cuisine. Additionally, artists set up booths selling crafts, art and other goods for purchase, including candles, quilts and beaded wares. Other non-profits also set up booths to provide information about their work.

For Kids

• Recently, Summerfest initiated its KidFest as a festival within the festival. At this new part of the festival, children can have their faces painted, make crafts and take part in children's games. The festival also recently inaugurated the “Fitness, Fun and Family" program, a year-long pledge for healthier living, with a block of exercise routines. Participants receive a tote bag with a water bottle, jump-rope and frisbee.

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Things to Do in Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Located in central Wisconsin, Stevens Point celebrates its natural, educational and historical resources with opportunities for learning, recreation and fun. The streets of its historic downtown welcome visitors to a variety of shops and restaurants. Local festivals create good times, with events like the annual Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet, the largest of its kind in the Midwest. As the site of a University of Wisconsin campus, Stevens Point visitors enjoy athletic and cultural venues, and a lively intellectual environment.

Trail Adventures

• The 26-mile Stevens Point Green Circle Trail is unusual in that it encircles the entire city. This easy-to-access trail welcomes 100,000 users each year. It parallels the Wisconsin and Plover rivers, winding through forest, prairies and wetlands. The trail expands options with connections to multiple trail systems, including those at Schmeeckle Reserve, the Heartland Trail system and Tomorrow River State Trail. Popular with hikers and bicyclists, the trail also accommodates cross-country skiers and snowshoers during winter months. A diversity of habitat along the pathway offers rich opportunities for birding. Frequently seen species include waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and others.

Youth Activitries

• Youth-oriented attractions provide hours of wholesome recreation for Stevens Point residents and visitors. The Kids Are Special Here (KASH) Playground at Mead Park is a wheelchair-friendly play area affording every child the opportunity to enjoy active fun. A 14,422-square-foot skateboard and BMX park replicates a city street challenging participants with ramps, rails, stairs, walls and benches. Three disc golf courses test player skills. Courses include the Yulga, Mead Park and McDill courses. When the snow flies, Iverson Park Winter Sports Arena cures cabin fever with a 300-foot toboggan run, three sledding hills, a snowboard hill and an outdoor lighted ice rink.

Art

• Stevens Point offers artistic inspiration through a host of art venues. Riverfront Arts Center, a community fine art gallery, presents exhibits and workshops. Stevens Point Sculpture Park engages the spirit with a fusion of nature and art. This outdoor "gallery" includes works by 22 artists, which are installed along trails. A stroll through downtown provides the opportunity to enjoy a collection of 10 murals showcasing influential community figures and significant historical city events. Scaraborcchio Art Museum, a community hub for artistic and cultural activities operated by the city and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, inspires with exhibits and programs.

History and Science

• History and science buffs find plenty of opportunity in Stevens Point to stimulate curiosity. Try exploring the night sky at the University of Wisconsin's Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, located on campus in the science building. The campus is also home to a Museum of Natural History. Portage County Historical Society operates the Stevens Point Historic Fire House No. 2, showcasing old firefighting equipment along with art. A stroll through the city's historic downtown district reveals more than 60 preserved buildings constructed in a variety of architectural styles. Spark young imaginations with a visit to the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum. It offers hands-on exhibits geared for ages 6 to 12 years.

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Things to Do in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

With a legendary lake to its east -- Lake Michigan -- a sprawling forest to its west -- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- and various celebrated attractions in between, Sheboygan County is the epicenter of excitement. Befitting its location between abundant water and forest, this northeastern Wisconsin county is known for its multitude of outdoor activities, including fishing, golfing and hiking. For families, the county provides an array of festivals and learning opportunities galore for children.

Golf and Fishing

• When it comes to golf, Kohler, a small town located in the eastern part of Sheboygan County, is king. The Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run courses have hosted several major events, including the PGA Championship, the Palmer Cup, the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Women’s Open. Both world-renowned courses are open to the public, though securing a tee time is tough. Finding a place for sport fishing on Lake Michigan is much easier, however. You can choose from more than a dozen charter companies in Sheboygan County, each featuring boats with high-tech safety equipment, professional gear and trained captains. If you have your own vessel, launch into Lake Michigan from Deland Park or the full-service Harbor Centre Marina. Snag a whopping Chinook salmon or rainbow trout and you could reel in a giant trophy at one of the county’s many fishing tournaments. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for residents and non-residents alike.

Outdoor Recreation

• Lake Michigan is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are a surfer, swimmer, stand-up paddle boarder or kayaker, you’ll find prime access to the lake from Kohler-Andrae State Park. Approximately 2.5 miles of sandy shoreline peppered with majestic pines and a seemingly endless amount of sparkling blue water provide a quiet retreat or an active playground, depending on your mood. The 988-acre park also features campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas, baseball diamonds and a volleyball court. In western Sheboygan County, visit Kettle Moraine State Forest, an ecological wonder carved from ancient glaciers. It’s home to nearly 15,000 acres of natural beauty that includes wetlands, prairies and conifer plantations. You can explore the park's 132-mile trail system on foot, mountain bike, horseback, snowmobile, or cross country skis. In winter, head west of Sheboygan city to Elkhart Lake. The resort community’s 292-acre lake is a popular spot for ice fishing and dog sledding.

Festivals

• Eat, drink and be merry in Sheboygan County. Family-friendly festivals make it easy to party, regardless of the season. Summer is highlighted by a three-day shindig celebrating sausage. Held in August, Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville Foods, which is headquartered in Sheboygan Falls. Learn how to add spicy sausage to pizza, lasagna and ice cream while enjoying live music, carnival rides and a parade. The fun continues in the fall when Sheboygan County hosts a series of Oktoberfests, complete with authentic German food, lederhosen-wearing accordion players and plenty of beer. The annual Pig-in-the-Ice Winter Festival -- typically held in February -- heats up Elkhart Lake’s Marsh Park. Take part in the festival's ice fishing tournament, pig roast, ice cube hunts and vintage snowmobile races, or just head over at night for the electrifying fireworks display.

Children's Activities

• Kids will have a blast at Spaceport Sheboygan. Home to the Great Lakes Aerospace Science & Education Center, the facility is designed to inspire future scientists, engineers and astronauts with dozens of interactive exhibits and events. Navigate a space shuttle, launch a rocket or watch local chefs cook with liquid nitrogen before taking in a live show at the Spaceport’s planetarium. Dig into more hands-on lessons at Sheboygan’s Bookworm Gardens. This outdoor space features a collection of whimsical exhibits based on best-selling children’s books. Your children can visit Winnie the Pooh’s tree house, search for Stuart Little or ride on the Magic School Bus, among other activities.

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What Are the Major Beaches in Oshkosh, Wisconsin?

Oshkosh may seemingly be a world away from the Pacific Ocean's sun-kissed shores; however, the northeastern Wisconsin city has its share of family-friendly beaches. Its prime location along the western edge of Lake Winnebago makes the Oshkosh area a magnet for swimmers, boaters, parasailers and water-skiers. Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, spanning nearly 132,000 acres and featuring more than 85 miles of shoreline. Enjoy this vast expanse of freshwater by visiting its most popular beaches.

Menominee Park Beach

• Oshkosh’s largest park stretches along 109 acres of premium Lake Winnebago shoreline. The sandy beach provides plenty of elbow room for you to work on your castle-building skills. There’s also ample space to play Frisbee and volleyball or fly a kite. Swimming is also an option. The lake’s calm and shallow waters appeal to beginners, while avid swimmers can complete laps to and from the shore. Pack a picnic or purchase snacks from the park’s cafe. A paved path connects the beach to an 8-acre zoo, children’s play area and mini amusement park. Baseball and soccer fields are located across the street from the beach. Restrooms, boat launches, a casting dock and a platform for taking photos of Lake Winnebago are also available on the park’s west side.

High Cliff State Park Beach

• Fifteen minutes northeast of downtown Oshkosh sits the tranquil home of High Cliff State Park. This natural gem is the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago. Extending more than 1,140 acres across Wisconsin’s pristine landscape, High Cliff includes a scenic beach in the lower part of the park. Swim, fish, stroll or sunbathe on the sand-and-grass shoreline. The lake’s bottom is rockier near the shore but mixes with mud and sand the farther out you swim. The beach also provides an ideal vantage point for photographing colorful lake sunsets. Public showers, a general store, concession areas and picnic tables are a short walk from the beach. Pitching a tent on the shoreline is not allowed, though you may spend the night at one of the park’s 112 wooded campsites. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Calumet County Park Beach

• Its sandy shoreline may be slim, but Calumet County Park still attracts thousands of beachgoers each year. Located on Lake Winnebago, roughly 35 minutes east of Oshkosh, the park comprises more than 200 acres and includes part of the historic Niagara Escarpment and Effigy Indian Mounds. The beach is adjacent to a large boat landing. This convenient placement makes it easy to segue from tame sand activities to high-octane water sports, such as tubing and parasailing. Lakefront campsites, which have sandy beach-like areas, are also available. Showers, restrooms, picnic tables and concession areas are accessible from the shoreline. After a day at the beach, you can navigate the biking trails that run parallel to the water.

Jefferson Park Beach

• This popular public park features a large sandy beach nestled on the northwest shore of Lake Winnebago, 10 minutes north of Oshkosh. Covering nearly 30 acres of scenic waterfront property, the park is a hot spot in the summer. Kids of all ages splash in the lake’s cool waters or create sculptures using the beach’s fine sand. Restrooms, picnic tables and boat-launching facilities are located near the sandy play area. The park also has an enclosed pavilion with kitchen equipment and open-air shelters that can accommodate family reunions, company get-togethers or birthday parties. Multiple sand volleyball courts are available, as well as baseball diamonds, horseshoe pits, a municipal pool and playground.

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Places to Go in Freedom, Wisconsin

Those who love the great outdoors will find ample room to play, bike and golf near Freedom, Wisconsin, in the northeast part of the state. The town's 6,000 residents are spread out over rural and farm lands, as well as in more developed subdivisions, anchored by a historic downtown. The town cherishes the name of Freedom, as it was chosen by James Andrew Jackson, an ex-slave who was the town's first inhabitant. When the townspeople in the 1830s wanted to name the town Jackson, the man declared that it should be called Freedom, because that's where he received his freedom.

Parks and Recreation

• Three small parks serve Freedom with recreation that includes swings, playground equipment and a small baseball or softball field at Rickert Park. You'll also find the Freedom Historical Society building at Rickert Park. At Citizen's Park, there's a mini-park with a gazebo and benches for meeting and talking. The largest park in town, the VFW Memorial Park includes four softball diamonds, a baseball diamond, soccer fields, a combination tennis/basketball court, a sand volleyball court, open and covered playground areas, and a skate park area. If you want to play off-leash with your dog, head to the De Pere Dog Park, about 8 miles northeast of Freedom.

The Fox River Trail

• Cyclists, equestrians, inline skaters and joggers share the Fox River Trail, a 25-mile path that winds along the river along a former rail corridor. The closest access is less than 20 miles from Freedom, on Midway Road. The trail starts in Green Bay, where approximately 11 miles of the trail is asphalt-paved, then changes to a limestone surface. Trail users can take a time-out in Allouez and tackle the outdoor fitness challenge course. Pets on leashes also are allowed on the trail. Horseback riders and pet owners are asked to pick up after their animals. In winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities on the limestone portion of the trail in Brown and Calumet counties; this path connects to other county snowmobile trails.

The Great Outdoors

• Explore the great outdoors and get back to nature at two state areas that promote birding, cross-country skiing and hiking (there is no designated trail), hunting, trapping and wildlife viewing. The two closest areas include LaSage Bottoms, about 15 miles west of Freedom and Mack Wildlife Area, about 10 miles northeast. Bring your own water and food as there are no public facilities at these parks and parking lots are not plowed during winter. These natural communities harbor land, plants and forests as they would have been before modern urban development.

Fore!

• Golfers can tee off at two public courses in the area, including Irish Waters in Freedom. The 18-hole course has wide-open fairways, and water comes into play on only a couple of shots. The club has a driving range, full-service bar and restaurant, plus a pro shop. At Mid Vallee Golf course in De Pere, water comes into play on numerous holes, and while the fairways are flat, you'll deal with trees on the perimeter of most holes. There are 27 holes, a 25-station driving range, a putting and chipping area, and private and group lessons. The clubhouse has a full bar and grill, plus two banquet areas.

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Cultural Festivals in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Nicknamed the "Spirit on the Lake," the city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, hugs the shores of Lake Michigan -- a setting that inspires artists and provides a scenic backdrop for cultural events. Sheboygan's natural assets invite hiking, biking, boating, surfing and other outdoor recreation, but the town also knows how to throw a celebration. Local festivals engage the young and young at heart in cultural pleasures, while community interactions fuse worlds of imagination to the best of Wisconsin life.

Midsummer Celebration of the Arts

• Every July, downtown Sheboygan comes alive with creative spirit as art lovers gather for the Midsummer Festival of the Arts at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. The free weekend event features exhibits by more than 100 artists. Collectors and buyers from across the country flock to the fest for opportunities to purchase sculptures, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and other works. Workshops for kids provide budding artists the chance for self-expression. Concerts in the Library Sculpture Garden fill the air with sweet sounds. Ethnic foods, brats, ice cream and beverages round out the event. The good times begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

• Designed to inspire young minds, the Sheboygan Children's Book Festival is the state's only free book festival for kids. The October event celebrates children's literature and nurtures the love of reading, writing and other artistic pursuits. The weekend festival provides opportunity to meet authors and illustrators and participate in workshops, readings and discussions. Past events have included bedtime story sessions for pajama-clad kids, art making workshops with Caldecott award-winning illustrators and Japanese storytelling. Festival venues include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Mead Public Library and Bookworm Gardens. Check the festival website for dates and times.

Salute to Independence Day

• Sheboygan shows its patriotism every July Fourth with an array of events topped off with fireworks above Lake Michigan. The celebration begins on the evening of July 3 with a traditional Venetian Boat Parade at the Harbor Centre River Walk. Live music on South Pier kicks up the festive spirit and excitement. Sheboygan's Independence Day party begins at 9 a.m with a parade through the downtown district. Marching bands, entertainment and treats salute the country's birthday. Other happenings throughout the day include live music, volleyball tournaments, children's activities, food and refreshments. The Sheboygan Art Armada at Rotary Riverview Park is a festival highlight and a floating show of creativity. Teams build cardboard boats according to a predetermined theme and compete for good-humored awards.

Plymouth's Twin Celebrations

• Each June, the western Sheboygan County town of Plymouth goes all out to celebrate the arts. The free Plymouth Mural and Arts Festival provides a cultural feast with a juried art fair, live music, community theater events, a cabaret show and children's activities. It pays tribute to the town's 25 hand-painted murals by inviting festival goers to contribute to mural making at locations across town. The city event coincides with the Festival of Fine Arts at Plymouth Arts Center. This premier Sheboygan County arts destination in downtown Plymouth inspires with art exhibits and sales, live music, children's art workshops, art demonstrations, food, wine and a silent auction.

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WWII Submarine Tours in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc is home to a floating treasure, the nation's most fully restored World War II submarine. Moored adjacent to the museum, the USS Cobia is one of 25 museum submarines in the United States. Cobia was built in 1943 and houses the oldest operating radar set on the planet. Several tour types allow visitors options to match their schedules and decide how much of the sub they want to see.

Cobia Daily Tours

• A National Historic Landmark, the USS Cobia is a prime attraction at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. The museum offers several daily tours of the submarine throughout the year. Moored along the Manitowoc River, the GATO-class fleet submarine is reminiscent of the 28 submarines built at Manitowoc shipyards during World War II. Stop at the Cobia Interpretive Center to learn about the submarine's six war patrols and how subs helped win World War II. Allow about 45 minutes for the general tour, in which you'll see where the crew slept, ate and worked. Admissions include the tour and museum access. Families, seniors, veterans and active military qualify for discounts.

Nook & Cranny Tour

• Those who desire a closer look at the USS Cobia will want to take the nook & cranny tour. This tour is limited to a small group of visitors to allow for a behind-the-scenes peek at the submarine not included in the basic tour. You'll experience the ladders and small spaces that were a part of everyday life for submarine personnel. The nook & cranny experience requires two to three hours to complete, and participants must be at least 16 years old.

Overnight Visits

• Overnight programs provide visitors a true taste of the confined submarine life. The adventure begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until morning. Participants receive a tour of the vessel, including a look at non-public areas of the submarine, and sleep onboard. You'll need to bring your own bedding, but food and snacks are provided. Overnights accommodate up to 55 people. If you aren't part of a large group, you can still enjoy this experience during special family nights in July and August. You'll need to make advance reservations through the museum for overnights.

Virtual Tours

• If you can't make it to Manitowoc, you can still explore the USS Cobia. Visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum website for a virtual vessel tour. By clicking on the vessel blueprint, photos of the submarine sections appear, including the torpedo room, crew quarters and engine room. The online tour also highlights views from the bridge, bow and stern views, deck guns, a gun sight and a hatch to the gun deck. From the tour site, you can also learn what terms like "ride the vents," "pogey bait" and "tin fish" mean in submarine lingo. The virtual tour provides a look into the inner world of the submarine and illustrates what to expect on a live tour.

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What to Do in Delavan, Wisconsin

Life was once a circus in Delavan. Between 1847 and 1894 more than 25 circus companies wintered in the community. The green spaces and pristine waters that supported circus animals also created Delavan's contemporary appeal. Today, the city manages more than 100 acres of natural preserves and parkland. Its colorful history, Wisconsin outdoor traditions and community celebrations provide four-season recreation and entertainment.

Discover Parks, Trails and Circus Animals

• Delavan's municipal park system offers a variety of outdoor recreation options. The 11,200-acre Andy's Park is a lighted skateboard/bike facility with pipes and walls. Stroll through the formal Rotary Gardens at the waterfront Congdon Park. A walking trail encircles the nearly 30-acre park. Trails at Ora Rice Arboretum and its sister facility, Paul Lange Arboretum, offer additional walking options. Located along Lake Comus, Paul Lange Arboretum also has a boat launch for water access. For winter play, Rudy Lange Sledding Hill is a family pick. The lighted facility offers a 355-foot sledding area. Kids get a kick out of seeing the full-size animal statues at Tower Park, which reflect Delavan's association with the circus. Municipal neighborhood parks and athletic fields create additional choices for outdoor play.

Explore Delavan Arts and Culture

• One of Wisconsin's oldest communities, Delavan's notable architecture dates to the 1800s. Take a driving tour to see Greek Revival and Queen Anne structures throughout the small town. Art and film take center stage during the summer at Phoenix Park Bandshell. Musical performances range from the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra to classic rock and blues. Performances take place Thursday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Bring the family, lawn chairs and snacks to the park for free outdoor screenings of feature films on a cinema-sized screen. The summertime Friday night movie events begin at dark. To learn more about local history, visit the Delavan Historical Society Exhibit and Resource Center. Displays of artifacts, documents and memorabilia change quarterly. The center welcomes visitors on Monday and Saturday and by appointment.

Experience Hometown Spirit

• Join in on a hometown celebration. In August, town folks put on a festive spirit for the three-day Delavan Daze festival. The downtown event includes live music, arts and crafts, sidewalk art and a flea market. Bring your dog to Tower Park for paw art, or simply observe other canines making art. Sunday's festival highlight is the Cruisin' Classics Car Show at Phoenix Park. In September, the Scarecrow Festival draws folks downtown to vote for their favorite decorated scarecrows, which are positioned throughout the district. For a small fee, you can make and take your own scarecrow. Other festival activities include pumpkin painting, live music, a craft fair and flea market.

Enjoy Wisconsin Wines

• Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply wish to learn more about Wisconsin wines, a visit to Staller Estate Winery in Delavan is a rewarding experience. Enjoy complimentary tastings of the winery's red, white and blush wines. For a more adventurous tasting experience, order a wine flight paired with a chocolate flight, cheese wheel or picnic plate. Savor the tasting seated in the winery's sun room or in the gazebo overlooking the scenic vineyards. You may wish to coordinate your visit with one of the winery's special events, which are held throughout the year and include: a Mother's Day dinner; the Ice Wine Release; Music, Chocolate and a Few Corks; and live music events.

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Lumberjack Festivals in Wisconsin

Watch the sawdust scatter and trees transformed into works of art as modern lumberjacks and lumberjills compete for cash purses in Wisconsin. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, logging energized the state's burgeoning industrial economy. Wisconsin communities salute their logging roots by organizing annual festivals and shows honoring the thousands of lumberjacks who helped develop a vital state industry.

LogJam Festival Competitions

• The community of Mosinee celebrates logging history each August with the Little Bull Falls LogJam Festival. The two-day tribute to lumberjack traditions and history takes place along the Wisconsin River. Sponsored by the Mosinee Chamber of Commerce, events include the All American Lumberjack Show showcasing log sawing and log rolling competitions, the Kid's Lumberjack Sports Camp and chainsaw carving demonstrations. Focused on area heritage, activities also include a Civil War reenactment camp and cemetery tours. Attendees enjoy arts and crafts, river races, the Woodsman 5K Run-Walk, live music and food, beverages and fireworks at dusk over the Wisconsin River.

Winter's Great Northern Lumberjack Contests

• Wisconsin's official tourism agency considers Eagle River's Klondike Days to be the state's top winter family festival. Highlights of the two-day late winter event include the Great Northern Lumberjack Competition. With thousands of dollars in prize money, contests attract top notch lumberjacks and jills. See skilled woodsmen and women compete in crosscutting, chainsawing and axe throwing. Klondike Days' chainsaw carving competition draws woodcarvers from across Wisconsin and beyond. Spectators watch as the artisans transform hunks of wood into beautiful sculptures. As many as 12,000 people turn out for Klondike Days and its 25 different events. Other festival activities include arts and crafts, dog pull championships and a Native American cultural exposition.

World Championships at Hayward

• Since 1960, the city of Hayward has had bragging rights to the Lumberjack World Championships. Over the years, this premier event has been covered by ABC's "Wide World of Sports," ESPN and the Travel Channel. Taking place during three days in June, more than 100 skilled lumberjacks and jills compete in over 21 competitions for $50,000 in prize money. Events test strength and skills in axe throwing, log rolling, chopping and other traditional woodsman talents. Heated competitions take place at the Lumberjack Bowl, a former lumber company holding pond.

Laughter and Logging

• Discover the fun side of lumberjacks at Fred Scheers Lumberjack Shows. The productions salute Wisconsin woodsman skills with presentations blending history, sports and laughter. Throughout the summer months, five weekly shows are presented at the Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward and at the Minocqua resort area. Each hour-long show presents 10 events, including axe throwing, log rolling, power sawing, pole climbing, a canoe joust and more. Kids create the intermission show when they volunteer to test their skills in crosscutting with a real lumberjack. Tickets for the fast-paced productions may be purchased at the ticket booths 45 minutes prior to showtime.

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