In the News

Special reprint from The Brillion News

Jason Aldean to perform private event in Brillion

By David Nordby, The Brillion News, July 16, 2024. Photo from the Country Music Hall of Fame.

BRILLION - Country music star Jason Aldean will perform in Brillion on Thursday, Aug. 15 at Ariens Nordic Center in a leadup event to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ariens Nordic Center was selected by the NFL Draft Host Committee to host the event, known as NFL Draft Donor Summer Celebration. The event will be private for donors.

“We’re very excited to host an event of this caliber and are already working with local officials to ensure its success,” Tara Perre with Ariens Company told The Brillion News. 

Aldean, 47, is known for hits like “You Make It Easy,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “Burnin’ It Down.”

Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion

The NFL Draft will take place in and around Lambeau Field in Green Bay on April 24-26, 2025. The event has drawn tens of thousands of people to its host sites since the NFL moved it from its usual location of Radio City Musical Hall in New York after the 2014 event. 

The draft is expected to create millions of dollars of economic stimulation for Green Bay and the rest of the state.

High Cliff State Park's 60th anniversary

By Rick Sense, Calumet County

In the summer of 1964, High Cliff, one of Calumet County’s most iconic destinations, was dedicated as a State Park, becoming part of the Wisconsin state park system. Sixty years later, it has become one of the top destinations among all of Wisconsin’s State Parks. High Cliff State Park was frequented by nearly 700,000 people in 2023, ranking it in the top 5 most visited Wisconsin State Parks.

“For decades, view seekers, lake lovers and geology buffs have made memories at High Cliff State Park. The park draws visitors in with unexpected experiences, whether viewing Native American effigy mounds, exploring the ancient cliffs or playing on Wisconsin’s largest inland lake,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “The park is a perfect basecamp to explore the wider offerings of Calumet County, from the famed supper clubs to new attractions like the Ariens Nordic Center. Here’s to many more years of making memories at High Cliff State Park.”

High Cliff is situated high above the water of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. It is located on the western end of the Niagara Escarpment, a large limestone arc stretching through Niagara Falls and into Canada. The escarpment is the cliff over which the Niagara River plunges at Niagara Falls, for which it is named. The escarpment is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The reserve has the oldest forest ecosystem and trees in eastern North America.

High Cliff State Park in its autumnal glory

High Cliff State Park is home to cliff faces, wooded areas, spectacular lake vistas of Lake Winnebago, and beautiful sunsets. Amenities include a swimming area in the lower park, kayak rentals, a bustling marina, camping, an accessible cabin (that can accommodate up to 6 people and can be rented for a maximum of 4 nights per year), and so much more.

High Cliff State Park also boasts a rich and unique history. Between 1,000 and 1,500 years ago, nomadic Siouan Indians built effigy mounds in what is now the park. There are four panther-shaped mounds, two buffalo-shaped mounds, conical mounds and a linear mound.

Additionally, High Cliff was once home to an amusement park, lime quarrying (with limestone being shipped across Lake Winnebago by tugboat), a dancing pavilion, and the Western Lime & Cement Company. Today, the general store building and lime kiln ruins remain, speaking to the chapter of High Cliff’s history preceding its designation as a state park.

Today, High Cliff State Park offers almost limitless outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered by visitors. The majestic 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird, standing high on a huge granite rock, overlooks the lake and surrounding area and is a popular destination in the park. Nearby is a 40-foot tower that provides an even more panoramic view of the park, marina, lake and area communities. Miles of steep and varied trails for hiking and biking await and there are even mountain bike and equestrian trails available to those seeking adventure.

If you haven’t been to High Cliff State Park lately, its 60^th Anniversary year is a great reason to revisit this iconic Wisconsin attraction. Each season provides visitors with new and unique experiences. From winter’s white blanket to spring’s rebirth to summer’s lush canopies to autumn’s color explosion, High Cliff State Park is the perfect destination at any time of the year. Plan your trip to Calumet County and discover all that not only High Cliff State Park has to offer but also what its surrounding communities provide in the way of fine dining, recreation, shopping, attractions, and so much more. And, if your next visit to High Cliff State Park is your first, know that you will not only experience the wonder that the park is, but also the welcoming nature of the people that call Calumet County home. Calumet County…Closer Than You Think.

(Center) Kerri Futch of Wolf and Fox Winery is working with the Uniquely Wisconsin crew filming on site. (From left to right) Andy O’Connell, (Futch), Regan Ernst and Blaze Davis of Uniquely Wisconsin.

Uniquely Wisconsin films at Wolf and Fox Winery

By Rick Sense, Calumet County

Earlier in 2024, Calumet County contracted with Uniquely Wisconsin to produce programming celebrating what is special and unique about Calumet County. Uniquely Wisconsin storytelling utilizes video, broadcast television, audio, podcasts, and social media to capture the subjects introduced to its viewers. Recently, Uniquely Wisconsin production staff were in the area filming and producing representative stories that will be broadcast in early September. In all, three segments are being produced highlighting some of the unique people and interesting stories of Calumet County. 

In addition to producing segments at Terra Verde in Chilton and Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, Uniquely Wisconsin production crew members spent time filming at Wolf and Fox Winery in New Holstein this past week. Wolf and Fox Winery was founded by Jon Woelfel and Kerri Futch on the Woelfel Homestead, a family farm that has been cared for by six generations of the Woelfel family.

The Uniquely Wisconsin team was led by Regan Ernst, Uniquely Wisconsin Lead Producer. Ernst recently won her first Emmy for her work with the show. In addition to Ernst, Uniquely Wisconsin crew visiting Calumet County included Andy O’Connell and Blaze Davis.

Ernst’s Calumet County experience was positive. Reflecting on the crew’s experience at the Woelfel Homestead, Ernst stated, "Kerri and Jon couldn't have been more welcoming, they absolutely embody Midwestern kindness and a humble nature. Upon arrival, we were struck by the breathtaking beauty of the property, especially the barn dating back to the 1800s. The well-preserved original wood beams and flooring made it a cinch to capture stunning visuals for Uniquely Wisconsin. Wolf & Fox Winery was truly a beautiful event location, a family farm, and a winery all in one!”

Jon and Kerri’s experience was positive as well.

“It was great working with the Uniquely Wisconsin crew; Jon and I are not "front of camera" kind of people, but they put us at ease, and we had a lot of fun! They were very professional and shared some of their adventures from other film shoots so by the end of it, I felt like we made some new friends,” stated Kerri Futch, one of the founders of Wolf and Fox Winery.



“The Uniquely Wisconsin crew were great! Easy to work with and personable,” added Jon Woelfel, winery co-founder.

The homestead is located within the Wisconsin Ledge American Viticultural Area (AVA), an extension of the greater Niagara Escarpment formation that stretches from Wisconsin to New York. An AVA is a delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown.  The focus of Wolf and Fox Winery is to grow cold hardy grapes and produce exceptional regional wines.

“Our story is unique because it spans six generations of a dairy farm family and a cross-country move “back home” to beautiful, rural Calumet County in order to open Wolf and Fox Winery. It’s a story about a local farm boy who moved away and lived on the west coast for over 25 years. I chose winemaking as a career, met a Cajun woman, and at some point, on the journey, the call to come home to Wisconsin could not be ignored. We took the plunge and planted 900 vines that first year and haven’t looked back,” stated Woelfel.

Futch added, “I think we’re unique because our focus is on making great wine and hosting events but it’s also on reimagining what was once a dairy farm for many generations. Our long-term vision is about regenerative agriculture, diversification of land usage, and creating community. We’re here because we love this place and we can’t wait to welcome more visitors to the farm for wine tastings, events, and lots of good times. Laissez les bons temps rouler (a Louisiana-French phrase for ‘let the good times roll’)!”

Jon Woelfel and Kerri Futch of Wolf and Fox Winery at Woelfel Homestead

Regan Ernst sees a bright future for the winery and the venue as well. “I feel like it will resonate with a wide range of people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and become a hotspot not only for Calumet County residents but also for visitors from all over. Be sure to watch the episode of Uniquely Wisconsin to learn more about this amazing location and the family behind it,” stated Ernst.

When the production team from Uniquely Wisconsin completes its work, all three segments will make their broadcast debut at a special watch-party at a ‘to be determined’ Calumet County location days before its early September broadcast television debut. Look to future issues of the Focus on Calumet and the Travel Calumet newsletters for more information as it is made available.

Click on the provided links for more information about Uniquely Wisconsin, Chilton’s Terra Verde, Brillion’s Ariens Nordic Center, and New Holstein’s Wolf and Fox Winery.

Jennifer and Larry Meyer welcomed visitors to the Jenlar operation earlier this month.

Jenlar owners talk business tourism on episode 24 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast

Jennifer and Larry Meyer, owner/operators of Jenlar Holsteins and Brown Swiss recently hosted more than 120 visitors from all over the United States at their Chilton operation. Jennifer and Larry take some time out of their busy schedules to talk about the visit, why it occurred, and why opening up their business to visitors is so important to their long-term growth as an operation.

Travel Calumet Original Podcast episode 24 is now available, along with all previous podcast episodes, here, on the Travel Calumet website.

This video is of area steam enthusiasts prep a 1930s era International Harvester grain binder.

Steam Engine Show runs from August 10-11 at Calumet County Fairgrounds

By Rick Sense, Calumet County, July 18, 2024

The Wisconsin Steam & Antique Engine Club will be hosting its 72nd Annual Steam Engine Show at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton from Aug. 10-11.

I was fortunate enough to be invited by show organizers to take part in some of the pre-event work taking place this month here in Calumet County. The group gathered to cut winter wheat and capture the process for an exhibit at the upcoming steam show. A 1930s era International Harvester grain binder was used in the operation. In addition to cutting the small-grain crop, a binder also 'binds' the stems into bundles or sheaves. These sheaves are usually then 'shocked' into A-shaped conical stooks, resembling small tipis, to allow the grain to dry for several days before being picked up and threshed. Machines like this grain binder will be exhibited at the show next month. To see the process unfold click on the video thumbnails appearing in this story.

Demonstrations of select steam engine powered machines will take place between 10AM and 4PM on both Aug. 10-11. On Saturday Aug. 10 at 2PM, there will be a tractor pull followed by live music between 5-9PM. On Sunday Aug. 11, the day starts with a church service at 9:15AM and also includes a 2PM parade.

In addition to farm displays, the Steam Engine Show features a toy show, blacksmith & woodworking displays, a shingle mill, sawmills, model engines, a kiddie tractor pull, a flea market, and much, much more.

Admission cost is $5 for adults, $1 for kids ages 12-16, with kids under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. Make sure to bring the entire family to enjoy this great Calumet County event.

Sunflower season in bloom at Polly's Pumpkin Patch!

From Polly's Pumpkin Patch in Chilton

Opening day of Polly's Pumkin Patch Sunflower Field in Chilton was Saturday July 20th.

Sunflower season is a short 10-14 days and very weather dependent! Start planning your visit now if you want to take senior pictures, family photos etc. Hours will be Sunday-Tuesday 10AM-6PM, Wednesday 10AM-8:30PM, Thursday 10AM-6PM, photographers only 6-8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 10AM-8:30PM. Cost is $5 per person, with children under 4 free.

Check our website to answer most of your questions! https://www.pollyspumpkinpatch.com/sunflowers/

Voices of Peace gospel music festival returns to Hilbert Aug. 16-17

From Voices of Peace Gospel Fest

On Friday and Saturday, August 16 & 17, 2024, at the Hilbert Civic Park located on Highway 57/32 in Hilbert, Wisconsin, the “Voices of Peace” will host their 19th annual Gospel Fest from 11AM to 7PM on Friday and from 10AM to 7PM on Saturday.

No admission fees will be charged, just a freewill donation with 100% of the monies going back to the bands.

Bring your lawn chairs, bring your family, and be ready for a wonderful, spirit-filled weekend!

There will be more than a dozen performing groups playing country, bluegrass, and southern gospel music. Food, snacks and refreshments will be available on the grounds; brats and hamburgers on Friday and Saturday, fish fry on Friday and chicken breasts on Saturday… AND many delicious desserts.

For performer list and other information, click here.

Friday is Race Day at Gravity Park USA

Looking for family fun, great food, and some of the most extreme racing anywhere in the Midwest? Look no further than Gravity Park USA, in Chilton. Every Friday from now until September 6 (weather permitting) racing action will be taking place all evening long. Make sure to mark your calendar and prepare to settle into a great night of speed and action at Gravity Park USA!

Click here for more information.

Summer Wednesdays at Ariens Nordic Center

From Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion

Summer Wednesdays at Ariens Nordic Center are all about relaxing and fun activity!

From now through August 28, visit Ariens Nordic Center each Wednesday from 4-7 PM to participate in a variety of activities ranging from pickleball on our brand-new courts (first come, first serve – pun intended) to table tennis and beyond!

We’ll be grilling out brats and burgers with a cash bar onsite from 5-7 PM.

Don’t forget to bring your sneakers, too! Running and walking the trails are free.

Take part in Take a Shot at Biathlon, Biathlon Open Range, and Yoga, visit www.ariensnordic.com for more information.

Summer Wednesdays at Ariens Nordic Center are sponsored by Bergstrom Automotive.

Swimming fun to help handle the heat

By Rick Sense, Calumet County, July 18, 2024

Calumet County is home to recreational swimming opportunities of all kinds. In addition to the many lake-based options available within Calumet County Parks and at High Cliff State Park, three unique and popular options should not be forgotten when looking to find a fun and wet respite from Wisconsin's summer.

Brillion Community Center Pool and Splash Pad

One swimming option is the Brillion Community Center Pool and Splash Pad located at 120 Center St., in Brillion. This facility is actually open year-round. In addition to the indoor splash pad, the main pool is “L” shaped, with the bottom of the “L” being a shallow area, ranging from 3 feet in depth to 5 feet in depth, and is 25 yards in length. The top of the “L” is a deep well and is 10 feet in depth. The pool is kept between 83F-86F. To learn more, click here.

New Holstein Aquatic Center

Another option available is the New Holstein Aquatic Center, located at 1718 Madison St. in New Holstein. This outdoor, zero-depth/beach entry designed aquatic center features runout slides, floor fountain jet play areas, interactive play features, a child slide, a diving board, a drop slide, a whirl cove, two lap lanes, and a sand play area. To learn more, click here.

Sherwood Splash Pad at Wanick Choute Park

The Sherwood Splash Pad at Wanick Choute Park is another option available on a hot summer's day. It is located at W4690 Castle Drive in Sherwood. Parents and kids agree that this state-of-the-art outdoor splash pad is a must-do in the summer. There is an adjacent playground and changing rooms on site. For more information, click here.

Escape the summer heat underground at Ledge View Nature Center!

By Louise Marum, Calumet County

Did you know that caves maintain a constant temperature year-round? The temperature of a cave will be the average temperature of that area for the year. Here at Ledge view that means that even if it is in the 90’s and humid out, if will be a refreshing 55◦F in our caves. If you are looking for an outdoor family adventure this summer, without the discomfort of heat and mosquitoes, join us for a cave tour!

People who visit our caves for the first time are often relieved to find that Carolyn’s Caverns does have 4 large caves, despite what they have heard about the tiny tunnels here. Of course, if you take a tour and you are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities to crawl in tunnels and explore! Cave tours run every Saturday, but we do require booking in advance as numbers are limited. Don’t wait until the last minute, they usually fill up quickly!

This link will give you more information on the different tour options and schedule, as well as how to book a tour.

https://www.calumetcounty.org/669/Caving

Reminder - A slithery summer at Ledge View Nature Center!

By Louise Marum, Calumet County

Do you like snakes? Who doesn’t!?

We are celebrating the summer with snakes here at Ledge View! Summer is the perfect time to see our slithery friends when you are out and about in nature. It is also a great time to learn about how these reptiles survive in the Wisconsin environment year-round, and their ecological roles. If you are a snake lover, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these reptiles, along with other amphibians, through this unique program. Fun for the whole family… well maybe not mom!

Steve and Carl’s Traveling Snake Show!

August 3^rd, 1:30pm

With decades of experience working with a variety of ages Steve Keller and Carl Hogue know how to engage all ages with this interesting and educational traveling snake show. This hands-on learning opportunity will help you and your family gain confidence in your ability to interact with wildlife while adventuring through the natural world. By donation, please pre-register.

Register for program here.

Blast from the Past: Calumet County is Family Friendly video

By Rick Sense, Calumet County

In this installment of Blast From The Past, we revisit a 2020 video production titled, Calumet County is Family Friendly. This video highlights the many outdoor recreational and agritourism related activities that are available for the entire family year-round in Calumet County. Experience kayaking, fishing, apple picking, splash pads, tree tapping, and even a haunted Halloween attraction. Come and experience Calumet County's unique quality of life and remember that Calumet County is Closer Than You Think!

Click on the image above, the photo below, or this link to view the video.

Calumet County is Family Friendly, 2020, 1:32

Additional upcoming Calumet County special events

The events listed below were taken from and are posted on the TravelCalumet.com website calendar. To visit, please click on the image above. If you are interested in attending an event, please click on the links and go to the event information on the calendar to find much more information than highlighted here.

Country Breeze Farm Event, Mulberry Lane Farm, July-August (Except Mondays)

July 22, 2024-following, 10:00 AM

Deck Jams at Carstens Mill, Brillion

July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Chilton City Band Concert

July 25, August 1, 8, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Chilton Farmers Market

July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Timm House (1600 Wisconsin Ave.) & Pioneer Corner Museum (2103 Main St.), New Holstein

July 27-28, August 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Adventure Cave Tour, Ledge View Nature Center, Chilton

July 27, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Carolyn's Caverns Cave Tour, Ledge View Nature Center, Chilton

July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Calumet County Historical Society Museum

July 28, August 4, 11, 18, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Kicks for Hope, Chilton August 3, 8-11AM

Brillion Historical Society Museum Open House

August 10, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM