Episode 15 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is now available! Greg Hageman from the New Holstein Historical Society joins Rick Sense to discuss two of New Holstein's must-see destinations, the Timm House and Pioneer Corner Museum. Click here to listen.
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Calumet County's Polly's Pumpkin Patch is on the clock; Packers celebrate 2025 NFL Draft with maze in Chilton
From Polly's Pumpkin Patch, April 27, 2024
We are thrilled to reveal this year's corn maze design, which promises to be our most exciting and challenging yet! The Green Bay Packers contacted us last year to help them celebrate agriculture, and then chose us to be part of the celebration in Green Bay, for next year's NFL Draft. We hope you love it and make us your #1 pick for a corn maze! Corn maze opens September 13, 2024. www.pollyspumpkinpatch.com
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Mulberry Lane Farm opens May 1st!
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
Photo provided by Mulberry Lane Farm
May 1st ushers in another ag-venture season at Calumet County’s Mulberry Lane Farm. Located at N3190 County Road B in Hilbert, the new season at Mulberry Lane Farm promises something special for every member of the family.
Opening weekend on the farm kicks off with the SpRiNg Baby Farm Animal Event that runs from Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5th. Baby chicks, baby ducklings, baby kid goats, baby lambs, baby piglets, baby calves, baby ponies, baby kittens, baby bunnies... oh baby, do they have babies!
Mulberry Lane Farm is an interactive farm experience where people of all ages can play with and pet farm animals such as pigs, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, bunnies, and kittens. Visitors may also milk a cow and enjoy a tractor drawn hayride. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the massive haymow or in the outdoor picnic area.
On Mother’s Day, (May 12th) Mom visits for FREE at Mulberry Lane Farm! (One Mom FREE per another’s paid general admission. No other offers apply.)
Open May 1-October 31 every year, Mulberry Lane Farm is the perfect family fun spot. In spring, there are the aforementioned baby farm animals, in the summer, enjoy the cool breezes the country affords, and in fall, remember to visit the Mulberry Lane Farm Pumpkin Patch to pick your own free pumpkin. Your ag-venture awaits!
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Timm House, Pioneer Museum open for season starting Saturday, May 4th
Both New Holstein Historical Society sites will be open to visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from May through September.
Admission is $7 for a single ticket to either the Timm House or the Pioneer Corner Museum. A combination ticket to visit both sites is available for $10 and does not need to be used for both on the same day.
To listen to the most recent Travel Calumet Original Podcast that focuses on both the Timm House and Pioneer Corner Museum, click here.
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Joerger is new naturalist for Calumet County's Brillion Nature Center
According to the April 25, 2024, print edition of The Brillion News, Danielle Joerger has been named as the new naturalist and director for Calumet County's Brillion Nature Center. Joerger brings an extensive background to the role at one of Calumet County's most unique and important attractions.
Welcome Danielle!
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Beer Fest coming to the Calumet County Fairgrounds May 19th
The 33rd annual Wisconsin Micro-Brewers Beer Fest will be held at the Calumet County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 19th. Hosted by Rowland's Calumet Brewing Company, Inc., advanced tickets are required to be purchased in order to attend the event.
Click the poster above or here for more information.
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"Popular Itineraries" debuts on TravelCalumet.com
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
A new area of the TravelCalumet.com website was added to highlight unique, fun, and recommended visits for people looking to experience the richness of Calumet Country. The first itinerary highlights a scenic and Calumet County cultural experience that provides great views, venues, food, and coffee; the trip, traveling north on Wisconsin Highway 55 from Quinney. To read an excerpt of the Wisconsin Highway 55 itinerary article, please see the story immediately following in this edition of the Travel Calumet Newsletter. The "Popular Itineraries" section will continue to expand as additional itineraries are added.
If you have an itinerary you would like to recommend, please submit your suggested experience in 1,000 words or less to the TravelCalumet.com team at info@travelcalumet.com. If selected for publication, your experience will be added to the section with attribution to you for composition and submission. This a great opportunity to share the Calumet County experience with others who will be able to discover the charm, culture, beauty, and fun that awaits when they visit and follow your recommendation.
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Drive 55! The scenic drive of Calumet County's Wisconsin Highway 55
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
Wisconsin Highway 55, which once started in Milwaukee, currently begins where US151 veers away from Lake Winnebago on its way to Chilton in Calumet County and heads north. At a strategically placed scenic wayside overlooking the lake, US151 heads east as Wisconsin Highway 55 continues north, running within eyeshot of the eastern shore of the rural side of Lake Winnebago. Lake Winnebago is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. and is one of the largest lakes in the nation entirely within one state. It is visible from space. While the lake’s west side is home to cities like Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and the southern Fox Cities, the east side of Lake Winnebago is characterized with the topography of serene shorelines, rolling hills and rocky cliffs-the exact opposite of its western shore.
The Calumet County section of Highway 55 is an inviting scenic wonder that offers some fun places to stop for a great meal. One such place is Schumacher’s Shanty in Stockbridge, the “Sturgeon Center of the World.” Located directly on Highway 55, Schumacher’s Shanty is the perfect spot to stop for a homemade pizza, with friends or family, and to soak in the atmosphere and unique Wisconsin culture of one of Calumet County’s most popular places to gather.
Click here to continue reading the complete article.
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Work on 2025 Calumet County Visitors guide has begun
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
One of the leading ways to draw people to visit Calumet County is through the distribution of the annual visitors guide magazine. Zander Press Inc. and Calumet County have partnered on creating previous issues of the magazine that provide information on the events and attractions in the county to prospective travelers. That partnership continues with the 2025 guide. However, it takes more than just the efforts of Zander Press and county staff to get the word out and let people know how great of a place Calumet County truly is.
At this writing, layout for the 2025 issue is underway. Design and content changes are being developed and created. The goal for next year’s issue is to pack more stories, content, and imagery into the 2025 edition as well as expand the size and scope beyond the current year's 40-page format.
As part of this effort, Zander Press will be exploring ways to help offset the cost of expansion by adding new advertising opportunities for organizations looking to help get the word out about why Calumet County is a great place to visit but also to live and work.
Kris Bastian, owner of Zander Press Inc., points out that tourism is just one part of the overall economic development plan of business growth and work force attraction for a community. "In order for people to want to live and work in a community, they need to visit and to see a community. They need to experience it, come to love it before they decide they want to live and work there. Calumet County is that type of place that once people experience it through travel or vacation, they want to come back and put down roots. It all starts with drawing people in to visit.”
If your organization is interested in partnering in these development efforts, please email Angie Kuchenbecker at Zander Press today to learn more.
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REMINDER - Update or add your attraction, event, or business information for free on TravelWisconsin.com
TravelWisconsin.com is the resource for travel in Wisconsin. It's where we inspire visitors to plan their trips to Wisconsin to create shared moments of joy with friends and family. And this year, because of all the attention Wisconsin is getting from the Top Chef, television show, millions of visitors are looking to Travel Wisconsin now more than ever. So, to make sure your destination and attraction is seen make sure to take advantage of this free service. You can obtain a listing on TravelWisconsin.com by submitting your information to our database.
Ways database information is used:
- It populates listings on TravelWisconsin.com.
- Our marketing team accesses it for campaign and publication ideas.
- Our public relations team uses it in publicity materials and interviews.
- Our customer service team refers to it when answering traveler questions.
- It’s used in promotions.
Click here for complete details.
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Hike, recognition of Reineck Woods set for May 9
From iwantthenews.com, April 16, 2024
The City of New Holstein invites the community to an interpretive hike to explore and celebrate Reineck Memorial Woods on Thursday, May 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The forest will be welcomed into the national Old-Growth Forest Network with a short ceremony before the hike.
Attendees will gather at the trailhead to Reineck Memorial Woods. Parking is available at the Community Center in Kiwanis Park, 1725 Silver Moon Lane.
The event will showcase and celebrate the local forest as an important asset to the community of New Holstein. Representatives from the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) will officially induct Reineck Memorial Woods into the national network as a “Community Forest” which celebrates the oldest protected and publicly accessible forests which are indispensable parts of communities.
For the complete story, click here, a subscription may be required.
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Travel Wisconsin expands media campaign in Midwestern markets
By Aaron Holbrook, Insight Publications, April 5, 2024
Under a recently expanded advertising footprint, Travel Wisconsin today launched its 2024 summer advertising campaign that highlights sweet summer moments in Wisconsin to visitors in 13 Midwestern markets.
Continuing the brand idea of “Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin,” the campaign celebrates the major reasons travelers choose to make memories in Wisconsin like waterparks, supper clubs, events and outdoor recreation. Travel Wisconsin’s signature 30-second summer advertisement, which is a cornerstone component of the campaign, features iconic summer traditions and experiences.
“We can’t wait for visitors to make sun-soaked memories this summer,” said Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Our campaign reflects the breadth and depth of Wisconsin’s tourism opportunities, whether it’s our world-class events, cultural activities or unbeatable dining. The best souvenir visitors will take home this summer are those Wisconsin memories that last a lifetime.”
The brand idea of “Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin” debuted two years ago and celebrates Wisconsin as a spirited, welcoming destination where visitors can discover the unexpected.
Click here for complete story. Click here or the photo above to view video.
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May is a marvelous month for woodland wildflowers!
By Louise Marum, Calumet County
Spring ephemeral wildflowers are special perennial woodland plants. They sprout from the ground in early spring, before the tree’s leaf out, when plenty of light reaches the forest floor. These unique plants quickly bloom and seed, before disappearing again for another year.
Ledge View Nature Center has a rare and wonderful diversity of spring ephemerals. Take a hike below the ledges to come upon a colorful carpet. Look closely to discover their delicate beauty. Maybe you would like to learn more? Join a naturalist for a wildflower hike May 4th.
Spring Wildflower Hike
Cost: $4
Description: If you go into a woodland in spring, you will see special flowers that you cannot see at any other time of the year; the spring ephemeral wildflowers. Stroll with a naturalist to learn about why this group of plants is so unique, their special ecological role and some interesting facts and folklore. Maximum of 25 participants.
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REMINDER - Caveman Adventure Fun/Run Walk and Picnic to be held on May 11 at Ledge View Nature Center
By Louise Marum, Calumet County
Join the fun at the Ledge View Nature Center on May 11th from 10am-2pm by participating in the 3K Caveman Adventure Fun/Run Walk and Picnic.
This signature event is a fundraiser for Ledge View Nature Center, made possible by the Friends of Ledge View Nature Center, a 501©3 nonprofit, and the Calumet County Parks Department.
For complete details click here.
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Come celebrate a Calumet County original
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
On Friday, May 3, join the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Krueger family's re-opening of The Crystal Ballroom in St. John. The celebration will be a black tie formal (suggested not required) held at the historic and iconic ballroom, located at W3307 County Highway B in St. John (Hilbert).
The cost is $20 per dancer and includes a champagne toast & hors d’ oeuvres. Doors open at 7:30pm with dancing from 8-11pm. You won't want to miss this celebratory event at one of Wisconsin's most iconic ballroom dance facilities.
To learn more about The Crystal Ballroom and the Krueger family, listen to the recent episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast by clicking here.
To secure your spot at the anniversary event, click here to purchase your tickets. Come dancing!
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Polka! Polka! Polka!
From Ariens Nordic Center
We're throwing a Polka Party, and you're invited!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Round Lake Farms at Ariens Nordic Center on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Partygoers are in for a day filled with joyous music—courtesy of the 2/5th Party Band—delightful food, and lively entertainment.
Whether you're a polka enthusiast or looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday, this event promises a perfect blend of music, culture, and fun.
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Blast from the Past: Calumet County Tourism Summer Video
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
Click on the image above, the photo below, or this link to view the video.
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Calumet County Summer Tourism, 2018, 2:43 |
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Wisconsin tourism taps into Top Chef with its first national cable TV ad
By Dawit Habtemariam, Skift, April 12, 2024
Wisconsin has been trying to lure tourists with more than just cheese and beer in a national cable ad — the state’s first — that plays off the reality show Top Chef.
“This is our biggest campaign to date,” said Anne Sayers, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. “That’s the first time in Wisconsin’s history that we’ve had that kind of reach.”
Top Chef’s 21st season takes place in Wisconsin. The culinary competition’s season consists of 14 episodes featuring local cuisines and ingredients and the state as a backdrop. “It’s like a 14-episode infomercial for our state,” said Sayers.
The ad launched on March 19 and features restaurants, arts, and local activities. Top Chef viewers see it during the show’s commercial breaks.
The ad and the show’s run come as the state prepares to host a presidential debate in August and the 2024 Republican National Convention in July. Wisconsin’s state lawmakers allocated $10 million to Visit Milwaukee to host the events, both of which could bring thousands of visitors.
Click here for full story.
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What's the best fast food in the US? This travel guide picks a Wisconsin brand.
By Jessica Rodriguez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 17, 2024
The best fast-food restaurant in the United States, according to Fodor's Travel, has a Wisconsin flavor.
Of course, it's Culver's.
Fodor's Geena Truman wrote that she spent a year "driving around the U.S. on a quest to eat (and experience) the true culture of America."
She ranked 12 fast-food chains, leaving out large corporations like McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King.
And in the top spot as "the most delicious fast food pit stop in America" is Culver's, the restaurant founded in Sauk City in 1984 by George, Ruth, Craig and Lea Culver.
The article said Culver's "gives the outer appearance of fast-food but outperforms all others in taste."
For complete story, click here. Subscription may be required to view.
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Papa B's Pizza & Barbeque now open!
By Jason Pausma, Calumet County
Come hungry, leave happy – your taste buds deserve it! See you at Calumet County's newest restaurant, Papa B's Pizza & Barbecue – where Southern BBQ meets pizza meets ice cream and dreams become delicious reality!
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New Travel Calumet Original Podcast episodes since last newsletter
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
Episode 15 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is now available! Greg Hageman from the New Holstein Historical Society joins Rick Sense to discuss two of New Holstein's must-see destinations, the Timm House and Pioneer Corner Museum. Click here to listen.
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Dana and Eric talk dance, music, the Mile of Music Festival, weddings, and more taking place at The Crystal!
Lindsay and Louise talk about camping, the parks, and Ledge View Nature Center!
Bob talks Gravity Park USA history and about the upcoming season.
Bonnie talks about the ag-venture of Mulberry Lane Farm!
Jodi & Jim talk Lake Winnebago, pizza, fishing, and tourism!
A discussion of Calumet County public golf courses with Mike Schlaak,
Calumet County Treasurer and former assistant golf course pro.
Marko talks Terra Verde, coffee, ice cream, and tourism!
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Polly talks about this great destination spot in Calumet County!
Sue talks about the Delightfully Calumet light show!
Monica talks events!
Michele talks Supper Clubs!
Lindsay talks about park destinations and camping!
Chad talks tourism and its link to economic development!
Louise talks about the caves and other cool stuff at Ledge View!
Sean talks US Biathlon, Nordic skiing, and Ariens Nordic Center!
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Travel Calumet Original Podcast is also available through most podcast directories including:
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Index, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, TuneIn+Alexa, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Listen Notes, and Player FM.
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A great value at no cost, click here and get your own
free subscription!
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Additional upcoming Calumet County special events
The events listed below were taken from and are posted on TravelCalumet.com’s website calendar. To visit, please click on the image to the left. If you are interested in attending an event, please go to the event information on the calendar as many events provide much more information than highlighted here.
May 4, 2024, 9 AM - 3 PM
First Daddy Daughter dance presented by Revel Dance Academy at The Crystal Ballroom; Grandpa and any significant male figures are encouraged to attend!
May 25, 2024, 9 AM - 12 PM
The parade proceeds from Stockbridge School to Firemen-Legion Park.
We celebrate our Veterans both active & retired on Memorial Day with a FREE admission into our children's petting. Our way of saying THANK YOU! to the men & women who have served, and are serving, our country. One veteran FREE per another’s paid general admission. No other offers apply. Military ID required. God Bless the U.S.A. !!! https://www.mulberrylanefarmwi.com/special-events/memorial-day/.
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Calumet County Economic Development
Rick Sense | Economic Development and Tourism Specialist
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