TWO NEW PODCASTS! Episodes 18 and 19 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are now available!
On episode 18, Gloria Regan, former Calumet County and Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair and current board member of the Calumet County Agricultural Association, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the 2024 Calumet County Fair to be held over Labor Day Weekend at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
On episode 19, Emmy Award winning producer Regan Ernst as well as Josh Ostermann, both of Discover Mediaworks (DW), join host Rick Sense to discuss the success of DW's long-running Discover Wisconsin television show and the production of Calumet County based stories for an upcoming episode of the Uniquely Wisconsin television show.
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Ariens Nordic Center and Round Lake Farms in Brillion |
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Biathlon Nationals and North American Championships scheduled for Ariens Nordic Center
By Aaron Holbrook, Insight Publications, May 20, 2024
Ariens Nordic Center will host the first-ever U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships July 20-21, and U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and North American Masters Championships Feb. 14-16.
The U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships will be the first-ever summer biathlon regional roller ski championships in the Midwest, welcoming all Youth, Junior, Senior and Masters biathletes for two events on roller skis.
In past years, summer biathlon regionals occurred in the eastern and western regions. Ariens Nordic Center now provides a home venue for those in the Midwest region. Many in the Midwest are expected to participate, in addition to those from other regions looking for an opportunity to compete at a new world-class biathlon venue.
Click here for the complete story from Insight Publications.
For more detailed information about these events, check out
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Sean discusses Ariens Nordic Center hosting the first-ever U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships July 20-21, 2024, and U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and North American Masters Championships February 14-16, 2025 in detail, and much more!
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Schwarz's of St. Anna in Calumet County |
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The story behind Wisconsin's iconic supper clubs
From Travel Wisconsin
Relish trays. Juicy steaks. From-scratch side dishes. Ice cream drinks.
Every state has its diners, bistros, cafes and chophouses, but Wisconsin lays claim to the supper club, and a renaissance is well under way. We are realizing that what we took for granted for generations is regionally unique and a precious part of our state’s culinary character.
Dimly lit, dinner-only, linger-why-don’t-you restaurants were sought after from coast to coast by the mid-1900s, but popularity faded as new dining trends and competition emerged. Some of that happened in the Badger State, too, but a strong yearning for community and connection, especially in rural areas, helps the tradition thrive.
“Breaking Bread in the Holyland” identifies the many Catholic churches and supper clubs that remain in Fond du Lac and Calumet counties, an area settled by German farm immigrants.
“After Sunday Mass, many adults would flock to the supper clubs for brunch, drinks and a challenging game of cards,” the booklet observes. “In later years, going to Mass on a Saturday night and then to the supper club was the norm.”
Calumet County bills itself as the Supper Club Capital of the Midwest, and one of the most frequented spots is Schwarz’s Supper Club in unincorporated St. Anna. The business began as a one-room tavern but now can serve multi-course meals to more than 700 people per night.
Customers expect a long wait between arriving and eating, especially on weekends, but this is a part of the supper club culture, too. It’s more like destination dining rather than a quick hop between work and a movie. We meet friends, talk to strangers, unwind and renew.
Click here for complete story.
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Action at Gravity Park USA in Chilton |
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Friday night is racing night at Gravity Park USA
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
Summer is back and so is racing! Make sure to plan for at least one Friday night under the lights at Gravity Park USA in Chilton. Enjoy the speed and the pursuit of the checkered flag by the area’s most talented drivers while enjoying the atmosphere and the amenities available for fans.
In addition to the regular racing show on Friday nights in June, come and see Midwest Legends on June 7th, Vintage Mods on June 21st, and Late Models on June 28th.
Take it from Gravity Park USA fan Rick Salo when he says, “What a great facility and even better people running it. A friend recommended we try the cod meal when we said we were looking for a fish fry. Outstanding on both, the Friday racing and the meal at the track. Can't wait for the off-road racing next weekend.”
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Sunset over Lake Winnebago at Calumet County Park |
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Calumet County Park: Camping on the shores of Lake Winnebago
Calumet County Park was my first experience as a solo camper in 2018. I loved the park because it was close to where I live in case my camping trip went awry (which it didn’t). The park was quiet, perfect for adult camping. There’re trees and plenty of grassy areas, and it was right on Lake Winnebago. Since then, I have camped there again and again. It’s relatively unknown, and for that reason it is a great place for last-minute camping (although that is rapidly changing even with the addition of more sites). I hesitate to even share it with the world.
I may be a little sentimental, but this is one of my favorite places to camp in the state!
Calumet County Park is a beautiful and serene natural retreat in eastern Wisconsin, just outside of the town of Stockbridge. The park is located approximately 30 minutes from both Appleton and Oshkosh, and about an hour from Green Bay. Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, the park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are two features which make the park unique. That proximity to the shores of Lake Winnebago, but its other feature is the Niagara Escarpment, which runs right through it. We locals call this natural wonder “the ledge”.
Click here for the full story.
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Make your campsite reservations soon!
By Lindsay Meyer, Calumet County
With e passing of the very busy Memorial Day Weekend, I thought it would be a good time to talk about campsite reservations at Calumet County Park. We have officially kicked off summer and camping is in full swing! Campsite reservations are going fast with many visitors looking to relax by the lake this summer. Although, many weekends in the beginning of the summer are nearly full, Calumet County Park still has a number of weekday campsites available! Beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing camping stay.
Don't wait and take the chance you won't be able to book the dates you want, book now! Click here for more information or to make a reservation.
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Chilton Twilight Drive-In Theater, Chilton |
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10 drive-in movie theaters in Wisconsin for retro summer fun
By Ellery Weil, Up North News, May 17, 2024
Summer’s on its way to Wisconsin! As the weather gets warmer, Wisconsinites can look forward to late sunsets, barbecues, swimming in the Great Lakes, and, best of all, summer nights at the movies. Who doesn’t love watching the latest blockbuster with a bucket of popcorn on a warm Wisconsin evening?
But what if you can’t decide between a night at the cinema or a night out in nature? Well, why not both?
Wisconsin is home to 10 different drive-in movie theaters across the state, ranging from the classically kitsch to the freshly renovated and flashy. While most drive-in theaters are seasonal, the season is beginning, so pack some snacks and hit the road to check out these spots to enjoy the silver screen in the summer.
Click here for complete story.
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Blast from the Past: Calumet County's Lake Adventures video
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
I n this installment of Blast From The Past, we revisit a 2022 video production titled Calumet County's Lake Adventures. Alex Wehrley is your host in this video that many of the sights of Calumet County's Lake Winnebago area. Some of the destinations visited include Lake Winnebago, High Cliff State Park, Schumaker's Shanty, and High Cliff Marina. Enjoy the look at these great destinations 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.
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Calumet County's Lake Adventure, 2022, 6:00 |
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Reminder - "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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Reminder - 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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Two new Travel Calumet Original Podcast episodes debuted last week
By Rick Sense, Calumet County
On episode 18, Gloria Regan, former Calumet County and Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair and current board member of the Calumet County Agricultural Association, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the 2024 Calumet County Fair to be held over Labor Day Weekend at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
On episode 19, Emmy Award winning producer Regan Ernst as well as Josh Ostermann, both of Discover Mediaworks (DW), join host Rick Sense to discuss the success of DW's long-running Discover Wisconsin television show and the production of Calumet County based stories for an upcoming episode of the Uniquely Wisconsin television show.
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Sean discusses Ariens Nordic Center hosting the first-ever U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships July 20-21, 2024, and U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and North American Masters Championships February 14-16, 2025, and much more!
Jon and Kerri discuss the opening on June 1, of the Wolf and Fox Winery at Woelfel Homestead!
Greg discusses two of New Holstein's must-see destinations, the Timm House and
Pioneer Corner Museum!
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!
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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!
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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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 to the left. If you are interested in attending an event, please click on the links and go to the event information on the calendar as many events provide much more information than highlighted here.
May 29-31, 2024, 10:00 AM
June 1, 2024, 10:00 AM
June 1, 2024, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
June 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
June 2, 9, 16, 23 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
June 6, 13, 20, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 7, 2024, 8:30 PM
June 8, 2024, 8:00 AM
June 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
June 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
June 8, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
June 9, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
June 13, 2024 - June 16, 2024
June 13, 20, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 14, 2024, All Day
June 14, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
June 15, 2024, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
June 15, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 16, 2024, All Day
June 16, 2024, 10:00 AM
June 16, 2024, 11:00 AM
June 22, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Calumet County Economic Development
Rick Sense | Economic Development and Tourism Specialist
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