Drums on Parade

Four Fun Ways to Wake Up Wisconsin

These Wisconsin communities each have their own unique way of welcoming the buds, blossoms and birds of spring

The long winter has most Midwesterners itching to get outside and have some fun. For those looking to stretch their wings this spring, there are great events happening in communities throughout the Badger State. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, nature enthusiast or music lover, you’re sure to find the perfect excuse for a spring getaway.

Catching Spring on the Run
In Vilas County, winter lasts a long, long time. When spring finally comes to the Northwoods, it’s a real sight to behold.

A great way to experience the natural wonders of springtime in Wisconsin’s most beautiful woodlands is the annual Journeys Marathon. The marathon is run on the second weekend in May. The course winds around Vilas County’s lakes and forests as it takes runners from Boulder Junction to Eagle River. The mild spring temperatures are ideal for the race.

For those looking for a shorter race, there’s also a Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile power walk, a 5k and a Kids Fun Run. Put on your running shoes and hit the woods.

Learn more about other Vilas County spring events.

Fantastic Feathered Festival
The Horicon Marsh Bird Festival is held Thursday to Monday over the first full weekend in May. It is an annual gathering of bird and nature lovers from around the country for four days of birding tours by boat, bus and foot through the incredible Horicon Marsh in Dodge County.

Learn about the mind-boggling migrations of neotropicals. Learn to identify nocturnal birds by sound. Learn firsthand from biologists and birding experts. Presentations, hands-on demonstrations and fascinating speakers are scheduled throughout the festival, including a presentation by naturalist, author and photographer Stan Tekiela.

Get more festival information and find other area events.

Be the Artist!
Those looking to encourage the blossoming of their own inner artist should learn about the Artists Interactive series of exhibits, classes and hands-on demonstrations in Price, Vilas and Oneida counties of northern Wisconsin.

During the late spring, artists who live and work in the Northwoods will be showcasing and sharing their talents with visitors. Through classes and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll have a chance to enrich your own artistic abilities and learn new skills. Artists Interactive classes include painting, woodworking, ceramics, quilting and more.

Learn more about Artists Interactive and register for classes and events.

Witness the Spring Invasion

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just want to see something amazing, the spring migration at Horicon Marsh is an aerial display you won’t want to miss

The spring and fall migrations are annual events that birdwatchers live for. The spring migration, in particular, is like the world-series of birdwatching.

Occurring after the long winter months and when most birds are adorned in their peak plumage, the spring migration is the very best time to be out in the fields, forests and marshes with your binoculars. And the absolute best place in southern Wisconsin to witness the migration is the Horicon Marsh in Dodge County.

The northern half of the Horicon Marsh is protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and is maintained for optimal habitat maintenance. The refuge was originally established as a nesting area for the redhead duck, which has flourished in the optimal habitat afforded by the marsh. But what was good for the redheads was good for other hundreds of other bird species as well. During the course of a typical year, nearly 300 types of birds either visit or live on the marsh.

April is the peak of the spring migration at Horicon Marsh. New species are arriving and departing the marsh on a daily basis. Depending on the day, you’ll have a chance to see bald eagles, osprey, a variety of rails, numerous warblers, numerous species of diving ducks and puddle ducks, and several species of shorebirds. For birders looking to cross off some birds on their lifetime list, Horicon in April is the place to be.

One of the best features of the Horicon Marsh is the variety of ways birders can enjoy the marsh.

The refuge has a number of observation areas and trails to choose from, including the Horicon TernPike Auto Tour in the northwest quadrant of the marsh, just off Hwy 49. A short drive or hike on the TernPike will take you to the floating boardwalk, where birdwatchers are afforded a water-level view of some of the best wetland birdwatching east of the Mississippi River.

Guided pontoon boat tours are available at the south end of the marsh in the City of Horicon from Horicon Marsh Boat Tours. And the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, located at the south end of the marsh between the communities of Mayville and Horicon, offers information on both birding and other ecological features of the marsh.

Learn more about planning a Horicon Marsh spring birding trip.

Governor’s Fishing Opener Weekend

Ski the Blue Hills

The Midwest’s best kept secret for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Just an hour south of the 50 km course for the Midwest’s most famous annual cross-country skiing event—the Birkabeiner in Cable—you’ll find a landscape of rolling hills and quiet forest glades known as the Blue Hills.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers visiting the area will find lodging, dining and shopping in nearby Rice Lake and the small towns of Rusk County.

The Blue Hills are overshadowed by the more famous Birkie in name only. For ski trail quality and woodland scenery, the Blue Hills can’t be beat. The Blue Hills are home to several trail systems, boasting hundreds of miles of the best skiing in the state. Snowshoers will find several Blue Hills trails for trekking.

Get maps and trail info for all Blue Hills area trails, visit www.bluehillswisconsin.com.

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s a Bald Eagle!

From mid-February to late March, Onalaska is bald eagle central

There’s birdwatching—and then there’s bald eagle watching. Something about these huge, soaring raptors makes even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast’s heart race a little. Kids and grown-ups alike get giddy at the sight of a bird with a 7-foot wingspan gliding through the air.

For a good chance of getting a glimpse of a bald eagle, head to Onalaska from mid-February to the end of March, when the ice begins to break up on the Mississippi River and Black River. Eagles are attracted to open water so they can catch fish. When the eagles aren’t actively looking for food, they perch in nearby trees along the river and on the bluffs.

When bald eagle numbers hit their peak, it’s not uncommon to see fifty or more birds congregating near the same section of open water, resting, feeding and sometimes even fighting each other for prime perches and feeding spots. You’ll find scenic overlooks and viewing location all around Onalaska and at points up and down the Wisconsin Great River Road.

Once you’ve seen the winter eagle spectacle, you’ll return year after year to see it again. Learn more.

Winter is Wonderful

Three winter festivals you’re going to love

Nothing warms up winter like a good old-fashioned festival. People leave their warm homes to enjoy the far greater warmth of a community celebration. Friendly people, good food, fun activities and memorable traditions highlight these events.

Three Wisconsin communities are throwing bashes this winter that you don’t want to miss.

3rd Annual Boulder Junction Winter Fest
February 19 in Boulder Junction will be a day filled with ice fishing, ice golf and snowshoeing games. The 3rd Annual Boulder Junction Winter Fest will take place on Boulder Lake and will offer something for winter enthusiasts of all ages. Boulder Junction is located in the Lake Superior Snowbelt, which means the community gets a huge amount of snow throughout the winter. These folks know how to enjoy the cold! Find out more about the Boulder Junction Winter Fest at www.boulderjct.org.

1^st Annual Middleton Winter Fest
The “Good Neighbor City” has launched its own winter celebration. Middleton’s 1^st Annual Winter Fest will be held on the last weekend in February. The two day event – February 26-27 – will feature activities for the whole family. Winter sports competitions, contests and other activities will engage event-goers throughout the day. Trolleys will shuttle festival goers along routes running through the community.  Food and beer will be served in a heated tent, warming up both body and spirit.

Just in case you needed another good reason to come to Middleton — on the same weekend, Middleton’s Capital Brewery is hosting their annual Bock Fest.

Learn more about Winter Fest and Middleton by visiting www.visitmiddleton.com.

11th Annual Cruiserfest
Head to Oneida County for the 11th Annual Cruiserfest in Minocqua, February 11-12. The event kicks off with a snowmobile parade, followed by a bonfire and fireworks over Lake Minocqua. The rest of the weekend will offer food, refreshments, live music and fun. Saturday’s snowmobile races offer spectators and riders a huge thrill.

Learn more about this and other fun Oneida County winter events at www.oneidacountywi.com.

Dive Into Wazee Lake

Winter is primetime for scuba diving on Wazee Lake

In a state not renowned for its scuba diving, people are surprised to hear that Wazee Lake near Black River Falls is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations around. Equally surprising is the fact that one of the best times for a dive in Wisconsin’s deepest lake is when it’s covered with solid ice.

Wazee Lake was formed when the Jackson County Iron Mine Quarry closed in 1983 and the pumps that kept the mine from filling with water were turned off. Within days, the 355-foot quarry, complete with roadways and a small forest, filled with water.

During the winter, ice divers cut holes in the ice and descend into the depths to enjoy what has been described as a truly otherworldly experience. Water clarity is at its highest during the winter, enabling divers to see more than they would at any other time of the year.

Whether you’re a scuba diver looking for a new type of diving experience or just curious onlooker who wants to see what folks who dive into the ice look like, you need to head to Wazee Lake this winter. Find out more about this extreme winter sport.

Be at Bockfest!

Don’t miss this annual rite at Capital Brewery in Middleton

At the Capital Brewery, spring begins with Bockfest. Held on the last Saturday in February each year, beer enthusiasts gather for the release of the Middleton brewery’s famous blonde doppelbock. Highlights of the event include “Kirby’s Annual Fish Throw,” where the Capital Brewery’s renowned brewmaster launches the traditional smoked chub from the roof. Sound like fun? Get ticket information and find special overnight packages.

All Things Mustard in Middleton

The new National Mustard Museum is a one-of-kind experience for fans of the condiment—and the just plain curious

It isn’t surprising that there’s only one National Mustard Museum in America. What is surprising is that it’s located right here in Wisconsin.

In Middleton’s historic downtown, at the corner of Hubbard Avenue and Parmenter Street, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind mecca to mustard. The museum is a creation of Barry Levenson, an energetic man who will quickly convince you that mustard really is the condiment of kings.

Levenson has assembled a collection that includes more than five thousand jars, bottles and tubes from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. It’s all there for visitors to see, enjoy and even taste.

Visitors looking to really immerse themselves in mustard, so to speak, can choose to stop by the “Mustard Piece Theatre” to see such classic films as “Mustard: The Spice of Nations.” If you really feel in the mustard spirit, you are invited to sing the “Poupon U Fight Song.”

In addition to the mind-boggling array of mustard exhibits and displays, visitors can shop for more than 400 varieties of mustard.

As owner Barry Levenson likes to say, “Be prepared to be entertained!”

The National Mustard Museum is just one of a growing list of culinary attractions in Middleton. Other great stops for foodies in Middleton include the world-renowned Capital Brewery, maker of a long list of award-winning lagers and ales, and Clasen’s European Bakery, specializing in more than 300 mouth-watering products baked from scratch.

Middleton restaurant Louisianne’s ETC is arguably the best Cajun restaurant outside the Bayou region. And across the street from Louisianne’s, the Hubbard Avenue Diner serves an array of American classics, including the best pies you’ll find anywhere. Sound mouthwatering? Wake up your taste buds this spring in Middleton.

Learn more about these and other one-of-a-kind Middleton attractions.

The Center of Badger State Art

The Museum of Wisconsin Art assembles the single largest collection of art by Wisconsin artists

Less than an hour from Milwaukee, art lovers will find one of the most intriguing art collections in the Midwest—the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend.

The museum includes more than 8000 files on Wisconsin art, artists and a significant library of research material on the state’s art, artists and history. If you’re looking to learn more about the artistic soul of the Badger State, there’s no better place to be.

The museum was originally designed to showcase the works of painter Carl von Marr—the museum is home to the world’s largest collection of the Milwaukee-born artist’s works—but has grown to encompass works by hundreds of Wisconsin artists.

The museum describes its art acquisitions philosophy as “judicious, quiet and determined.” The result is a collection that is both breathtaking and fascinating, both in scope and variety, that makes the Museum of Wisconsin Art is a must-see destination for art lovers everywhere.

Who Needs Spring!

The last days of winter offer the year’s best cross-country skiing in Vilas County.

This winter, 44 states across the country have snow on the ground. It has been a long, long winter for most Americans. For cross-country skiers, it’s been just plain wonderful!

Nowhere in Wisconsin is late winter snow cover more welcomed and appreciated than Vilas County. The excellent snow cover, combined with the relatively mild daytime temperatures of late winter, make it the ideal time for skiing the trails.

Cross-country skiing trails are everywhere in this heavily forested county. Vilas County’s location at the southern edge of the Lake Superior Snowbelt means that they get more snow than nearly any other place in the state. If you don’t own a pair of cross-country skies or snowshoes, you’re in the definite minority.

Cross-country skiers from around the Midwest come to the area to stay at resorts, rentals cabins and vacation homes that cater specifically to the winter “silent sports” crowd. Trail maps are available for all of the county’s 40+ designated ski trails at www.vilas.org.

While the rest of America pines for spring, head to Vilas County and enjoy the best days on the winter trail.