Ready for Road Trip? Like Waterfalls?

It’s that time of the year.  Fall is here.  The mornings have that nice little nip in the air, which means the trees will start turning colors soon.  This is the best time to take a ride and check out our great north woods.  Wisconsin is the perfect place to see magnificent, cascading, bubbling, beautiful waterfalls.

Did you know that Marinette County is considered the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin?  My husband and I took a ride up there this past weekend and checked out a couple of these wonderful waterfalls. 

Marinette County is such a short drive that you can make a day or a weekend out of it.  If you want to venture further north or west, you can make a week out of it.  Make sure to bring your walking shoes,  a picnic lunch and a camera.   There a terrific photo opportunities at every turn.  Through the years the kids and us have checked out most of the waterfalls that are in Wisconsin, the UP, the upper Minnesota area and into Canada.  

If you want to start closer to home, check out the 30 foot Fonferek Falls.  This is just a short drive south on Highway 43 to County Rd MM.   After that head up north and check out Dave’s Falls, right off of Highway 141 and further up are Smalley Falls and Long Slide Falls.  If you head west on Highway 8, look for the signs for Four Foot, Eight Foot, Twelve Foot and Eighteen Foot Falls and a few more along the way.  Check out the Travel Wisconsin web-site,  www.travelwisconsin.com and  you can find links to maps and other information. 

So get yourself out there and visit Wisconsin’s waterfalls.  Be prepared to do some hiking and be safe.  Some places are pretty scary.  For me anyways, my husband will venture out on any rocks he can.  Have fun exploring Wisconsin.  

Written by: Karen S. 

Have a SAFE Halloween this year!

Trick-or-treating is just around the corner.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a number of tips to help make Halloween safe.

Costumes    

• Choose costumes that are light-colored and more visible to motorists.
• Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags to increase visibility of children to drivers. Reflective tape may be purchased at hardware, bicycle, or sporting goods store.
• Use makeup rather than a mask; if your child’s costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eye holes are large enough to allow full vision.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
• Costumes should be short enough that a child will not trip and fall.

Pedestrians   

• Engage in Halloween activities during the daylight hours, if possible.
• Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
• Remind children to walk, not run, and to only cross streets at crosswalks.
• Be sure your children are accompanied by a responsible adult who has flashlight. Flashlights or chemical light sticks should be use so that children can see and be seen by motorists.
• Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure your front porch is well-lit.
• Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, don’t place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where children’s costumes may ignite.
• Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Small children should not carve pumpkins; instead, allow them to draw the designs on the pumpkin and adults may carve.
• Turn on an outside light if welcoming trick-or-treaters.

Treat Safety

• Instruct  children to wait until they are home to eat any candy.
• Check candy and novelty toys for potential choking hazards.
• Make sure packaging doesn’t have any tears or tampering.
• Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Motorists

• Slow down, especially in residential areas.
• Watch for children darting out from parked cars.
• When Driving Children around, use child safety seats or seat belts, and have children get out of cars on the curb side, not facing traffic.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Post by: Alice E.

Things to do in Wisconsin this summer!

Visit the Apostle Islands (Great place to go kayaking) 

Go hiking on one of Wisconsin’s many trails (listed are ones closer to the Green Bay area)
- Devils River State Trail
- Oconto River State Trail
- Fox River State Trail
- Mountain Bay State Trail
- Cave Point County Park

Go to Bay Beach
Address: 1313 Bay Beach Road, Green Bay, WI 54302

Go to the Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay, WI 54302

Enjoy the day at the NEW Zoo
Address: 4378 Reforestation Road, Green Bay, WI 54313

Spend the weekend in Wisconsin Dells 

Ride the Pizza Train (Spooner, Wisconsin) 

Take a Cheese factory tour 

Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
Address: 700 North Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Go to a Brewers Game
Address: 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee
Phone #: (414) 902-4000

Go to a Timber Rattlers Game
Address: North Casaloma Drive, Appleton, WI 54913

 Visit the National Railroad Museum 

Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone #: (920) 437-7623

 Visit Wisconsin’s State Capital
Address: 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703

 Spend the day at the beach
- North Beach (Racine)
- Big Bay Beach at Town Park (Madeline Island)
- Schoolhouse Beach (Washington Island)
- Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan)
- Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers)

 Inner tube down the Apple River 

 Inner tube down the Wolf River 

 Go camping 

 Go fishing

 Tour Wisconsin’s FIRST State Capital Building
Address: 19101 County Highway G, Belmont
Phone #: (608) 987-2122
The building is only open Wednesday-Sunday, June 10-Sept. 7; admission is free.

 Travel part of the underground railroad at Milton House Museum
Address: 18 S. Janesville St., Milton
Phone #: (608) 868-7772

 Go to the 7 Mile Fair (Flea Market)
Address: 2720 W. 7 Mile Road, Caledonia; (262) 835-2177

 Drive the Great River Road
Western Wisconsin, along the Mississippi River
Phone#: (800) 658-9424

Post by: Chelsea F.

Wisconsin's National Parks!

Hiking, boating, and camping are some favorite activities of the summer. Most people don’t know that you can do these fun summertime activities at our very own National Parks. Wisconsin boasts three National Parks—Check them out!

Apostle Islands --- Lake Superior, WI
Description from National Park Service: “Along windswept beaches and cliffs, visitors experience where water meets land and sky, culture meets culture, and past meets present. The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland host a unique blend of cultural and natural resources. Lighthouses shine over Lake Superior and the new wilderness areas. Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these Jewels of Lake Superior.”

Follow the link for more information about the Apostle Islands, including fees and park hours:
http://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Description from National Park Service: “A mere 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age, much of North America lay under a huge glacier. Mammoths, saber tooth cats and cave lions roamed the earth! Some of the best evidence of this glacier is found in Wisconsin such as the state’s many lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills, and ridges. The nearly 1,200 mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, established in 1980, traces the glacier's edge.“

Follow the link for more information about the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, including fees and park hours:
http://www.nps.gov/iatr/index.htm

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway-WI/MN
Description from National Park Service: “The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers offer 255 miles of clean water gliding or rushing past a lush green landscape, with glimpses of human presence. Choose to canoe and camp amid the Northwoods, or boat and fish surrounded by wooded bluffs and historic towns. This river corridor provides bountiful scenic views and a haven for wildlife near a major metropolitan area. Plan a visit!

Follow the link for more information on the St Croix National Scenic River way, including fees and park hours:
http://www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm

Post by: Breanna B. 

Wisconsin Dells!

One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Wisconsin is Wisconsin Dells. I have been there during every season and I seem to find something new to do every single time that I go there. With Memorial Day right around the corner I thought I would share some of my favorite places to visit in the Dells.

1. Wisconsin Dells Ducks Tour-I think I have done the duck tour 3 or 4 times now, but the cool thing is the trail that the ducks have traveled on has been different every time that I have done this. The fun part is that they do part of the tour on land and the other part in the water. Even though I have done this tour a bunch of times it’s always one of the most fun. For more information visit: http://www.wisconsinducktours.com/

2. So far, I think one of the best places to stay in the Dells is Chula Vista Resort. I used to be lucky enough to have a friend who worked there that gave us a good deal to stay, but still their prices are not bad. I recently stayed at Chula Vista for my sister’s bachelorette party and we were able to rent out a 2 bedroom condo with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms for only $100 per person for a weekend. Chula Vista has an indoor and outdoor waterpark and restaurants on site. This is a great place to stay with your family and friends. www.chulavistaresort.com

3. One of my new favorite places to eat is MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop. This restaurant has several kinds of gourmet Macaroni and Cheese. One of my favorite comfort foods is Macaroni and Cheese and this place does it right. I recommend trying the Loaded Baked Potato Mac. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it is in the downtown Dells area so while you are shopping for those souvenirs you must stop in for some Mac and Cheese. http://macandcheeseshop.com/

4. The best place to shop while visiting the Dells is the Outlets at the Dells. The main reason I love shopping there is because of the Coach Outlet! You can’t beat a good deal on a coach purse. Other outlet stores include Old Navy, Under Armour, Disney Outlet and many more. Be sure to include the Outlet at the Dells as a destination for your next Dells trip. http://www.outletsatthedells.com/

5. One of my new favorite places to visit in the Dells is the Timberfalls Park. While visiting the Dells last summer as a way to celebrate my best friend getting married we visited Timberfalls Park to do a little mini golfing. This is a fun place for the whole family. They have four different 18 hole shaded golf courses. This place is the ultimate mini golf destination of the Dells. Be sure to add Timeberfalls to your list. You won’t be disappointed. http://www.timberfallspark.com/

So When you are trying to figure out what to do with your friends and family this summer considering booking a trip to the Dells. You will find something new to do every time you visit and it is guaranteed to be a fun time for everyone!

Post By: Katie B

Campgrounds in Wisconsin

What better way to spend your summer weekends than camping with friends and family! That’s what I’m looking forward to most this summer! Here are some campgrounds in Eastern Wisconsin that I've enjoyed going too!

Wolf River: 

Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Address: E8041 County Rd X, New London, WI 54961
What they have to offer:
- Rent-able tubes for relaxing trips down the river!
- Sandy beach with a volleyball net
- Playground
- Game room
- Little souvenir shop
- Bar/restaurant

Plymouth Rock:
Address: N7271 Lando St., Plymouth, WI 53073
What they have to offer:
- Mini golf
- Game room
- Swimming Pool
- Ball diamond
- Outdoor movies
- Bar/restaurant
- Rent-able cabins

Quiet Woods South:
Address: 9245 Lovers Lane, Brussels, WI 54204
What they have to offer:
- Swimming pool
- Playground
- Ball Diamond
- Outdoor Movies
- Water slide
- Bar/restaurant
- Store with LOTS of goodies
- Rent-able Cabins
- Mini golf

Devils River:
Address: 16612 County Rd R, Maribel, WI 54227
What they have to offer:
- Little convenience shop
- Fishing
- Beautiful walks
- Playground
- Swimming Pool

Cedar Valley:
Address: N5098 Cedar Valley Rd, Kewaunee, WI 54216
What they have to offer:
- Mini golf
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Movies
- Game room
- Bar/restaurant
- Little convenience shop
- Fishing/canoeing
- Playground
- Volleyball court

Post by: Chelsea Fels

Wisconsin, Home of the…

• Ice cream sundae: Two Rivers is recognized by the Wisconsin State Historical Society as the REAL birthplace of the ice cream sundae. In 1881, George Hallauer asked Ed Berner, owner of a soda fountain, to top his dish of ice cream with chocolate sauce. The five-cent concoction became very popular.
• Hamburger: In 1885, Charlie Nagreen traveled to the fair in Seymour, Wisconsin with plans to sell meatballs. But when the meatballs collapsed, he invented a new plan by smashing the meat between two pieces of bread so people could eat on the go. Therefore, the hamburger made its first appearance.
• Nation's largest water-themed park: In 1979, the Waterman family purchased property on U.S. Highway 12 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and created a bumper boat ride and built a go-kart track. Today Noah's Ark is the largest water park in the United States. It features 51 water slides, and dozens of various attractions.
• Green Bay Packers: On August 11, 1919, the Green Bay Packers were founded by former high-school football rivals Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun. Lambeau asked for funds for uniforms from his employer, the Indian Packing Company and he was given $500 for uniforms and equipment, on the condition that the team be named for its sponsor. The Green Bay Packers have played in their original city longer than any other team in the NFL.
• Toilet Paper Capital of the World: Green Bay has long been known as the "toilet paper capital of the world" because the first splinter-free toilet paper was produced here. The paper industry is still one of the area's largest employers.
• Horizon Community Credit Union: Horizon Community Credit Union opened in 1932 as a credit union for Procter & Gamble employees. The membership has expanded due to continued growth and success. Success is on YOUR horizon...

Post by: Alice E.