20 MUST-DO’S IN 2020
A new decade is upon us so let’s celebrate! Here are our 20 Must-Do’s in Calumet County for 2020. The list is organized in seasonal order although some can be accomplished any time throughout the year.
HAVE A TOTALLY TUBULAR TIME.
Take a relaxing ride up on the tow row and a thrilling ride down at Calumet County Park’s Tube Hill. When there is adequate snow, the hill is open on weekends and during winter break. Priced at only $6/person, it’s a great deal for a day of frosty fun!
FREEZE YOUR BUTT OFF.
Hit the trails at the Brillion Nature Center and give snowshoeing a try. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5/pair. A cold tush is well worth the fun of stomping through the snow on a beautiful winter day.
DISCOVER PREHISTORIC FISH.
The lake sturgeon, an ancient fish dating back 100 million years, thrives in Lake Winnebago. The fishery is so good that there is a season to catch these large fish. Sturgeon Spearing Season is February 8-23 from 7:00 AM-1:00 PM. The best way to see one up-close is at a registration station (Waverly Beach, Harbor Bar & Grill, Quinney Quencher) during opening weekend. Caught sturgeon must be registered by 2:00 PM. Otherwise, head to Ledge View Nature Center and see their juvenile lake sturgeon tank.
GET STICKY.
Things get a little sticky around these parts come March because it’s maple syrup season! Join in the fun at Ledge View Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Sunday on March 15 or Brillion Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Camp on March 21.
GO CLUBBING.
No…not the loud music, dancing kind of clubbing. The rural, small town, lots of yummy food type of clubbing. Calumet County is the Supper Club Capital of the Midwest®! There are 17 in the Calumet County area to choose from.
CUDDLE BABY FARM ANIMALS.
Mulberry Lane Farm has all of the farm animals you can imagine. Best part, it’s interactive so all of the cuteness is yours for the snuggling. Open May 1-October 31.
CLIMB A TOWER.
Get a birds-eye view of the County’s landscape by visiting the observation towers at Ledge View Nature Center and High Cliff State Park.
BE ELECTRIFIED.
The Brillion Optimist Electric Parade is one of the few night parades around. All of the floats are covered front to back and top to bottom with lights. While the lights definitely brighten Brillion’s Main Street, the smiles from the on-lookers seem to shine equally bright. The event happens on June 12 at 9pm.
FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED.
Gravity Park USA is a favorite for race lovers. Offering stock car, ATV and motocross races, the sound of the engines is sure to make your adrenaline soar. Free spectator admission for motocross and ATV races (weekends May-August). Admission rates do apply for stock car races (April-September).
COOL OFF.
A great way to enjoy a beautiful summer day but yet stay cool is to experience the Sherwood Splash Pad at Wanick Choute Park. It’s free to use and open Memorial Day-Labor Day weather permitting.
SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM.
Warning - Once you eat ice cream from Scoops Ice Cream House no other ice cream will compare. It’s made in-house with special cream that makes it extra delicious. There are 16 standard flavors and 8 rotating flavors plus a huge menu of ice cream concoctions to choose from.
STAY THE NIGHT.
Try something new, like the cabins at Lakeview RV Park & Cabins. Book quick! With only four cabins available, they go quick!
STEP UNDERGROUND.
Taking a tour of the natural, underground cave system at Ledge View Nature Center in summer is a great way to stay cool. It’s cold and muddy in the caves so dress warm and wear clothes you are ok with ruining. Tours available most weekends May-November.
PUT YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUDS.
Head to the New Holstein Airport on Sunday, July 20 for Airport Day. Kids, ages 8-17, can go on a free airplane ride from 8:00 AM-Noon.
TRY TAILGATING.
Tailgating is typically associated with a sporting event. In Calumet County, it’s the best way to watch the movies at the Chilton Twilight Drive-In Theater. Just bring blankets and chairs, even snacks, or make it easy on yourself and have their homemade pizza delivered to your vehicle.
BECOME PICKY.
Apple picking is one of the most iconic things to do in fall and the place to go is Heritage Orchard. This walkable orchard is lined with hearty trees and ladders to help pick the perfect bushel.
GET LOST.
Are you up for the challenge of making it through the 15-acre corn maze at Polly’s Pumpkin Patch? There are two mazes to choose from. One is geared toward the littles and one is geared toward the bigs. You can do one or both. It’s up to you!
RAMBLE ON THE ROCKS.
Experience the magnificent rocks of the Niagara Escarpment by hiking the Lime Kiln Trail at High Cliff State Park. Close access to the escarpment and trail is available via a staircase near campsite #38.
BELLY UP TO THE BAR.
A legend amongst micro-breweries, Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Company is an original. Stop by and meet the owners, mother and son team Bonita and Pat, and learn their story. If beer isn’t your thing, chances are you’ll leave with a growler of their root beer. It’s just that good!
CELEBRATE THE SEASON.
Make your season bright by experiencing a Timm House Christmas. Guests are invited to view the home’s first floor as it’s transformed for the holidays. The décor is based on a theme, which changes yearly. Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.