Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of the cranberry, which has led to a bounty of festivals, unique destinations and tours all centered on the fruit.
See a Marsh for Yourself
This season, experience the cranberry as it's meant to be experienced - with a self guided tour of Wisconsin's Cranberry Highway. For 50 miles along century-old cranberry marshes in central Wisconsin, hop on Highway 54 and meander through Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa, Cranmoor and other small cranberry towns, not to mention nearby Warrens, Pittsville and Tomah.
Fall is cranberry harvest season, which means that cranberry marshes are open for business. Take a tour of a working cranberry marsh for an only-in-Wisconsin experience. Splash of Red Cranberry Tours in Pittsville offers weekday tours for groups of several different area marshes. Tours start at the end of September and run through the end of October, and are led by students from the nation’s only Cranberry Science Class. Immerse yourself in all things cranberry on this tour, where you’ll pick fresh fruit off the vine, observe the cranberry process from testing to freezing, and indulge in a few cranberry treats. Be sure to call ahead and reserve your spot!
The Cranberry Highway isn’t the only place in the state where you can see cranberries. Tours are also offered in other places “Up North” including Manitowish Waters and Eagle River. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers have details on tours throughout the state.
Stop at the Discovery Center
Your trip around cranberry country isn’t complete without a stop in the heart of it: Warrens, the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.” From Wisconsin Rapids, take Highway 173 to County Highway EW and you’ll find the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center.
The museum details the unique history of the state’s cranberry industry and the cranberry's importance as Wisconsin's top fruit crop. Learn about the history of their 100+ year old building, the historic Union Cranberry Warehouse, and the wildlife that make cranberry marshes their home.
But one of the best ways to truly appreciate the cranberry is by sampling. Visit their vintage ice cream parlor to taste handmade artisan ice cream with 11 different cranberry flavors, milkshakes, and a featured cranberry food item made weekly right on site.
Check out Fests Galore
Plan your trip around the world’s largest cranberry bash. The Warrens Cranberry Festival is the end-all-be-all for cranberry lovers. More than 100,000 people attend each year for three miles of shopping, arts and crafts, flea markets and a cranberry parade. But the real treat of the festival is the treats themselves. You’ll find just about any cran-inspired food imaginable, like cranberry brats, cream puffs and wine.
Can’t make it to Warrens? Don’t worry. There are a number of other cranberry festivals that take place this season. Check out Manitowish Waters’ Cran-A-Rama, the Stone Lake Cranberry Festival or Eagle River’s Cranberry Fest.
Rest and Refuel
All that cranberry sampling and touring have you ready for a break? We recommend stopping by the Sand Creek Brewing Co. in Black River Falls. A quick 25 minute drive from Warrens, Sand Creek is a fantastic local craft brewery full of history. Be sure to sample their Hard Cranberry Lemonade, a deliciously tart concoction brewed with real Wisconsin cranberry juice.
