4 Must-Stops Along the Wisconsin Cranberry Trail

While Wisconsin may be famous for its tasty cheese, did you know we’re also the largest producer of cranberries in the U.S.? Read on to learn more about the official state fruit and discover one-of-a-kind experiences waiting for you and your crew on Wisconsin’s Cranberry Trail.

See a Marsh for Yourself

In the fall, take a special kind of road trip by following Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway. This 50-mile stretch passes through cranberry marshes from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens and passes through Pittsville, Nekoosa, and Tomah.

Fall is cranberry harvest season, which means that cranberry marshes bloom bright red as they’re flooded with water and the berries float to the top. Many marshes on this route offer tours–a chance to have an only-in-Wisconsin experience. Splash of Red Cranberry Tours in Pittsville offers weekday tours of several different area marshes. Tours start at the end of September and run through the end of October, 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!

In nearby Wisconsin Rapids, stop in at Rooted in Red for wagon tours of the century-old farm. And in October, look out for their Stand in Floating Cranberries event that makes for an unforgettable photo-op. Wetherby Cranberries in Warrens is another option for specialized private tours of a third-generation marsh.

The Cranberry Highway isn’t the only place in the state where you can see these floating red beauties. Tours are also offered at northern Wisconsin marshes like Lake Nokomis Cranberries in Eagle River (which gives free tours) and at Manitowish Waters Cranberry Marsh Tours.

Stop at Discover Cranberries

Your trip around cranberry country isn’t complete without a stop in the heart of it: Warrens, the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.” There, you’ll find Discover Cranberries–an all-in-one museum, gift shop, old-fashioned ice cream parlor and restaurant.

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 makes cranberry marshes their home.

And for the finale, sample some of the delicious berries! Visit the vintage ice cream parlor to taste handmade artisan ice cream with 5 different cranberry flavors and pick up some cranberry wine, jam and other local products to take home to remember your trip.

Check out Fests Galore

For extra fun, plan your trip around the world’s largest cranberry bash. The Warrens Cranberry Festival is the end-all-be-all for cranberry lovers. Join more than 100,000 visitors for three miles of shopping, arts and crafts, flea markets and a cranberry parade. And of course, don’t forget the tons of cranberry-flavored treats to try! You’ll find just about any cran-inspired food imaginable, like cranberry brats, cream puffs, deep-fried cranberries on a stick, coffee and wine.

Can’t make it to Warrens? Don’t worry. There are several other cranberry festivals that take place during harvest 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.

Still hungry? Learn more about Wisconsin’s seasonal produce and where to find it fresh throughout the state.