See What’s New in Wisconsin This Summer

There’s always something new and exciting happening in Wisconsin, and summer 2026 is shaping up to be jam-packed with highly anticipated openings all across the state. Read on to get a peak at the newest supper clubs, resorts, museums and more.

Food & Drink

The Perch - Madison

Mint Mark has been a Madison favorite for many years, garnering multiple James Beard Award nominations for its innovative, produce-forward fare. Now, the restaurant’s chefs have opened The Perch–a rooftop cocktail bar in the same building that’s getting attention from locals and visitors alike. You and your crew can enjoy incredible views of the city while sipping hand-crafted cocktails as you wait for your table downstairs. 

Daylene's Supper Club - Wisconsin Dells

There’s a new supper club in town! Daylene’s by Kalahari Resorts sits right on the shore of Lake Delton, offering gorgeous sunset views, steak, seafood, prime rib and, of course, brandy old fashioneds. Opened in May 2026, visit for warm hospitality and to share a special meal with loved ones.

Tall Grass - Madison

An exciting new restaurant is coming to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art! Tall Grass will be led by renowned Chef Elena Terry, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the founder of Wild Bearies, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to educational outreach and the preservation of ancestral foodways. The menu will be rooted in local flavors, incorporating traditional open-fire techniques and Indigenous ingredients. 

Chef Terry has partnered with the Smithsonian, the James Beard Foundation and the United Nations, and has appeared on TV programs including Top Chef and Chopped. Taking its name from the native tallgrass prairies that once covered most of southern Wisconsin and mirroring a soon-to-be-planted micro-prairie on the Museum’s rooftop, Tall Grass will occupy the storefront location of the former Museum Store. Visit starting in July 2026 for an unforgettable dining experience meant to connect culture and community.

High Stakes by Bartolotta - Milwaukee

The Bartolotta name is well-known in Milwaukee, from the family’s award-winning restaurants to Chef Paul Bartolotta’s appearance on season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef. The restaurant group’s newest endeavor is High Stakes, a European-inspired steakhouse blending old-school charm with new-school flair, set to open downtown in summer 2026. The location will include the Peacock Lounge, an Art Deco-styled gathering space for cocktails, light bites and lively music. Stop in for a glamorous evening with friends and delicious fare.

Central Standard Craft Distillery - Milwaukee

Starting in August of 2026, you’ll be able to sip handcrafted spirits with your crew at Central Standard Distillery’s new location in a former Harley-Davidson production space decorated with all kinds of vintage motorcycle memorabilia. The Milwaukee distillery will combine its own production facilities at the new public-facing space that features industrial sawtooth roofs and skylights. Keep an eye out for new tour offerings to get a closer look at how the delicious whiskeys, bourbons and brandies are made.

Amisto - Madison

Tanya Zhykharevich, co-owner of the popular sushi restaurants RED and Jacknife with Jack Yip, has announced plans to put a new high-end Mexican restaurant in the former home of Estrellon. The food is reported to feature elevated takes on classics like fajitas, tacos and guacamole with a curated tequila and mezcal collection. Set to open in August 2026, Amisto is sure to be a tasty new addition for gathering downtown, just off State Street. 

New Ways to Stay

Dellshire Resort - Wisconsin Dells

Fans of Medieval fantasy worlds take note–the newly opened Dellshire Resort puts you at the center of your own hero’s journey. You and your group will be greeted by a fire-breathing dragon statue at this castle-like dwelling that includes a tavern right out of the Middle Ages, indoor and outdoor pools, a swim-up bar and hot tub pavilion, arcade and virtual reality adventures that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Opened in spring 2026, be one of the first to experience this magical escape.

Kalahari Treehouse Adventures - Wisconsin Dells

Sleep among the trees at the newly-opened Kalahari Treehouse Adventures–private, elevated retreats nestled among the pines along Lake Delton. Each treehouse has a one-of-a-kind design, some featuring slides and magical stargazing nets. The lakeside setting also offers boat slips and a private beach for a family getaway full of adventures.

Cultural Markets, Museums & More

The Meeme House - Manitowoc

Gain insight into a fascinating era of Wisconsin history with a visit to the newly-restored Meeme House, a tavern originally built in 1854 that welcomed travelers on the Green Bay Road. The building is now part of Manitowoc’s Pinecrest Historical Village, an interactive outdoor museum featuring over 30 historic buildings—including a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and general store—all carefully relocated and restored to reflect life in Manitowoc County from the 1800s to the early 1900s. The Meeme House includes a bar and upper-level theater, and is expected to offer overnight reservations that include historic bartending classes and artisanal food-making experiences in the near future. Plan a trip here with your whole group for a unique excursion you’ll never forget.

Center for Black Excellence and Culture - Madison

On Madison’s south side, the newly opened Center for Black Excellence and Culture welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to explore and celebrate Black culture. The colorful, modern building includes a wellness space for mothers, an art gallery, a 300-seat theater, a banquet event space, a recording studio, a senior lounge, a bar, a workspace hub and an outdoor gathering space, among other unique features. Be sure to check the center’s calendar to find out about performances, workshops and presentations spotlighting Madison’s Black community.

Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center - Oneida

The Oneida Nation Museum has a new, state-of-the-art home to better showcase the Tribal Nation’s rich heritage. The Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center will include over 20,000 square feet of gallery space (in contrast to the previous museum’s 500 square feet), an outdoor reflective garden, a storyteller’s room for community workshops, a gift shop and more. The name “kahnekano·lú” translates to “precious water,” an important pillar in Oneida culture. Visit beginning in late June 2026 to explore this exciting new space.

Madison Public Market - Madison

The highly anticipated Madison Public Market is set to officially open in July 2026 on the city’s northeast side. The vibrant, inclusive gathering space includes larger-than-life murals decorating the building’s exterior, while inside, the market will host around 30 permanent stalls, of which 15-20 will be food and beverage vendors offering everything from Indian street food, empanadas and veggie burgers to wine and tapas. Other stalls will offer art, apparel, locally-grown produce and more. With plans for musical events, craft festivals and food fairs, you’ll definitely want to check out this new addition to the Madison scene. 

Outdoor Fun

Wee Nip Golf Course - Lake Geneva

A new, beginner-friendly golf course has just opened at Grand Geneva Resort, home to the popular Highlands and Brute courses. Wee Nip is the newest addition, named for the centuries-old Scottish custom of enjoying a drink and swapping stories after a round of golf. The 11-hole short course takes less than 90 minutes to play and is perfect for taking it easy with friends while enjoying the exceptional course design. 

Rally Madison FC - Madison

2026 is the inaugural year for Rally Madison FC, the United Soccer League pre-professional women’s soccer team. Bring your whole group to see an exciting game at Breese Stevens Field throughout the summer and enjoy food from the grill, craft brews and plenty of family fun.

The Granite Belt - Wausau

North Central Wisconsin has long been known for its sprawling network of red granite roads winding through scenic farmland and logging camps. But this June, over 1,000 miles of those historic paths will take on a new life as the Granite Belt. By connecting these existing rural routes, local leaders are transforming the region’s diamond-hard gravel into a first-of-its-kind trail system—and cementing Wausau as a premier destination for the fastest-growing cycling trend in the nation. From beginner-friendly loops to epic 100+ mile challenges, there’s an adventure for every rider. The official opening takes place on June 6, National Trails Day–celebrate by getting out on a ride!

Find more unforgettable summer fun at these family festivals you can't miss!