Welcome to the 35th
anniversary season
of Discover Wisconsin.
I can't believe I'm
even saying that
that's like half of my life
and being
a proud Wisconsinite.
I want to thank you
for joining us for 34 years
as we journey across
this great state.
There's a lot to explore
and you'll see a lot of it
in this upcoming season.
This week on Discover
Wisconsin.
We're traveling in
style from the train
to Maine in Waupaca.
Hello and welcome
to Discover Wisconsin.
While Packer resides
just west of the Fox Valley,
close enough to commute
for working professionals,
but far enough away
to host relaxing getaways
for seasonal cottage
goers and family vacations.
And when you arrive,
one of the first
things you'll notice
is the natural beauty
of the chain of lakes.
So this is considered
a stern wheeler.
But yeah,
this is a true stern.
Wheeler is powered
just by the wheel
in the back.
Someone asked
How fast did the boat go?
It has two speeds
slow and stop.
So it's definitely a slow,
relaxing, relaxing.
Yes.
I love a good
relaxing cruise.
Yeah,
it is the perfect day
for it.
Well,
the boat was
originally built
in 1963 for the 1964
Centennial for the Chief
Oshkosh Brewery.
I bought the boat
a few years later
and cut it to pieces
and hauled it 50 miles up
here on the road.
So it has a
really rich history.
And now your vision
has been brought to life.
And it's the chief of
the chain
of lakes of Waupaca.
That's so great.
The chain of lakes
are really special.
That is a huge draw
to Waupaca.
Chain of lakes is
all glacier formed
they are very deep.
It's all spring fed water,
so they're very
clean and clear.
How many lakes are
in the chain of lakes?
There's 22
lakes all together.
22 wow!
And this one goes on
how many lakes?
This boat goes on 8.
The fun of being on
the water
is not just
the water itself,
but the shoreline
and everything you get
to see. Absolutely.
To our right now is Loyola
Villa is a Jesuit
retreat camp.
I learned a lot as
I got the full tour,
but there were a few things
that definitely stood out
to me.
First, the cheap Waupaca
gets an impressive view
of the Wisconsin
Veterans Home at King,
and its beautiful setting
provides
peace and tranquility
for veterans requiring
compassionate care built
on a
foundation of integrity,
honor and respect.
An impressive sanctuary
with a rich history that
dates back to the Civil War.
Fortunately for me,
Fun in the water
was on the agenda
at my next stop,
the beautiful Crystal
River Inn and cottages.
What a gorgeous property.
I feel so relaxed
right here along the river.
So cool.
So tell me a little bit
about the history
of this place.
So in the mid 1800s,
our homestead was
settled by the family
and was a working
farm up until 1977.
And in 1987 the original
owners of the BNB
bought it and made
it into a bed and breakfast.
We have seven rooms
in the inn.
We have two rooms
on the first floor
that each have a
private entrance.
We have three cottages.
So the little house
on the prairie and the
greenery sleeps six.
And then we have the coop,
which actually used
to be an old chicken coop
that is darling and
that sleeps two.
The breakfast here
was incredible.
It basically was
dessert for breakfast,
which is
exactly what I like.
All of your guests
have access to kayaks
if they want to
get on the river, they do.
We're happy to transport
you free.
We have several
different routes,
depending on the
type of adventure
that you're looking for,
and it's a lot of fun.
And you can actually paddle
right back to the.
And speaking of kayaking,
I also hear that
for my fellow kayakers,
there's this
really cool thing
called the Clear
Kayak Below Tour.
It's put on by adventure
outfitters and basically
you go kayaking in the dark
and your kayak glows.
I don't know what else
to say other than a truly
unique experience waiting
for you in Waupaca.
Just wanted to pop
on and
wish Discover Wisconsin,
a very happy 35th
anniversary year.
I am so excited to
be a part of this
upcoming season.
Welcome back to Waupaca
here on Discover Wisconsin.
For a small town.
Waupaca has some
great shopping.
But before you venture down,
the newly improved
Main Street, let's stop
at Historic Danes Hall.
It's the venue
for events and weddings.
Dane's Hall
really represents
the history of the entire
town, the county.
Back in 1894,
when the building was built,
over 50% of the county.
I was born in Denmark
and this is their building
where they learned
to become Americans. Really.
It is what I say.
It's where history
and hospitality meet.
So today it is now the place
where weddings occur
and anniversaries.
And we have Christmas
concerts here,
so this is really the center
for the community's
celebrations.
Just around the corner
from Danes Hall.
You'll find so many cute
stores.
I've wandered into Fletchers
jewelry because, you know,
diamonds are a
girl's best friend.
Fletchers Jewelry is
a locally owned and operated
jewelry store right
here in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
We've been on Main
Street since 1937.
My great grandfather
opened our first store
right down the road
towards the Dane's hall,
and eventually
we moved this way.
That's very special
to have generations
of people
coming here year after year
for their Christmas
gifts, for engagement.
Seeing people my age
getting engaged
when their parents
got engaged with
a ring from here
or their grandparents
got their rings from here.
Another fun store is Waupaca
River Gallery and Gifts,
also known
as framing by Preston.
It's a retail shop.
It started off as mainly
framing by Preston.
I did a lot of custom
framing and prints
selling, art selling,
and we added a pack
of our gallery and gifts
just to make it more
retail friendly.
It is fun.
It's not your
typical gift shop.
It's really unique.
It's got a specific,
colorful esthetic,
is perfect for a lake home,
a cabin,
there's fun sayings.
I don't know about you,
but shopping makes me hungry
and a great place
to stop on Main Street
for a bite to eat
as little fat.
Gretchen.
It's
so much more than a diner.
It's a great place
to connect with locals
and get a sense of
what makes Waupaca special.
Main Street
is just one example
of the vibrant businesses
in town.
There are several national
and global companies based
in Waupaca
providing jobs and revenue
for the community
and surrounding areas.
Waupaca is a great place
to work
because we have a variety
of different things,
everything from
silent sports
based activities,
tourism based activities
to large
employer manufacturing.
Waupaca
foundry is a great example
who makes pieces for
Rams John Deere companies
that are known worldwide
and then also Waupaca
sand & solutions who
who does a lot of work
with golf courses
and ballparks.
So if you're at a major
league ballpark,
that ballpark might actually
have infield mix
that was made right
here in Waupaca.
And I think that's what
makes Waupaca great is
it has all
these opportunities
for so many different
types of interest.
You can build a career here,
but you can also
build a family here
in a way
that a lot of people
are looking for.
The Waupaca
community is so special
because it's a great
place to raise kids.
All the parks
and recs and rivers that
that exist in this area,
but also because
of our school district
and the quality education
that we're able to provide.
The Waupaca way
is part of the reason
for our success.
The Waupaca way is
a set of principles
responsible, respectful,
safe and prepared.
And these are the principles
that we teach our students
and that we live by.
And it's also
kind of filtered
into our community.
If you go to the
city's rec center,
you'll see that poster
hanging there.
And in our businesses
as well,
you'll see
that we're pack away
hanging in our businesses.
It's the we do business.
Want to learn more
about our favorite places
to visit in Wisconsin.
Subscribe to discover
Wisconsin's
official podcast, The Cabin.
When we come back,
we'll discover what attracts
artists and athletes
to waupaca for one fun
filled summer weekend.
Discover Wisconsin is back
living large in Waupaca.
No matter the season,
Waupaca has an incredible
calendar of events
that attract tourists
and entertain locals.
But the third week
in August is super special
because it hosts the annual
Waupaca Triathlon
and Arts on the Square
Park Area Triathlon
started in 2001.
And in our case,
our long course triathlon
is a half mile swim, 20 mile
bike and a 5k run.
We substituted
the kayaking alb
so you can now
substitute the kayak
for the swim
portion of the event.
I think our
triathlon special in that
we're very family friendly.
We are very open
to all fitness types.
We have heard stories
that this is
the first triathlon
that many people participate
in.
It's very community
oriented and community
supported event.
So we're really appreciative
of our volunteers.
We also have a kids try
on Friday night and
a lot of families
will come out.
Again, the participation is
a
is a really nice part of it
because we get a
lot of spectators
at our event.
After the race.
Don't miss Arts Honor
Square,
which attracts artists
from all across the nation.
Tell me a little bit
about this event in general,
because it's much
more than art.
You have interactive
components,
entertainment components.
There's so much going on.
There is a lot.
And it's partially
because our Waupaca
a community arts board,
we have a lot of ideas
and we like participation
with our groups.
So the workshops
are a really huge
part of what we do.
So we try to have
at least six or seven
participatory workshops
where any age can do it.
Some are for smaller kids,
some are for adults.
It's just it's a little
hard to describe.
But
you've been walking around
and you can see that
there's kind
of an energy here
and it's like a destination
for the whole day.
I think
there's two different
reasons people
come one's the music
and one's the art.
That's one of the things
that stood out to me.
I've been to several
different art show
or festivals, but
this is kind of like
an art show and a festival
and a workshop,
and there's so many things
going on that there's
something for everybody.
And that goes right
with our mission
as the Waupaca
community arts board
in that we believe
that art is for everyone.
If music is your thing,
you've got to visit
the historic Indian
Crossing Casino.
It's not a casino.
It's a musical landmark
that hosts a local
and big name entertainers.
They also host the Chain
of Lakes Blues Fest.
It's sure to stir up
a little rhythm
in your soul.
Indian Crossing
Casino is widely known
as one of the more
popular and historic
live music venues
in Waupaca County
and, for that matter,
central Wisconsin.
Over its rich history, it's
played host to Neil Young,
the Beach Boys many times,
the Everly Brothers.
More recently,
the Beau Deans, LeAnn Rimes,
Aaron Lewis,
What Makes Blues Fast.
And this weekend, such
an incredible event
for not only Waupaca,
but for the Indian Crossing
Casino is it brings
in a lot of artists
that may not normally
get to be featured
because they're maybe
a little smaller
or more of a niche genre.
But we put them all together
and we make a huge weekend
out of it.
Everybody loves it. It
really showcases that
Waupaca is not a
three month destination
that as you can see,
it's lovely.
It's a great place to be.
And you have an amazing time
while you're here.
Happy 35th anniversary.
Discover Wisconsin
coming to you all the way
from Los Angeles.
I wrote a few episodes
for you
back in the nineties.
Wow, that was such
a long time ago.
Love Wisconsin.
Beautiful state
and I love the roses.
God bless you guys.
Happy anniversary.
Welcome back to Waupaca
here on Discover Wisconsin.
Waupaca is truly a year
round destination.
The natural beauty of the
chain of lakes
and area parks take
on new characteristics
in the fall and winter.
A drive through a park
and the fall
is truly a treat.
And one of the most scenic
trips is a visit
to the Red Mill.
Built in 1855, it was once a
grist mill,
but now holds a gift shop.
Not to mention,
the chapel on site is
the perfect place
for a picturesque wedding.
And in the winter,
don't miss the beauty
and recreation waiting
for you outdoors.
There's a ton of fun
to be had at Hartman
Creek State Park
and the
Waupaca Curling Club.
So we are here at Hartman
Creek State Park
and it is absolutely
gorgeous in the winter,
but as beautiful
in the summer as well.
Behind us we have one of
how many lakes
that border here?
Yeah, one of eight lakes
that are in within
the boundaries of Hartman
Creek State Park.
So this place is very
geographically interesting,
which has a lot to do with
the history, right? Yes.
So 12 to 15,000 years ago
the glaciers move
through Wisconsin
and these lakes were formed
actually
by the glacial drainage.
And that's the pattern
you're seeing on these lakes
and the chain of lakes
that are formed.
And there's a ton to do here
telling you about
some of the activities
that people who are visiting
can participate in.
Yeah, so we have about nine
miles of fat tire bike
trails that are groomed
for winter use.
We have about six
miles of cross-country
ski trails
and we have a
ton of different
snowshoeing trails
throughout the park.
I have never been
snowshoeing before.
I'm super excited to try it.
Any words of advice
before I do it?
Well, the great thing
about snowshoeing
is that if you can walk,
you can get out here
and snowshoe.
So you're all set?
Absolutely.
You can grab your tools.
Here we go.
So throwing was so much fun.
It's a great activity to do
in the middle of winter
and it makes walking
so much more fun
because you can be that
much lighter on the snow.
Winter does not slow
down in Waupaca.
The youth hockey rink
is always a hot spot
despite cold days.
So the Waupaca area
Youth Hockey
Association started in 1979
and we've got 110
kids playing in the program
and they play ranges
from ages 3 to 14.
And then after that,
if they want to continue
in high school,
they can play through
the school district
at this rink.
Hockey is very fast paced.
They have to think
on their feet
and they have to
keep moving.
And it also builds great
social development
for the kids.
Our mission statement
is changing lives
one goal at a time,
and we live on that.
So as much as we like to win
hockey games, ultimately
we're out here to develop
good adults and hockey
is just the tool to do that.
Curling once
an obscure sport
is growing in popularity
in Wisconsin.
But it's been a beloved
community activity
for a long time in Waupaca.
Woodpecker Curling
Club is one of the oldest
in the country.
It was founded in 1879.
I love curling because
it is a sport for all ages.
We have from fifth grade
to seven year olds.
It's also a
really social sport.
We curl with our friends,
but it's also competitive
and just so much fun,
especially in the winter.
We're going
to start curling.
Here's our tradition
of pretty good curling.
Good curling.
Your objective
is to get stones
as close to that pin
as you can to out count
the other teams.
It's a very physical.
It's very mental.
There's called been
called chess on ice
because you've got
to pick your shots thinking
three or four moves ahead.
So I love to tell
you how it was, but
I'm out of breath now.
This was
harder and
more fun than I thought.
Like, definitely.
I can see
how all ages can do it,
but it's a sport.
It is not.
It may be chess on ice,
but it's not just chess.
It is definitely a sport
and it takes strategy
and it's so much fun.
I met up with Mitch
from the Waupaca
Area Chamber of Commerce
for one more conversation
about the rich history,
vibrant businesses
and stunning
beauty of Waupaca
which I could really sense
fills this community
with so much pride.
Well, Mitch, I love Waupaca.
This has been so much fun
and I had already
been to Waupaca
enjoyed its summers,
but now I'm hooked on
its winters as well.
So thank you so much
for having me.
It's a great place to visit.
It's a great place
to live and work
and a great place
to raise a family.
Cheers to Waupaca.
From the
shores of Lake Superior
to the rolling hills
of the Driftless area.
The adventures are
endless here in Wisconsin.
There are so many
beautiful places to see
and interesting people
to meet.
So hit the road and start
making your own Wisconsin
memories.
Continue
the adventure and stream.
Discover Wisconsin
on all your favorite devices
by scanning the QR code
in the upper right
corner of your screen.