What's New
Tourism in Wisconsin is booming. The state isn’t just setting records for economic impact; it’s reinventing the visitor experience in 2027 and beyond, from new experiences, lodging, events and museums. Here is a selection of stories to follow in the coming months and years.
New Attractions & Experiences
The Milwaukee Public Museum Offers a New Place to Gather & Learn (Milwaukee)
In 2027, Milwaukee Public Museum will open the doors to its newly constructed, state-of-the-art natural history museum, renamed the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. The five-story, $255 million museum will feature five permanent galleries with immersive exhibits exploring the interconnectedness of human cultures and the natural world. The exhibits will build upon and reimagine the iconic moments and visitor experiences at the current museum, showcasing many of the 4 million priceless objects and specimens.
Wisconsin History Center To Open in 2028 (Madison)
The Wisconsin Historical Society, one of the nation's oldest and most prominent state historical societies, is building the Wisconsin History Center, a state-of-the-art history center in downtown Madison. Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the five-story facility will quadruple the size of the former Wisconsin Historical Museum and significantly expand public access to the Society’s vast collection of 290 million items.
Children’s Museum of Rock County Opening in Fall 2026 (Janesville)
Previously announced as the Children’s Museum of Rock County, WonderVault is set to open in fall 2026, promising hands-on exhibits, immersive environments and opportunities for open-ended exploration. Whether it’s innovating in the Inventor’s Lab, exploring in the Great Outside Early Childhood Gallery, going to new heights on the Continuum Climb or connecting with Rock County’s agricultural roots in the Precision Ag experience, every exhibit is built to spark imagination and learning through play.
Trolls in Wisconsin! (Oshkosh and Mount Pleasant)
From June 26–Oct. 31, 2027, the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh will host Trolls: Save the Humans, an outdoor exhibition featuring six monumental folklore-inspired troll sculptures by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Additionally, Dambo has selected Mount Pleasant as the site of a new large-scale troll installation, also scheduled to debut in 2027. Crafted from recycled materials, the whimsical installations encourage visitors of all ages to reconnect with nature and embrace environmental stewardship.
Hands-On Lavender Experiences (Richland County)
Located in the rolling hills of the Driftless area, The Lavender Experiment, a Wisconsin-based lavender farm and lifestyle brand, will introduce immersive, hands-on lavender farm experiences. Trial programs began in 2026, with full visitor experiences anticipated for 2027.
Visit Beloit Launches Ho-Chunk Language Visitor Guide (Beloit)
Visit Beloit has introduced what is believed to be the first fully translated destination visitor guide in a federally recognized Tribal language in the United States. The Ho-Chunk language guide, translated and narrated by Ho-Chunk Nation member Henning Garvin, honors the region’s Indigenous heritage while expanding accessibility for visitors.
Mobile Scandinavian Sauna Debuts (Green Bay)
920 Sauna is bringing authentic, wood-fired Scandinavian sauna experiences directly to parks, waterfronts, community events, private gatherings and corporate functions throughout the Green Bay area.
Trout Springs Winery Opens Sculpture Garden (Greenleaf)
After more than four decades in development, Trout Springs Winery recently unveiled its extraordinary Neoclassical and Renaissance sculpture garden, one of the largest private collections of its kind in the United States. Hand-carved from authentic white, beige and black Carrara marble, works include reproductions of Michelangelo’s David, Antonio Canova’s The Three Graces and Donatello’s St. George Slaying the Dragon.
A Sensory Inclusive City (Milwaukee)
Milwaukee is taking meaningful steps toward becoming a certified Sensory Inclusive™ City by 2027, making the best of the destination more accessible for everyone. Through a growing partnership with KultureCity, leading venues across the city — including Baird Center, Fiserv Forum, American Family Field, Discovery World and the Milwaukee County Zoo — are implementing sensory-inclusive features such as sensory bags, quiet spaces and staff training.
Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition Makes Midwest Premiere (Racine)
Running Feb. 24–June 13, 2027, the Racine Art Museum, home to the largest contemporary craft collection in North America, will host the Midwest premiere of Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Wisconsin, presented with the popular travel photography brand and digital media platform. The exhibition pairs images from around the world with community-submitted photographs of Wisconsin lighthouses, supper clubs, roadside attractions and other quirky places inspired by the distinctive visual style of the celebrated filmmaker.
The Great Outdoors
Accessible Kayak & Canoe Launch Opens (Hudson)
Willow River State Park now features a universally accessible kayak and canoe launch, complete with wheelchair transfer benches, grab bars, loading ramps and inclusive access features.
New Braille Trail Opens at Havenwoods State Forest (Milwaukee)
Havenwoods State Forest now features a new Braille Trail, a one-third-mile looped trail with audio and tactile elements that teach visitors about the forest’s history, habitat, flora and fauna. Trail text is in Unified English Braille, and a limited number of white canes are available to borrow.
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail received official U.S. Bicycle Route designation in the spring of 2026, enhancing Wisconsin's growing reputation as a world-class cycling destination. This approximately 260-mile route offers scenic views of the Mississippi River with direct connections to many attractions and destinations along the way.
Wisconsin’s First Certified ‘Forest Bathing’ Trail (Vilas County)
The Tara Lila Forest Bathing Trail in Vilas County has been certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. The quarter-mile trail features self-guided mindfulness activities that will allow travelers to immerse themselves in nature via the “forest bathing” practice.
Middleton Nordic Center Opens (Middleton)
The new Middleton Nordic Center celebrated its grand opening in fall 2026, bringing a new trailhead lodge experience and expanded capacity to host major cross-country skiing events beginning in 2027.
Red Arrow Park & Beach Accessibility Improvements (Manitowoc)
Red Arrow Park and Beach has completed most of Phase 1 of its accessibility-focused redevelopment. Phase 2, expected in 2027, will add a pavilion and outdoor event space while further improving beach access and pedestrian safety.
Heal Creek Trail System Expands (Rhinelander)
By 2027, the Heal Creek Recreation Area will showcase more than 18 miles of purpose-built mountain biking, hiking and trail running trails winding through 700+ acres of Northwoods forest. The recreation area is also home to the 18-hole Northwood Golf Course and the annual Heal Creek Dog Dash, one of Wisconsin’s premier sled dog races and winter festivals.
WinMan BaseCamp Opens Trailside Overnight Stays (Winchester)
After opening its first campsites in May 2026, WinMan BaseCamp will add heated tiny cabins and four-season premium cabins in 2027, giving visitors a place to stay steps from the year-round WinMan Trails system for mountain biking, hiking, Nordic skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing. Pop’s Lodge anchors the site with hot showers, two cedar saunas and a guest lounge. BaseCamp is owned and operated by nonprofit WinMan Trails, which reinvests revenue from overnight stays into maintaining and growing the trails.
Wisconsin Sports
New Family-Friendly Golf at Lac La Belle (Oconomowoc)
The Club at Lac La Belle opened Uncle Henry’s Backyard, a new 9-hole par-3 course designed for golfers of every age and skill level, complementing its championship 18-hole course and adding to Wisconsin’s burgeoning short course golf scene.
The Truss Club Brings VIP Treatment to American Family Field (Milwaukee)
The Milwaukee Brewers are building a premium club for the start of the 2027 season. The Truss Club, named for the supports of the stadium’s signature roof and built from green-tinted brick to match, will be a high-end, all-inclusive gathering space for an MVP-like experience in the ballpark.
SentryWorld Begins Championship Renovation (Stevens Point)
As SentryWorld prepares to host the 2028 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and 2034 U.S. Senior Open, its golf course will close during the 2027 season for major renovations, including irrigation upgrades, redesigned greens, new tee complexes and bunker improvements. The Inn at SentryWorld, restaurants, event venues and Fieldhouse will remain open throughout construction.
New Kohler Golf Course (Kohler)
Kohler Co. plans to open a new 14-hole, walking-only golf course in fall 2027, building on the destination’s renowned golf offerings. Purebred Farm, just west of the acclaimed Blackwolf Run, will be a mix of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s inspired by the golden age of golf architecture, highlighting natural prairies and river valleys.
Hotel News
Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit Nears Completion (Beloit)
One of Wisconsin’s largest tourism developments started welcoming guests in fall 2026 — with more on the way. The more than $700 million Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit project, unveiled in October 2026, features an expansive casino and restaurants, which will be followed by a 312-room luxury hotel and 2,000-seat conference and event center in 2027.
Historic Eugene Hotel Returns (Monroe)
Downtown Monroe’s historic Eugene Hotel, originally built in 1924, reopened in fall 2026 following an $8 million restoration. The 25-room hotel blends timeless character with a refined, boutique feel, ideal for getaways, weddings or business in Green County.
Destination Geneva National Introduces Luxury Cottages (Lake Geneva)
Destination Geneva National, home to 54 holes of championship golf designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino, has introduced four new luxury cottages, as well as a "cottage village" of 10 units with 64 bedrooms for group accommodation with common gathering areas.
Metropolis Resort Expansion (Eau Claire)
Eau Claire’s Metropolis Resort is planning a 50,000-square-foot expansion to its Action City attraction building, set for completion in fall 2026, delivering new games, experiences and fun.
Casacampo Alpaca Ranch Adds Overnight Stays (Wisconsin Dells)
Following its successful debut, Casacampo Alpaca Ranch will introduce wellness-focused Casitas in May 2027, featuring yoga, ranch happy hours and unforgettable alpaca encounters.
Kalahari Expands Indoor Waterpark (Wisconsin Dells)
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions unveiled the Aquadome, a 75,000-square-foot indoor waterpark expansion in fall 2026, nearly doubling the indoor water playground. The expansion adds new attractions including Adventure Bay, The Grotto swim-up bar, Lost Lagoon spa whirlpool and a retractable glass roof.
Wilderness Resort Refreshes Wild WaterDome (Wisconsin Dells)
Wisconsin Dells’ Wilderness Resort is renovating its Wild WaterDome with a new family raft slide, expanded children's play area, tropical theming, upgraded dining and a new translucent roof.
Food & Drink
Milwaukee + The MICHELIN Guide (Milwaukee)
For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide is in Wisconsin, evaluating Milwaukee restaurants for consideration in a new regional edition of the globally recognized guide. The newly announced "American Great Lakes" guide is a partnership between Milwaukee and five other cities, with inaugural restaurant rankings revealed in 2027.
Brookfield Public Market Breaks Ground (Brookfield)
Construction began in October 2026 on the new Brookfield Public Market, a year-round destination featuring local food vendors, specialty retail, gathering spaces, demonstrations, bars and indoor-outdoor experiences. Opening is anticipated in fall 2028.
New Glarus Brewing Reopens (New Glarus)
Following a two-year expansion and renovation, New Glarus Brewing Co. plans to welcome visitors back in spring 2027. The additions will include new hospitality, brewing, distilling and retail facilities, along with expanded parking to accommodate the return of weekend visitors seeking to sip on Spotted Cow and the brewery’s other only-in-Wisconsin brews.
Central Standard Distillery (Milwaukee)
In Milwaukee’s Near West Side neighborhood, the historic Harley-Davidson campus is getting a bold new addition with Central Standard Distillery’s 73,000-square-foot facility. The craft distillery plans to open in late 2026 a full production facility, tasting room, speakeasy, event space, retail and distillery tours, with a focus on Harley-Davidson history.
Pier 500 Expands Riverfront Dining (Hudson)
Hudson’s Pier 500 enjoyed its first full summer in 2026 with an expanded outdoor patio overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. Additionally, heated dining domes will debut during the 2026–27 winter season.
Elevated Dining at The Library (Stevens Point)
SentryWorld has introduced a refreshed dining experience at The Library, featuring elevated breakfasts, specialty coffee, house-made pastries and refined dinner offerings.
New Culinary Vision at Lake Lawn Resort (Delavan)
Executive Chef Jared Schulz has launched a new culinary direction at 1878 on the Lake, highlighting elevated comfort food rooted in Wisconsin traditions with modern twists. Lake Lawn Resort, established in 1878 and among Wisconsin’s most storied resorts, marks its 150th anniversary in 2028.
Opus at the Belfry House (Delavan)
Opus at the Belfry House, the intimate tasting menu concept located within The Belfry House boutique hotel near Lake Geneva, was named one of FSR magazine’s Top 50 Independent Restaurants of 2026.
Condesa Steakhouse to Open (Eau Claire)
Condesa Steakhouse, a new Latin-inspired upscale steakhouse overlooking Haymarket Plaza and the Chippewa River, is expected to open during winter 2026–27.
Events, Festivals & Happenings
Baraboo Holiday Lights Experience (Baraboo)
November 7 – December 25, 2026
Expanding on its extensive holiday season programming, Baraboo will debut a new signature holiday light display surrounding the historic courthouse lawn beginning November 7, 2026, creating a festive destination through Christmas.
WinterWorks New Play Festival Debuts (Sturgeon Bay)
February 2027
Third Avenue PlayWorks launches the inaugural WinterWorks New Play Festival in Sturgeon Bay in February 2027, bringing playwrights, theater professionals and audiences together to develop new American works.
Book Across the Bay Celebrates 30 Years (Ashland)
February 13, 2027
Each winter, thousands of winter enthusiasts race across the frozen surface of the world’s largest lake — guided only by stars and candlelight. Book Across the Bay, marking its 30th anniversary in 2027, is a winter tradition on the shores of Lake Superior. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers of all ages and abilities traverse a 10-kilometer course lined with up to 1,000 luminaries across the frozen Chequamegon Bay from Washburn to Ashland for a local tradition that’s endured over three decades.
Kubb National Championship Marks 20 Years (Eau Claire)
July 9-11, 2027
Eau Claire will host the 20th Anniversary Kubb National Championship in 2027, further cementing its status as the North American capital of the Scandinavian lawn game. The championship will feature expanded tournament play, international teams and special anniversary celebrations surrounding one of the country’s largest kubb competitions.
EAA Honors Lindbergh Centennial (Oshkosh)
July 26-August 1, 2027
The Experimental Aircraft Association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s historic trans-Atlantic flight in 2027 during the globally famous AirVenture air show with special programming and flights featuring its Spirit of St. Louis replica.
Rock and Roll Fest – Where Horsepower Meets Heartbeats (Milwaukee)
September 18-19, 2027
Taking place at Henry Maier Festival Park, Rock and Roll Fest will bring automotive excellence, live music and tech innovation together in a one-of-a-kind celebration of style, sound and culture. Perfect for gearheads, music lovers and cultural explorers, this is where chrome and culture collide.
Hodag Country Festival Celebrates 50 Years (Rhinelander)
July 6-9, 2028
In 2028, the legendary Hodag Country Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades as one of the Midwest’s most beloved country music festivals. What began as a small community event has grown into a bucket-list tradition, drawing tens of thousands of fans to Rhinelander each summer. Named for the Hodag, Rhinelander’s legendary horned beast of Northwoods folklore, the festival is also a fun excuse for lore-loving travelers to dig into Rhinelander’s mythical creature.
