July 6, 2012

A Gem of a State

Summer is a great time to travel, a time when many people take vacations, day trips, and weekend getaways. Wisconsin is one of the best places for summer fun. In Southeastern Wisconsin, we are fortunate to have both scenic beauty and enjoyable attractions, all within a short drive.

Tourism is also very important to our state economy. Last year, over 95 million people visited Wisconsin, helping to generate $1.3 billion in state and local revenue. One in every thirteen jobs in our state is sustained by tourism.

Wisconsin’s tourism economy grew by nearly 8% last year. In Walworth County, tourist spending increased by more than 13%. In both Waukesha and Kenosha counties, visitor spending increased by more than 8%, and tourist spending in Jefferson County increased by more than 2%.

Our area offers something for everyone when it comes to summer tourism. In the Delavan area, the newly-renovated Lake Lawn Resort features 222 guest rooms, marina, and award-winning restaurant, nestled on 250 wooded acres along 2 miles of shoreline on beautiful Delavan Lake.

In the Lake Geneva area, the four-diamond Grand Geneva Resort and Spa includes the Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark. The Geneva Ridge Resort includes a full-service spa and marina, while the Geneva National Golf Club features three Championship golf courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. On the shores of Geneva Lake, The Abbey Resort in Fontana provides a great location for family vacations and romantic getaways.

The Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers the famous U.S. Mailboat Tours, profiled by the BBC, the Wall Street Journal, and the Travel Channel. In addition, the 21-mile Geneva Lake shore path allows hikers to literally walk through the back yards of striking century-old mansions, providing walkers with amazing views of some of the most beautiful homes and landscaping in the Midwest.

Wisconsin has been ranked the sixth-most bicycle friendly state in the nation and second in the Midwest. Located in the historic Springfield Depot in the Town of Lyons, Pedal and Cup offers many rental options, including bicycles built for two and bicycles for children. At the edge of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the LaGrange General Store also offers bike rentals, as well as ski rentals in winter. In order to fuel those bike rides, the LaGrange General Store features a café and deli, while Pedal and Cup is known for lunch specials and gourmet coffee.

The East Troy Electric Railroad offers 10-mile round-trip excursions from the East Troy train depot to the railroad terminal at The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, with boarding options at either location. The railroad travels through beautiful scenic countryside, including a stop at The Elegant Farmer.

In the Town of Eagle, Old World Wisconsin brings the early history of our state to life, including working settlements and farmsteads established by immigrants in the 1800s. Old World Wisconsin is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life, and the various farm animals are also popular attractions for young visitors.

In Palymra, Rushing Waters Fisheries is Wisconsin's largest trout farm, nestled on 80 acres at the edge of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Fishing in a crystal clear pond full of rainbow trout is good clean fun for the entire family, and the onsite seafood store offers a variety of tasty options.

The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson is one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the Midwest. In addition to professionally-performed Broadway musicals, The Fireside features superb dining and amazing gift shops.

There are also many other destinations, and each of our counties has a tourism website with additional information about local attractions, entertainment, and events. The Walworth County Visitors Bureau website at www.VisitWalworthCounty.com is an excellent source for information. For Waukesha County, a great deal of information is available at www.VisitWaukeshaCounty.com, including shopping and dining guides. For Jefferson County, the online guide to events and attractions is available at www.EnjoyJeffersonCounty.com. The Kenosha County Visitor’s Guide is available at www.KenoshaCVB.com and the Rock County Guide is available at www.RockCounty.org. 

Whether you are looking for a one-day visit, a long-weekend, or a full summer vacation, Wisconsin has a plethora of exciting destinations. When we choose Wisconsin for our summer travels, we are helping our state economy, supporting Wisconsin jobs, and enjoying the best our state has to offer. For more information about beautiful, relaxing, and fun destinations, feel free to visit the Wisconsin Department of Tourism online at www.TravelWisconsin.com.

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Sen. Kedzie can be reached in Madison at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 or by calling toll-free 1 (800) 578-1457.  He may be reached in the district at (262) 742-2025 or on-line at www.senatorkedzie.com