Get outdoors and immerse yourself in art this summer. Across Wisconsin, you’ll find ingenious blends of man-made and natural beauty. Enjoy outdoor art.
Learn local history through Ashland’s murals
In Ashland, enjoy an artistic and historical stroll through the city’s extensive mural collection. The Ashland Mural Walk consists of 21 murals spread across eight blocks of historic downtown.
Artfully painted murals depict different aspects of local history, transporting you back in time. Some celebrate local people, while others pay tribute to Ashland’s natural beauty and historic architecture. Then grab a table at Deep Water Grille and dine on inventive sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Try the Lake Superior whitefish, a local specialty, available grilled, broiled, Cajun or fried.
For a luxurious stay on Lake Superior, stay at Best Western The Hotel Chequamegon. This Victorian resort features antique furnishings, ornate décor, a lobby filled with old-world charm, and comfortable rooms with lake views. End your evening with a stroll along Ashland’s lakefront promenade, easily accessible from The Hotel Chequamegon.
Help us plan the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour
Eau Claire is home to the largest rotating sculpture tour in the country, and you can even help create it! The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour is a collection of over 120 pieces of art spread throughout the region.
Visitors can vote for which sculpture they like best, and the winning piece will be purchased for a permanent addition to the collection. Sculptures range from the whimsical to the surprising, by local and international artists. Check out the sculpture collections in downtown Eau Claire and at the River Prairie Center in Altoona.
Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen is another Eau Claire gem. Phoenix boasts the title of the largest self-serve taproom in the Midwest. Guests can pour themselves a glass of beer, wine, cider, or non-alcoholic beverage from 72 self-serve taps. The tapas-style menu keeps diners entertained with enticing flights of empanadas, bruschetta, and tater tots, including hot honey, pistachio, and goat cheese bruschetta.
Twice the Outdoor Art in Door County
Door County’s natural beauty is enhanced by incorporating art, and there are many ways to do so. Start with a stop at Edgewood Orchard Gallery. This long-established gallery welcomes visitors to stroll through its tranquil sculpture garden in the woods. If a sculpture catches your eye, you can purchase one to display in your own yard.
Be sure to include a Northern Sky Theatre performance in your itinerary. This professional theater company has been performing outdoors at Peninsula State Park since 1970. You’ll be amazed by the totally unique experience. Northern Sky produces original plays and musicals written from a Midwestern perspective, primarily set in Wisconsin. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the popular comedy “Belgians in Heaven,” the story of two Wisconsin farmers, an angel and a talking chicken.
Another great idea is to bring out your inner artist at the Hands On Art Studio, which is indoors. Take part in daily projects like ceramics, mosaics, fused glass, paintings, and more. The studio will ship your artwork to your home once it has cured.
Kick off your summer getaway with TravelWisconsin.com
