The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Calumet County Through All Four Seasons

Wisconsin’s four seasons not only showcase the beautiful natural landscapes, but bring the communities and counties from across the state together in celebration, especially Calumet County. Calumet County is steeped in tradition and ready to be celebrated in every season from family fun in fall, frozen traditions in winter, blossoms of spring and sweet summertime. Keep reading to find out what adventures await!

Frozen Traditions of Winter

In the winter, immerse yourself in brand new community and cultural experiences, only found in Calumet County. From sturgeon spearing, Vern’s Cheese, and Ariens Company Museum, you will get a taste of a true Wisconsin winter in this outstanding county.

Calumet County sits on the east side of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago! During the winter, experience ice fishing like never before and join in the tradition of sturgeon spearing that many have been doing for over 50 years! But it’s not all about the spearing, it’s all about the experience of being together on the frozen waters while making memories of a lifetime. You can also spectate and get an up close look at sturgeons, an animal that was around during the time of dinosaurs!

To take a cheesy turn, Vern’s Cheese most definitely lives up to the dairy state standards! This third generation family owned business has been operating since 1964, offering specialty cheeses, cheese curds, string cheese, spreads, beer and a variety of wines! There’s quite a selection and you won’t believe it until you see it, so go check it out.

For a look back at Wisconsin’s manufacturing heritage, head to Ariens Company Museum and tour 14,000 square feet full of artifacts dating way back in time. This museum began in 2003 and created exhibits of power equipment, snowmobiles and much more. It covers the vast history of our American landscape. 

Blossoms of Spring

The blossoms of Spring in Calumet County are one of the most beautiful sights to see. Honeymoon Acres Greenhouse and Hidden Hollow Garden Art brighten up the season, and of course, Rowlands Calumet Brewery’s Beer Fest does too!

For 40 years, Honeymoon Acres Greenhouse, a prided family business, produces almost 3 million plants a year! And this greenhouse is something special…they aren’t just producing food, but rather soul food that can add a small light of growing happiness within your home.

Spread the happiness and spark inspiration and creativity from Hidden Hollow Garden Art! Their pieces make for the perfect Mother’s Day gifts or for your very own backyard. Brighten your landscape with bold, colorful, and even aesthetic rusty pieces of art.

Your spring trip wouldn’t be complete in Calumet County without stopping by the annual Beer Fest hosted by Rowland’s Calumet Brewery. With over 28 breweries, 170 beers on tap at the same time, and live music, you can’t go wrong.

Sweet Summertime

Summers in Calumet County don’t get much sweeter, with 20 plus miles of shoreline along Lake Winnebago, the Niagara Escarpment, and numerous county parks, you won’t want to leave. On your next summer getaway to Calumet County, check out Ledge View Nature Center, Calumet County Park, and High Cliff State Park and explore the many activities you can enjoy all season long.

Ledge View Nature Center is an environmental education center that teaches children all about Wisconsin’s natural geology, and wildlife. They even have animals you can meet, including native snakes and turtles! The best part? You can go underground in Carolyn’s Caverns, first discovered in 1986. Come along and embark on this great adventure!

Calumet County Park and High Cliff State Park are both located on the edge of Lake Winnebago and offer endless opportunities for lake life, and activities on shore. On the water, swimming, fishing, and sailing will make for the perfect summer pairing with the endless land adventures. For recreation on land, High Cliff State Park is located on the Niagara Escarpment, a 1,000 mile ridge beginning in Niagara Falls in New York and spanning all the way to Calumet County. There are 18 miles of trails nearby, perfect for horseback riding, biking and hiking.

Make a trip out of it and camp, one of the most popular summertime activities! Set up camp at Lake View RV Park and Cabins and choose from the 52 acres of wooded sites for your RV or tent. Or camp in comfort in one of the 10 cabins on site. If you stay here, there’s plenty to do off the water from mini golf, frisbee golf, a giant jump pillow, play ground, horseshoes, shuffleboard and a heated pool. After the day comes to an end, cook on the campfire or head to Oasis Bar and Grill for the classics like burgers and pizza! 

Family Fun in Fall

Fall is in the air in Calumet County! To get in the fall spirit, visit the many fall-favorite destinations from Polly’s Pumpkin Patch, Mulberry Lane Farms and Heritage Orchard. 

Polly’s Pumpkin Patch, of course, has a plethora of pumpkins to choose from. You can pick from the line, or take the wagon ride to the field and pick your very own. Pumpkins aren’t all this patch has to offer. Check out their 15 acre corn maze and put your navigation skills to the test! As you take in the festivities of fall, friendly farm animals will gently greet you while visiting Polly’s. On your way out, grab homemade tasty treats from their store, including their very own apple cider donuts. 

Up next, Mulberry Lane Farm, established in 1881, will charm you by their true, authentic life-on-the-farm experience. At Mulberry Lane Farm, their goal is to educate children about farming and farm animals while also encouraging hands-on interactions. Kids will learn how to milk a cow, feel the wool of a sheep, hand feed goats, cuddle with kittens, and pet the pigs. With 125 acres of farm, there is surely a lot of fun to be had!

Last but not least, Heritage Orchard is a must-stop during the fall season! This family business began in 1947 and flourishes off tradition. Pick your very own apples fresh from the tree and experience the wholesomeness of the outdoors. For a souvenir, take home their fresh fruit, apple cider, and bakery hot out of the oven.

From the Producer

Discover Wisconsin producer, Jessica Vokoun, describes her experience while filming ‘Calumet County: A County For All Seasons’ here:

“Calumet County is one of those quiet Wisconsin destinations that surprises me every time I visit. There really is so much to see and do. Their parks are some of my favorite in the whole state! Calumet County Park is a great place to camp; you can be right on the shore of Lake Winnebago. High Cliff is gorgeous, with the cliffs and lake views. We went sailing one beautiful summer evening from High Cliff Marina, which was a highlight of my summer. And then there’s Ledge View, near Chilton, which has a fantastic educational center and caves to explore. 

We were also introduced to some really special businesses, like Honeymoon Acres, the largest greenhouse I’ve ever seen! It’s family run; Joe and Marci are incredible. Hidden Hollow Garden Art is amazing; you can find something artsy for anyone in their gift shop. I was impressed with Ariens Company; the museum is featured in the episode, but they are investing in their community in other ways as well (you’ll hear about it in an upcoming DW short about wedding venues). And of course we discovered some great places to eat, like Schumacher’s Shanty in Stockbridge, and Scoops Ice Cream House and Terra Verde Coffeehouse in Chilton. By the way, did you know Calumet County is the Supper Club Capital of the Midwest? 

I think Calumet County will become a regular destination for my family travels!”

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Calumet County, no matter the season, is full of natural beauty, and fun festivities that connect the community together through the celebration. Celebrate with Calumet County and be a part of their long-kept traditions in fall, winter, spring and summer. Plan your adventure for this season!

Want to learn more about how you can celebrate the seasons in Calumet County? Watch this Discover Wisconsin episode, ‘Calumet County: A County For All Seasons’ now:

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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.