What's New
In 2026, Wisconsin will unveil major attractions and experiences, host can’t-miss events and celebrate the outdoors and innovative cuisine. See below for a comprehensive rundown of the latest and greatest in the state.
NEW ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
APPLETON
Trout Museum of Art’s New Location
Appleton’s Trout Museum of Art opened a stunning, new 30,000-square-foot location in October 2025 and will offer free admission through 2026 thanks to a generous donor. The museum is known for curating one-of-a-kind exhibitions featuring regional, national and international artists, while offering hands-on art classes and a thoughtfully stocked museum store.
EAGLE
Old World Wisconsin
With a grand reopening planned in 2026, the beloved 600-acre living history museum Old World Wisconsin is receiving a complete entry area transformation. The updates will enhance guest experiences, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
JANESVILLE
Children’s Museum of Rock County
In Janesville, the Children’s Museum of Rock County promises hands-on exhibits, immersive environments and opportunities for open-ended exploration when it’s expected to be finished in fall 2026. 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.
MADISON
Wisconsin History Center
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 2027, the five-story facility will double the exhibition space of the former Wisconsin Historical Museum and significantly expand public access to the Society’s vast collection of 290 million items. More than just a museum, it will serve as a statewide “history hub” with traveling exhibits, digital outreach and community programs reaching all 72 Wisconsin counties.
MILWAUKEE
Landmark Credit Union Live
Slated to open February 2026, the Landmark Credit Union Live will be a major transformation for Milwaukee’s live music scenic. The 4,500-plus capacity venue is being designed from the ground up with both fans and artists in mind. Located in the Deer District next to Fiserv Forum, the venue promises to be centerpiece in the city’s fast-growing entertainment district.
Milwaukee Public Museum Becomes the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin
In 2027, Milwaukee Public Museum expects to unveil its newly constructed state-of-the-art natural history museum and be renamed the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. The $240 million, five-story reinvention will include new immersive exhibits, a planetarium, rooftop terrace, butterfly garden and more, all designed to inspire wonder and exploration for generations.
South Shore Cruise Dock
A new $17 million cruise ship dock at the Port of Milwaukee is set to begin welcoming vessels in June 2026. The South Shore Cruise Dock will provide a more scenic and welcoming arrival point for visitors from Great Lakes cruises.
ONEIDA NATION
Oneida Nation Museum & Visitor Center
With an existing museum first opened in 1979, the Oneida Nation broke ground on a $15 million new museum and visitor center in De Pere, with a planned opening in 2026. Showcasing rich Native American heritage, the new museum will grow from 500-square-feet of exhibit gallery space at the previous museum to over 20,000-square-feet of gallery space.
SENECA
Driftless Makerspace
Planned to open in early 2026, Driftless Makerspace will transform a historic feed mill in Seneca into a hands-on hub for creativity, crafting and community. Take copper smithing, felting, 3D design/printing, silk-screening, foraging, robotics design or one of hundreds of other classes and experiences side-by-side with nationally known experts that call the Driftless region home.
STURGEON BAY
The Peterson Gallery at the Door County Maritime Museum
In May 2026, the Door County Maritime Museum plans to unveil a reimagined Peterson Gallery. New features in the gallery will include the Peterson Builders Permanent Gallery, highlighting one of the major legacy shipbuilders in the Sturgeon Bay community.
WILLIAMS BAY
Play/Space at Yerkes Observatory
Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay will break ground in fall 2025 on Play/Space, a fully accessible, nebula-inspired playground expected to open in 2026. This will be a destination playground, with three play areas aimed at different age groups: the sunny Blair Family Foundation Supernova (for ages 5-12), the shaded Planetary Zone (for ages 2-6) and an all-ages, shaded nature zone, arrayed over two levels and landscaped with native plants.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
DOOR COUNTY
Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Trails
Long a destination for hiking and sightseeing, Peninsula State Park is unveiling a new system of purpose-built mountain bike trails. With phase one complete, construction on phase two is expected to finish in late 2025 or 2026. The popular park in Door County, located on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, will ultimately offer a total of 19 miles of mountain bike trails.
LANGLADE COUNTY
Langlade County Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Trail
As of June 2025, Langlade County is now home to Wisconsin’s only publicly owned Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Trail, opening up thrilling terrain for motorized recreation. Trails were developed utilizing environmentally sustainable management practice standards to allow official use. The trails consist of three ranges of classification from easy, more difficult and most difficult.
MILWAUKEE
Bublr 2.0 Brings New E-Bikes to Milwaukee
Bublr 2.0 is the largest investment in Milwaukee’s bike share since its launch in 2014. The project is set to add 500 new e-bikes to Bublr’s existing fleet and complete a planned installation of 800 new docks by spring 2026.
Harbor District Riverwalk
Opening access to Milwaukee’s long-shuttered Harbor District, this 4,300-foot Riverwalk extension will reconnect communities to the water. Construction is currently underway, with performance spaces and new facilities set to open in 2026.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail is expected to receive official U.S. Bicycle Route designation in 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.
WATERLOO
Trek Bicycles 50th Anniversary
Founded in a Waterloo barn in 1976, Trek Bicycles — celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 — has become a global leader in biking innovation. Throughout 2026, join events, rides and community experiences celebrating this iconic Wisconsin brand.
WAUWATOSA
Moss Universal Park
This $10 million, universally inclusive park in Wauwatosa redefines accessibility. With inclusive playgrounds, trails, fitness zones and the nation’s first fully inclusive baseball field, Moss Universal Park sets a new standard for outdoor recreation. Phase one is set to open in summer 2026, with phase two groundbreaking next fall and opening in the summer of 2027.
WILD ROSE
Nordic Mountain’s 50th Anniversary
Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, will debut a brand-new ski lodge to accompany its existing lodge. The new lodge will be the new home to ticketing, snow school, retail, ski patrol and a new food service outlet. There will also be an anniversary party taking place on March 7, 2026.
Wisconsin Sports
JANESVILLE
Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center
Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center, a group travel venue with an ice arena, sport courts and meeting space, opened in Janesville in September 2025. The dynamic new venue brings together the best of sports excellence, cutting-edge events and community engagement.
KOHLER
New Kohler Golf Course
Kohler Co. plans to build a $10 million, 14-hole, walking-only golf course on 47 acres west of the Meadow Valleys Course at Blackwolf Run, with a projected opening in summer 2027. When opened, the new course will bring the total number of holes at Kohler to 96.
LAKE GENEVA
Wee Nip at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has announced the addition of a new short-course golf experience, Wee Nip, set to open for the 2026 season. Designed by Matt Dusenberry, the 10-hole course is aimed at golfers of all skill levels. Inspired by the Scottish term for a small drink, the course reflects a playful spirit and will feature music and a viewing area, in addition to food and beverage service with to-go options.
MILWAUKEE
American Family Field Winterization
Beginning in late 2025 and throughout 2026, American Family Field will be turned into a year-round event venue. This major upgrade of the Milwaukee Brewers’ beloved baseball stadium will bring winter concerts and large-scale indoor events to the venue.
NEKOOSA
The Commons at Sand Valley
Following the opening of The Lido in 2023 and Sedge Valley in 2024, The Commons, a 12-hole course at the world-class Sand Valley Resort, is scheduled to open for public play in 2026, with limited preview play in late 2025. The family-friendly Commons will give Sand Valley a total of 101 holes, solidifying the resort’s reputation as one of the country’s finest and most diverse golf experiences.
HOTEL NEWS
BELOIT
Ho-Chunk Casino
The Ho-Chunk Casino in Beloit is currently under construction and is set to become a major entertainment destination in Wisconsin and the second-largest casino in the state. The $405 million-plus project is projected to open the gaming floor in summer 2026, with a hotel and conference center expected to follow by summer 2027. It will feature 1,500 slot machines, 44 table games, an 18-story hotel with 312 rooms, a rooftop lounge, a 2,000-seat conference and concert venue, three restaurants, a coffee bar, a 90-seat bar and a large parking ramp.
MANITOWOC
The Meeme House
The Manitowoc County Historical Society will debut overnight stays at the restored Meeme House in spring 2026. The $1.5 million restoration returned the property, dating back to 1854, to its original appearance, complete with a bar and upper-level theater. Overnight reservations at the Meeme House will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with guests invited to take part in historic bartending classes and artisanal food-making experiences. In addition to the house, the entire Pinecrest Historical Village will open for themed, overnight stays with family-friendly programing accommodating up to 40 guests.
MERRIMAC
Colsac Lodge
Located along the scenic lakefront next to the historic Colsac III Ferry, the Colsac Lodge is set to open in summer 2026 in Merrimac. This four-story, 58,000-square-foot development will feature a blend of modern amenities, local charm and stunning waterfront views.
NEW GLARUS
New Glarus Hotel
The redevelopment and revitalization of the 175-year-old New Glarus Hotel and Restaurant is officially underway, with an aim to welcome guests in early 2026. The project will see the debut of eight renovated hotel suites and a restaurant called The Yodel Room.
TWO RIVERS
Violet Inn and Suites
Located in the heart of downtown Two Rivers, the Violet Inn and Suites draws inspiration from the Danish concept of “hygge” and offers guests a mix of coziness, well-being and connection in a vintage building. The property is currently in its soft opening phase, while the finishing touches are put on its Fox Den Lounge speakeasy and Violet Spa.
WISCONSIN DELLS
Casacampo Alpaca Ranch
Located just outside Wisconsin Dells, Casacampo Alpaca Ranch, opened in June 2025, invites visitors to sip wine and wander with alpacas on a one-of-a-kind overnight stay and tour experience.
Dellshire Resort
An in-the-works Wisconsin Dells hotel will have guests yelling “Huzzah!” when the Dellshire Resort expects to open its doors in spring 2026. The Medieval- and fantasy-inspired resort will feature 257 guest rooms and suites, themed public spaces, on-site dining and a full-service spa. The new resort offers a place where families and children of all ages are invited to step into a world of adventure, mystery and fun.
Kalahari Resorts Expansion
In Wisconsin Dells, Kalahari Resorts’ $85 million, 75,000-square-foot expansion of Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark will introduce a glass-enclosed, open-air design with a retractable roof. Expected to open in fall 2026, look forward to new thrill slides, a swim-up bar, family lagoons and spa amenities.
Food & Drink
ALTOONA
The Yard
In Altoona, The Yard is a first-of-its-kind container park built entirely from repurposed shipping containers on what was once an empty downtown lot. Newly opened in summer 2025, its design pays tribute to Altoona’s railroad heritage while introducing a sustainable, modern gathering space. The Yard is home to five local businesses (including eateries and a boutique), an open-air taproom, a main stage for live music and a sand volleyball court.
MADISON
Madison Public Market
Madison’s long-awaited Public Market is scheduled to open in early 2026, offering an inclusive, bustling marketplace showcasing locally grown and prepared delicious food, refreshing beverages and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables and collectibles.
MILWAUKEE
Cassis
In Milwaukee, Cassis, a French bistro by James Beard–recognized chef Kyle Knall and his wife Meghan Knal, is anticipated to open in late 2025 or early 2026. Cassis' menu features French brasserie classics like moules frites, escargots and elements of charcuterie and seafood.
Central Standard Distillery
In Milwaukee’s Near West Side neighborhood, the historic Harley-Davidson campus gets a bold second act with Central Standard Distillery’s 73,000-square-foot facility. The space, expected to open spring 2026, will include a full production facility, tasting room, speakeasy, events space, retail and distillery tours with a focus on Harley-Davidson history.
EVENTS, FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS
2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship
September 26-October 1, 2026 | Sand Valley Resort
The recently opened Lido Course in Nekoosa will host the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, a prestigious USGA event. It is the first of four national championships scheduled at the acclaimed resort through 2034.
Timber Rattlers Holiday Lights – A Walk-Through Event
November 14, 2025-January 3, 2026 | Appleton
Debuting November 14, 2025, at Neuroscience Group Field in Appleton, the Timber Rattlers will launch a brand-new holiday tradition with “Timber Rattlers Holiday Lights – A Walk-Through Event.” Featuring over 1 million synchronized lights, festive food and drinks, s’mores by the fire and family activities like a holiday train, scavenger hunt and photos with Santa, this immersive experience will transform the ballpark into a winter wonderland through January 3, 2026, offering a new way for fans to celebrate the season at the stadium.