What's New

Wisconsin had a big 2024, with a global audience of millions getting to know the destination via Bravo’s “Top Chef,” which filmed its 21st season here. That momentum is carrying on into the new year — and then some. In 2025, Wisconsin will play host to exciting sporting events, unveil innovative attractions and experiences, and celebrate inclusivity and the great outdoors. For a comprehensive rundown of the latest/greatest in the state, see below.

NEW ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

MILWAUKEE

Moss Universal Park: Milwaukee County recently began construction on what will likely be America’s most inclusive park when completed. Located in Wauwatosa, the $10 million project will transform Wisconsin Avenue Park into Moss Universal Park, an 18-acre universally inclusive outdoor recreational space for all ages and abilities. With the goal of creating a “new normal” for the development of inclusive parks across the country, Moss Universal Park is expected to include fully accessible trails, playgrounds and fitness equipment, as well as all-inclusive baseball fields, for all levels and abilities of play. The first phase of the park’s construction was finished in summer 2024, and the second phase is planned to be completed by summer 2025.

OSHKOSH

Oshkosh Public Museum’s Gardens in Glass: Perpetually in bloom, Louis C. Tiffany's iconic floral lamps and landscape windows embody his Studios’ hallmark sophisticated design and exquisite craftsmanship. This dynamic focus-exhibition, on view at the Oshkosh Public Museum from July 19, 2025, through January 3, 2026, includes 10 works and a selection of Tiffany Studios’ nature study photographs.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

STATEWIDE

125 Years of the Wisconsin State Park System: The Wisconsin State Park System has provided places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation since the creation of the official park system in 1900. In 2025, that legacy will be celebrated throughout the year during the Wisconsin State Park System’s 125^th anniversary. Expect a wide array of events held at the destination’s 50 state parks, including a Free Fun Weekend in June 2025 and a dedicated celebration day in September 2025.

MILWAUKEE AREA

Harbor District Riverwalk: The waterfront of Milwaukee’s Harbor District has largely been off-limits to the general public for most of the city’s history. But that will soon change. A 4,300-foot riverwalk extension from the northern end of Walker’s Point at Bruce Street up the Kinnickinnic River to Lincoln Avenue will open the waterfront to public use and reconnect surrounding neighborhoods to the waterways in their communities. Phase one of construction will begin in 2025. A second phase will include a deck over the river, a live performance stage and a building with restrooms to be constructed in 2026.

South Shore Beach Rehabilitation: Located in South Shore Park in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, the South Shore Beach Rehabilitation project will encompass shoreline areas east of the Oak Leaf Trail from the location of the existing swimming beach to the southernmost extent of the rocky beach. With a completion date expected in spring 2025, enhancements include beach access and trail improvements, such as ADA accessible paths and amenities like a foot wash station.

A Giant Troll Comes to Wauwatosa: As the town evolves into a bona fide Midwestern art destination, a whimsical giant troll sculpture by critically acclaimed international artist Thomas Dambo is set to be installed at a new, yet-to-be-named park on Wauwatosa's west side in May 2025. Using pieces of locally recycled wood, Dambo’s work emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. Wauwatosa will be the first Wisconsin location for a Dambo sculpture.

CHIPPEWA FALLS

Lake Hallie Pickleball @ Gower Park: The pickleball trend shows no sign of slowing down — and Lake Hallie Pickleball @ Gower Park in Chippewa Falls is one of the largest outdoor pickleball courts in the Midwest, recently adding 12 additional courts for a grand total of 18. In 2025, Gower Park will host a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger Series, with plans afoot in 2026 for a full PPA tournament with the sport’s top 40 players.

PORTAGE

Accessible Fox River: Work is underway for a brand-new, all-accessible canoe and kayak launch on the Fox River in Portage, which should be ready for use in spring 2025. This launch is designed to provide everyone with easy access to the beauty of the river. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first timer, this will be the perfect spot to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

HOTEL NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS

NEKOOSA

Sand Valley Golf Resort: Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Doak and inspired by the great heathland and links courses of London and the English coast, Sedge Valley started welcoming golfers in July 2024. The 5,829-yard, par-68 course joins four award-winning golf courses at Sand Valley. Meanwhile, Sedge Village is a collection of four-to-eight-bedroom homes with panoramic views of the new course.

MADISON

The Dylin: The Dylin, a cutting-edge aparthotel development in Madison's Capitol East District, is planned to open in December 2025. The result of a collaboration between Locale Hospitality and McGrath Property Group, this project features 55 residential-style units, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments and two distinctive houses with two- and four-bedroom layouts.

LAKE GENEVA

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Wellness Retreats and Wine Dinners: Conveniently located between Milwaukee and Chicago, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a 1,300-acre, AAA four-diamond resort. In 2025, the property will introduce new wellness retreats that allow guests to dive deep into breathwork sessions that enhance vitality, embrace the invigorating challenges of cold exposure and experience the restorative benefits of contrast therapy, which harmoniously combines the energizing effects of cold with the soothing warmth of traditional sauna sessions. Additionally, Grand Geneva is launching a new series of wine dinners that will take place in unique outdoor settings with beautiful nature views.

MILWAUKEE

The Pfister Hotel: The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee has progressed to phase three of its extensive, state-of-the-art renovation. The first phase, completed in late 2023, featured a full revitalization of the ballrooms and meeting spaces on the seventh floor of the hotel. The second phase, which was completed in the summer of 2024, introduced all-new guest rooms on the historic side of the hotel. The third phase will bring enhancements to the iconic lobby, lobby bar, The Rouge ballroom and Café at The Pfister. All phases of this renovation are expected to be completed by early 2025.

WISCONSIN DELLS

Kalahari Treehouse Collection: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions plans to debut a brand-new lodging experience to its Wisconsin Dells Resort in 2025. The Kalahari Treehouse Collection will feature 21 partially supported luxury treehouses, 31 ground-supported houses, as well as Daylene's Supper Club, a 10,000-square-foot restaurant overlooking Lake Delton. The treehouses are being designed in partnership with Pete Nelson and family, the former stars of Animal Planet's “Treehouse Masters.” The Treehouse Collection will celebrate the region’s natural beauty, with each unit featuring screened-in porches, kitchenettes and lake views.

CLARK COUNTY

Humbird Hotel Bar & Grill: Newly renovated, this “spirited" hotel in Humbird is a unique hospitality complex serving the spirits of the past and present. Humbird Hotel Bar & Grill’s rooms draw their inspiration from local historic figures in the historic Humbird area, all with a paranormal twist.

NEW VENUES

MILWAUKEE

Associated Bank Theater Center: Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin, and in fall 2025, it will debut its new artistic home: the Associated Bank Theater Center. The theater will feature three unique performance venues, a spacious lobby and an expanded off-site production center. Milwaukee Rep is nearly complete with planning for the 2025-26 inaugural season. Along with productions in their Stackner Cabaret, the theater anticipates announcing a 12-production new season in early 2025 along with grand opening festivities.

New FPC Live Music Venue: Madison-based FPC Live broke ground for a 4,500-person venue in Milwaukee’s Deer District in April 2024, with plans for an opening in early fall 2025. The as-yet-unnamed venue will include a single-stage, ballroom-style venue with general admission, standing room areas as well as reserved seating and premium seating experiences. The new hall is expected to host about 55-60 events annually.

BELOIT

Henry Dorrbaker’s: Opening its doors in late 2024, Henry Dorrbaker’s transforms a once-vacant warehouse in Beloit into an entertainment space featuring Duckpin bowling, mini-golf, vintage arcade games, two bars, live band performances and a variety of food and beverage options.

EAU CLAIRE

The Sonnentag Center: Recently opened in fall 2024, the 104,900-square-foot Sonnentag Center in Eau Claire is the largest indoor event venue in northwestern Wisconsin and holds the eighth-largest indoor turf field in the NCAA at 84,000 square feet. With a capacity of 5,000, the Sonnentag will host the Jammers, a professional Arena league football team, in addition to UW-Eau Claire athletics events.

EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND HAPPENINGS

MADISON

2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships (February 3-8, 2025): Elite and recreational racers from around the globe will gather in downtown Madison to test their wind-powered racing skills on skis, skates and snowboards. Returning to Wisconsin’s capital city for the first time in 30 years, the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships feature course racing, marathon, speed, short track slalom and kite freestyle.

MILWAUKEE

March Madness in Milwaukee (March 21 & 23, 2025): Experience March Madness in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum. Marquette University will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in 2025, bringing the thrills of college hoops to Cream City.

Summerfest + Juneteenth (June 19, 2025): A new partnership between Milwaukee World Festival and Northcott Neighborhood House will bring Juneteenth programming to Summerfest 2025. The Juneteenth celebration at Henry Maier Festival Park will take place the evening of Thursday, June 19. Milwaukee World Festival is the producer of Summerfest while Northcott Neighborhood House hosts Milwaukee’s long-running Juneteenth celebration.  

GREEN BAY

The NFL Draft Returns to Wisconsin After 85 years (April 24-26, 2025): Wisconsin hosted the fifth NFL Draft in 1940. In 2025, it will host the 90^th. Taking place on the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field and nearby venues, this is an event that “transforms lives, makes dreams come true, and where the future legends of the game are first introduced on a public stage.” The festivities will include several days of activities throughout Green Bay and will feature the NFL Draft Experience – a massive free football festival – near Lambeau Field to allow fans of all teams to enjoy games, interactive exhibits, player appearances, sponsor experiences, youth-focused activities and opportunities for fans of all ages to test their football skills.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

U.S. Women’s Open (May 29 - June 1, 2025): Erin Hills will host the 80^th U.S. Women’s Open, one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf. The Open will bring the world's best golfers to challenge the links-style layout in Erin, located just outside of Milwaukee. A relative newcomer to championship golf, Erin Hills burst onto the scene in the early part of the 21^st century by hosting three USGA championships.

CADOTT

Force Fields (June 6-7, 2025): The new Force Fields event transforms the scenic fields of Cadott into an alien-themed EDM festival. Top-tier sound and light production meet exciting activations under the stars in one of America’s most enigmatic locales. Four thousand of the venue’s 7,500 campsites offer campers posed the option to be within walking distance of the concert grounds, while non-campers can opt to stay in partnering hotels with daily shuttle service.

Hoofbeat Country Fest (June 26-28, 2025): Celebrated as the largest three-day country music and camping event in the U.S., Country Fest in Cadott has been a summer staple, drawing fans back year after year. The event is getting a rebrand; now known as Hoofbeat, the new, improved festival at the Chippewa Valley Music Festival grounds will feature headliners Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn and Riley Green in 2025.

EAU CLAIRE

Summer Jam (June 20-21, 2025): A new, “genre-free” music festival, Summer Jam will take place at the Eau Claire Event District, kicking off the season in fine fashion with two days of live music, food trucks, camping and more. Summer Jam’s inaugural headliner will be legendary southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd.

DOOR COUNTY

60^th Fyr Ball Festival (June 21, 2025): Celebrate the transition of spring into summer on the shoreline of Door County at the 60^th Fyr Bal Festival. Embrace Ephraim’s Scandinavian heritage with a family-friendly, fun-filled day of music, dancing, crafts and artisans. As the sun sets, a bonfire is lit to welcome the long days of summer. A fireworks display over Lake Michigan’s Eagle Harbor brings the festival to a dramatic close leaving spectators excited to return the next year.

OSHKOSH

Nutcracker in the Castle (Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026): The Paine “castle” presents the beloved Nutcracker fairy tale with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds and surprises throughout the holiday season. Explore the settings of the story throughout the elaborately decorated rooms of the historic Paine mansion in Oshkosh, which each reveal a new chapter of the story.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

ALTOONA

The Yard: With a planned opening in spring 2025, The Yard in Altoona will be Wisconsin’s first container park, featuring three eateries, a taproom and a boutique, all housed in repurposed shipping containers. Inspired by the area's railroading history, The Yard will also include a stage for live music and cultural events, offering a unique blend of dining, shopping and entertainment.

MADISON AREA

Madison Public Market: Anticipated to welcome guests in summer 2025, Madison Public Market promises to be an inclusive, bustling marketplace showcasing much of what makes the Madison community so special: locally grown and prepared food, refreshing beverages and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables and collectibles. The market will house a food innovation business center that will support the growth of small businesses that wish to create food-related products.

The Mekong: Located in McFarland, The Mekong is the premier destination for Southeast Asian communities in Dane County and beyond. With an opening planned for fall 2024, The Mekong stands out as the only Hmong-owned event venue, restaurant, caterer and bar in south central Wisconsin, with an extensive menu of authentic Thai, Laotian, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Hmong dishes.

WISCONSIN DELLS

Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant: Restaurant group Morrissey Hospitality plans to open the Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant in spring 2025 with Uphoff Resorts in Wisconsin Dells. The reconstructed house will be an 1800s-themed, 12,000-square-foot diner featuring an overlook facing the Mirror Lake Dam. The restaurant will also feature a bar, a replica of a Prohibition-era speakeasy and a gift shop.

MILWAUKEE

Beer, Burgers & Cheese Curds at the Vel R. Phillips Plaza: Nathaniel Davauer, the owner of the Milwaukee area's premiere craft beer bar Draft & Vessel, plans to open a yet-to-be-named food and beverage operation at the Vel R. Phillips Plaza in 2025. The concept will serve traditional Milwaukee food and beverages such as beer, burgers and cheese curds.

NORTHWOODS

Boulder Junction Brewing Company: With an early 2025 opening date planned, Boulder Junction Brewing Company will bring on-site, craft-brewed beers to the community of Boulder Junction, alongside a state-of-the-art water reclamation system that reduces the amount of wastewater produced in the brewing process. Brewer Tracy Converse has been honing her craft over the past decade, blending innovation with tradition.