BEST-OF-MENOMONIE-2024

menomonie Best Of

WHAT’S GOOD AND WHERE TO GO IN THE GEM ON THE RED CEDAR

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PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY

Explore.

Discover Menomonie, the ultimate playground for outdoor and sports enthusiasts! Dive into adventures on the stunning Red Cedar River, Lake Menomin, and more than 40 miles of scenic trails. Enjoy golf courses, parks, and endless outdoor fun for the whole family. Museums and historic attractions add to the excitement, making for a memorable weekend getaway. Stay. Find your perfect retreat in Menomonie, whether it's a charming bed and breakfast or a hotel in the heart of the nightlife. Craft your dream stay and create lasting memories in the ideal setting for your getaway. Relax. Treat yourself to Menomonie's diverse dining scene, from supper club classics to unique culinary delights. Relax in one of our many bars, cafés, restaurants, breweries, or lounges, and savor the perfect atmosphere for a delightful evening. Unwind. Experience the tranquility of the countryside or catch an evening show at the Mabel. Menomonie offers the complete package for a relaxing escape. Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the welcoming, hometown charm of Menomonie.

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menomonie Best Of

RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL

here ’ s what ’ s inside

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

menomonie: NORTHWOODS BEAUTY MEETS SMALL-CITY CHARM I t’s easy enough to call Menomonie a “college town,” and while that’s a fair description, it barely scratches the sur face of one of western Wisconsin’s most beautiful communities. Nestled around gorgeous Lake Menomin, the town generates a story book vibe, with enough hills and urban trees to make exploring the place a mini adventure. But don’t let Menomonie’s small town looks fool you. It’s home to some of the region’s most interesting shops, businesses, and eateries, showing us how the people of Menomonie don’t shy away from new ideas and concepts. And speaking of that college, UW-Stout adds a powerful dose of forward thinking as well, offering some of the state’s most exciting degrees in fields such as industrial design, fashion, environmental science, and game design. That’s on top of the thousands of young people it draws into the city each year. Finally, proving Menomonie is a Wisconsin town through and through, it rests alongside some of the region’s very best trails, waterways, forests, and parks, giving its residents easy access to all kinds of outdoor fun. Oh, and lest we forget, this town also features one of the Midwest’s most celebrated historic theaters. In short, check out Menomonie. You’ll be happy with what you find. PUBLISHER | Nick Meyer EDITORS | Tom Giffey + McKenna Scherer LISTINGS | James Johonnott COVER PHOTO | Music on Main by Timothy Mather PHOTOS | Timothy Mather + Andrea Paulseth + Taylor Smith + Joel Pearish DESIGN | Allison Buchli + Jade Juedes ADVERTISING | Brian Maki + Matt Hasenmueller + Ireland McAbee-Thomas

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08 murals in menomonie

wilson place

10 wildflower field

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railroad museum

18 mabel tainter restoration

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blue caps

Best Of menomonie July 25, 2024 | www.volumeone.org

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menomonie Best Of

HISTORIC WILSON PLACE WELCOMES VISITORS AGAIN 19TH-CENTURY LANDMARK HAD BEEN CLOSED TO PUBLIC FOR YEARS words by KYRA PRICE

A historic downtown Menomonie mansion that was home to three generations of lumber barons is once again open to the public. An agreement between the cur rent owner of the Wilson Place Man sion, Tim Dotseth, and the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts means the Wilson Place will be open for tours on select days and times. The reopening is viewed as a fundraising opportunity for both the Mabel Tainter and Wilson Place. “We want to raise money to help restore Wilson Place,” Mabel Tainter Execu tive Director Lucas Chase said. The privately owned mansion has been closed to the public for about five years, so for those who have not visited the Wilson Place be fore, this is an exciting opportunity. “Menomonie has a great history, and we want to share that history,” Chase said. He believes the reopening of Wilson Place offers an informative and transformative experience for locals and visitors. Wilson Place Mansion overlooks Broadway Street next to UW-Stout’s North Campus. On the outside, it may just look like a yellow build ing with vintage-style trim sitting behind a metal gate. But Wilson Place is a true relic of historical Menomonie.

WILSON PLACE TODAY

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A 1999 Dunn County News article

County Historical Society, said Wil liam Wilson was the first mayor of Menomonie and his family designed the home to look like a federal-style building. Wilson died in 1892, and the building was named after him. Wilson Place was originally built on 22 acres in 1859. It has been re modeled and expanded since then. “There were 11 marble fireplaces, stained glass, and gaming rooms,” Kneeland said. In 1897, the Stout family took possession of the mansion. They were well known for their power in the booming lumber industry. James Huff Stout – namesake of UW-Stout – was son-in-law of the previous owner. Stout and his wife, Ange lina, remodeled the house together. “There were 22 servants, 17 marble fireplaces, silk furniture. … For opu lence, there was even a room lined with leather,” Kneeland said. In the 1920s, the LaPointe fam ily took possession of the mansion. George Wilson LaPointe Jr., grand son of William Wilson, made a liv ing in the lumber industry, too. The LaPointe family reduced the overall

size of the mansion by two-thirds to better suit their style. “The mansion changed from federal style to Victo rian style,” Kneeland said. Eventu ally, it was nearly torn apart by the LaPointe family to be more modern and contemporary. Inside, Victorian style furnishing and décor inside were preserved. The Dotseth family bought Wil son Place in 1974 and the building has been privately operated as a museum since 1976. “They saw their mission to preserve that local histo ry,” she said. “All that history would otherwise be scattered to the wind.” The Wilson Place now serves as an example of a combination of his torical eras. “You can see the trans formation of the generations through the furniture and artifacts. It kind of tells the story,” Kneeland said. Upcoming tours at Wilson Place are slated for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15, and Saturday and Sun day, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Tours will last about 1 hour, and tickets are $25 each. Find tickets by visiting ma beltainter.org and clicking on “Buy Tickets.”

noted “Wilson Place is a journey through generations. … Dating back to the Civil War era, this structure is filled with history. … Wilson Place and its contents preserve a unique local and state heritage.” The Wilson Place belonged to three generations of lumber bar ons: the Wilsons, the Stouts, and the LaPointes. It was eventually purchased by the current owners, the Dotseth family. Melissa Knee land, executive director of the Dunn

WILSON PLACE CIRCA 1910

UW-STOUT ARCHIVES

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menomonie Best Of

BEST EATERIES & MORE WHAT'S REALLY THE BEST OF MENOMONIE? HERE'S WHAT VOTERS IN OUR MOST RECENT BEST OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY POLL SAID

Best Restaurant in Menomonie LUCETTE BREWING CO. AND WOODFIRE EATERY (910 Hudson Road) remains the top eatery in the Menomonie after gorgeous renovations and a newly built event facility. Located right off the Red Cedar State Trail, this spot thrives on freshly made, unique wood-fired pizza. JAKE’S SUPPER CLUB (E5690 County Hwy. D) is located on Tainter Lake and features a cozy atmosphere that will keep you relaxed throughout each memorable meal. Plus the joint often offers live music during the summertime months. TED’S

PIZZA PALACE (306 Main St. E.), is a longtime classic that always delivers on delicious, made-to-order pizzas and sandwiches. Located in the heart of downtown, their meals serve up guaranteed good times and full stomachs. –Kelly Carlson Get Outside Several examples of Menomonie’s unmatched scenic beauty landed in our Best Of results: The HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA (740th Street) was voted No. 1 Best Trail for Hiking. It offers more than 700 acres of preserved wetlands, prairie

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

HOFFMAN HILLS

land, and wooded hills to hike your way through. GOVIN'S FARM (N6134 670th St.) snagged the No. 2 spot for Best Corn Maze, the family favorite known for its berry pickin’ season and fall activities (including

its 11-acre corn maze fitted with a unique theme every year!). And THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL (410th Street), a rare natural rock amphitheater, was voted the No. 1 Best Kept Secret by our readers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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menomonie Best Of

200 ARTISTS, 15 MURALS, 5 DAYS: ‘MURALS IN MENOMONIE’ LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 2026 MURAL FESTIVAL AIMS TO BE ‘MOST IMPACTFUL EVENT THIS COMMUNITY HAS EVER SEEN’ words by MCKENNA SCHERER | photo by JOEL PEARISH

T he Menomonie Open Walldogs Festival won’t happen until 2026, but it will require continued collaborative efforts between several of the city’s major players and community members over the next two years in order to achieve what could be Menomonie’s most impactful artistic event ever – and it comes with a $300,000 price tag. The project, “Murals in Menomonie,” held its official launch party on June 27, unveiling the full details of what organizers aim to accomplish over the next two years in order to prepare for the arrival of more than 200 Walldogs artists for the multi-day Menomonie Open Walldogs Festival. “An Open Walldogs Festival is a large undertaking,” the launch’s pre sentation stated. “The collaborative effort of the Murals in Menomonie committee, representing a diverse group of stakeholders within the city of Menomonie and Dunn County, will work diligently together to execute the most impactful event this com munity has ever seen.” In the project launch presenta tion, a general timeline for achiev ing the ambitious community arts project and event was shared: Mural themes should be chosen in October 2024; mural locations should be de termined in December 2024; a fun draising event should be held June 2025, one year out from the festival; mural designs should be finalized in November 2025; $200,000 should be raised by March 2026; volunteers should be organized by April 2026; and the Menomonie Open Walldogs Festival will run June 24-28, 2026.

Since the project’s launch at the end of June, about three property owners have expressed serious interest in their building(s) being mural locations. Part of the commit ment to being a mural location is a monetary donation of $2,500 toward the campaign. “It shows they’re in vested in the art and willing to main tain it throughout the years,” said Becca Schoenborn, project committee member and executive director of Downtown Menomonie Inc. “We don’t want to put these murals on build ing that isn’t going to be taken care of.” As each of the 15 mural designs will also feature relevant historical themes, the project committee will also keep historical context in mind when it determines which buildings will become home to each. The artists will work with local historians and subject matter experts to further ensure historically accurate repre sentations of the community’s his tory and values. For those individuals, business es, and organizations interested in sponsoring or donating to the Murals in Menomonie project, several spon sorship levels are available: from the “Friend” level of $100 to the “Gold” level of $1,000, to the sponsorship of an entire mural for $15,000. Volun teer opportunities will arise closer to the 2026 event. Donate to the Murals in Menomonie project on the Dunn County Community Foundation website. Keep up with the project's progress on its Facebook page.

The festival will result in 15 large-scale murals crafted through out the Menomonie area, each val ued at about $15,000 each, totaling a value of $750,000. The $300,000 budget covers mural paint and supplies, equip ment, installation, and related de tails ($143,000); Marketing efforts ($67,000); and the actual festival with catering, lodging, and more ($95,000). Sponsorships, financial donation, in-kind donations, and grants will need to be compiled over the next two years to meet that bud get. “Through community collabora tion, a commitment to preserving local history, and a diverse range of artistic styles, Walldogs murals have become a powerful force in the world of public art,” the project pre sentation states. “… These murals will serve as dynamic expressions of our community’s history, culture, and values, transforming blank walls into vibrant canvases that tell our

city’s stories.”

Beyond the 15 mu rals that will be created by Walldogs muralists – each

mural employing 10-20 artists each – the five-day event will also be host to an interactive mural for children to contribute to, created in a paint by-numbers style, a commemorative dinner celebration and auction, and more activities. The community is encouraged to watch the murals come to life in real time during live painting sessions, and interact with the festival through community paint walls or guided mural tours. Wade Lambrigtsen, owner of Vintage Sign Shop and member of the project’s executive committee, was the catalyst for the ambitious project. Lambrigtsen is largely credited for helping transform current public spaces throughout Menomonie with his artwork. He is a veteran Walldogs muralist, having participated in 12 Walldogs festi vals, six as project leader.

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menomonie Best Of

DUNN ENERGY COOPERATIVE’S WILDFLOWER FIELD A HUB FOR POLLINATORS SEVERAL YEARS IN THE MAKING, POLLINATOR HABITAT FLOURISHES words by MCKENNA SCHERER | photo by ANDREA PAULSETH

S ummer is a busy season for Dunn Energy Cooperative, as they camp up construction and maintenance efforts (summertime should be called “construction season” around here), and it’s also a busy season for pollinators. The cooperative has a literal front-row view of the latter thanks to the wildflower field blossoming on its lawn. “Some years back there were rumblings of the possibility of utili ties being required to plant so many acres of pollinator habitats based on the miles of line they serve,” recalled Jolene Fisher, the coop erative’s director of member and employee engagement. “This never came to fruition, but we as a coop erative thought, ‘Why not?’ ” With a significant amount of green space around the coopera tive’s building and Fisher’s own af finity toward flowers nudging the project along, the board of directors supported moving forward with the planting of a pollinator habitat on site. In the fall of 2021, about a half-acre of grass was killed and prepped, and Fisher headed over to the Elk Mound Seed Store. Leaving with two mixes of wildflower seed – a “birds and blooms” mix and a “bees and butterflies” mix – Fisher and her son hand-sowed the half acre plot. Mixing the appropriate amount of seed with a five-gallon bucket of sawdust and broadcast spreading it one bucket at a time, the seeds were sown and time did its thing. While the lawn can look unkempt in the spring, Menomonie’s Vintage Sign Shop crafted a couple of signs

“... Native wildflowers are easy, they will last forever, they are so beneficial for our environment, and they're beautiful to boot!” –JOLENE FISHER, MEMBER & EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, DUNN ENERGY COOPERATIVE

to place along the road to clue folks in on what’s growing. Today, the plot is home to dozens of flowers and herbs, Fisher said. Pollinators now peruse the field, filled with Purple Coneflower and Wild Bergamot, Oxeye Daisies and Rocket Larkspur, Blue Flax, Yar row, Anise Hyssop, and more. “By creating this habitat, not only are we creating food for many different pollinators, but we are also creating habitat for wildlife to live in,” Fisher said. “Any given day you’ll find birds, bees, dragonflies, and more out there. And if you ask me, the beauty

of the flowers looks better than a manicured lawn any day.” Plus, a natural habitat like the wildflower field involves less main tenance than a traditional lawn. The cooperative only needs the area mowed once per year, Fisher said. She also pointed out the impor tance of pollinator habitats to Wis consin’s agriculture and economy, something that’s been emphasized by environmental organizations and even politicians in recent years. State Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Apple ton, told PBS Wisconsin in a 2023 interview that some farmers could

see a 50-70% decline in crops like apples, honey, and cranberries with out pollinators. “Our crops are in credibly dependent on pollinators,” Snodgrass said. “If I could impart anything to anyone, it would be to plant flowers. Native wildflowers are easy, they will last forever, they are so benefi cial for our environment,” Fisher said. “And they’re beautiful to boot!” The wildflower field can be viewed at Dunn Energy Cooperative (N5725 600th St., Menomonie) • Learn more about Dunn Energy Cooperative at dunnenergy.com

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menomonie Best Of

GOVIN'S FARM

LAKE MENOMIN

DON’T MENOMO-MISS THESE SPOTS 10 OF THE COOLEST OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS IN MENOMONIE words by V1 STAFF | photos by ANDREA PAULSETH & TIMOTHY MATHER

W hether you’re looking to hike, the picturesque scenery, the Menomonie area has several great places to enjoy your day. Here is a list of local favorites you can enjoy by yourself or with your friends and family! Bjornsen Recreation Center Trail FROM I-94 TAKE THE HWY Q EXIT AND DRIVE NORTH TO 700 AVENUE. TURN RIGHT AND HEAD TO 160TH STREET. LOOK FOR SIGNS. This trail is perfect for those who may want an easier hike, featuring trail loop options through the woods with creeks and several footbridges as well. There is also a camping area nearby with a picnic shelter, a fire ring area, and bathrooms. Learn more at sdmaonline.com. Dunn County Recreation Park 620 17TH ST., MENOMONIE This park is a great place for families to spend the day, with many fun things to do. There is a picnic area, restrooms, a track, an ice hockey arena, lighted ball fields, bike, camp, or just enjoy

and exhibition buildings. That sounds like a day of fun to us! Learn more at menomonie-wi.gov. Dunnville Wildlife Area SOUTH OF CHIPPEWA RIVER + COUNTY HIGHWAY Y AND 210TH AVENUE ON THE NORTH Also called “Dunnville Bottoms,” this area has sand beaches, steep hillsides, and a vast forest. It's a great space for camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov. Red Cedar State Trail 912 BRICKYARD ROAD, MENOMONIE This 14.5-mile trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail and passes prairies, farmland, bluffs, and the Red Cedar River for one beautiful adventure. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov. Govin's Farm N6134 670TH ST., MENOMONIE For some good ol’ farm fun, head over to Govin’s Farm where – depending on the time of year – they have a barn with cute farm animal babies, berry picking, and a corn

maze and haunted trail during the spooky season. Learn more at govinsfarm.com. Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm N1409 566TH ST., MENOMONIE A fan of fishing? This farm is known for its Rainbow Trout fishing and beautiful views. They also cook up your catch at their “Hobo Shorelunch” and have drinks and live music on the weekends. Learn more at eatmyfish.com. Lake Menomin 2997 DOMAIN DRIVE, MENOMONIE There is plenty to do on Lake Menomin such as visiting the park, their 8.3-mile Lake Menomin Loop, and – of course – swimming and fishing in the lake. Learn more at dnr.wi.gov. The Bottoms 524TH STREET/DUNNVILLE ROAD, MENOMONIE And no, we’re not talking about the Bottoms of the Bikini variety. The Bottoms is dirt path toward the water with a beach that stretches for about a mile along the Red Cedar River in the shadows of a

walking bridge from the Red Cedar Trail. The sand is soft, the water is cool, and it is a favorite amongst adventurers and those looking for a relaxing beach escape right in the heart of Menomonie. Learn more at volumeone.org.

Wakanda Park and Water Park 909 PINE AVE. E, MENOMONIE Your kiddos will have a blast

swimming in the water park and enjoying a fun time on the large playground in Wakanda Park. The park also includes the Russell J. Rassbach Museum, the Menomonie Lions Club Game Park and natural trail, ballfields, playgrounds, an 18 hold disc golf course, views of Lake Menomin, and more. Learn more at facebook.com/wakandah2opark. Wilson Park 800 WILSON AVE., MENOMONIE Wilson Park is an iconic part of Menomonie, hosting its local farmer’s market and the weekly Ludington Guard band concerts. There are also tons of fun events held in the park – like yoga and the city’s Pride events! Learn more at menomonie-wi.gov.

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Inspiring Better are words that help shape our culture. WEST consin seeks to enrich members, employees, and communities with the resources and support to achieve financial wellness. While supporting one another, we’re

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Members Credit unions exist to help people, not make a profit. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we are owned and operated by and for our members. Our members are given the resources and support to reach their goals through financial education and coaching.

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Red Cedar Trail

menomonie Best Of

TRACKS THROUGH TIME

COLFAX TRAIN MUSEUM CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY, FEATURED ON PICKERS words and photos by TOM GIFFEY I t’s tempting to call a place like the Colfax Railroad Museum his father returning from the Korean War with a toy train set and bringing him to watch the rail yards in Phila delphia when he was 5 or 6. On a recent summer afternoon,

1915 TRAIN DEPOT

terns (including some made to burn whale oil), typewriters, a telegraph, paperweights, play ing cards, photographs, maps, and much more. The “much more” includes 2,000 pieces of dining car china, the largest publicly displayed collection in the world. It includes about 600 of the roughly 950 patters ever cataloged in the United States. Sakalaucks proudly points out specific china artifacts, like nearly 200-year-old pieces used on the Bal timore & Ohio (the nation’s oldest railroad) to those from numerous countries around the world. These “service plates” frequent ly had ornate designs unique to an individual railroad, and they were used to mark spots in a dining car. However, they were never actually eaten from, Sakalaucks said; in stead, they were whisked away once a passenger’s order arrived on a dif ferent plate. Outside, alongside tracks once use by the Soo Line – and still used for freight by the Canadian National – is where visitors’ imagination re ally gains steam. Whatever your age or familiarity with trains, it’s hard not to feel a surge of wonder and nostalgia stepping into the 1911 Soo Line caboose (complete with bunks and even passenger seats for passen gers), a 1914 Fowler-design boxcar (full of vintage tools and other arti facts), and a 1911 Soo Line passenger car (complete with a display of rail road uniforms and seats). Other artifacts can be admired outside as well, including an authen tic 1911 steam engine, a Soo Line diesel engine, a Northern Pacific

a hidden gem, but that’s not exactly accurate. It’s a gem, certainly, but not hidden: For one thing, it’s right off Main Street in the Dunn County village of Colfax, about 18 miles from Menomonie. For another, the museum has been around 25 years and the former train depot that houses it is more than a century old. And while the museum has been a destination for train buffs and his tory lovers for a quarter century, it’s drawn even more attention this year thanks to an appearance on the popular History Channel series American Pickers . Herb Sakalaucks, the museum’s founder, says visitors range from young children who may have never seen a train to 90-year-olds who worked with some of the equipment preserved there. “The best way to say it is we get kids of all ages,” says Sakalaucks, a lifelong lover of trains. He remember

Sakalaucks offered tours of the mu seum and its collection while other volunteers promoted the museum at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair a few miles away in Chippewa Falls. The nonprofit museum officially opened in 1999, but the depot – a sandstone structure emblazoned with the word “Colfax” – was built in 1915. Originally, Sakalaucks ex plained, the building was larger, but it was damaged by the deadly tor nado that struck Colfax in 1958. The twister hit the freight house on the building’s west side, which wasn’t rebuilt, although stones were used to fix the exterior wall of what was then the women’s waiting room. (Yes, women and children were segregat ed from the swearing, smoking, and carousing of the menfolk.) Inside the historic depot you’ll find an eye-popping collection of railroad memorabilia such as lan

BAGGAGE CAR

coach car, and even a mail car that was used as a house in Altoona until it was relocated to the museum and restored. Last summer, the museum was visited by a crew from American Pickers , who ended up recording a segment and buying some excess memorabilia. The episode aired last spring on the History Channel, and the publicity has helped raise the museum’s profile, spurring a boost in visitors and donations, Saka laucks said. That’s good news for those who work to promote this not-so-hidden gem and promote the love of trains. “You have so many different things there that you can look at, concentrate on, between the steam and the diesel and the electrics,” Sakalaucks said when asked why trains capture his imagination. “But a lot of them are works of art, when you get down to it.” Colfax Railroad Museum, 500 E. Railroad Ave., Colfax • colfaxrrmu seum.org and Facebook • (715) 962 2076 • open 11am-4pm Wednesday Sunday, May 1-Oct. 31 (or by appoint ment) • adults $10, youth (ages 7-14) $5, children (ages 2-6) $2, children under 2 free • miniature train rides on first, third Saturdays for extra fee

RECORDING FOR AMERICAN PICKERS

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menomonie Best Of

DOWNTOWN GETS DOWN NEW SERIES UNITES DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES, LOCAL MUSICIANS words by MCKENNA SCHERER

M usic On Main is bringing more flair to downtown Menomonie this summer. The newly-launched live music series is connecting downtown businesses and local artists to offer the community another reason to get out and about on Friday nights. While Menomonie is no stranger to regular live music – including Lud ington Guard Band performances on Tuesdays and the Music Over Menomin series at the library on Thursdays – local nonprofit Down town Menomonie wanted to create a new summertime series to draw folks out going into the weekend. With downtown area businesses putting on their music venue hats for

Music On Main, folks can hit several live shows and get in on sidewalk sales and activities throughout each event date. On Friday, July 12, folks were welcomed to The Spirit Room at The Mabel Tainter, Zymurgy Brew ing Co., Raw Deal, and the Silver Dol lar for live music from local artists Cap’n Seabeard, Mythical Strings, and others, while 10 businesses held special sales and activities. Businesses are getting creative with their Music On Main entertain ment and sales too, including event exclusive discounts, sidewalk sales, and features such as food trucks and live window models. “Our big goal over time is for (Music On Main) to be an indoor and outdoor event, and potentially shut

down Main Street for it,” said Becca Schoenborn, Downtown Menomonie executive director. “For now, we’re starting by closing side streets, and for the August date, we’re hoping to have more activities and an outdoor stage somewhere downtown.” The final date of the series’ in

augural season, Friday, Aug. 9, will run from about 4-8pm throughout the downtown area. Keep up with Downtown Menomonie to see what activities and artists will be featured in August. Aug. 9 event details will be online at downtownmenomonie.org.

CAR

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menomonie Best Of

MABEL'S COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

RED CEDAR SPEEDWAY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! A YEAR'S WORTH OF ANNUAL EVENTS IN AND AROUND MENOMONIE words by JAMES JOHONNOTT | photos by TIMOTHY MATHER & ANDREA PAULSETH

D on’t take Menomonie’s small-town charm as an indication that there’s nothing to do here. In fact, the year is packed with annual events you won’t want to miss. Here’s a sampling of what the next 12 months will hold: Summertime Live Music in Menomonie Outdoor live music is a Chippewa Valley summer tradition. • Ludington Guard Band • Tuesdays at 7:30pm at Wilson Park • Find it on Facebook A community concert band dating back to 1877. • Music Over Menomin • Thursdays at 7pm outside Menomonie Public Library • menomoniepubliclibrary.org Live music on the shore of Lake Menomin. • Vino Cappuccino • Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30 7:30pm • vinocappuccinobistro.com Music on the patio of this Bistro in Elk Mound. Wine, wood fired pizzas, artisan desserts, and more. • Jeremiah’s Fish Farm • Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30-4:30pm • eatmyfish.com Music and fishin’ on the shore of the trout pound. • Brewery Nonic • Sundays, 1-4pm • brewerynonic.com Live Music on the patio and Chef Stacy’s creative and unique menu served from the food truck in the brewery yard. Dunn County Fair Late July • Dunn County Fairgrounds • dunncountyfair.org Celebrating 136 years. Carnival rides, entertainment, vendors, animal exhibitions, and more.

Winterdaze Parade Early December • Downtown Menomonie • facebook.com/downtownmenomonie Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, ride horse-drawn wagons, hot cocoa, parade, fireworks, and more. Stout & Porter Fest Early April • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com Enjoy dark beer offerings from regional breweries, along with a keg tapping of a Zymurgy original porter or stout. Mabel’s Community Celebration Late May • Mabel Tainter Center • mabeltainter.org The historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts gives back to the community with a free event featuring art vendors, food trucks, music, dance performances, and cash bars. Brewery Nonic’s Outdoor Theatre Aug 2-3, 8-9, Sep. 6-7 • Brewery Nonic, Menomonie Enjoy outdoor theatre at the brewery. “Beowulf”, “Gilgamesh”, Improv Comedy, and more. Menomonie Vintage Base Ball Festival Late June • Phelen Park • facebook.com/ menomoniebluecaps A baseball tournament played like it was in 1860. Hosted by the Menomonie Blue Caps vintage team, this festival features squads from around the country. Menomonie Pride Drag Show Late June • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com An annual drag show fundraiser for the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center featuring 15+ drag star performances, raffle drawings, giveaways, dance party, and more.

Red Cedar Film Festival Late July • redcedarfilm.org • Downtown Menomonie Held in the heart of Downtown Menomonie, this festival screens a variety of films outdoor in Wilson Park and in Mabel Tainter. Music on Main August 9, 4-8pm • Downtown Menomonie Watch live music performances at various venues & eateries, enjoy extended evening shopping hours with sidewalk sales & outdoor entertainment at the boutiques in Downtown Menomonie. See the venue lineup and schedule on their website. Races at Red Cedar Speedway Fridays and select other days through August • Red Cedar Speedway •redcedarspeedway.com A WISSOTA sanctioned track with weekly stock car races. Zymurderfest Mid-August • Zymurgy Brewing • zymurgybrew.com Zymurgy Brewing hosts an annual death metal music festival featuring metal bands from near and far. The area’s can’t-miss death metal event. Sadistic Century Late August (Aug 10, 2024) • Dunn County Recreation Park • corbatrails.org A truly punishing bike race that includes route options of 200k, 100mile, 100k, 60k, three rest stops, and more than 10,000 feet of climbing. After party with a meal and refreshments. Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail Late October • Govin's Farm • facebook.com/ twistedtalesofhorror An annual spooktacular set in scenic Govin’s Farm.

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MABEL TAINTER STEPS INTO THE FUTURE RESTORATION ADDRESSES IMPACT OF 134 YEARS OF FOOT TRAFFIC words by TOM GIFFEY | photo by ANDREA PAULSETH M enomonie and its residents are rightfully proud of

Chase explained. This made the steps dangerous, especially in the winter when sheet of ice formed in the eroded groove. In addition, water was leaking through the steps into the historic bathrooms below causing damage and preventing them from being used. Early this year, the Mabel Tainter announced a fundraising effort, and $275,000 and three months of work later, a ribbon was cut above the new steps in early July. The construction, conducted by Building Restoration Corp. of Roseville, Minnesota, in cluded bringing in newly cut slabs of Indiana limestone to replace the worn-out treads. The process also involved the removal of some of the pieces of Dunnville sandstone that surrounded the stairs and landings. That’s the same kind of locally quar ried stone that makes up the rest of the building’s exterior. While most of the original Dunnville sandstone blocks could be reused, a few new ones had to be found – which was

MABEL TAINTER THEATER

the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, which has been called one of the most beautiful theaters in the world and the second most architecturally significant building in Wisconsin. (No. 1? The State Capitol.) So it’s no surprise that donors stepped up – pun intended – to fund repairs to the front steps of the his toric landmark, which stands at 205 Main St. East. “A lot of people think the Mabel is the heart and soul of the communi ty,” said Lucas Chase, executive di rector of the Mabel Tainter. “It’s the most famous building in the commu nity, especially for the downtown.” Over the course of 134 years, Wisconsin weather and millions of footsteps had worn away at the slabs of Indiana limestone. “Some of those treads had lost an inch and half in their thickness over the years,”

fortunate, because Dunnville sand stone was last quarried nearly 20 years ago. Considering the building’s age and importance, maintenance is an ongoing focus at the Mabel Tainter, which hosts more than 90 perfor mances each year (some of which are highlighted below). The arts center is now in the midst of a $7.2 million comprehensive campaign, which is meant to create a $5 million endow ment as well as raise $2.2 million for capital projects – notably a new roof, which will be needed in the near future. Maintaining the building will result in maintaining its cultural and economic impact, Chase said. “To have a facility of this age, almost 135 years old, to look so close to what it was when it was opened is pretty remarkable,” he said. “People of the community and of the Chippewa Val ley take great pride in ownership of this building.” UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Since it opened in 1890 as an ornate, public memorial to the late daughter of a lumber baron, the Ma bel Tainter has hosted countless lo cal and touring performances. Here are a few highlight’s from the arts center’s upcoming calendar. JAKE SHIMABUKURO AUG. 11, 6-7:30PM | $52 If you know the ukulele, you might know the name, the innovator who is Jake Shimabukuro. He has

captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Jake em braced a deep love and respect for the ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS: THE FINAL TOUR SEPT. 12, 7:30-9PM | $80 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a rag tag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition.” They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record; writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies that would send shivers up your spine. EVENING WITH SUZY BOGGUSS NOV. 14, 7:30PM | $45 For Suzy Bogguss, life is all about connection. She's a living legend of country music, having earned eight Top 10 hits throughout the 1990s, including “Someday Soon,” “Aces,” “Drive South,” and “Hey Cinderella.” From Grammy-winning performanc es to platinum-selling records, Suzy has proudly called her own shots for four decades, earning her stripes as a singer-songwriter, producer, and road warrior along the way. Learn more about these and other upcoming events at mabeltainter.org.

WORN STEPS BEFORE RESTORATION

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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TAKE ME BACK TO THE BALLGAME MENOMONIE BLUE CAPS SAVOR CAMARADERIE, PLAY ‘BASE BALL’ 1860S STYLE words by TOM GIFFEY | photos by TIMOTHY MATHER

F or the Menomonie Blue Caps, going to the ballgame involves more than visiting a physical location. There’s time travel involved, too. And not just the nostalgic time travel that many of us experience when we watch – or take part in – America’s pastime. Everything about the Blue Caps – including their uniforms, equipment, attitude, and the rules they follow – hearkens back to a time long passed. Specifically, back

Blue Caps are mostly in the latter camp. “There’s no trophy or tourna ment or cash prizes,” he said. “None of that existed yet. You’re out there because it’s fun and you want to play baseball.” In addition to the classic uni forms, the top-hatted umpires, and obligatory shouts of “Huzzah,” part of the fun of old-time “base ball” is the nicknames: Dubuque, for in stance, is known to teammates as “Mad Dog,” while teammates an

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to 1860, when the National Associa tion of Base Ball Players approved a rule book still followed by the

swer to Kojack, Stache, Smoke, Bones, Chip,

Steamboat, Wall Street, and Beans (whose son has been dubbed String

Blue Caps and a net work of vintage base ball teams across the country. In addition to their

Bean). The current incarna

tion of the team was born in 2012, when Matt Carter – then director of the Dunn County Historical Society and a baseball fan – created the team to play a couple of exhibition games to coincide with a baseball exhibit at the museum. Dubuque, then a museum volunteer, joined the team for its first full sea son in 2013 and became captain a couple of years later. While the 20-player roster is ever-changing, about eight member have been with the team since 2013, Dubuque said. They are men from around west-central Wisconsin who look forward to spending summer weekends enjoying the vintage game and each other’s company. “It is a crazy weird addiction that none of us can stop,” he quipped. This year the team had 13 dates on its schedule, some involving multi-game tourneys, including the Gettysburg National 19th Century

quaint uniforms – modeled after those of the original Blue Caps, who played in Menomonie between 1882 and 1941 – the Blue Caps follow quaint rules: Among other things, they play without gloves, pitch un derhanded, and can’t be called out on strikes (you can only strike out while swinging). A ball caught after the first bounce is an out, and a ball is considered fair or foul based on where it hits the ground first. What results is a (usually) slow er-paced “gentleman’s game” that appeals to a wide range of players, said team captain Dustyn Dubuque. While the Blue Caps are all men, other vintage teams are co-ed, and players may range from teenag ers to folks in their 80s. (At age 35, Dubuque is among the youngest on his team.) Some are baseball or soft ball lovers who want to keep playing, while others are there for the goofy, history-tinged fun. Dubuque said the

“It is a crazy, weird addiction that none of us can stop.” –DUSTYN DUBUQUE, MENOMONIE BLUE CAPS

GETTING IN THE SWING OF THINGS. The Blue Caps’ Mike “Smoke” Hayden pitches to a member of the Milwaukee Greys as Wade “Bones” Lambrigtsen serves as catcher.

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Base Ball Festival July 20-21 in Pennsylvania. While there will be no more Menomonie home games this season, remaining 2024 games will bring the Blue Caps to Whitehall, Boyceville, Cameron, Dallas, and Sand Creek – home of their local rivals, the Sand Creek 9 – as well as to Illinois and Minnesota. (Because there are few vintage teams in this part of Wisconsin, the Blue Caps frequently play against Minnesota squads.) While Dubuque acknowledges he’s become a better hitter over the years, what he’s come to love most

about the game is the camaraderie, which is shared with teammates as well as opponents: Players from competing teams have been known to fill out rosters in a pinch, and oc casionally someone will come out of a crowd at a game to join the team. “I think we have really hard core adopted that the fun aspect outweighs everything else,” he said. “If we’re not having fun, what are we doing?” Learn more about the team and its schedule at dunnhistory.org/ menomonie-blue-caps or facebook. com/MenomonieBlueCaps.

EYES ON THE SKY. Umpire Bob “The Barrister” Rodgers, left, and Blue Cap Steve “Kojack” Nichols.

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THINK MENOMONIE AWESOME MENOMONIE EVENTS, EXPERIENCES, PLACES TO GO, & MORE listings by JAMES JOHONNOTT

as stalactites, stalagmites, and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging from the ceiling or covering the ledges. The cave is accessed by a series of steps and ramps that allow you to descend 70 feet underground where your journey follows well-lit, graveled trails. The cave temperature hovers near 50 degrees, so a sweatshirt is recom mended. Devil's Punchbowl 410th St, Menomonie • landmarkwi.org/devils-punchbowl/ The Devil’s Punchbowl is a surreal geological rarity outside Menomonie. Created by the movement of glaciers over 500 million years ago, the bowl is a stunning sandstone hollow circle where water trickles down to the center. Eau Galle Cheese Factory N6765 State Highway 25, Durand • eaugallecheese. com Family owned since 1945, Eau Galle Cheese produces millions of pounds of cheese every year. Their asiago and parmesan have won 6 awards in national and international cheese competitions. They are a certified organic pro ducer of hard Italian cheeses. Ellsworth Creamery Cooperative 3001 County Road B, Menomonie • (715) 430-5311 • ellsworthcheese.com The recently opened Menomonie location of the award-winning Ellsworth Creamery. Watch the cheesemaking process, try deep fried cheese curds, and enjoy pizzas, sandwiches, ice cream, fudge, specialty meats, and more. Farm to Fork S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • (715) 210-1799 • farmtoforkretreat. com Pizza season is 5-9pm, Thursdays May through September. Farm to Fork offers indoor and outdoor seating, full service bar (wine, beer, cocktails, and mocktails), and is pet friendly.

No reservation necessary. They usually have live music during pizza nights. Water bottles welcome, but leave all other beverages and food at home. Furlong Gallery 178 Micheels Hall, UW Stout, Menomonie • (715) 232-2261 • uwstout. edu/furlonggallery/ The Furlong Gallery at UW Stout features student and touring art exhibits in a variety of media. Govin’s Farm N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • govinsfarm.com In fall, Govin’s features three full acres of pick-your own pumpkin patch, 11-acre corn maze. They sell a variety of produce and grass-fed/range-fed meats. In Spring, their lambing barn opens to pet the cute animals. In summer, Govin's opens for strawberry picking. Jeremiah's Bullfrog Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd., Menomonie • (715) 664-8775 • facebook.com/JeremiahsEatMyFish Visit the fish farm and catch your own fish (no license required) and watch as it is netted, cleaned, and iced. Enjoy a shore lunch fish sandwich and live music. Lucette Brewing Company 910 Hudson Rd., Menomonie • (715) 233-2055 • lucettebrew ing.com Focusing on locally sourced and organic ingredients, the eatery offers classic house pizzas and rotating seasonal creations, each with a beer pairing featuring an in-house brew. Stop in for a free pizza and a pint on your birthday! Check out their Event Pavilion for weddings and parties. Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main St. East, Menomonie • (715) 235-6533 • mmfc.coop Located in downtown Menomonie,

this co-op stocks a wide variety of locally sourced meats such as beef, buffalo, chicken, heirloom pork, brats & sausages, lamb, and fresh, local seafood. Offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, cheeses, dairy items, breads, spirits, and more grocery items. They have a deli, serving up fresh cuts and sandwiches, and they teach classes focusing on wellness, forag ing, nutrition, and cooking. Red Cedar Speedway 1700 block of Stout Rd., Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie • (715) 235-6318 • info@redcedarracing.com • redcedarracing.com Watching races at the The Red Cedar Speedway is a classic Menomonie area pastime from April through mid August every Friday. Pit gates open at 4pm, main gates at 5pm, with racing at 7pm. Simply Dunn - Dunn County Pottery E4606 County Rd. C, Downsville • (715) 664 8368 • marionlang@charter.net • simply-dunn. com Simply Dunn's newly renovated 18th cen tury schoolhouse is surrounded by spectacular gardens and offers a lovely view of the river valley below. The gallery features fine, local arts and crafts, a shop offering locally made and fair trade gifts, and a beautiful space available to rent for events, classes, and meetings. The gallery and gift shops feature the stoneware, por celain, and terra cotta pottery of John Thomas. The Stone Barn S685 County Road KK, Nelson • (715) 673-4478 • info@nelsonstone barn.com • thenelsonstonebarn.com/pizza The Stone Barn offers a selection of pizza special ties, including a weekly rotating special and a build your own option. Pizzas are $20-30 and serve 2-3 people. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served at the bar. Pizza season is Fri (5-9pm) Sat (12-9pm) and Sun (12-8pm), Late

ATTRACTIONS —

The Bottoms Put "524th Street/Dunnville Rd" into Google Maps, Menomonie If you’re looking for a pristine beachscape, or a chill secluded place to camp, nothing beats The Bottoms. Once you make your way along the dirt path toward the water, the beach stretches for about a mile along the Red Cedar River in the shadows of a walking bridge from the Red Cedar Trail. The sand is soft, the water is cool, and half the fun is in finding it. Once you’re there, it’s the ultimate oasis for a sun-soaked getaway right here in the Valley. Brewery Nonic 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • (715) 578-9078 • facebook.com/brewerynonic A taproom-only microbrewery housed in a historic refurbished train depot, their taps feature four staple flavors and four rotating experimental flavors. The space has board games, classic 1970s era pinball machine, and a large outdoor patio with fire pit and yard games. Food trucks are common, and they regularly host food from Chef Stacy's pop-up Stacked Eatery. Cady Cheese Factory 126 State Road 128, Wilson • cadycheese.com Cady Cheese special izes in American type cheeses Colby, Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda made from 100% natural ingredients. Enjoy free samples of the 100+ flavors of cheeses when you visit. Crystal Cave W965 State Road 29, Spring Valley • (715) 778-4414 • acoolcave. com Knowledgeable guides will lead you on a one-hour tour through a maze of well-lighted passages where glistening cave formations such

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