As the snow melts giving way to spring just around the corner, we approach one of the most anticipated times of the year, summer. Consider taking your retreat or conference to one of these Wisconsin #instagramworthy group destinations for some inspiration.
Northeast and East Central
Northern Wisconsin communities are vibrant, naturally picturesque, and discerned with rolling hills, lakes, and streams. Enjoy exciting year-round activities here along with delightful cultural events and premier dining.
Greater Green Bay is Wisconsin’s oldest settlement and continues to be a major shipping area today. The smallest city to host a NFL team that is the only one owned by its fans. Meeting space is distinctive and abundant, including the KI Convention Center, The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, and The Atrium at Lambeau Field. Comfortable lodging, dozens of casual and fine dining choices and ample attractions and culture make this destination one you will not want to miss.
Situated on the Fox River, Appleton is just 30 miles southwest of Green Bay. The good folks here extend a warm welcome to visitors who gather at the cultural heart of the Fox Cities, visit the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Fox Cities Stadium, and the Fox River Mall. Local museums are worth exploring and focus on favorite local son, Harry Houdini, as well as the paper industry. What’s more, Appleton is home to one of the largest children’s museums in the Midwest.
Oshkosh, also tucked into Northeast Wisconsin and is conveniently located within driving distance of three major metropolitan areas. Imagine how your event will take off in the spacious setting of the famous EAA Aviation Museum. Plus, the city of Oshkosh offers so many recreational options, your guests might be tempted to extend their stay.
Central Fun
Visitors to central Wisconsin will delight in the area’s fascinating history, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming hospitality by some of the state’s friendliest people. But don’t be fooled by the small-town ambience in this region. These communities boast many of the most state-of-art facilities and attractions in the country.
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World®,” the city of Wisconsin Dells is world famous for its indoor and outdoor waterparks. But that’s not all you’ll find here. Discover live entertainment, luxury and family-friendly accommodations, a host of dining options, plus museums, breweries, wineries, spas, and more as one of many four season resort properties including Glacier Canyon Conference Center at Wilderness Resort.
Explore the Northwest
Western Wisconsin is home to rivers, lakes, woods, parks, trails, and adventure. Just a short drive to the Twin Cities’ metro area, western Wisconsin offers all the benefits of beautiful, natural surroundings along with the sophistication of business-savvy commerce.
Take the team to the River Falls, the vibrant college town located on the beautiful Kinnikinic River. Year-round activities abound, but River Falls is especially well known to fly fisherman and Kayakers. Have your team relax and unwind after a long day at nearby affordable hotels or historic bed and breakfasts. After a few days, they may just decide to stay.
Visit Eau Claire, located where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers converge, is an independent-minded university town offering plenty of places to explore. Lodging is plentiful here from boutique hotels like the Oxbow, to luxury hotels like The Lismore. The destination offers distinctive and versatile meeting venues with over 175,000 square feet of space for up to 1000 guests and many local attractions and activities including the Leffel Roots Apple Orchard, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Mt. Simon Park, and Beaver Creek Reserve.
Southern Charm
Head east and you’ll find some of the prettiest towns to grace the state. The Wisconsin communities close to Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan take on a resort feel, giving visitors the sense that they really have gotten away from it all. Combining quaint charm with dynamic attractions, these towns are the jewels of Wisconsin.
Just minutes from Milwaukee, Brookfield Wisconsin is the ideal spot for your meeting, retreat, or team building event. With more than 2100 hotel rooms, fine and casual dining, world-class shopping, and easy access to Miller’s Park, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Milwaukee County Museum and more, Brookfield has it all.
Destination Madison is the place to plan your unforgettable event. Nestled between lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison is one of only two major US cities built on an isthmus. A variety of unique meeting and banquet venues await your group, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace, the multi-venue complex Alliant Energy Center, or The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club. Well-known as a dining destination, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit Milwaukee's prime Lake Michigan location, world-class attractions, like the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee Art Museum, and wide range of shopping, dining, and nightlife options are just a few of the reasons that make this retreat and conference destination choice out-of-the-ordinary. The city’s urban-easy attitude is easy to get to, easy to get around, easy on the budget, and all in a relaxed, friendly, and safe downtown area.
The valuable gem of southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Geneva is heralded for its luxury resorts, festivals, trails, museums, ski hills, snowmobiling trails, and pampering spa getaways. Lake Geneva takes meetings and team building to a whole new level with a choice of classic and alternative venues, ample banquet space, and helpful meeting support services at affordable rates.
For a complete listing of meeting destinations in your area, visit our Wisconsin Destination Meeting Planner Guide.