At the intersection of I-90 and I-94 lies the city of Tomah, Wisconsin. Most of us have probably driven through or past Tomah on road trips, but you're sure to be surprised by what awaits when you get off the interstate. Here are 10 things you can't miss next time you're in Tomah!
1. Tomah's Topography
Being located right at the edge of the Driftless Area means the Tomah region has a little bit of everything in terms of topography. Ridges, valleys and long winding roads are perfect for motorcycling or a scenic drive. And the Tomah area's country highways lead right into the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry country, which brings us to number 2 on our list.
2. Cranberry Blossom Day
When you think of cranberries, the image that probably comes to mind is of bright, red cranberries floating on top of a marsh ready for harvest. But a visit to Wetherby Cranberry Company in late June for Cranberry Blossom Day gives you a glimpse at the other side of the growing process. Thousands of beautiful blossoms scattered throughout the cranberry marshes is truly a sight to behold.
3. Lake Tomah
Located on the west side of town, Lake Tomah is the perfect place to grab a kayak or a fishing pole and enjoy some time on the water. Ongoing preservation efforts by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and lake committee has left Lake Tomah's fish population thriving, so don't miss the Tomah-Warren's Sportsman's Alliance annual ice fisheree every February!
4. Tomah Recreation Trail
No matter what kind of outdoor recreation you're looking for, chances are you can find it along the Tomah Recreation Trail, which takes you past most of Tomah's beautiful parks, including the aquatic center at Buckley Park and Winnebago Park on the shore of Lake Tomah.
5. Tomah Visitor's Center
Also found right on the Tomah Recreation Trail is the Tomah Visitor's Center. Located in a recently renovated 1930s ranger station, it's a great place to take a quick break and find all kinds of information for planning your Tomah vacation right here.
6. Hiawatha Golf Club
Schedule tee time at one of central Wisconsin's best-kept golf secrets! Its convenient location is perfect for those meeting halfway between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee or Chicago, and the gorgeous landscaping will have you coming back again and again.
7. Beer and Sausage Fest
Is there anything more Wisconsin than this? Celebrate two of the things our state does best at the Tomah Rotary Beer and Sausage Fest, where you can sample local brews and enjoy delicious brats and sausages.
8. BP Smokehouse
Whether you're staying for the weekend or just passing through, BP Smokehouse is a must-stop on any trip to Tomah. Darren Price has been serving up authentic, delicious, Texas-style barbeque since the early 2000s - winning both national and international awards and even making an appearance on the Food Network along the way.
9. Budweiser Dairyland Super National Truck and Tractor Pull
As one of the three biggest truck and tractor pulls in the United States, Tomah's annual truck and tractor pull draws thousands of people from all over the world. For four days, visitors can take in all the action and power of some of the world's best pullers.
10. Crazy Daze
Do a little bargain shopping, enjoy a number of fun, family activities and even try out a group fitness class at Tomah's annual Crazy Daze Festival every August. Spread throughout Gillett Park and downtown Tomah, it's the perfect event to wind down the summer.
- Jennifer Ingish is the series producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1. Tomah's Topography
Being located right at the edge of the Driftless Area means the Tomah region has a little bit of everything in terms of topography. Ridges, valleys and long winding roads are perfect for motorcycling or a scenic drive. And the Tomah area's country highways lead right into the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry country, which brings us to number 2 on our list.
2. Cranberry Blossom Day
When you think of cranberries, the image that probably comes to mind is of bright, red cranberries floating on top of a marsh ready for harvest. But a visit to Wetherby Cranberry Company in late June for Cranberry Blossom Day gives you a glimpse at the other side of the growing process. Thousands of beautiful blossoms scattered throughout the cranberry marshes is truly a sight to behold.
3. Lake Tomah
Located on the west side of town, Lake Tomah is the perfect place to grab a kayak or a fishing pole and enjoy some time on the water. Ongoing preservation efforts by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and lake committee has left Lake Tomah's fish population thriving, so don't miss the Tomah-Warren's Sportsman's Alliance annual ice fisheree every February!
4. Tomah Recreation Trail
No matter what kind of outdoor recreation you're looking for, chances are you can find it along the Tomah Recreation Trail, which takes you past most of Tomah's beautiful parks, including the aquatic center at Buckley Park and Winnebago Park on the shore of Lake Tomah.
5. Tomah Visitor's Center
Also found right on the Tomah Recreation Trail is the Tomah Visitor's Center. Located in a recently renovated 1930s ranger station, it's a great place to take a quick break and find all kinds of information for planning your Tomah vacation right here.
6. Hiawatha Golf Club
Schedule tee time at one of central Wisconsin's best-kept golf secrets! Its convenient location is perfect for those meeting halfway between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee or Chicago, and the gorgeous landscaping will have you coming back again and again.
7. Beer and Sausage Fest
Is there anything more Wisconsin than this? Celebrate two of the things our state does best at the Tomah Rotary Beer and Sausage Fest, where you can sample local brews and enjoy delicious brats and sausages.
8. BP Smokehouse
Whether you're staying for the weekend or just passing through, BP Smokehouse is a must-stop on any trip to Tomah. Darren Price has been serving up authentic, delicious, Texas-style barbeque since the early 2000s - winning both national and international awards and even making an appearance on the Food Network along the way.
9. Budweiser Dairyland Super National Truck and Tractor Pull
As one of the three biggest truck and tractor pulls in the United States, Tomah's annual truck and tractor pull draws thousands of people from all over the world. For four days, visitors can take in all the action and power of some of the world's best pullers.
10. Crazy Daze
Do a little bargain shopping, enjoy a number of fun, family activities and even try out a group fitness class at Tomah's annual Crazy Daze Festival every August. Spread throughout Gillett Park and downtown Tomah, it's the perfect event to wind down the summer.
- Jennifer Ingish is the series producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.