The city of Shawano and Shawano Lake were all named after Sawanoh, the Menominee Chief, who led the tribe living near the lake east of Green Bay.
The lumber industry in this city in Shawano County was the primary source of growth for the town in its early years, and the waterways became the means of efficient transport of logs back then.
Today, Shawano has become a wonderful city full of attractions to offer its locals and tourists that visit.
Put this city on your travel list and explore the beauty it offers.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Shawano, Wisconsin:
Have you ever heard of Twig’s soda? Well, Twig’s is a classic soda manufactured since the 1590s.
In the middle of this lovely community in Shawano is Twig’s Beverage, which sells old-fashioned sodas you won’t find just anywhere else.
Twig’s has been running its business since 1951, and its sodas have been quenching many people’s thirst.
Now visitors to Twig’s can step back in time at the exciting new museum showcasing the history of sodas.
You can set out on a self-guided tour of the museum by signing into the guest book and then heading to the theatre for a short film about Twig’s history.
The best part about this museum is that you can see the bottling staff in action and, if you’re lucky, snag a free taste or two.
Don’t forget to grab classic sodas that their gift shop offer after your tour!
Engaging in physical activity is important, and playing sports is a great way to stay active.
The Memorial Park is the perfect place to play some sports with friends, boasting 19 acres of land specifically for playing fields.
This includes three softball diamonds, one lighted baseball field, and even a Little League diamond illuminated for night games.
And if you need to take a break, the park’s sizeable multipurpose shelter has got you covered!
There are more things that this park offers, like sand volleyball and basketball ball courts.
The park also has a wading pool open to the public and a playground for your little ones.
It also has restrooms and concession stand facilities, making it an ideal rental space for intimate gatherings or significant events.
When you visit Shawano, make sure you play in this park!
A thrilling experience awaits you at the USAIR Motorsports Raceway in Shawano.
USAIR Motorsports Raceway in Shawano is a great place to go for an adrenaline-pumping day of racing.
The track features a variety of courses in its 1.1-mile road course, and its vast property that spans 40 acres has been a frequent place for competitions at the national level.
And if you’re a race fan, you’ll be happy to know that the raceway is home to one of the country’s top racing teams.
In addition to being a great place to catch all the action, the motorsports park also has several amenities that make it a great place to spend the day.
There’s a playground for the kids, plenty of picnic areas for families, and even a beer garden for adults.
So if you’re looking for excitement, USAIR Motorsports Raceway is the perfect place to be.
Mielke Park, located along Airport Road in Shawano, is perfect for anyone seeking outdoor activities.
In addition to being an event center, the Shawano County Arts Council’s Mielke Arts Center also boasts wooded trails and scenic ponds.
Mielke Park is an excellent spot for arts festivals during summertime and Shawano’s hidden gem.
Many different types of folk music and crafts are present at the park, which has a scenic view of Shawano Lake.
The playground makes it perfect for young children, and the picnic shelter gives individuals a lovely sight of the lake’s southwest corner.
Take in the beauty of this hidden gem of Shawano!
Did you know that sturgeons are the most endangered species group on earth?
These fantastic creatures have been around since the time of dinosaurs but are now in danger of being extinct due to overfishing, illegal caviar trade, and habitat loss.
And it can be found in Sturgeon Park in Shawano!
Sturgeon Park is one of the natural habitats for sturgeons in the area.
Thousands of people visit this neighborhood park yearly to see the annual Lake Sturgeon Spawn in the spring.
If timed correctly, you can observe hundreds of prehistoric fish simultaneously.
The park has a rentable Gazebo and asphalt paths for biking and walking, which connect to nearby parks.
Plus, the Mountain Bay State Trail is right next door!
Make sure you get to Sturgeon Park at the right time to see those prehistoric fishes.
If you are looking for a spot to go fishing, you better check out Kuckuk Park!
Kuckuk Park, located in the Southwest portion of the city, covers 7.8 acres and has plenty to offer park-goers.
The park has three fishing piers perfect for anyone who loves to fish.
If you’re looking to celebrate an event, the park pavilion can be rented out.
There are also picnic tables and a playground for families with young children.
If you’re looking for a place to take a peaceful stroll or ride your bike, look no further than Kuckuk Park.
With 1.5 acres of land being restored to native plants, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
The park regularly hosts community events, like the Optimist Mountain Bay 5k Run.
Kuchuk Park is the perfect place to enjoy fresh fish!
Take advantage of all the park has to offer and have a great time.
Fawn Lake Campground is located in Shawano and offers a variety of amenities to make your camping experience enjoyable.
The campground features a heated pool, an on-site laundry facility, and a playground.
Build your tents on the area’s grounds before sunset, so you will only focus on the gracefully setting sun at the end of the day.
Fawn Lake Campground is an all-package site that will let you have a one-of-a-kind camping experience.
The campground offers a sand beach area to complete your camping experience, as well as an event area for talent shows at night.
If you’re looking for a lovely place to host your next small gathering, look no further than Arlington Park in Shawano.
This 3.6-acre neighborhood park, located in Humphrey Circle north of Green Bay Street, offers a pavilion you can rent for small gatherings with your family or friends.
You can also use the vast open area of the park for your party games and even cook meats on the grills here.
There is also a playground, two half-court basketball courts, and two tennis courts built for recreational activities.
Invite your friends and catch up at Arlington Park!
If you want something unique as a gift for your loved ones, go to Bottle House Antiques.
Because the owners love antiquing, they created the Bottle House Antiques, whose name came from Twig’s Beverages, their family soda business.
They have a variety of unique items that will pique your interest.
In fact, every Monday, they add new items to their collections to give you a wide selection for your gifts.
You can find old ceramic plates, vases, kettles, pots, vintage watches, globes, artworks, and many more.
Enjoy shopping for gifts here at Bottle House Antiques!
The best place to get to know Shawano is through Heritage Park.
Its grounds sprawl across 2.6 acres of land along the south bank of the Shawano Lake Outlet, just east of Sunset Island Park.
The area is home to several historical buildings that contain displays and exhibits depicting the county and the city’s rich history.
The park sits on the site of the first European settlement in Shawano County and offers a stunning view of the Wolf River.
Several parks’ museums include the John Kast House, built in 1871, exhibiting furnishings and displays; a one-room schoolhouse built in 1895; a reconstructed 1800s log cabin; an agriculture museum at the “Oil House” 1930s limestone building; and more.
You’ll see more historic buildings and sites here, so check it out!
Nestled in the hills of Shawano, the Shawano Ski Sharks Show Site is the perfect place to enjoy a winter day.
With its gentle slopes and wide open spaces, the Show Site is ideal for beginners and experienced skiers.
Shawano Ski Sharks is a non-profit organization that puts on weekly water ski shows for the public.
The team competes against other high-level Wisconsin teams, state and nationally.
They have been hosting events at all levels recently!
The Shawano Ski Sharks Show Site is a great place to visit if you want to see a thrilling show.
Sunset Island Park is a picturesque spot located in Shawano.
Most Shawano locals refer to Sunset Island as Monkey Island.
To get there, park at the corner of North Franklin and West First Streets, then take the footbridge over to the island.
The park features beautiful views of Lake Shawano and a variety of visitor amenities.
Picnic tables and grills are available for use.
In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and deer.
Sunrise and sunset are lovely times to visit Sunset Island Park when the sky is aglow with colors.
Are you looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sun setting down?
Then, Sunset Island Park is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Tubing down a lazy river is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy Shawano.
Here at Great Wolf Tubing Co, LLC, they offer various tubing options to suit your needs.
They have something for everyone, from leisurely float trips to more adventurous whitewater tubing.
This place also offers kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding in the beautiful waters of Wolf River.
The trips here include a shuttle service, so you don’t have to worry about getting late for your next water adventure.
Their experienced guides will help you navigate the river and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
So come on down and join the Great Wolf Tubing Co, LLC for a day of fun in the sun!
If you are looking for a store that gives a variety of souvenirs, Lark Country Store is the perfect place to go.
In Shawano, Lark Country Store is your one-stop shop for all your needs.
This shop has been running for 22 years offering local products, food, different spices, and supermarket staples.
If you’re feeling crafty, they also have books and cards.
You can also buy Rada Cutlery as a gift and kitchenware here.
Visit Lark County Store to look for souvenirs your family and friends deserve!
There are also sites you can visit nearby Shawano if you want to see other attractions.
Check out these whenever you have time!
These ruins in Gresham called Alexian Brothers Novitiate offers a stunning view of its structure.
Just 18 minutes away from Shawano, this massive home on the Red River was constructed in 1939 and served as a dormitory for the Alexian Brothers order.
Following months of heated negotiation with the church, the area was handed to a local Native American tribe in the 1970s.
The tribe could not maintain the property after purchasing it for $1, and it was eventually turned over to the local township of Gresham.
It has subsequently begun to fall, yet it is still a beautiful site to behold.
The place offers walking tours to some areas of the mansion while explaining the history it holds.
Make sure to include Alexian Brothers Novitiate in your itinerary when you visit Gresham near Shawano.
Add Shawano to your travel bucket list for an unforgettable experience.
This picturesque city offers historical sites, parks, camping grounds, event areas, and eateries, with something for everyone in the family!
So when you go here, don’t forget to try these 15 best things to do in Shawano, Wisconsin.
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