Did You Know? Wisconsin Has Another Vacation Destination—Cranberry Country
Updated: Aug 10
State 3 of 50: Wisconsin
When you think about a Wisconsin vacation, Wisconsin Dells is probably one of the first places that comes to mind—I know it is for my family. But did you know Wisconsin has another surprising vacation destination: Wisconsin Cranberry Country?
As summer begins to wind down and families start thinking about fall getaways, parts of central and northern Wisconsin prepare for one of the most colorful harvest seasons of the year.
Cranberries are not just a small crop in Wisconsin. The cranberry is Wisconsin’s official state fruit, and here is something I bet you didn’t know: Wisconsin produces more than 60 percent of the cranberries harvested in the United States.
Travelers can tour working cranberry marshes, drive through miles of cranberry-growing country, attend fall festivals and, during certain harvest events, even put on waders and step among thousands of floating red cranberries.
Wait—Cranberries Don’t Actually Grow in Water?
Cranberries actually grow on low-running vines in sandy bogs and marshes. During harvest, growers flood the cranberry beds and loosen the ripe berries from the vines. Because cranberries contain a small pocket of air, they float to the surface, where harvesting equipment can gather them.
That bright red floating harvest is what makes a fall visit to Wisconsin’s Cranberry Country so different from the usual trip to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.
Could you picture your family doing this?
I can help you turn this idea into an actual vacation—where to stay, how long to go, what to include and what works for your family's budget.
Learn more: How Wisconsin cranberries are grown and harvested...
Take a Fall Drive Along the Wisconsin Cranberry Country Highway
One of the easiest ways to explore Wisconsin’s Cranberry Country is by driving the Cranberry Highway.
The self-guided route stretches for 50 miles through central Wisconsin’s cranberry-growing region, from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens. Along the way, travelers may see cranberry beds surrounded by Wisconsin’s orange, yellow and brown fall scenery.
You can also stop at the Sandhill Wildlife Area and visit the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens. Harvest usually begins in late September and continues through much of October.
This could easily become a relaxed fall road trip instead of simply driving to one attraction and heading home.
Plan your route: Explore the Wisconsin Cranberry Highway
Step Into the Cranberry Harvest
Travelers who want an even closer look can plan around one of Wisconsin’s public harvest experiences.
Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens is holding a public harvest day on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can watch a live harvest, put on waders and walk among the floating cranberries. The event is held rain or shine, and reservations are not taken.
A second experience is scheduled for Sunday, October 4. Visitors can still put on waders and enter the floating cranberries, although the marsh will not be actively harvesting that day.
Other public tours are offered throughout central and northern Wisconsin. Because cranberry marshes are working farms and often private property, travelers should only visit locations that specifically welcome the public or offer scheduled tours.
Find an experience: View public cranberry-marsh tours and harvest events
Celebrate at the Warrens Cranberry Festival
Families who enjoy festivals, food and shopping can plan their getaway around the Warrens Cranberry Festival, scheduled for September 25–27, 2026.
The festival includes arts-and-crafts vendors, a flea market, farmers-market booths, food stands, cranberry-marsh walking tours and a Sunday parade.
And the cranberry food goes far beyond the sauce we place beside the turkey at Thanksgiving.
Visitors may find cranberry cream puffs, cranberry funnel cakes, cranberry kettle corn, pancakes with cranberry syrup, cranberry coffee and even deep-fried cranberries on a stick.
The festival’s self-guided marsh walks allow visitors to learn about cranberry farming and see a working marsh. However, the festival takes place just before the main local harvest begins, so there will not be active harvesting during the festival itself.
Festival information: View the Warrens Cranberry Festival schedule and visitor details
Turn It Into a Fall Weekend
A Wisconsin Cranberry Country getaway could include:
Driving part or all of the Cranberry Highway
Touring a working cranberry marsh
Visiting the Cranberry Discovery Center
Trying cranberry foods and locally made products
Enjoying Wisconsin’s fall colors and wildlife areas
Attending the festival or a public harvest day
It could be a fun getaway for families, couples, photographers, food lovers or anyone searching for something a little different to do this fall.
Most of us have eaten cranberries during the holidays, but how many people can say they have watched them being harvested—or stood in a marsh surrounded by thousands of floating red berries?
Ready to Explore Wisconsin’s Cranberry Country?
Whether you want to attend the festival, experience a live harvest or turn Cranberry Country into a complete fall road trip, I can help organize the lodging, route and activities around your family.
Custom itinerary planning fees may apply for this type of vacation. Any applicable fee will be explained before detailed planning begins.
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