Worth the Drive Art Studio Tours
While there is a definition for the word art—Merriam-Webster encompasses it as “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings”—any appreciator of art knows it can’t adequately be described because the experience is so personal.
Art is also thought-provoking and somehow surpasses its inanimate state to be wise and moving. Knowing this, artists themselves naturally become mysterious wonders of the creative world. “How do they do that?” “What’s their inspiration?” “What does this mean? “What did they want me to walk away feeling?” Often when viewing art, there are more questions than answers, more mystery than certainty.
Studio Art Tours open up an artist’s domain to their viewers, allowing some of those questions to be answered—not to mention getting an inside look at the process and environment, both of which play into the end result’s allure.
“I feel that seeing artists create their work and being able to ask them questions about the process, see them in the spaces where they create is so much more intimate and personal than wandering through an art fair or a gallery,” Lynn Rix, co-chair of Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour and Cedarburg Artists Guild Board member, says. “Of course, fairs and galleries have their place, but the tour goer gets to spend as much time as they want talking with the artist and browsing through their inventory.”
“Demonstrations and displays of works in progress further help illustrate working methods and stimulate discussions with the artists,” James McKnight, watercolor artist and Hidden Studio Art Tour scribe, adds. “It provides a chance to see how art is created in many different mediums and to fully appreciate the intricacies of each process with conversations with the artist.”
Spanning the state and self-guided with maps and brochures to navigate studios of all types in various communities, the following worth the drive tour experiences invite you into an array of artists’ worlds, no RSVPs necessary.
Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour
Celebrating its 44th year, the Cedarburg Artists Guild invites guests to visit not only a variety of artists (61 this fall!), but in an impressive array of spaces during the Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour.
“Our studios are in restored barns, garages, private homes, an old mill and two galleries,” Lynn Rix, co-chair of Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour and Cedarburg Artists Guild Board member, says. “They are on rivers, farms, rural roads, along Lake Michigan and in small towns.
“We have artists working in many different media. Paint, clay, metal, wood, textiles, jewelry, collage, encaustics, stained glass, pastel, pencil, ink printmaking, and iron. We have 2D and 3D artists. Furniture makers, black-smith, potters, studio artists and plein air artists, a glass bead maker. We even have an artist who makes baseball bats!”
There are no tickets or reservations necessary, but Rix encourages guests to plan ahead and create an itinerary to make the most of the experience.
“To help guide you, use the map, our website, our signature red arrows and flags at each stop… we suggest you go to our website and watch some of the videos to pick your “must see” artists and then map out your route. You will find art in every imaginable medium and genre. Engage with our artists: ask questions, chat, gain insight into their process, see what inspires them and have a chance to take home a unique piece of art along with its ‘story of creation.’
“Every year is a must-see year, but this year we have a record number of artists. Hopefully it is not overwhelming for the visitors. If at all possible we suggest making a weekend of it,” Rix urges. “There are several places to stay in all of our communities and with restaurants to unwind in after your days of creative inspirations.”
When: October 9-11, 2026 // 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Communities Included in the Tour: Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, Saukville, Newburg and Jackson.
Number of Artists: 61 artists (41 studios).
Cost: Free. No tickets, No reservations.
Fun Facts: “The tour was started very soon after the creation of the Cedarburg Artists Guild,” Rix says. “To be on the tour, the artist has to be a member of the Guild and to be a member of the Guild, the artist must either live in or have a studio in Ozaukee or Washington County. The Tour is completely volunteer run. One of the missions of the Guild is to educate our population and promote the love of and importance of the arts in a community.”
For More Information: To learn more and download a map of the tour, visit www.cedarburgartistsguild.com/coveredbridgeartstudiotour
Hidden Studios Art Tour
Held annually since 2004 (save for 2020 during the pandemic), the Hidden Studios Art Tour prides itself on its uniqueness and beauty—both in terms of its artists and landscape—as well as providing an experience like no other, even if you’ve participated before.
“The quality and originality of the artwork presented is what visitors cite as the main reason for initial and repeat visits over the years,” James McKnight, watercolor artist and Hidden Studio Art Tour scribe, says. “Repeat visitors can appreciate and assess the evolution of the artistry of the hosts they might have visited in previous years, while the ever-changing selection of new guest artists, and new mediums, makes every year a completely new experience.
“The Tour often coincides with peak autumn colors, making it a destination for multi-day excursions for visitors throughout the Midwest.”
Demonstrations include a glassblowing kiln, handmade paper making, glass jewelry assembly, encaustic painting and more. Host studios include Sharon Fujimoto Glass Studio; Mark Brueggeman at Atelier Vermeil; Brunett Thielking Art Studios, hosted by Keven Brunett and Kirstin Thielking; Paul Klein at New Hope In Wood; Red Sky; Mike Jagielo at Wood Plane Studios; A Touch of Glass Studio, hosted by Tammy Rae Wolter; Jessie Fritsch at Buzz in Art Studios; and Studio A hosted by Bill McKee.
“Guest artists on the Tour include three artists working in ceramics featuring utilitarian and display pieces, three skilled in jewelry creation varying from blown glass to silver media, four painters ranging from traditional oil landscapes and figurative works to mixed media and abstract creations, a glass mosaic artist and a variety of fiber and fabric artisans including leather bags, felted landscapes, and woven objects both practical and whimsical.
“For the community, it provides a chance to see how art is created in many different mediums and to fully appreciate the intricacies of each process with conversations with the artist. And with an average of over 1200 visitors each year, the Tour helps support local businesses and sponsors in the area,” McKnight shares. “Accommodations and restaurant information is included in the program guide.
“For artists, HST has generated over one million dollars in direct purchases to local artists since its inception. It also is an opportunity to display a fuller scope of work than is available in art show and gallery opportunities. In appreciation for ongoing community support, tour artists will again donate a percentage of sales back to a chosen local, non-profit charity.”
When: October 2-4, 2026
Communities Included in the Tour: Stevens Point, Amherst, Waupaca, and Villages of Arnott and Nelsonville.
Number of Artists: 10 artists, 16 guest artists.
Cost: Free.
Fun Facts: “Since its inception in 2004, the Tour has evolved as the number and locations of the host studios have changed over time,” McKnight says. “At the present time, decisions on what guest artists are included each year and most organizational tasks are spread among host studio members, in a truly cooperative fashion. A website designer and graphic artist for the brochure are also utilized… the studios are located in some very interesting structures in beautiful locations and are linked by stunning rural drives in a rolling countryside often in full autumn color.”
For More Information: Visit www.hiddenstudiosarttour.com for maps and brochures, as well as sponsoring restaurants and accommodations.
Mighty River Art Studio Tour
With the neighboring Mississippi River a work of art in its own right, the Mighty River Art Art Studio Tour is new to the tour circuit tour, but no stranger to providing an all-encompassing experience.
“We have a very creative community here in La Crosse,” Ben Richgruber, co-chair of the Mighty River Art Art Studio Tour, shares. “It’s easy to ‘see’ the musicians and stage performers, and this tour offers visibility to artists whose process can be more ‘mysterious’ to the general public who may normally just see the finished works.”
The self-guided tour includes “It’s a great opportunity to meet the artists, and talk about the work and the process. We also take the opportunity to highlight our local galleries, so visitors know where to see the work of our artists year round.
“Visitors can grab a map in advance at a participating gallery, or download a copy from our website. From there, the adventure begins! Plan your route and enjoy a scenic drive from studio to studio.
“We have an excellent mix of artists participating this year: painters, jewelers, wood, glass, ceramics, photography, and more,” Richgruber shares. “Some of our artists are seasoned veterans, and others are newer in their creative journey. All of the studios feature their work for sale, and many offer demonstrations and even the chance to try creating something yourself.”
When: September 12-13, 2026 // 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Communities Included in the Tour: Greater La Crosse area; from Galesville to the north, through Holmen, Onalaska and La Crosse, ending in Stoddard to the south.
Number of Artists: 18 artists (16 studios).
Cost: Free.
Fun Facts: “It’s always fascinating to see how each artist organizes (or not!) their space, making each studio its own work of art!” Richgruber says. “This year’s tour has a fantastic mix of artists and galleries. After the tour, you’ll have a new understanding of the creative community here in La Crosse. And new this year are some “Hot Spots” where you can make a quick stop for lunch or a glass of wine between studio and gallery stops.”
For More Information: Visit www.mightyriverartstudiotour.com for more information about artists, a map and brochure.
North Woods Art Tour
We have a small group of artists to thank for the inception of the aptly named North Woods Tour. in 2000.
“It was conceived by (them) to introduce the public to underrepresented local artists working within the community,” Amy Higgason, NWAT Board, Member and owner of Pigeon Road Pottery & Design, says. “Our list of artists changes from year to year but we are proud to still have 3 of the tour’s original stops with artists who have participated for all 26 years.
“Artists are solitary creatures. During the North Woods Art Tour we open our private work spaces to the public and share an inside look at how we work, live and create. The North Woods Art Tour is a free self-guided tour of art studios and artist-owned galleries in Oneida, Vilas, Iron and Langlade counties.
Demonstrations and art for purchase are available at all locations.
“In 2026 there are art professionals in every medium exhibiting their work. Painters, fiber artists, potters, woodworkers, photographers, jewelers and mixed media artists are all represented across the 33 locations,” Higgason shares. “It is left to the visitor to decide if they want to focus on visiting artists of a single medium, concentrate on a specific geographical section of the tour or try to visit them all. With three full days it can be done!|
“This tour helps unlock the mystery of what it is like to be a working artist in a rural community. It’s a much more intimate setting than a crowded art fair. The tour allows our artists to spend time answering questions about individual pieces, the tools they use, their inspiration and their story. In return our artists receive valuable real time feedback from the public.”
When: July 24-25 and October 9-11, 2026 // 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Communities Included in the Tour: Oneida, Vilas, Iron and Lincoln counties. The towns are: Mercer, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Arbor Vitae, Lac du Flambeau, Woodruff, Minocqua, Hazelhurst, Tomahawk, Irma, Lake Tomahawk, St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes and Rhinelander.
Number of Studios: 33, including single and guest artists.
Cost: Free.
Fun Facts: “Our brochure and website are a wonderful year-round resource for discovering great art up north,” Higgason says. “Many of our artists are available by appointment at least part of the year. Complete artist contact information is provided on the website.
“An extra bonus of this tour is the opportunity to wind through the backroads and witness the northwoods at the peak beauty of summer and during the crisp colorful days of autumn. Many of our locations are tucked into the woods in places full of charm and natural beauty.”
For More Information: Visit www.northwoodsarttour.com for the brochure, map and driving directions.