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Your Chain O’ Lakes datebook

Chain Skiers Water Ski Shows

June 16–August 11

The state winning Waupaca Chain Skiers perform and entertain every Saturday on Rainbow Lake. Junior Show: 6:pm, Main Show: 6:30pm. King Veterans Home or Rainbow Lake, Waupaca. (715) 256-9377.

Waupaca Community Theatre presents: “Annie Warbucks”

July 28–29 & August 2–5 

This event is produced by the Waupaca community, presenting a live-theatre showing of “Annie Warbucks.” July 28, August 2, 3 & 4, 7pm. July 29, August 5, 2pm. Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center, Waupaca. (715) 258-4131.

Waupaca Area Triathlon 

August 17 & 18

For all athletic skill-sets, this annual triathlon offers short and long courses — perfect for anyone who wants to test their limits. If your kiddos are interested, they can participate the night before in the kids triathlon. Kids: 17, 6pm. Adults: 18, 7am. South Park, Waupaca. (715) 258-7343.

Waupaca County Fair

August 21–26

Check out the Waupaca County Fair, complete with animal showings, kid-friendly rides, 4-H projects and delicious fair food. 21, 12pm-close. 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26, 8am-close. Waupaca County Fairgrounds, Weyauwega. (715) 281-3822.

Fall-O-Rama

September 16

Stop by Waupaca Fall-O-Rama for a craft fair, petting zoo, yummy food and more — perfect for all ages to enjoy. All proceeds from the event help maintain and promote Waupaca’s parks. 16, 9am-4pm. South Park, Waupaca. (715) 258-4435. 

Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival

October 5 & 6

Watch seven of the best, Wisconsin based, blues bands over two nights. Tickets are available for sale online or at the door. 5, 7pm. 6, 2:30 pm. Indian Crossing Casino, Waupaca. (715) 258-7343. 

Six Ways to Play in Waupaca 

1. Shop until you drop

What better way to explore Waupaca than through their shopping? Escape big box stores and weave in and out of Main Street Shops. Be sure to stop at Main Street Marketplace and Lucky Tree for local gifts and souvenirs, Antiques on Main for reasonably priced vintage treasures and The Revival or Panache for all of your chic clothing needs. Wherever you end up, you are sure to find something you will want to bring home with you. Afterwards, drive over and shop for local produce at Turners Fresh Market. The market is open from the end of April to the end of October. Besides farm fresh produce, there is also a greenhouse on site — perfect for those with a green thumb. 

2. Explore the area’s history 

Waupaca Historical Society is keeping history alive by being dedicated to preserving the past of Waupaca. It owns four buildings to host different exhibits. All are free, but donations are welcomed. The Holly History and Genealogy Center was originally a Carnegie Library but now has many items relating to Waupaca and the nearby area, such as artifacts, local history books, documents, photos, maps, family histories and manuscripts. The Hutchinson House Museum was built in 1854, and some objects in the house date back to the Victorian Era and early settlers of Wisconsin. The Railroad Depot, originally the Soo Line Railroad Depot, was a main mode of transportation in the early 1900s. The building has since been partially restored and now houses a G-scale train model, artwork of historic Waupaca and a children’s train table. The King Cottage was originally located at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King but is now behind the Hutchinson House. It holds an exhibit of the Wisconsin Veterans Home and the other cottages from the site. 

3. Visit a “Yankee town”

The Rural Historical Society offers a self-guided tour of historic sites throughout Rural, a small community located on the Crystal River. The tour is less than a mile, but you will view 17 different sites all built in the mid to late 1800s. Rural is considered a “Yankee town” because all descendants originated from Great Britain or England; there are only two such towns in Wisconsin. Pick up a tour map at the Waupaca Chamber of Commerce. 

4. Cruise the Chain O’ Lakes

The Clear Water Harbor Restaurant offers numerous boat cruises all over the Chain O’ Lakes. Both private and public tours are offered. Enjoy your trip either on the Chief Waupaca double-decker sternwheeler or the Lady of the Lakes motor yacht. There are many different cruises — Sunday brunch, wine tasting, sunset and sangria, historical — so choose wisely! The Chapel of the Lakes cruise is an hour-long, non-denominational excursion led by local pastors. Cruises depart every Wednesday at 6 p.m. from mid-June through mid-August. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and tickets are free.

5. Hang out at The Red Mill

The Red Mill is a one-stop spot for fun, treats and history. The Mill was built in 1855 on the Crystal River but has since partially been converted into a gift shop with an old-fashioned feel along with miscellaneous knick-knacks. A cafe serves coffee, ice cream, sandwiches and paninis. A covered bridge and small chapel are also on location. The Red Mill serves as a great place to spend the day exploring — both inside and out — to see what you can find when you are not really looking. 

6. Discover the arts 

Waupaca has a diverse arts scene and there are many art-focused events happening in the community this year. The Waupaca Community Arts Board hosts several to promote their mission of “engaging the entire community in incorporating the arts into everyday life.” Arts on the Square runs August 17 and 18. People can enjoy live theater, live music, a farmers market, street performers and art displays. On July 18, August 1 and August 15 experience free outdoor concerts as part of the Summer Nights Concert Series at South Park in Waupaca. All you have to do is bring a donation for the Waupaca Food Pantry. The shows start at 7 p.m., but family art projects will begin at 6 p.m. The Phantom Art Gallery promotes local and regional artists at various pop-up locations each year. This year’s summer exhibit will be open from August 12-18 at 215 N Main Street. The first night, there will be a “Meet the Artists” event at 5 p.m. The gallery will be open the rest of the week, and on August 16 there will be a tour of the gallery with music and a discussion about artists’ creations will follow. Residents and visitors always look forward to Hidden Studios: Art Along the Ice Age Trail, happening this year October 5-7. Over 20 artists welcome the public into 10 different working studios for a behind the scenes look at their work. Explore winding back roads and quaint communities on this self-guided tour. 

Must-Have Souvenir

For fans of the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” stop by Team Outfitters and pick up the iconic Waupaca, WI T-shirt featured in season one of the show. Team Outfitters carries custom screen printed material and carries all of your Waupaca gear wants and needs, such as hats, sweatshirts and even socks! They are open Monday through Friday.