With winter weather blowing into the American Midwest, hearty souls still seek outdoor fun for the upcoming weekend. Others may flock to indoor attractions for various diversions.
What will Badger State folks do this weekend?
Take a look at some of the highlights across Wisconsin for January 18-20, 2013.
These weekend recreational and educational events are listed alphabetically by title. Event specifics may be subject to change, for possible inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so attendees are wise to call ahead before traveling.
Arctic Run Model Railroad Show and Sale – Stevens Point
The Stevens Point Convention Center hosts a model railroading extravaganza, on-track from Saturday, January 19, and Sunday, January 20. Displays and dealers draw train fans of all ages to this annual event, sponsored by the Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders, Ltd. Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for children aged 11 through 16. Children 10 and under may enter for free. (Contact: 715-344-0200.)
Badger State Winter Games – Various Wisconsin cities
Celebrating 25 years, the Badger State Winter Games, opens Saturday, January 19, with Olympic-style sports going on all over Wisconsin. Competitions are scheduled in Oshkosh, Madison, and Wausau. Activities include Alpine skiing, archery, billiards, bowling, clay target sports, curling, figure skating, Nordic skiing, and snowmobiling.
The Badger State Winter Games continue for two additional weekends, running January 25 through 27, as well as January 31 through February 3. (Contact: 715-355-8788.)
Bald Eagle Watching Days – Prairie du Sac
January 18 may be National Peking Duck Day in the United States, but Midwestern bird lovers wing their way into Sauk County for two days of avian education and viewing at the River Arts Center’ theatre and museum and the Sauk Prairie High School. Eagles return each winter to Prairie du Sac for prime fishing in the Wisconsin River.
This free event on Friday, January 18, and Saturday, January 19, offers guided bus tours, Birds of Prey presentations, Native American eagle legend retellings, wildlife photography seminars, and more. (Contact: 608-643-4168.)
Big Elk/Musser Lake Association Ice Fishing Contest
Reeling in Badger State anglers all day on Saturday, January 19, this Price County fishing contest offers cash prizes for top Blue Gill, Crappie, Northern, Perch, and Walleye catches. Paddle wheel contests and a raffle are also on the line at Big Elk Bar and Grill. (Contact: 715-339-3166.)
Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest – Madison
This annual Mad-town highlight draws beer and cheese lovers to Dane County’s Alliant Energy Center (see map) for samples and socialization. The 2013 Beer and Cheese Fest, sponsored by Isthmus Publishing Company, goes on all day on Saturday, January 19, just one day before National Cheese Lover’s Day. Tickets are available online. (Contact: 608-251-5627.)
Milwaukee Boat Show – West Allis
All weekend long, Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Exposition Center will feature an enormous display of boats, boating equipment, and marine supplies. More than 300 watercrafts from some 75 manufacturers are on-deck for Wisconsin’s biggest boating expedition of the year. Tickets may be purchased online, and discount coupons may be available. (Contact: 616-447-2860.)
Waukesha Janboree - Waukesha
Running from Friday, January 18, through Sunday, January 20, the Waukesha Janboree presents a chili challenge, cross-country skiing, a dog pull, horse-drawn wagon rides, an ice sculpting contest, ice skating, a talent show, and additional family-friendly offerings. Most activities are free. The 2013 Janboree occurs right in Waukesha’s downtown area. (Contact: 262-524-3737.)
WBAY RV and Camping Show – Green Bay
Midwestern outdoors enthusiasts roll into Green Bay for this giant four-day exposition at the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. January 19 is Tin Can Day in the U.S., but that has nothing to do with any of the cutting-edge displays at this expo.
More than 80 exhibits are expected at the 2012 RV and Camping Show, hosted by WBAY radio and featuring everything from campsites to camping equipment and supplies. This event opens on Thursday, January 17, continuing through Sunday, January 20. (Contact: 920-494-3401.)
West Bend Antique Show – West Bend
With 50-plus dealers on display, the West Bend Antique Show draws lovers of antiquities to the Washington County Fair complex on Saturday, January 19, and Sunday, January 20. Admission to this N.L. Promotions, LLC, attraction costs $5. Children’s tickets are free. (Contact: 414-525-0820.)
World Championship Snowmobile Derby – Eagle River
Racers are spectators zoom to Vilas County for this premier snowmobiling event, occurring from Thursday, January 17, through Sunday, January 20. More than 1,400 snowmobile entries are set to compete in oval and snow-cross events at the Eagle River Derby Track. World champions and Derby queens from past races will be on hand to greet spectators. Daily and weekend tickets are sold online. (Contact: 715-479-4424.)
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