Cranberry Season Is In Wisconsin And These Are The Best Spots And Timing For A Colorful Harvest
Wisconsin’s cranberry wonderlands make autumn shine. As summer greens fade, Wisconsin’s marshlands transform into a dazzling sea of crimson.
The floating cranberries glisten in the autumn sunlight, turning ordinary bogs into ruby-studded spectacles. For anyone chasing fall magic, there’s no better place to witness this natural wonder.
1. When the Berries Bloom
Mid-September through late October marks peak cranberry season in Wisconsin. Farms swing open their gates, roadside stands brim with tart treasures, and visitors can sometimes wade right into flooded marshes.
The crown jewel? Warrens Cranberry Festival in late September draws over 100,000 berry enthusiasts for parades, tastings, and family activities celebrating the crimson harvest.
2. Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center
History meets flavor at this Warrens museum where interactive exhibits tell the story of America’s favorite berry. Children delight in hands-on activities while adults appreciate the cultural significance of this native fruit.
The real highlight? Their cranberry ice cream shop serving up sweet-tart scoops alongside locally-made preserves, chocolates, and wines that showcase cranberry’s versatility.
3. Wetherby Cranberry Company
Rolling up your pants and stepping into a flooded cranberry bog becomes reality at Wetherby’s annual Harvest Day. This third-generation family farm in Warrens offers an authentic hands-on experience few other locations provide.
Visitors capture Instagram-worthy photos amid a sea of floating rubies while learning harvesting techniques directly from the farmers who’ve perfected them across generations.
4. Rooted in Red in Bloomer
Family traditions run deep at this charming cranberry operation where visitors experience small-batch craftsmanship. Their guided tours reveal sustainable growing practices while showcasing the remarkable engineering behind controlled flooding.
After learning comes tasting! Sample their signature cranberry wines, fresh berries, and artisanal preserves while chatting with family members who’ve tended these same marshes for generations.
5. Glacial Lake Cranberries
Step back in time at Wisconsin Rapids’ oldest continuously operating cranberry marsh. Since the 1870s, these historic bogs have produced ruby-red harvests against a backdrop of pristine northwoods beauty.
Their guided harvest tours sell out quickly each autumn as visitors flock to witness traditional techniques. The century-old wooden sorting house still functions, offering a glimpse into cranberry farming’s rich heritage.
