Frolic

For over 80 years, the John McIlquham family has been growing quality apples at their orchard eight miles east of Chippewa Falls. John & Marykay McIlquham and their two children have continued the tradition by adding something new to the traditional orchard experience - wine and hard apple cider!</p> <p>Established in 2004, Autumn Harvest Winery produces 14 wines. All wines are produced and bottled by the McIlquhams, fermented in small batches from their orchard-grown apples, as well as from Wisconsin grapes and other fruits from around the region. This local winery has gained a great deal of attention with their award-winning wines, ranging from dry to semi-sweet selections. The tasting room and orchard store are open seasonally, May through October. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine on their patio. Kids can run the FREE corn maze (September & October). Enjoy live music on Wine Down Saturdays and mark your calendars for the annual Fall Festival, held in September. Pick your own apples and ready picked apples, and wagon rides are also available. Wines can also be found at select local retailers in the Chippewa Valley.</p> <p>Summer Hours: Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday.</p> <p>Fall Hours: Beginning mid-August open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.</p>

Crystal Cave is fun for the entire family! Discover the wonders of their cave with professionally guided tours. Descend more than 70 feet below ground to learn about the history, the geology, and the bats who call the cave home! There’s a lot to do above ground. Once you’re out of the cave, search for real gems and fossils at Prospector’s Creek. Enjoy their hiking trails, picnicking, and the educational gift shop. There’s always something new to enjoy and explore at Wisconsin’s longest cave! You are guaranteed an adventure that is truly under this world!

The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts - formerly the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater - has brought cultural excellence to the Chippewa Valley since it was commissioned in 1889 by Captain and Bertha Tainter to honor their daughter Mabel, who passed away in 1886 at the age of 19.</p> <p>The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Theaters and is a Wisconsin Historic Marker destination. The 123 year old "jewel box" Victorian theater presents a diverse season of music, theater, dance, and comedy. The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts also offers visual arts exhibitions, an annual fine arts and crafts fair, arts education, and cultural activities.</p> <p>For further information or to learn about upcoming events, visit www.mabeltainter.org.</p>

Experience the best of Wisconsin Wine Country at River Bend Vineyard and Winery in Chippewa Falls. Specializing in well-balanced wines with exceptional local flavor, River Bend offers their guests the complete wine experience, right here in western Wisconsin. Complimentary wine tasting is provided for groups under 20. There is a fee for groups over 20, call for more information. Guests may enjoy wine by the glass or bottle from the patio overlooking the vineyard. Gourmet foods and gifts for the wine enthusiast are also available. Summer brings concerts on the lawn, and fall brings the local grape harvest.</p> <p>Check out www.riverbendvineyard.com for event details, and plan your excursion to Wisconsin Wine Country today!</p> <p>April Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12 - 5 <br />May - December Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11 - 7 and Sunday 12 - 5.</p>