Summer is a wonderful time of year in Wisconsin. So how can you make the most of it?
We asked our Shine Realty REALTORs what was on their bucket list this summer. Here are 16 ways they’re hoping to savor and make memories this summer:
1. GO OUT FOR ICE CREAM
Cold ice cream and warm summer days go hand-in-hand. This is one of our agents’ favorite things to do in the summer.
Here are some of the great joints to check out for tasty ice cream in Jefferson County this summer:
- Capputan – Fort Atkinson
- Frostie Freeze – Fort Atkinson
- Jerzey Junction – Lake Mills
- Jones Market – Fort Atkinson
- Mullen’s Dairy Bar – Watertown
- Sweet Scoop A’ La Mode – Cambridge
- Timber Creek Pizza – Lake Mills
- Wedl’s – Jefferson
- Culver’s – Lake Mills, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, Watertown
2. ATTEND A BASEBALL GAME
Whether you like Little League or Big League games, there are plenty of opportunities to “Take me out to the ball game!” This is another favorite summer activity for some of the Shine team and a sport Shine realtors have sponsored and coached throughout the years.
Besides the local kids’ leagues, there are a few other fun leagues in our area with talented ball players, like the:
- Milwaukee Brewers – on the summer bucket list of Aidan, Carrie, Shannon
- Lake Country DockHounds – Wisconsin’s newest professional baseball team with family-friendly entertainment in Oconomowoc.
- Madison Mallards
- Home Talent – Watch the Lake Mills Grays, Jefferson Blue Devils, Fort Atkinson Generals, Waterloo McKays, Cambridge Blues, McFarland Muskies, and more.
3. GO HIKING
Another fun way to enjoy the outdoors this summer is to go hiking! You can walk, run, or go horseback riding on some beautiful trails in Wisconsin like Vera and Zach K.
- Aztalan State Park – Aztalan
- Lapham Peak – Kettle Moraine State Forest (where Carrie and Maureen hike, and Shannon rides horse)
- Paradise Springs Nature Trail – Eagle
- Parfrey’s Glen – Merrimac
4. SHOP FARMER’S MARKETS
Support local farmers and vendors by getting fresh produce, baked goods and other food, soaps, crafts, flowers, and gifts at local farmer’s markets.
- Watertown – Tuesdays 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Riverside Park
- Lake Mills – Wednesdays 2:00-6:00 PM at Commons Park
- Fort Atkinson – Saturdays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM across from the post office on Milwaukee Ave
- Madison – Saturdays 6:15 AM – 1:45 PM on the Square (on Katie’s bucket list)
- Oconomowoc – Saturdays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM across from the Community Center (on Maureen’s bucket list)
5. VISIT CARNIVALS & COUNTY FAIRS
Summer carnivals and county fairs are more ways to make fun memories this summer. Whether it’s for the games, rides, animals, music, beer tent, or tractor pulls, there’s a lot of fun to be had.
Some of our realtors’ favorites are:
- Town & Country Days – Lake Mills (on the bucket list of Zach P. and Ginger)
- Jefferson County Fair – Jefferson (an event Shannon loves each summer)
- State Fair – Milwaukee (something Carrie looks forward to)
- Summerfest – Milwaukee (where Katie looks forward to going)
6. GO BOATING
Getting out on the water boating is another cool way to enjoy summer days in Wisconsin.
Some of the Shine Realty agent’s favorite places to go boating are:
- Rock Lake – Lake Mills
- Lake Ripley – Cambridge
- Castle Rock Lake – near Adams
Whether you’re a Rock Lake fan like Adriane and many of the Shine team, a Lake Ripley fan like Aidan, or a Castle Rock Lake fan like Maureen, you can savor summer with friends on one of Wisconsin’s great lakes!
7. DRINK & DINE OUTSIDE
Eating & sipping drinks outside is another favorite summer activity around here.
There are SO many places to choose from, but here are a few places mentioned by our Realtors:
- Lucky Chucky’s Beach Bar & Grill – Oconomowoc (recommended by Maureen)
- Island Bar & Grill – Lake Koshkonong
- The Fharmacy Public House – Lake Mills (one of Ginger’s favorites)
- The Green House – Kohler (a place Katie enjoys)
If you like visiting local wineries, connect with Vera for recommendations.
8. GO GOLFING
Golfing is another outdoor activity to add to a fun summer bucket list.
Whether you like regular golf or mini golf, there’s a place for you:
- Jefferson Golf Course – Jefferson
- Lake Mills Golf Club – Lake Mills
- Koshkonong Mounds Country Club – Fort Atkinson
- R & L Golf Farm – Whitewater
- Spring Creek Golf Center – Whitewater
- Lake Ripley Country Club – Cambridge
- The Oaks Golf Course – Cottage Grove
- Oak Ridge Golf Course – Milton
- Rock River Lanes & King Pin Adventure Golf – Mini Golf in Fort Atkinson
- Little Amerricka – Mini Golf in Marshall
- PinSeekers – DeForest
9. BIKE OR E-BIKE ON BEAUTIFUL TRAILS
We have lots of great trails in our area, so pump up the tires and head out for a ride this summer. (Like to ebike? So does Vera!)
Some bike trails to check out include:
- Glacial Drumlin Trail – Cottage Grove to Waukesha
- Glacial River Trail – Watertown to Janesville
- Interurban Trail – Watertown to Ixonia
- Wild Goose Trail
Here’s a map of Jefferson County bike trails to help plan your adventure!
10. GO FISHING
Take a break from the busyness and enjoy a couple of hours of fishing.
There are lots of great spots to cast a line like:
- Lake Koshkonong – Koshkonong (one of Aidan’s favorite places to fish)
- Lake Ripley – Cambridge
- Rock Lake – Lake Mills
- Joy Park – Oconomowoc
- Blackhawk Island Fishing Wharf – Fort Atkinson
- Cambridge Wildlife Fishing Area – Cambridge
- Crawfish River
- Rock River
Here’s more information about fishing in Jefferson County.
11. PACK A PICNIC
You don’t need to go to a restaurant to enjoy a memorable meal. Pack a picnic and your loved one(s) to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery in Wisconsin like Zach P.
- Korth Park – Lake Mills
- Dorothy Carnes Park – Fort Atkinson
- Riverside Park – Watertown
- CamRock Park – Cambridge
12. GO KAYAKING
Want to enjoy the peaceful water and nature in a new way? Go kayaking like Allie!
Not only do you get to enjoy the great outdoors in a new way, but you’ll get good exercise too.
There are a lot of great spots to put a kayak in our area.
13. WATCH A TRACTOR PULL, DEMOLITION DERBY, OR RODEO
Got a little country fun in you? Check out a Tractor Pull, Rodeo, or Demolition Derby this summer like Zach K.
- Big Rigs Truck & Tractor Pulls – Jefferson County Fair
- Rodeo – Jefferson County Fair
- Tournament of Destruction – Jefferson Speedway (Look for TOD on the schedule)
- Badger State Truck and Tractor Pull – Dodge County Fair
- Demolition Derby – Dodge County Fair
- Rodeo – Dodge County Fair
- Rice Bull Riders – Rock County Fair
- Truck & Tractor Pulls – Waukesha County Fair
- Demolition Derby – Waukesha County Fair
14. COMPLETE A RUN OR WALK
Perhaps you ant to get your body moving for a good cause. Consider completing a 5k walk or if you’re more of an advanced runner, sign up for a marathon like Cierra.
- The Yellow Brick Road 5k run/walk is held the first Saturday in June in Oconomowoc. They have a Kids Fun Run too!
- DeForest’s Freedom Run on the 4th of July, which includes a 1-mile fun run, 5k, and 10k..
- Sun Prairie has a Community 5k and 1-mile Fun Run in August.
Click here to find more runs happening in Wisconsin.
15. HOST A BBQ OR HAVE A BONFIRE
Lots of summer memories can be made right in your backyard. Host a BBQ or have a bonfire to enjoy summer evenings in Wisconsin like Allie.
Roast marshmallows over a bonfire and play some yard games for cheap summer fun.
16. GO THRIFTING
If you love thrifting for great deals, here’s a thrift store bucket list for you:
- Chano’s Warehouse – Milwaukee (recommended by Cierra)
- Twice is Nice – Jefferson
- The Good Stuff Resale – Lake Mills
- Blue Butterfly Thrift Store – Watertown and Oconomowoc
- Feather Your Nest – Fort Atkinson
- Thrift Shoppe – Whitewater
17. HEAD TO THE BEACH OR POOL
Summer goes by fast. Don’t miss out on your chance to go to the beach or pool!
Here are some beaches and pools to spend a hot sunny day:
- Sandy Beach or Bartel’s Beach – Lake Mills
- Ripley Beach – Cambridge
- Lower Spring Lake Beach – Palmyra
- Whitewater Lake Beach – Whitewater
- Fort Atkinson Family Aquatic Center – Fort Atkinson
- Watertown Aquatic Center – Watertown
- Jefferson Family Aquatic Center – Jefferson
- Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center – Sun Prairie
- Oconomowoc City Beach – Oconomowoc
- Pewaukee Beach – Pewaukee
HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER!
Make memories. Have fun. Enjoy the Wisconsin summer before it’s gone!
Check out our Shine Kids Corner for more family-friendly activities and events coming up in the area.
Save this epic summer bucket list for later and pass it on to a friend!
