Paddling, Pints and Swiss Delights

Start your weekend at the brand-new Inn at Seven Acre Dairy Company. This boutique hotel sits on the banks of the Sugar River inside a converted 135-year-old cheese factory. The rooms are well-appointed, the hospitality is incredible, and you’ll be well-positioned for the next two days of adventure.

A short drive takes you to Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area, a great year-round spot for hiking in dense woodlands. Hike the full 2.5 mile loop hike if you have the time (trail map) before heading to New Glarus for the evening.

Head to the iconic New Glarus Brewing Company for a free, self-guided tours and tastings (available Mon - Fri, from 10am - 5pm).

Take your beer outside to the biergarten that overlooks downtown New Glarus and the Little Sugar River, a tributary to the larger Sugar River. The New Glarus bottle shop has fresh brews to go – we’d recommend buying a 4-pack of whichever Thumbprint series beer is in stock. Want to see more? Check out their hard hat tours for $32 per person.

Dubbed “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus lives up to its name with Swiss-style architecture snuggled into the rolling hills of Green County. The downtown is very walkable and we’d suggest that you start your stroll with an ice cream cone from Kennedy's Ice Cream & Grill.

Walk to grab a pint and Wisconsin culinary classics at the historic Puempel's Olde Tavern (pronounced “pimples”). This old-time tavern has been a welcome spot for travelers since 1893. Grab a cold glass of Spotted Cow and pair it with Puempel's traditional Midwest ham salad and a cheese flight (like a wine flight… but cheese).

Continue your Swiss town tour with authentic cuisine at the Glarner Stube (say it with me, “schtoo-beh”). They’re popular, so order a brandy old fashioned (sweet) while you wait and for dinner try the Kalberwurst, a mild veal sausage unique to this area and the original Glarus, Switzerland.

Gear up for a day of paddling at Sugar River Outfitters, a local guide and outfitter that has everything you need for day trip down the river.

Single kayaks start at $48 and a three-person canoe is just $68, including the shuttle, life vests, and great service. They also offer guided tours. If you’re already equipped, you can also bring your own kayaks and coordinate your own shuttle.

For self-guided paddles, put-in at Sugar River Valley Boat Launch. The peaceful 5-mile paddle south back to Paoli lasts ~3 hours as you navigate your way down the Sugar River.

For a shorter trip you could launch from Riverside Road Boat Launch – located north of Sugar River Wildlife Area Davidson Unit.

For more info on paddling the Sugar River Valley, check out Wisconsin River Trips, Miles Paddled, and review a map of launch locations here.

After 3 hours on the river, you’ll be ready for a drink, lunch, and live music.

End your paddle at The Hop Garden and Molino Taqueria. Bonus: This location is right across the street from Seven Acre.

Try the 18-hour smoked brisket sandwich and a Brandy Old Fashioned press in a bag. You can catch live music, a local Farmer's Market, and special events on most Summer weekends in the beer garden.

Wander your way around downtown Paoli after lunch. Check out art at Paoli Art Shop, shop local at Paoli Road Mercantile, grab a coffee at Lingonberry Lama Café, and taste cheese at Landmark Creamery Provisions. Cyclists will also love stopping into 1 OAK Bicycles, an awesome bike shop, museum, and velo lounge.

You can't beat dinner at The Kitchen at Seven Acre Dairy. Their expansive and local food menu features farmstead recipes with plentiful locally-sourced and grown ingredients.

You can't go wrong with the cast iron chicken thigh with a side of spaetzle. If you’re feeling brave, order their take on Wisconsin’s infamous Cannibal Sandwich, a Midwest staple. Consisting of fresh raw beef on rye bread topped with chopped onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Finish your meal with ice cream from the Dairy Cafe or a nightcap cocktail. For drinks, try “This is the Whey,” a signature cocktail made from whey, coconut tequila, and pineapple juice.

End your day with dinner at The Kitchen at Seven Acre Dairy.

The expansive and delicious food menu features farmstead recipes with all local ingredients. Order the cast iron chicken thigh with a side of spaetzle. If you’re feeling brave, order their take on Wisconsin’s infamous Cannibal Sandwich, a Midwest staple consisting of fresh raw beef on rye bread topped with chopped onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Finish your meal with ice cream from the Dairy Cafe or a nightcap. We love the “This is the Whey,” a signature cocktail made from whey, coconut tequila, and pineapple juice.

Take a hike on the Ice Age Trail - Montrose Segment. We recommend a 3-5 mile out-and-back for a peaceful hike that’s well-marked and features light hills.

This section will give you a taste of the larger, 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. You can view a trail map here.

If you love the beach, you won't want to miss a stop at Verona Beach, known as Fireman’s Park by locals. A day pass is just $2 for kids and $3 for adults.

Bring your own paddle board, go fishing, or take a swim. Kids can enjoy the splash pad, which is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is no fee to use the splash pad.