We love Wisconsin and all its beauty. But this week on the blog, we are talking about all things strange! Wisconsin has some interesting local traditions, and we are exploring which ones you should give a go, and which, perhaps, you should not.
New Year's Traditions
While other states, such as New York, may have the ball drop at midnight, Wisconsin has the New Year's Carp Drop in Prairie du Chien. The tradition sees a large carp from the Mississippi River frozen, then lowered from a crane at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Over in Plymouth, they have the annual Sartori Big Cheese Drop. The event includes a large wedge of Cheese, which is held by a crane, lowered at midnight. The tradition celebrates Plymouth, WI, as the official Cheese Capital of the world.
Door County completes a trio of New Year's Eve strange traditions, with the Cherry Drop in Sister Bay. The event sees a large sparkling Cherry lowered on a crane to ring in the new year. Clearly, however you want to see the New Year in, Wisconsin has you covered.
Festivals
Wisconsin is the home of a number of festivals, unlike any others. The Lumberjack World Championships are always a hit with the locals. Head to Hayward for three days of thrilling competition at the Lumberjack World Championships. Watch competitors chop, saw, speed climb, throw axes and logs, and more while enjoying tasty food trucks, live music, and a beer garden. Bring the whole family to try logrolling for yourself and watch impressive feats you won’t find anywhere else.
Another great hit is Brat Fest in Madison. Every Memorial Day weekend, Madison hosts Brat Fest, the “world’s largest bratwurst festival,” featuring live music, grilled sausages, and a lively, messy celebration of Wisconsin's German heritage - plus it’s a fundraiser for local charities. It’s become a Madison institution since 1983, and as a volunteer-run nonprofit event, it should certainly be added to your list of events to attend.
Friday Fish Fry
A beloved weekly ritual: nearly every Friday, Wisconsinites flock to taverns, churches, and classic supper clubs for crispy fish served with rye bread, coleslaw, and cold beer. Paired with retro vibes and a social atmosphere, it’s food and fellowship rolled into one. Steeped in Wisconsin History, the tradition dates back to the years of prohibition. We would certainly recommend giving this a go on a Friday night.
Cannibal Sandwiches
This holiday appetizer and Milwaukee tradition consists of seasoned raw ground sirloin served on rye bread with sliced raw onions. The name has no connection to cannibalism. While the dish is a beloved tradition for some, it is now discouraged by health officials due to food safety risks, so maybe avoid trying this one!
From frozen carp dropping from the sky to competitive logrolling and raw meat on rye, Wisconsin proudly embraces the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly unique. Whether you're here for the cheese, the fish fry, or just a good laugh at a carp on a crane, there's no shortage of ways to experience Wisconsin's spirit.