Wisconsin

Manitowoc County Fair

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Manitowoc County Fair

Sometimes the best stops happen completely by chance. On my way from Green Bay towards Chicago, a fair suddenly appeared on the left side of the highway, with its highly visible Zipper immediately catching my attention. So I took the next exit and, just a few minutes later, found myself at the Manitowoc County Fair.

The classic American county fair took place from August 21 to 25 in 2024. For just $10, admission, parking and all rides on the midway operated by Rainbow Valley Amusements were included.

Besides the rides, there were of course animals, exhibitions, games and plenty of food. I particularly liked the food stands run by public institutions. The food was surprisingly cheap and really good – at prices I have rarely encountered in the United States. At the stands run by carnival operators, comparable offerings sometimes cost several times as much.

Midway

The midway had quite a lot to offer for a county fair. Larger rides included the Zipper, Pharaoh’s Fury, Freak Out, Rock Star, the Vertigo chair swing and Remix. These were joined by Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity, a Rockin’ Tug and the classic Eli Bridge Ferris wheel.

As some of the lines were fairly long, I limited myself to just a few rides. One of them was the Rock Star by ARM Rides. The experience is very reminiscent of a classic HUSS Rainbow, offering some great lateral forces and plenty of airtime. Unlike on the Rainbow, however, riders are secured by a simple over-the-shoulder restraint.

A ride on the Freak Out was also a must before heading over to the fair’s only roller coaster. The Orient Express by Wisdom Rides is a small traveling kiddie coaster that sends you around its compact oval lap after lap. The ride may not exactly be the smoothest, but the things you do for another coaster count.

Pictures Manitowoc County Fair

Conclusion Manitowoc County Fair

The Manitowoc County Fair turned out to be a really nice accidental find. The atmosphere around the fairgrounds was great, the selection of rides was more than decent and the prices were very fair. All in all, a lovely event and definitely a worthwhile spontaneous stop.

 

What is your opinion about the Manitowoc County Fair?  Just write it in the comment field below the report!

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The great Mid-Western Road Trip Day 8 - 10 / Wisconsin

Getting Soaked in Wisconsin Dells

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After my visit to Noah’s Ark Waterpark, I headed to the Best Western Ambassador Inn & Suites on the edge of Wisconsin Dells, where I stayed for the next two nights.

Wisconsin Dells is best known today for its many water parks and calls itself the “Waterpark Capital of the World” — and not without reason. The area had already become a tourist destination long before the first water slides appeared, though. Visitors were coming here as early as the 19th century to see the sandstone cliffs and narrow gorges along the Wisconsin River. Boat tours followed, then the famous Ducks, and eventually more and more attractions.

Just a short distance from my hotel was Pals Brewing Company Wisconsin Dells. The pub is part of a small microbrewery and turned out to be a great place to spend the evening. The beer was excellent, and the food was very good as well.

Jet Boat Adventure

My personal highlight in Wisconsin Dells, aside from the two water parks I visited, was the Jet Boat Adventure with Dells Boat Tours. The roughly 50-minute ride covers both the Upper and Lower Dells and gives you a great look at the scenery along the Wisconsin River.

It is anything but a relaxing sightseeing cruise, though. The drivers regularly throw the boats into fast spins, slides, and sudden power stops, sending plenty of water over the sides. Luckily, I had changed beforehand and was wearing swimwear, a T-shirt, and open shoes, so getting soaked was not much of a problem. It is a wonderfully fun and extremely wet ride that I can highly recommend.

 

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The great Mid-Western Road Trip Day 6 - 7 / Wisconsin