Hello, warm weather, and yay for a holiday weekend we love spending outside! Aside from the beloved backyard BBQ, these 11 activities in the Walworth and Jefferson County area will deliver a delicious Memorial Day weekend, fun for the solo traveler or the whole family.

1.Bike the 2 Rivers Bicycle Cruisers Route

Strap those bikes to the back of your car and head to 2 Rivers Bicycle in Fort Atkinson for a 14mi bike loop. 2 Rivers says it’s a “flat route to start with a ride down hilly Pond Road to get back.” Grab food before, during, or after your ride at Island Bar & Grill or Brickhouse Pizza Pub. Don’t have bikes? 2 Rivers has rentals!

2. Live music at Whiney’s Wine & Beer Haus

For an eclectic evening over your Memorial Day weekend, enjoy “fine dining in a cozy atmosphere” at Whiney’s. First, pop into The Fuzzy Pig Antique Mall to peruse or purchase unique gifts. Then relax with wine, wood-fire pizza, and live music at Whiney’s to round out the night. Keep your eyes peeled for adorable farm cats and a peacock!

3. Hike the Ice Age Trail

Travelpulse.com says that the best activity in Wisconsin is hiking, particularly the Ice Age Trail. We couldn’t agree more. Hiking the Ice Age Trail makes almost every list of must-dos we create. Not only do you get a glimpse of the results of glaciated land, you also never feel so close to the natural world. Whitewater and the surrounding area’s trails offer a reprieve from the bustle. Check out one or a few of these Walworth and Jefferson County segments: Scuppernong, Blue Spring Lake, Blackhawk, Whitewater, and Clover Valley.

4. Have a Drink Lakeside at Turtle Lake Tap & Grill

📸: Turtle Lake Tap & Grill

Memorial Day is always complete with a sweaty cocktail and a beautiful lake. Swing over to Turtle Lake Tap & Grill for Friday Fish Fry. Or visit Saturday afternoon from 2-5p for live music and good eats.

5. Camp!

Nothing says Memorial Day weekend like camping out. Pack your best gear (be sure to include that grill!) and try one of these area campgrounds:

• Scenic Ridge
• Whitewater Lake Campground 
• Hickory Woods Group Camp  
• Snug Harbor Campground 
• Camp Kettlewood
• Bark River Campgrounds 
• Jellystone Park Camp Resort

6. Visit Old World Wisconsin’s new Brewhouse

📸: Old World Wisconsin

Looking for something a bit slower paced? Historic Old World Wisconsin has the perfect event for you. Enjoy a delicious five-course meal and tasty drinks from local breweries in Old World Wisconsin's Brewhouse during their Plates and Pints Beer Dinner Friday, May 26 from 4:30-7p.

7. Watch Fireworks at Party in the Park in Palmyra

📸: Palmyra Parks & Rec

Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and bug spray, round up the kids, and head to Palmyra Village Park for a day of fun. Spend your Saturday enjoying food, drinks, music, kids events, raffles, and fireworks at dark. Free to attend.

8. Boat Whitewater Lake

📸: Robert Sivek

Love being on the water? Experience leisure on your boat (or rent from Whitewater Lake Boat Rentals!) out on Whitewater Lake. Surrounded by the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest and stunning lake houses, you’ll get a great mix of nature and holiday festivities. Take a swim at Whitewater Lake Beach, take quiet time at Dr. O.R. Rice Picnic Peninsula, or get sweet treats at the Marina! Don’t forget your state park pass!

9. Tee Up At An Area Golf Course

📸: Horizon Aerial Media Services

Warm weather, golf, and a holiday weekend go together like 1, 2, 3. Throw on a hat, lather on sunscreen, and check out one of these beloved courses:

• Willow Brook  
• Prairie Woods
• Koshkonong Mounds Country Club
• Spring Creek

10. Indulge in a Pig Roast Lawn Party at Lake Lawn Resort

📸: Lake Lawn Resort

“Hit the greens for a round of golf at Majestic Oaks, indulge in a full-body scrub that will leave your skin glowy and sunkissed at Calladora Spa, rent jet skis, watercraft, and other watersports equipment at the Marina, and enjoy time together poolside at our two outdoor pools.” Once the activities wind down, spend Sunday on the lawn with a pig roast to fill your bellies. $42.00 Adult Inclusive, $20.00 Child 4-12 yrs Inclusive, and no charge for ages 3.

11. Indulge in Little Local's One Sweet Sunday Pop-Up

📷: Little Local

Little Local wants to make your Memorial Day Sunday a little sweeter with a pop-up featuring Nordskov Coffee and Sweet Spot treats at the Lake Home Info patio near Whitewater Lake! Grab breakfast and hang out on the patio or pick up treats for the family!

Cheers to an active and festive kick-off to summer!