CRANBERRIES
The Wisconsin Rapids area is known as cranberry country and proud of it! Our unique agricultural heritage makes the blossom and harvest seasons special to our area. Early settlers thought cranberry blossom resembled the head of a crane, hence the name “crane berry,” which was later shortened to cranberry. Cranberry blossoms are pretty, delicate, pink flowers that bloom in late June through early July. You can join in celebrating the blossom season at the Cranberry Blossom Festival. The harvest season is the most picturesque time for cranberries, and it occurs late-September through late-October. During harvest, you can experience all the fall colors over a sea of red berries by taking a self-guided drive down the Cranberry Highway or touring a cranberry marsh. To download the 2024 Cranberry Highway Map and Brochure CLICK HERE.
45 Mercantile Home of Rubi Reds
1000 East Riverview Expressway, Suite 170, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
(715) 712-0324 | Website | Facebook
Meats | Cranberries | Cheeses | Wines
Featuring a variety of cranberry products, as well as additional items which complement Wisconsin’s #1 fruit crop – CRANBERRIES! Find all things cranberry at Rubi Reds a retail shop in the heart of cranberry country. From sausage and wine to delicious savory and sweet snacks, all Wisconsin grown, produced, and packaged. Check out the health and beauty benefits of cranberries too. Pick up something special from Wisconsin! Located in the shopping center on the corner of 8th Street (Hwy 13) and Hwy 54 (Riverview Expressway).
Splash of Red Cranberry Harvest Tours
5407 1st Avenue, Pittsville, WI 54466
(715) 884-6412 | Website
The Splash of Red is a two-hour cranberry tour that takes place just east of Pittsville in the heart of central Wisconsin Cranberry Country. Pittsville FFA members and students, who are part of the only Cranberry Science Class taught in the nation, are your tour guides.
The tour costs $25 per person. Money is collected the day of the tour in the form of cash, check, or credit card. Check in is at 9:20 AM at the Pittsville School Auditorium located on Elementary Avenue just of First Avenue in Pittsville. The tour begins at 9:30 AM and includes the following: touring a current marsh under construction, an opportunity to pick fresh fruit from the vine, as well as observing the harvesting, testing, cleaning and freezing of the berries. At the end of the tour, you will return to the school and enjoy a tasty cranberry based lunch and dessert made by a Local Foods class at Pittsville High School. All proceeds go toward scholarships and other opportunities for Pittsville FFA members.
Tours are on Thursdays or Fridays and generally run from 9:30 am-12:00 pm with lunch served at 11:30 am. Space fills quickly and reservations are required. 2024 dates include: September 19th, 20th (harvest permitting), 26th, and 27th, October 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th or 18th. Register online. For groups of 20 or more or for schools please call 715-884-6412.
Cranberry Highway TM
Curling past fields and farms, creeks and clouds, waterfowl and other natural wonders, the Cranberry Highway unveils some of the most stunning fall colors you'll encounter. The vibrant red sea of cranberries beautifully contrasts with the blazing yellows and oranges of autumn leaves. This scenic, self-guided drive stretches for nearly 50 miles, winding through century-old cranberry beds from Wisconsin Rapids west to Warrens, and connecting Pittsville to the north and Nekoosa to the south.
Click here for a digital version of the Cranberry Highway Brochure
*Please note that these are working farms, and harvest season is an especially busy time. For your safety and the protection of the crop, please remain in your vehicle while traveling the highway and avoid entering private property.
Discover Cranberries & Cranberry Country Cafe
204 Main Street Warrens, WI 54666
(608) 378-4878 | Website | Facebook
The Discover Cranberries museum – housed in the lower level of a 120-year-old stone building – features interactive information about Wisconsin’s cranberry industry. We are in the process of updating our exhibits, so even if you’ve visited before, you’ll want to come again. The upper floor of the former cranberry warehouse is now home to the Cranberry Country Café, which is open Tuesday through Sunday. Be sure to save room for a dish of one of our six flavors of cranberry ice cream made exclusively for us. You’ll also want to explore our gift shop which features a large selection of cranberry products. See our website or Facebook page for hours and other information.
Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
3930 8th Street S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
(715) 423-2070 | Website | Facebook
Since 1887, the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) has supported the state’s cranberry industry, helping maintain Wisconsin’s position as the nation’s top producer. The association plays a crucial role in advocating for cranberry growers, promoting the numerous health benefits of cranberries, and supporting policies that encourage industry growth and sustainability. Through education, research, and outreach, WSCGA works tirelessly to ensure the continued success of Wisconsin’s cranberry farms. By connecting growers, processors, and consumers, the association helps highlight Wisconsin's rich cranberry heritage while emphasizing its global importance in cranberry production.
State Historical Marker #86: “Cranberry Culture”
WIS 54, 5 miles west of Port Edwards in Wood County
Off the north side of WIS 54 west of County Hwy GG
State Historical Marker #86: “Cranberry Culture” is a great place to stop along the Cranberry Highway and gives the history of the fruit and the way it is harvested. The historical marker provides a great backdrop for photos, a “sea of red” paired against the blazing colors of fall!
Rooted In Red
1060 Center Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
(715) 544-7438 | Website | Facebook
A multi generational farm growing cranberries for over a century, Dempze Cranberry and the Biegel family are proactive stewards of the farm and environment and believe in keeping the family heritage healthy. They have created “Rooted in Red”, a place to share their beautiful farm. Rooted in Red is a place for cranberries, home decor, and natural, local products. Wagon tours, stand in floating berries - a cranberry harvest experience, and farm to fork dinners are some of the fun events! Check out the gift boxes, cranberry eats, and apparel for men and women along with the décor. Reservations are required for most events. To register or for hours, Click Here.
