Wisconsin’s approach to environmentally friendly meetings combines a head for business with a heart for hospitality.
More than 250 travel-oriented businesses are now certified under the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Travel Green Wisconsin program, which rates each voluntary participant by the environmental soundness of its practices.
In addition, the state’s Focus on Energy program provides incentives for businesses to improve energy efficiency. Several hotels rank among its success stories.
Although agriculture is an important industry in Wisconsin, it’s a mistake to assume that the state is flat farmland. Two great lakes, many smaller lakes and several rivers are boating and fishing adventures waiting to happen. Northern Wisconsin boasts Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along Lake Superior and the 1.5 million acres of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. In the central portion of the state, the distinctive beauty of the sandstone formations in the Wisconsin Dells and the rugged terrain of the Kettle Moraine have inspired visitors for generations.
There are endless opportunities for groups to get outside and enjoy this rich abundance of natural wonders in all seasons, by land or by boat.
Greater Milwaukee
Dedicated to continuously greening its community as a recently designated U.N. Global Compact City and well on its way to becoming a center for freshwater research and technology, Milwaukee is also home to a vast park system currently in the running for a prestigious National Medal for Excellence.
"No other Midwestern City can claim a location that features a splendid green Lake Michigan shoreline at a confluence of three rivers, 15,000 acres of parks and a 10-block RiverWalk," says Brent Foerster, vice president of sales and marketing at the Greater Milwaukee CVB. "A wide range of water sports, world-class golf courses, scenic running routes and bike trails, and breathtaking nature sanctuaries invite visitors to experience adventure in our great urban outdoors."
Three downtown hotels, Hotel Metro, Iron Horse Hotel and InterContinental Milwaukee, with nearly 12,000 square feet of meeting space, carry Travel Green certification.
The Gold LEED-designated Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is located on 185 wooded acres just a 15-minute drive from Milwaukee. The center offers guided hikes and is available for private events.
The 120,000-square-foot Discovery World offers exhibits, labs and presentations designed to educate visitors about the environment and technology. The facility is available for group events.
Planners can get attendees outside and into nature with kayak, canoe, ski and snowboard rentals from outfitter Laacke and Joys, or they can book groups on guided bike tours spotlighting the city’s history, cuisine or microbreweries with Brew City Bike Tours.
The Milwaukee suburb of Brookfield is a top spot for golfing, with seven courses in the area. Other warm-weather pursuits include water sports and hiking, while cross-country skiing and ice skating are favorite activities during winter.
Waukesha and Pewaukee, located west of Milwaukee, are also known for plenty of green space and outdoor activities that take in the area’s scenic beauty. The region is home to Lake Pewaukee, and popular alfresco options for groups include dinner cruises and boat tours. Biking, hiking, golfing, kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing are also available.
Madison
In recent years, Madison has racked up a number of rankings as one of the nation’s greenest cities. Green draws include its commitment to eco-friendly development, its proximity to protected natural settings and its strong organic and local food scene.
"Sustainable living and environmental responsibility are woven into the fabric of Madison and our community," says Deb Archer, president and CEO of the Greater Madison CVB. "It’s not a trend, it’s a mindful and emotional connection to the world in which we live. Being green in Madison is simply a way of life. We see ourselves as leaders of the green movement."
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center was the first convention center in the U.S. to be awarded Silver LEED status. Located downtown on the shore of Lake Mendota, the center offers 37,000 square feet of exhibition space. Planners producing events at the center can choose to utilize the Leonardo Academy’s Cleaner and Greener Program to further minimize their event’s carbon footprint.
Alliant Energy Center received Travel Green certification in 2007, one of the largest facilities to achieve this status. Situated on 164 acres, the center’s 255,000-square-foot exhibition hall features energy-efficient lighting. There are also 29 acres of outdoor event space on the property’s Willow Island.
The Pyle Center and the Lowell Center, both located on the University of Wisconsin campus, offer more than 135,000 square feet of meeting space with spectacular views of Lake Mendota. The facilities are Travel Green certified.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens has Travel Green certification and comprises 16 acres of award-winning gardens and three meeting rooms.
Besides the city’s 260 parks, five lakes and 120 miles of bike trails, there is ice-skating and cross-country skiing in winter and kayaking in summer.
Wisconsin Dells
Known for its beautiful five-mile sandstone gorge and its inventory of large waterparks, Wisconsin Dells is putting a lot of energy into greening its tourism industry.
"Meeting planners are incredibly surprised to learn that our large waterpark resorts with conference centers are among the most committed to eco-friendly practices," says Melanie Platt-Gibson, director of marketing and communications at Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau, which is itself Travel Green-certified. "Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, for example, has rooftop solar panels that heat more than 60 percent of the resort’s hot water for laundry and energy control systems in the guest rooms. Great Wolf Lodge just achieved Green Seal certification at the Silver level and completely revamped its waterpark operations to become the green leader in the industry."
Groups can also get up close with nature at inspiring off-site locations such as Cold Water Canyon and Pavilion. The venue is accessible only by charter boats.
Boutique property Sundara Inn and Spa has been named one of the most eco-conscious resorts in the world by many publications, and it is also Travel Green-certified. Nestled in a 26-acre pine forest and built with sustainable building practices, the inn welcomes small corporate retreats.
Planners can book groups on a tour of the gorgeous honey-colored bluffs by canoe or kayak. Groups can also explore the three nearby state parks or follow the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Meanwhile, the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is the only place in the world where visitors can see all 15 species of cranes, spotlighted in an outdoor restored prairie setting.
Sheboygan
With the open waters of Lake Michigan as its next-door neighbor, Sheboygan is a popular fishing destination. Golf on nearly a dozen area courses is another great way to get outside and enjoy the lake views.
Restoration Gardens and Brickhouse Bistro in nearby Kohler present an unusual but inspired combination of a specialty gardening center and a restaurant focusing on fresh, locally grown ingredients. The property is available for event rental and is Travel Green-certified.
Kohler-Andrae State Park offers miles of sand dunes and pristine beach along Lake Michigan. Several hiking and nature trails satisfy visitors with scenic views and abundant wildlife.
Green Bay/Door County
Attendees can tap into their wild side in Green Bay, the largest city in East Central Wisconsin, and Door County, encompassing the beautiful peninsula and islands bounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
"Being green just comes naturally to Greater Green Bay," says Beth Peters, director of sales at the Greater Green Bay CVB. "Gardens, wildlife sanctuaries and parks make up thousands of acres of natural spaces that can be enjoyed by visitors. Trails connect communities for a scenic trip. Whether it’s rugged terrain for biking, admiring forest plant species or a stroll through the rose garden, our green spaces have a little something for everyone."
Two meetings-friendly hotels in the area are recipients of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency: Hotel Sierra and Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Green Bay.
The 47-acre Green Bay Botanical Garden is open year-round, having been designed to display the beauty of Wisconsin’s four seasons. There are guided group tours and learning experiences, and the venue is available for private events.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 700-acre urban wildlife refuge home to a flock of native ducks and geese. Groups can meet animals face-to-face on a naturalist-led hike or with a specially arranged live animal program.
With more than 300 miles of shoreline and hundreds of acres of protected parkland, Door County also currently claims 35 businesses with Travel Green certification.
"As more of our businesses become Travel Green-certified, it adds to the already overwhelming green feel of Door County," says Jack Moneypenny, president and CEO of the Door County Visitor Bureau. "We love to have meetings come to Door County, and our feeling is that we hope people enjoy our area and leave it as they found it for future visitors."
Group activities taking advantage of Door County’s rich natural beauty include charter fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking and zip line tours.
Segway Tours of Door County provides an eco-friendly way for small groups to tour the county’s most striking sights, including lighthouses, Peninsula State Park and Washington Island.
Gravity Trails offers exciting zip line tours for groups, as well as kayaking and biking.
Fox Cities
Although the Fox Cities area is best known as a shopping mecca, its location naturally lends beauty to every event, and its CVB was one of the first to be certified by Travel Green Wisconsin.
"We benefit from our natural setting along the Fox River and Lake Winnebago. Several of our meeting facilities are located on or near the water," says Mae Ibe, director of convention sales at the Fox Cities CVB. "The Fox Cities is a community of natural beauty, coupled with urban-style living. Our many trail systems provide guests and residents with miles of outdoor activities, without having to drive from destination to destination."
Homestead Meadows is a vintage farm near Appleton that has been lovingly converted into a one-of-a-kind event space that has hosted groups from 20 to 2,000 in its barn and cottage. Situated next to a 2,000-acre woodland preserve, the property frequently plays host to visiting deer, fox, wild turkeys and other wildlife. A group hayride is a great way to take in the rustic charm.
Chaska Golf Course near Appleton is Travel Green-certified and rated three stars by Golf Digest. Group outings are welcome.
Lake Winnebago
Lake Winnebago is a popular boating and fishing destination. Public green space includes High Cliff State Park and several county parks. Larger communities in the area include Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
"When people think of Oshkosh, they think of the water," says Brittani Von Ruden, marketing manager at the Oshkosh CVB. "We are surrounded by Lake Butte Des Morts and Lake Winnebago, which is the largest lake in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation. The Fox River connects the two bodies of water, creating a great chain of water to enjoy recreationally."
Paine Art Center and Gardens welcomes groups as large as 200 amid a backdrop of 19 theme gardens and a Tudor Revival mansion.
Meanwhile, the Leach Amphitheater is a 7,500-seat venue that is located along the Fox River and boasts wonderful views.
Lake Geneva
The popular resort town of Lake Geneva combines luxury and a beautiful outdoor environment. Several of its largest meetings resorts take pains to be eco-friendly, there is an array of nature-oriented activities, and the local cuisine movement is growing. The area will play host to the first Eco-Vision Green Energy Fair in July 2010.
"The Lake Geneva area maintains its ranking as one of the top resort destinations in the Midwest due to its beautiful, unspoiled natural surroundings," says Grace Eckland, director of marketing and public relations at the Lake Geneva Area CVB. "There is a variety of ways for visitors to explore the countryside and no shortage of things to do—lake cruises, hiking, biking—that showcase the beauty of the region."
The Travel Green-certified Grand Geneva Resort is situated on 1,300 scenic acres. One of its two championship golf courses features several acres restored to native grasses. Additionally, the property offers tours of its natural vegetable and herb garden to guests. The resort has 62,000 square feet of function space. The adjoining Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, also Travel Green-certified, adds a 3,500-square-foot ballroom.
Other top properties with standout settings include The Abbey Resort, set on the shore of Lake Geneva and offering activities such as group boat cruises, parasailing and other water sports, in addition to more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space; and Geneva Inn, also located on the shore of Lake Geneva.
Geneva National Golf Club carries Travel Green certification and offers meeting space for 400 people.
Two choices for group nature outings include springtime bird tours with Wild Birds Unlimited and guided walks through the Kettle Moraine State Park.
La Crosse and Central Wisconsin
The scenic rivers, bluffs, prairies, wetlands and streams of central Wisconsin create plenty of outdoor adventure options, including boating, water skiing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
"Our community is very green-conscious and green-friendly," says Dave Clements, executive director at La Crosse Area CVB. "Both the city of La Crosse and La Crosse County have adopted sustainability programs. The city of La Crosse is also planning to purchase green vehicles and develop a storm water utility to address runoff."
Mississippi Explorer, a Travel Green-certified company, conducts river cruises focusing entirely on nature and ecology. Groups are likely to see herons, bald eagles, beavers and egrets.
The Hixon-Myrick Eco Center, located on the edge of the La Crosse River wetlands, opened in 2009. The center offers exhibits, environmental education classes and tours for groups and serves as a gateway to the 1,100-acre wetland and 800-acre adjacent forest.
"Wausau is the Gateway to the Northwoods," says Darien Schaefer, executive director at the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB. "All of our meeting facilities are close to outdoor recreation for all to enjoy. With Marathon Park in the middle of the city, Wausau’s Whitewater Park, Rib Mountain, the Eau Claire and Wisconsin rivers, walking trails and bike routes, the Wausau area has ‘green’ written all over it."
The newly opened Patriot Center in Wausau plans to implement as many green practices as possible to become one of the few Travel Green-certified convention centers in the state.
"The Stevens Point area has a diverse mix of natural beauty and is an outdoor recreationalist’s paradise," says Tom Barrett, executive director at the Stevens Point Area CVB. "The many established trail systems and an abundance of undeveloped scenic waterways provide a beautiful natural setting."
Located on glacial Sunset Lake, 20 minutes from Stevens Point, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station provides a rustic camp setting for groups as large as 112. CWES is staffed with professional environmental educators.
Planners may wish to combine a group visit to the 33,000-acre George W. Mead Wildlife Area with a meeting at Stanton Mead Education & Visitors Center, recipient of Platinum LEED certification for its outstanding environmental features.
Local outfitter Nature Treks, an arm of Nature’s Niche Environmental Education Services, specializes in canoeing, kayaking, biking and hiking trips for groups.
Native Midwesterner Kelly Crumrin grew up on a centennial farm and became an inveterate traveler. Based in San Francisco, she has a degree in English literature and a blue belt in jujitsu.
