Off-site venues for group gatherings throughout the east-central region of Wisconsin are as plentiful as the area’s lake lovers, cheese enthusiasts and football fans.
Throughout Green Bay, Door County, the Lake Winnebago area and Sheboygan, there are many options for memorable group events away from the host meeting property.
Following are five great representations, including a popular botanical garden that’s well-suited for outdoor receptions, a standout performing arts center that accommodates product launches and award ceremonies, and a historic waterfront special events venue that hosts banquets and cocktail receptions in a knockout setting.
Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay
During any season of the year, according to Rachel Bessert, the attraction’s spokeswoman, the Green Bay Botanical Garden’s 47 acres of display gardens and natural areas capture the beauty of Northeast Wisconsin.
“The garden offers a beautiful backdrop for any event and is sure to leave a lasting impression on attendees,” she says, adding that since the garden is a nonprofit organization, group rental fees directly support its operations and maintenance.
There is an array of indoor and outdoor spaces available for rental for most types of gatherings, from corporate events and receptions to parties and meetings.
Bessert says amenities include meeting space accommodating groups of up to 270 people, admission to the Garden for the whole group, high-speed Internet access, a built-in screen and LCD projector in Cornerstone Foundation Hall, audiovisual equipment in the George Kress Foundation Suite of Classrooms and an array of off-site catering choices when the event calls for food and beverage services.
There is also a variety of self-guided and guided group tours available that must be booked in advance.
“Groups can go on tours and learn about the history of the garden and the architecture, and ask questions and enjoy,” Bessert says. “The Garden inspires creativity, team building and an appreciation for the environment.” PageBreak
The Cookery, Fish Creek (Door County)
Located in downtown Fish Creek, one of the most picturesque villages in Door County, The Cookery restaurant is within walking distance of Peninsula State Park, beaches and a variety of shops, according to Karin Skare, the eatery’s spokeswoman.
“The Cookery is the perfect venue for groups visiting Door County,” she says. “We serve fresh food using local ingredients, from our whitefish chowder to our Door County cherry pancakes. Everything is prepared from start to finish in our kitchens.”
Groups are invited to dine in the second-floor wine bar, which offers great views of the Fish Creek Harbor and Main Street.
For smaller groups interested in how a restaurant kitchen functions, Skare adds. “back door” tours of the facility’s kitchens are available.
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center sports a calendar of events, including Broadway shows such as Wicked and Phantom of the Opera, and various other performances by visiting dance troupes, singer-songwriters and more. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people.
Tara Brzozowski, spokeswoman for the venue, adds that it’s also available for group events.
“It provides spectacular spaces for meeting planners looking to add a little touch of the arts to their next meeting or conference,” she says. “The venue features two world-class theaters, a breathtaking main lobby as well as other event spaces that can be customized to fit the needs of any group. Live theater adds a sense of excitement to any meeting or conference.”
Located in the heart of downtown Appleton within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, shopping and hotels, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is host to more than 400 events each year.
“And group ticket reservations are easier than you might think,” Brzozowski says. “With a simple call planners can book the group, adjust group sizes and seating locations and make flexible payment arrangements that fit their needs. We have a reputation for stellar customer service, and we really go that extra mile to make your time in Northeast Wisconsin special.” PageBreak
The Waters, Oshkosh
Home of the Oshkosh Yacht Club and the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post No. 70, The Waters, which was built in 1903 and fully renovated in 2008, is located on the shores of picturesque Lake Winnebago.
According to General Manager Kim Price, the venue is considered the premier option for gatherings in the Fox Valley.
“There are many reasons to have an event at The Waters. The facility is amazingly beautiful and our service is superior,” Price says, adding that the venue’s packed calendar includes weddings, parties, business meetings and conferences.
Amenities include beautiful crystal chandeliers, original wooden floors, a stage, velvet curtains, a balcony, a screen porch, outdoor furniture, a full-service bar, complimentary parking and elevator access to all floors.
The grand ballroom holds up to 172 people and the entire Waters building can accommodate up to 300 guests, Price says, adding that planners who book The Waters can choose from six caterers that the venue regularly works with.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan
At the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, which mixes dramatic contemporary architecture, captivating art and a great setting, according to Caslin Boeldt, special events assistant, planners can set the stage for a unique and memorable group gathering.
“The Arts Center features world-renowned galleries filled with intriguing art by contemporary and self-taught artists, beautiful gardens accented with fascinating sculptures, on-site catering and much more,” she says, explaining that the center accommodates everything from small groups for intimate dinners to large groups of up to 300 people for corporate events.
Among the function areas is the spacious Matrix space, which Boeldt calls “a blank slate” waiting for customized design according to each client’s personal preference and style.
“We also offer a large array of lighting packages, custom monograms and layout options that will leave your guests awestruck,” Boeldt says. “As a final bonus, all galleries remain open for viewing, making an event a truly one-of-a-kind experience for groups.”
Boeldt adds that when there is time for exploring the area, attendees can stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline and Sheboygan Harbor, both located just a few blocks to the east.
“There is also plenty of shopping opportunities in downtown Sheboygan and nearby at South Pier,” she says.
Contributing writer Carolyn Blackburn, who wrote this in the morning, wished she had some Door County cherry pancakes to go with her coffee.
