Courtesy Castle Rock Museum
Shining armor
This spring brings the grand opening of the Castlerock Museum in Alma. The brainchild of a local arms and armor collector, the museum is built in the shape of a medieval castle and showcases armor from more than 2,000 years of human history.
Exhibits in the museum are compiled by period. Visitors will find full, authentic pieces of armor dating back as far as ancient Rome. Among the exhibits are those concerning the Dark Ages, the Vikings, the Crusades and the Golden Age’s “Knight in Shining Armor.” Items on display belonged to both noblemen and commoners throughout history.
In addition to the armor, the museum’s exhibits include reproductions of fine artwork that depict how the different styles of armor were used in ceremony and combat throughout history.
Other art includes displays of ancient tapestries, frescoes and medieval illustrated manuscripts. Historically correct paintings by contemporary artists complement the collection.
www.castlerockmuseum.com
Here’s to brew
Beer is a big deal in Wisconsin: It’s the unofficial beverage of the entire state. Several large national beer companies got their starts and continue to operate in the state, and plenty of smaller bottlers and microbreweries continue the craft beer tradition with inventive flavors and brewing methods.
In the small town of Plover, has become the local beer of choice. The company practices what founders call “freestyle brewing” and has created a number of innovative flavors of beer, such as Night Train, Hop Whoopin, Black Scotch Ale, Rusty Red and Summer Storm.
The brewery recently opened a new facility, O’so Tap House, where visitors can learn about beer-making and sample some of the company’s creative concoctions. Large picture windows offer views of the action on the brewery floor, and the tasting room has 40 beers from O’so Brewing Company and other Wisconsin microbreweries on tap.
Superior experiences
Many travelers are familiar with Wisconsin’s long Lake Michigan shore, which stretches almost the entire length of the state. But to the west, on Wisconsin’s northern border, Lake Superior gives groups another destination for experiencing waterfront wonder.
Among the most popular places on the Lake Superior coast is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This protected area comprises 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland that have been set aside for their natural and cultural resources.
Groups can tour some of the lighthouses that dot the islands and shores, or hike, paddle, sail or take sightseeing cruises to visit those “Jewels of Lake Superior.”
In the area not protected by the national lakeshore, plentiful tourism development gives visitors numerous options for accommodations and activities. New this year on the Lake Superior shore is Legendary Waters Resort and Casino, a facility specially designed to give each guest room a view of the lake and the Apostle Islands.
