Having a team full of Wisconsinites will ensure you enjoy your contract to it’s fullest. Aside from professional opportunities, WI is also full of opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy the “big city life” near Milwaukee, quieter communities further west, or the lake settings in central and northern Wisconsin – Premier is your ticket to exploring the great state of Wisconsin. Below, we’ve created our very own Wisconsin Travel Guide for you – you’ll definitely want to reference this for your off days.

Where Are You Headed?

Southeast Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin | Packer Country

Milwaukee

The city was “home” to “Happy Days” which inspired the Bronze Fonze on Milwaukee’s River Walk. The typewriter was also invented in Milwaukee. Besides motorcycles and Lake Michigan, the City of Milwaukee has a lot to do year-round.

Breweries 

Looking for a new beer to try? You’ve come to the right city. New breweries and flavors are popping up all the time. In the past few years, Milwaukee has experienced a boom in the craft brewery scene. There are breweries big and small that offer tastings, tours, and camaraderie. We can’t list them all here, so please start with this list and explore the Internet to create your own.

• Bavarian Bierhaus
• Broken Hat Brewing Co.
• The Explorium Brewpub
• City Lights Brewing Co.
• Good City Brewing
• Lakefront Brewery
• Miller Brewery
• MobCraftBeer
• Pabst Milwaukee Brewery
• Sprecher Brewery
• Westallion Brewing Company

Coffee Shops 

The Milwaukee area offers a variety of local, delicious coffee conveniently located near medical centers, correctional facilities, and long-term care facilities. Visit their websites to view locations and hours that fit your work schedule.

• Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. – (the Walker’s Point location hosts live music)
• Colectivo Coffee
• Miss Molly’s Cafe & Pasty Shop
• Stone Creek Coffee – (Factory tours available via their Downtown Milwaukee headquarters)
• Story Hill BKC
• Urban Joe Cafe

Dog Parks

Is your furry friend traveling with you? The Milwaukee area loves dogs and shows it with multiple dog park options for your furbaby to exercise and play.

• Bay View Dog Exercise Area
• Currie Park Dog Park
• Estabrook Park Dog Park
• Granville Dog Exercise Area
• Roverwest Dog Park
• West Allis Dog Park 

Shopping

There are at least five shopping centers in the Milwaukee area where you can purchase a variety of clothing, jewelry, shoes, and more for you or a loved one.

• 84South – Greenfield
• Bayshore Town Center – Glendale
• Mayfair Collection – Wauwatosa
• Mayfair Mall – Wauwatosa
• Southridge Mall – Greendale

Spring & Summer Activities

Milwaukee is proud to host the world’s largest music festival in the summer, Summerfest. This festival runs for 11 days at the end of June with over 800 bands on 11 different stages. There’s music for everyone! This is a summer must when you’re on contract in Milwaukee.

There’s at least one festival every weekend in the summer after Summerfest. Additionally, Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs have farmer’s markets every week. Right before summer ends, the Wisconsin State Fair runs for 11 days in August in West Allis. The food (especially the cream puffs), live music, racing pigs, and rides are only a few reasons to visit the fair.

Another great way to see the sights of Milwaukee is to take a Milwaukee Food Tour. There are public tours on a bus or walking to try chocolate, fish fry, pizza, brunch, beer, custard, and more. Book early as they fill up all year round.

Fall & Winter Activities

A weekend is set aside in September for Doors Open Milwaukee. This is a fun way to get tours of over 100 historic buildings.The Milwaukee Film Festival in October supports the local film making industry by inviting the public to be entertained and engaged through film.

When’s the last time you went ice skating? The Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee is one of 30 indoor 40-meter speed skating ovals in the world and the sixth oldest. It’s also the official training site for U.S. Speed Skating. For people not training for championships, there is public skating and skating school.

Stay warm indoors while improving your wellness with a Saturday morning Yoga session at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Your pre-registration includes same-day admission to the museum.

Marshfield

The small town of Marshfield, WI offers lots to do on your days off or after a hard-working shift at Marshfield Clinic or Marshfield Medical Center.

Fun Events

If you’re in town at the end of May, celebrate Dairyfest with the community! It’s an annual celebration with entertainment, food, exhibits, parades, movies, run/walk, and more activities. Great way for the community to show how “Dairy Proud” they are in Wisconsin.

Downtown Marshfield hosts Hub City Days in July. It’s a weekend celebration of the history of Downtown Marshfield with a Duathlon, vendors, a car show, brew fest, a basketball tournament, movies, and a street dance with live music. Great way to enjoy the community and weather on your day off.

Even if you cannot make it to Dairyfest, see if you can visit the “World’s Largest Round Barn” at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. It was built in 1916 and is 150 feet in diameter. While you’re exploring Marshfield, check out Jurustic Park north of Marshfield. You can see metal sculptures of extinct creations that inhabited McMillan Marsha during the Iron Age. During the summer months, tour the beautiful Heritage Rose Garden behind Upham Mansion to see over 30 varieties of roses with origins dating back to 200 A.D.

Shopping

Marshfield Mall on Ives Street is a great central location to shop and eat while working in Marshfield, WI. Throughout the year, the mall hosts events for the public such as the Farm Show, Health Fest, Bridal Fair, and more.

If you’re looking for delicious, homemade Wisconsin cheese products, make a stop at Nasonville Dairy’s Retail Store on Sandhill Avenue. They’re open seven days a week and offer a wide selection of cheese including Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Blue Marble™ Jack, Colby, and more. Don’t forget about your friends and family back home! Nasonville Dairy sells Wisconsin Cheese Gift Baskets that can be shipped.

Don’t forget to take time for you! Set aside time to visit Merle Norman Cosmetics & Day Spa Boutique to browse their jewelry collection or cosmetic products. They also offer space services and day spa packages. This is a place you do not want to miss to help with your wellness.

Coffee Shops

In 2019, a family run business called Uptown Coffee Company opened in Downtown Marshfield. They curate coffee from a variety of local roasters and serve them in their coffee shop. This specialty coffee shop is in a cozy atmosphere with small baked goods to go with your coffee.

The Daily Grind is another coffee shop option in Marshfield, WI. Besides coffee and tea, they serve breakfast and lunch. This coffee shop is only five to six minutes away from Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield.

Dining Options Near Marshfield Clinic and Marhsfield Medical Center

After carrying for your patients at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI or covering an extra shift at Marshfield Medical Center Marshfield, it’s time to grab a bite to eat. Try the following local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or appetizers and drinks.

• MoJo’s Pasta House & Cajun Cook Shack
• Blue Heron Brewpub
• Scotty’s Pizza & Chicken
• Lumberyard Bar & Grill

Dog Parks

Do you need an area for your furry family member to run and play? Take time to visit Paws‘N Play Dog Park in Marshfield. This is an off-leash dog park located by the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds that is fenced in and run by a non-profit thanks to donations and volunteers.

Wausau

Located in Central Wisconsin, Wausau is a small town with plenty of adventures waiting for local or travel healthcare professional. You can ski at Granite Peak, hike Rib Mountain, taste local food at Back When Café, or browse the Wausau River District. There’s so much to do in Wausau while on contract!

Dining

Before or after your shift at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Mint Café on 3rd Street in Wausau. There’s also 2510 Restaurant on Stewart Avenue with great appetizers plus dinner options, breakfast favorites, and delicious bakery selection. On your day off from Wausau Hospital Center, at Back When Café with a great farm to table menu. Hungry for a cheese curd cheeseburger? There’s a Milwaukee Burger Company on Stewart Avenue with plenty of options on the craft beer tap list and happy hour menu.

Shopping

There are over 40 store options at the Wausau Center Mall. Great for indoor shopping on cold weather days or when you need a variety of retail options in one convenient location. Be sure to shop local and visit the Wausau River District on Main Street. A variety of Wausau local businesses await you from antiques to pet foods to art galleries.

Coffee Shops

Do you need a caffeine pick-me-up before your next shift at Wausau Hospital or Aspirus Wausau Hospital? Here are local coffee shops you can try to order your favorite beverage.

• Patina Coffeehouse
• Biggby Coffee
• Vino Latte

Brews & Wines

In Wausau, there’s a wine boutique called Vino Latte. It’s a coffee shop, eatery, and wine boutique with locations in Wausau and Weston. They offer wine tasting and wine classes along with whiskey tastings. They also serve breakfast and sandwiches. Another stop for wine tastings and wine gifts in Wausau would be Lil’ Ole Winemaker. Their variety of white and red wines are handcrafted at their winery. Every Tuesday evening, Lil’ Ole Winemaker hosts wine tastings on the patio or by the wine bar.

There are three breweries in Wausau: Bull Falls Brewery, Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company, and Red Eye Brewing Company. On Thomas Street, Bull Falls Brewery provides brewery tours on the first and third Saturdays, offers a tap room, and hosts a variety of events year-round. All this in addition to their lagers, ales, IPAs, porters, and other beers made at Bulls Falls Brewery. Meanwhile, The Great Dane Pub has a location on Sherman Street in Wausau, plus four other locations. Besides dining, there is also a pool hall bar, Beer Garden, and banquet hall. Be sure to visit their website to see the weekly specials. Red Eye Brewing Company is only 10 minutes from Wausau Hospital Center. You can purchase a growler or do a beer flight taste. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Outdoor Activities

Walk your dog or go hiking with friends at Rib Mountain State Park. It’s one of the oldest geologic formations on Earth! There are hiking trails snowshoe trails, picnic areas, and a 60-foot observation tower where you can take in breathtaking sights of Wausau and the Wisconsin River. North of the mountain there’s a great ski area called Granite Peak.

If you are an avid skier or looking to start, you do not want to skip a visit to Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau, Wisconsin. Nothing says Wisconsin winter fun like enjoying the snow and fresh air on one of Granite Peak’s 68 runs. They offer day and night time skiing. Need lessons? Granite Peak offers on-site private and group lessons for all ages. Forget to pack your snowboard? This ski mountain has equipment you can rent in person or online. This is a great place to ski or snowboard in Wausau.

Events

In August, the Central Wisconsin Milwaukee Show honors our Veterans and promotes awareness and education of our U.S. Military. The show is hosted on the Motorama Auto Museum grounds where attendees can see military vehicles, witness historic reenactments, experience live music, meet Veteran Service Groups, and more.

Also in August is the Wausau Marathon. It’s a 26.2-mile course and can be used as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. You can run the full or half marathon and marathon relay.

Fox Cities

Is your next contract in Appleton, WI or Neenah, WI? Let us be the first to welcome you to the Fox Cities!

Trails for Outdoor Activities

You can bike, walk, or run the Loop the Little Lake Trail which runs throughout Neenah, Menasha, and Fox Crossing. While on the Loop Trail, you can watch people kayaking on the Fox River. The 3.2-mile route is also pet friendly.

There are 8.5 miles of bridle trails for horse-riding that are open May through mid-November in High Cliff State Park. Horse rentals are not available at the park. The trail is for day rides only. For more information on horseback riding at High Cliff State Park, please connect with the High Cliff Ridge Riders, which is a non-profit, horseback riding club located in Sherwood, WI.

Interested in trying cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter? The Forest Management and Lime-Kiln Trails at High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, WI plus three nature centers offer various snowshoe trails. Snowshoeing is a great winter activity for friends and family after fresh snow has fallen.

Shopping

Need to pick up a gift? Looking for a treasured memory for yourself? Stop by the Fox River Mall in Appleton to shop at over 100 stores. The Fox River Mall also has sit-down dining and fast, casual restaurants.

Be sure to visit Downtown Appleton’s page to view the list of local, small business owners. There are art galleries, bicycle shops, jewelers, florists, sweet shops, pet boutiques, and more. Also, Neenah is home to a variety of local businesses on Wisconsin Avenue and Commercial Street.

Breweries

Taste local brews at Fox River Brewing Co. in Appleton or Oshkosh. Started in 1995, Fox River Brewing Co. offers delicious hoppy, dark, and seasonal handcrafted beers. Visit their taproom at their Oshkosh location for beer flights and growlers to-go.

While in Appleton, visit the Appleton Beer Factory located in an awesome renovated 1940s building. Their beer ranges from lagers to wheat to dark. On Tuesdays, their staff “infuse fun and fresh ingredients” into one of their beers, according to their website. When you stop Appleton Beer Factory, you can also enjoy an item off their seasonal menu.

The history of Stone Arch Brewpub in Appleton dates to 1858. Their on-site bar is a great place to watch a sports game. From May through September, you can enjoy the Beer Garden and listen to live music. Visit their website to view a list of their year-round and seasonal beers.

Whether at the brewery or out and about, there are a variety of food options for you to choose from in the Fox Cities. In fact, the area has over 100 locally owned restaurants your palate can explore after your shift or on your day off. View the restaurant list > 

Coffee Shops

If you’re picking up a shift at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton and need a coffee or hot chocolate pick-me-up, you can visit these area coffee shops:

• ACOCA Coffee
• Tempest Coffee Collective
• Seth’s Coffee Drive Thru
• Copper Rock Coffee
• Starbucks

Meanwhile, the following coffee shops are nearby ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah for your coffee or snack stop before or after work:

• Shellates
• Zuppa’s Cafe
• Zuzu’s Petals
• Timshel Cafe
• Starbucks

Other Activities

If your ears enjoy a variety of music, set aside time in the evenings for Rhythms & Brews at Stone Arch at Riverview Gardens. The season runs from November through April with free, live music on Wednesday night. It’s an all-ages event. Visit their website to see who is playing next.

During summer time in the Fox Cities area, you can take a themed cruise on the Fox River in Appleton. There are public cruises for dinner, cocktail night, sunsets, and more. See what fits your schedule and interests with Fox River Tours.

Premier Medical Staffing Services is teaming up with Aurora Family Service, a community program of Aurora Health Care, to help provide local families in need of food and resources through their Family to Family Thanksgiving Program so they can prepare and share Thanksgiving dinner in their own homes. This year, Aurora’s goal is to assist 3,100 families in the Milwaukee area.

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