Wisconsin's Under-The-Radar Village Is A Scenic Riverside Gem With Friendly Vibes And Tasty Local Eateries

Wisconsin was once a northern Midwest charmer that didn't quite garner the national recognition it deserved. Being in the middle of the country and known as America's Dairyland, maybe some assumed it was a boring flyover state. These days, however, it's shifted in a big way, and Wisconsin is attracting record numbers of visitors. Its high-level nature is one of the biggest draws. Places like the ethereal Door County and the Apostle Islands (the Midwest's most majestic collection) exemplify the ridiculous beauty of the Great Lakes. But drive anywhere in the state, and you'll come across smaller lakes, state parks, and charming waterside towns that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

Smack dab in the middle of Wisconsin, just under 2 hours north of Madison, is the riverside town of Plover. Nestled just south of Stevens Point and sitting on the banks of the Wisconsin River, Plover is home to just under 14,000 residents and has a friendly, suburban feel to it, along with tons of green spaces and riverside parks to lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy a slow afternoon in the sun. Or enjoy the river on a kayak, a pontoon boat with friends, or simply casting lines from the shore.

Like much of Wisconsin, the best time to visit is in the warmer months, when you can spend the day on the water, or in the fall, when the forests' color change is in full swing and nearby farms turn into amusement parks with corn mazes and more. But a winter visit could be fun as well, as the hiking trails become cross-country ski routes or snowshoeing loops through quiet snow-covered trees. There are also winery tours and tastings nearby and friendly local restaurants serving up good Midwestern eats all year round, making Plover a worthwhile visit in any month.

As a decent-sized town a stone's throw from the larger Stevens Point, there are plenty of chain hotels and other accommodation options in and around Plover. Once you're in town, you'll find quality restaurants and plenty of family-friendly fun. As it's Wisconsin, a visit to Feltz's Dairy Store at some point during the trip is a must for local products and fresh cheese curds.o Located on the southeastern edge of town, Food & Farm Exploration Center is a unique children's museum and a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon. 

With its mission to "educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability," the center threads the needle between entertainment and fun, with immersive activities, exhibits, and delicious food at its on-site cafe. Right next door — literally — is Lake Pacawa Park, another spot the family will love. This 50-acre park around the small Lake Pacawa has a 6,000-square-foot splash pad, walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and a swimming area. While you're there, pay a visit to the nearby Wisconsin Korean War Veterans' Memorial, located on a scenic isle extending into the lake.

Whatever the day's plan, Plover offers a surprisingly wide range of restaurants and options for every meal. Plover Cafe is a classic diner with plush booths and large windows, Purple Basil has outdoor seating with build-your-own pasta options, and O'so Brewing Company has appetizers, sandwiches, and artisan pizza that are "hands down, our favorite pizzas in the area," according to one local on Google Reviews. And those are just the tip of the iceberg. Plover packs more options with Tulum, a Mexican establishment, B's Egg Rolls, Samoeun's Happy Wok, and an assortment of bars for pints and burgers.

A visit to Plover isn't complete without enjoying the nearby rivers. Little Plover River Park is 50 acres of paths that turn to cross-country ski trails in winter, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts, and a picnic area. The trails follow the Little Plover River and connect to the large Green Circle Trail, a 27-mile hiking and biking trail that loops through the Stevens Point area and offers a close-up perspective of the diverse local biosphere.

Just outside of town is Galecke Park, a laid-back riverside escape, featuring 34 acres on the Wisconsin River with a boat launch and plenty of space to picnic. Drop your kayak in right there or at one of the other launch sites in town — Northward, a local outfitter, has you covered if you're traveling without gear. Once on the river, it's all about casually cruising downstream, wildlife watching, and taking in the sounds of nature.

A can't-miss for summer vibes on the river is the Sandbar riverboat. It's a floating restaurant-bar with seating on two levels and cruises around the Biron Flowage of the Wisconsin River. If you widen your circle of exploration a bit further into Portage County, the options continue to grow, with Standing Rock County Park, wine tastings at the Sunset Point Winery, and events in nearby Stevens Point, a nature-filled Midwest city and artsy escape. Central Wisconsin is an underrated charmer, and Plover is at the heart of it all.