This is New Glarus’ first year participating in the Downtown Open House, hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Main Street, and the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council. In its second year, the Downtown Open House event has nearly doubled in size, featuring 150 unique venues in more than 20 communities across the state for 2017. These venues, many of which are typically closed to the public or require an admission fee, will be open, free of charge for one day from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 13th. Locally, visitors will be able to enjoy six sites and activities in New Glarus.

This year, the Downtown Open House event coincides with National Heritage Preservation Month, National Travel and Tourism Week, and Wisconsin’s Creative Economy Week, highlighting the diverse historic and creative heritage in the state. Around the state, visitors can enjoy guided tours, historical reenactments, educational seminars, musical acts, and much more.

Featured activities in New Glarus will include a free historic building walking tour, free admissions to both the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum and Swiss Historical Village and Museum, free tours of the Swiss Church, and a Children’s Bike Rodeo hosted by the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce and New Glarus Police Department. The event is designed to be a family-friendly event, suitable for all ages and is especially perfect for an early Mother’s Day outing. More information on New Glarus’ events can be found at http://newglarusvillage.com/government/downtown-open-house.

Whether visitors are looking to explore new parts of their own community or discover something new around the state, this event offers something for everyone. An interactive map of participating communities, sites, and events can be found at http://www.inwisconsin.com/open-house, and the list of participating local sites and activities is provided below.

New Glarus Sites and Activities:

Free Admission to the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum – 618 2nd Street

Free Admission to the Swiss Historical Village and Museum – 612 7th Avenue

New Glarus Bike Rodeo – 418 Railroad Street

Free Self-Guided Tours at New Glarus Brewery – 2400 State Hwy 69

Free New Glarus Historic Walking Tour – Meeting Location TBD

Free Tours of the Swiss United Church of Christ – 18 5th Avenue

Questions regarding the Village’s participation in the Downtown Open House may be directed to Bryan Gadow, Village Administrator, at (608) 527-5971 or bgadow@newglarusvillage.com.