Belgium WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Belgium, Wisconsin.
1. Harrington Beach State Park
STUNNING LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE
Harrington Beach State Park offers more than a mile of breathtaking Lake Michigan beaches perfect for strolling, swimming, or simply relaxing with a book. Visitors can explore the 26-acre Quarry Lake, formerly a working stone quarry, and discover historical remnants of Stonehaven, a small company town once owned by Lake Shore Stone company. The park also features camping facilities, an observatory center for stargazing, fishing at Puckett's Pond, and the Ansay Welcome Center, which is available for event rentals.
2. Luxembourg American Cultural Society
HERITAGE AND HISTORY MUSEUM
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society is an international non-profit celebrating the unique heritage and culture of Luxembourgers in America. The society's center includes the Roots & Leaves Museum housed in an 1872 Luxembourgish-built stone barn that was dismantled several miles away and rebuilt on its current foundation in 2008. It also features a gift shop and the Dooley-Wagner Research Center, which is the largest research center of its kind outside of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
3. Buechler Farms
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL DESTINATION
Buechler Farms provides visitors with an authentic Wisconsin farm experience in the heart of Belgium. Families can enjoy seasonal activities including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and farm tours that showcase rural life in Wisconsin. The farm offers educational opportunities about agriculture while providing entertainment for visitors of all ages throughout the year.
4. Ozaukee Interurban Trail
SCENIC 30-MILE PAVED TRAIL
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a free 30-mile paved trail located on the former route of an interurban railway line that passes through Belgium. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking, skiing, and running along this scenic path that connects communities throughout Ozaukee County. The trail offers beautiful views of the countryside and Lake Michigan, making it a perfect outdoor recreation option in any season.
5. St. Mary's Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
St. Mary's Church stands as a testament to Belgium's rich European heritage with its impressive architecture and historical significance. Visitors can admire the beautiful stone construction and ornate details that reflect the Luxembourgish influence on the community. The church continues to serve as both a religious center and a cultural landmark that connects present-day Belgium to its immigrant roots.
6. Cedar Valley Cheese
AUTHENTIC WISCONSIN CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Cedar Valley Cheese offers visitors a genuine Wisconsin cheese experience with its variety of locally-produced cheeses. Cheese enthusiasts can watch the cheesemaking process, sample different varieties, and purchase fresh cheese products directly from the source. The store represents Wisconsin's proud dairy tradition and provides a taste of regional culinary heritage to locals and tourists alike.
7. Pepi's Playground
FAMILY FUN RECREATION AREA
Pepi's Playground provides a welcoming recreational space for families visiting Belgium, Wisconsin. Children can enjoy modern play equipment in a safe, well-maintained environment while parents relax in the surrounding park area. The playground serves as a community gathering place and offers a perfect spot for young travelers to burn off energy during a visit to Belgium.
8. St Mark Lutheran Church
SPIRITUAL HERITAGE SITE
St Mark Lutheran Church represents an important part of Belgium's religious heritage with its distinctive architecture and community significance. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship of the building while learning about the role of Lutheran faith in the development of the area. The church continues to be an active spiritual center while also serving as a historical landmark in Belgium.
9. Belgium Historic Downtown
OLD WORLD EUROPEAN CHARM
Belgium's Historic Downtown invites visitors to stroll through streets lined with stone buildings reminiscent of European architecture. Travelers can admire the Luxembourgish flags that line Main Street and explore the Luxembourg-inspired street names throughout the community. The charming downtown area offers a glimpse into the past while providing shopping and dining opportunities in a uniquely European-American setting.
10. Luxembourg Fest
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Luxembourg Fest takes place the second weekend in August and celebrates Belgium's rich Luxembourgish heritage with food, music, and cultural activities. Visitors can experience traditional Luxembourg customs, sample authentic cuisine, and participate in various entertainment offerings during this vibrant community event. The festival stands as Belgium's proudest cultural tradition and draws visitors interested in European heritage from throughout the region.
11. Ansay Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Ansay Welcome Center serves as an informational hub and event space within Harrington Beach State Park near Belgium. Visitors can gather information about park activities, view exhibits about local natural history, and even rent the facility for special events. The center provides a comfortable starting point for exploring the park's many natural attractions including beaches, trails, and quarry lake.
12. Puckett's Pond
SERENE FISHING DESTINATION
Puckett's Pond offers a peaceful fishing experience within Harrington Beach State Park near Belgium. Anglers can enjoy casting for various fish species in a tranquil setting surrounded by natural beauty. The pond provides a more secluded alternative to Lake Michigan fishing and is accessible via the park's trail system.
13. Quarry Lake
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
Quarry Lake in Harrington Beach State Park features a scenic 26-acre body of water formed from a former working stone quarry. Visitors can hike around the lake while learning about its industrial past through interpretive signs that explain the history of Stonehaven, the company town that once existed there. The unique lake offers excellent photography opportunities with its clear waters and surrounding natural landscape.
14. Dooley-Wagner Research Center
LUXEMBOURGISH ANCESTRY RESOURCES
The Dooley-Wagner Research Center is the largest Luxembourgish research facility of its kind outside of Luxembourg itself. Genealogy enthusiasts and history buffs can access extensive archives, documents, and resources related to Luxembourg immigrants and their descendants in America. The center represents an invaluable resource for those researching their Luxembourgish ancestry or studying the cultural impact of Luxembourg immigration to Wisconsin.
15. Roots & Leaves Museum
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE EXHIBITION
The Roots & Leaves Museum showcases the story of Luxembourg immigrants in America through immersive exhibits housed in an authentic 1872 Luxembourgish stone barn. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring to life the journey and contributions of Luxembourg settlers to Wisconsin. The museum's unique building itself serves as an exhibit, having been dismantled from its original location and meticulously reconstructed on its current foundation in 2008.