Beloit Heritage Days 2026
September 11-13, 2026
“Open Doors Beloit” invites residents and visitors to explore the Stateline’s most iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems through a weekend full of events that celebrates the rich tapestry of our community’s past and vibrant culture of today.
Participants will enjoy free access to architectural treasures, cultural institutions, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours as community organizations, churches, businesses, schools, and cultural institutions “Open Their Doors” and welcome you in!
The Beloit Heritage Days Passport will guide you on your history-hunting trek throughout Beloit as you explore 20 free events & historic sites over the three day celebration. Visit 4 events and get your passport stamped, then turn it in for a FREE Turtle Sundae complements of Culver’s Of Beloit.
To receive your Turtle Sundae coupon, take your stamped passport to one of these locations:
- Bountiful Beloit – 920 Wisconsin Ave., Beloit
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Vintage Etcetera – 2526 Riverside Dr., Beloit
- Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
- Villager Gallery & Framing | My Apt. @ 429 – 429 E. Grand Ave., Beloit
- Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- The Rogue Bookshop – 321 State St., Beloit
- Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Make sure to check out our calendar for all of the events taking place throughout the weekend.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE UPDATES AND THE BELOIT HERITAGE DAYS PASSPORT
Friday, Sept. 11
“Walk Among the Giants” Guided Heritage Tree Walk, Friday, Sept. 11 | 10 a.m. | Leeson Park, 2200 Milwaukee Rd. Beloit
- Local historian and Heritage Tree advocate Therese Oldenburg will guide you on a journey through the natural and cultural history of Beloit along the 1-mile Heritage Tree Trail. Each of the 15 Heritage Trees is a “chapter” in a story that connects nature and history. Learn about the unique qualities of the trees and fascinating stories about the people and the events these towering trees have witnessed for centuries. Meet at the main shelter. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. Register online.
Discover Beloit & Beyond at the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Beloit, Friday, Sept. 11 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center, I-39/I-90 WB/NB-Rest Area 22, Beloit.
- Our friendly Visitor Center staff are ready to help you discover the best places to explore, dine, shop, and experience throughout the Beloit area and beyond. Stop in, gather ideas, and plan your next adventure! Visit visitbeloit.com for more inspiration.
“Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Beloit Historical Society Exhibit & Open House, Friday, Sept. 11 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lincoln Center, 845 Hackett St. Beloit
- Discover the many ways the Beloit community has celebrated throughout the years in “Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Exhibit. Explore behind the scenes as doors are opened to the Daisy Chapin one-room schoolhouse and our collections areas. Enjoy various activities for all ages.
“Women Watercolorists of Beloit” Exhibit, Friday, Sept. 11 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Beloit College Wright Museum of Art, Prospect St. & Bushnell St.
- Discover the talents of three of Beloit’s accomplished watercolor artists-Laura Aldrich Neese, Lydia Bartlett, and Ellen Malsch. This special exhibit celebrates their artistic achievements and lasting contributions to Beloit’s rich cultural heritage.
A Confluence of Authors & Stories, Friday, Sept. 11 | 2 p.m. | Nature at The Confluence, 306 Dickop St. South Beloit
- Karl Bell, author of “The Demolition of Hunt House”, and John Boel, author of “Cast Away: Five Generations of Family Fish Stories”, come together to share stories of growing up in Beloit, where the winding waters of the Rock River and Turtle Creek flow through the memories and experiences captured in their new books. Both authors will have books available for sale. Limited seating, RSVP online.
Beloit College Mound Group Walking Tour, Friday, Sept. 11 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Lobby of Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College, corner of Prospect St. and Bushnell St.
- Join Anthropology professor Dr. Shannon Fie for a walking tour of the Native mound group on Beloit College’s campus. Dr. Fie will share the history of the mounds, and efforts to preserve and protect these prehistoric earthworks. Rain plan: presentation about the mound group given in the Logan Museum’s Shaw Gallery.
Beloit Art Center Gallery Exhibits, Friday, Sept. 11 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Beloit Art Center, 520 E. Grand Ave. Beloit
- The BAC occupies a wonderfully preserved 1912 building where you can enjoy new art exhibits by Jeanne Garrett and Em Johns. Be sure to stop in at their art-inspired gift shop.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Downtown Beloit Farmer’s Market, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | State St. & E. Grand Ave. Beloit
- Find fresh produce, bakery and handcrafted items atone of the oldest and largest farmers markets in Wisconsin. Get your passport stamp at the Downtown Beloit Association’s booth at the intersection of State & Grand.
Discover Beloit & Beyond at the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Beloit, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center, I-39/I-90 WB/NB-Rest Area 22, Beloit.
- Our friendly Visitor Center staff are ready to help you discover the best places to explore, dine, shop, and experience throughout the Beloit area and beyond. Stop in, gather ideas, and plan your next adventure! Visit visitbeloit.com for more inspiration.
Heritage Days Quilt Show, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | First Congregational Church, 801 Bushnell St. Beloit
- View heirloom and hand-stitched quilts from area artisans and private collections. The public is invited to bring quilts to display on Friday morning, Sept. 11. Contact Pat at 608-362-4821 or 214-686-0601.
“Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Beloit Historical Society Exhibit & Open House, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lincoln Center, 845 Hackett St. Beloit
- Discover the many ways the Beloit community has celebrated throughout the years in “Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Exhibit. Explore behind the scenes as doors are opened to the Daisy Chapin one-room schoolhouse and our collections areas. Enjoy various activities for all ages.
Beloit Art Center Gallery Exhibits, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Beloit Art Center, 520 E. Grand Ave. Beloit
- The BAC occupies a wonderfully preserved 1912 building where you can enjoy new art exhibits by Jeanne Garrett and Em Johns. Be sure to stop in at their art-inspired gift shop.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Open House, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 212 W. Grand Ave. Beloit
- Tour Beloit’s oldest standing church, built by early settlers in 1850. View our mid-nineteenth-century glass and sculptures by renowned artist Vern Shaffer. Enjoy tea and treats and stroll along our garden walkways.
Cemetery Walk at Oakwood Cemetery, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. | 1221 Clary St. Beloit
- The gates of Oakwood Cemetery swing wide open for this walking tour where you’ll learn fascinating stories of Beloit’s oldest citizens. Hosts John Kalkirtz and John Sabaka will meet you at the Chapel. Brought to you by the City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Division and Beloit Historical Society. RSVP at 608-364-2890.
Bushnell Wheeler House Open House, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 542 Wheeler St. South Beloit
- Our open doors invite you to visit this historic treasure where you’ll find fascinating displays of the history of the people and industries of the Stateline area. South Beloit Historical Society members will be on hand to give tours and answer questions. Delicious home-baked items, hand-made crafts and John Patrick’s books will be available for sale.
“Women Watercolorists of Beloit” Exhibit, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Beloit College Wright Museum of Art, Prospect St. & Bushnell St.
- Discover the talents of three of Beloit’s accomplished watercolor artists-Laura Aldrich Neese, Lydia Bartlett, and Ellen Malsch. This special exhibit celebrates their artistic achievements and lasting contributions to Beloit’s rich cultural heritage.
“Wisconsin’s First Experimental Archaeologist” Pop-up Exhibit at the Logan Museum, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 1-2 p.m. Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College, at the corner of Prospect St. and Bushnell St.
- In 1912. Halvor Skavlem set out to unlock how stone tools were made by the prehistoric inhabitants of his property. Over the next 27 years, he produced thousands of experimental stone tools and projectile points. Join Curator Nikita Werner for a deep dive into this colorful character in Rock County history, and see the Logan Museum’s stunning collection of experimental archaeology.
High Tea at The Historic Rasey House, Saturday, Sept. 12 | Seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | 517 Prospect St. Beloit
- Experience an elegant morning or afternoon of tea, history, and hospitality served in one of Beloit’s most treasured historic landmarks. Savor a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and treats while learning about the remarkable history of this rare cobblestone home. Purchase advance $55 tickets online. Proceeds benefit the preservation, maintenance, and educational mission of the DAR Rasey House.
“Happy Semiquincentennial, America!” by Jay Payleitner, Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd. Beloit
- An engaging presentation by Jay Payleitner, a national speaker and best-selling author of more than 40 books. His new book, a love letter to America, covers Route 66, Slinkys, Teddy Bears, Drive-in Movies, Mister Rogers, Johnny Appleseed, Chicago-style hot dogs and more!
Sunday, Sept. 13
Heritage Sunday At Beckman Mill, Sunday, Sept. 13 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 11600 S County Rd. H, Beloit
- Walk back through time when you visit the restored 1858 Beckman Mill and Cooperage and Museum. Grinding, blacksmithing and historic trade demonstrations, soldiers representing different eras of war, music, and classic cars on display. Food available for purchase. Free event, donations appreciated.
“Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Beloit Historical Society Exhibit & Open House, Sunday, Sept. 13 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lincoln Center, 845 Hackett St. Beloit
- Discover the many ways the Beloit community has celebrated throughout the years in “Shared Legacies: 150 Years of Community Celebrations” Exhibit. Explore behind the scenes as doors are opened to the Daisy Chapin one-room schoolhouse and our collections areas. Enjoy various activities for all ages.
Rasey House Open House, Sunday, Sept. 13 | 1-4 p.m. | 517 Prospect St. Beloit
- Experience the history, charm, and hospitality of the historic Rasey House. Tour one of Beloit’s most treasured landmarks and discover the remarkable story of this rare cobblestone home and its connection to the founders of Beloit and early Beloit College. Lovingly preserved, and maintained by the Beloit Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Rasey House offers visitors a unique glimpse into the community’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Discover Beloit & Beyond at the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Beloit, Sunday, Sept. 13 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center, I-39/I-90 WB/NB-Rest Area 22, Beloit.
- Our friendly Visitor Center staff are ready to help you discover the best places to explore, dine, shop, and experience throughout the Beloit area and beyond. Stop in, gather ideas, and plan your next adventure! Visit visitbeloit.com for more inspiration.
Heritage Sunday features a variety of demonstrations including: broom making, blacksmithing, wood carving, basket weaving, and more.
In addition to demonstrations, there is live music such as, concertina, violin, and banjo playing.
The museum and gift shop will be open, and there are special activities for kids including: butter making, digging for potatoes, blacksmithing, and corn shelling. Attendees can also enjoy horse drawn wagon rides and interacting with Civil War soldiers. There are also WWII and Vietnam living history displays, collector show cars, and other attractions.
Food and beverages will be for sale including, soda, water, and desserts. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated to help the Friends of Beckman Mill to continue their 30 year endeavor to maintain the buildings and educate about bygone times.
History of Beckman Mill
The showpiece of the park is the Beckman Mill, the restoration of which was completed in 1997 by the Friends of Beckman Mill’s volunteer work crew. It is operational with power being supplied by its original 1860s water driven Leffel turbine. In the event alternate power is needed, the mill can be operated by its vintage two-cylinder gasoline engine.
Tours are available Saturdays and Sundays May through September.
Beckman Mill Park
11450 S. Cty. Hwy. H, Beloit
P: (608) 757-5451
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