Discover Hidden Gems in Beloit!
Beloit is a hidden gem in Wisconsin. House Method named Beloit “the most underrated city in the state” in 2018.
There are many reasons Beloit is underrated. For instance, there is an award-winning Farmers’ Market that takes place every Saturday from May through October. In addition, Beloit has a beautiful, revitalized downtown featuring unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Believe it or not, there are many attractions, restaurants, and lodging options that even some locals are unaware of. Here are a few hidden (and sometimes quirky) gems in and around Beloit!
Double B Farm & Country Café
Double B Farm is a working farm that serves authentic farm-to-table breakfast and lunch Wednesday-Sunday 8am-3pm. Kids love seeing the goats, ducks, chickens, and pigs on the property.
Owners and husband & wife, Dan & Barb, are famous for their biscuits and gravy and their “Duck Butt” muffins. What are Duck Butt muffins? They are scrumptious muffins made with real butter and duck eggs!
Dan and Barb also serve homemade pizzas on Saturdays in summer in addition to breakfast and lunch! They built a wood fire oven in 2018.
In addition, they sell hormone and antibiotic-free beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Gourmet brats, baked goods, artisan goat cheese, country crafts, and goat’s milk soap can also be found for sale. Double B only accepts cash only. Take a quick tour with this video.
Ironworks Golf Lab
You can use one of three simulators to improve your game or just have fun at Ironworks Golf Lab. Choose from one hundred courses from around the world on the the HD simulator. Or, choose between golf or fourteen other games, including hockey and zombie dodgeball on the other two simulators.
Ironworks Golf Lab also offers golf instruction, club fitting, and competitions. The complete practice facility includes target ranges and chipping and putting ranges. Furthermore, you can monitor your progress with their advanced ball/club tracking and trajectory analysis.
In addition, the lab provides the fun for your next birthday party. Games include Mini Putt, Tic Tac Toe, Window Smash, Tractor Range, Poker, and many more. Enjoy adult beverages or soft drinks, as well as appetizers while you play!
1810 Emerson House
1810 Emerson House is located in an elegant, residential neighborhood near historic Beloit College. The house, built in 1930, is a lovely example of Georgian Colonial Revival architecture.
There are two well-appointed guestrooms with ultra-comfortable queen beds and cozy linens in a serene and elegant setting. In addition, each suite has its own private bath outfitted with Lord and Mayfair toiletries and a luxurious collection of distinctive products.
There are many reasons to love 1810 Emerson House. Above all, they spoil you each morning with breakfast served on fine china. In the evening before guests leave for dinner, a delectable antipasto plate with an assortment of tasty appetizers is offered along with complimentary wine or sparkling cider. Desserts await guests as a final treat upon their return for the night. The guest house is just blocks from downtown shops and restaurants.
Beloit College
Beloit College is the oldest continuously operated college in Wisconsin and was founded while the state was still a territory.
The campus offers 40 wooded acres of winding walkways, effigy mounds, and two museums including the internationally renowned, Logan Museum of Anthropology which contains artifacts from around the world. Displays include Native American baskets, pre-Columbian and prehistoric Native American ceramics.
The Wright Museum of Art, also located on the campus, has beautiful architecture as well as fine art displayed inside. More than a dozen exhibitions, drawn from the permanent collection, regional and student artists, and national touring shows fill the galleries year-round. Both museums are free of charge.
Tin Dog Records
Tin Dog is a vintage-style record store with a hip, modern, and clean space. They carry both new and used records. There are several bins filled with a variety of albums from $3 or $4 to $15. It’s a great place for avid collectors or a new-comer to vinyl. They also sell 8-track and cassette tapes, clothing, and speakers and sound equipment. Check out Tin Dog Records in this video.
Bushel & Peck’s Local Market
The owners of Bushel & Peck’s started out as Farmers’ Market vendors selling lamb, chicken and eggs from their farm in 2005. Their store front opened in 2008. Today, B&P is part restaurant, part store, part preservation kitchen, and part farm. They also host a variety of events including weekly trivia nights, weekend brunches, wine tastings, and lunch-time educational programs. This video walks you through their farm and kitchen.
The Poetry Garden at Beloit College
The Beloit Poetry Garden is located at the corner of College and Bushnell Streets and is a focal point for the college and local community.
The 14,000 square-foot garden is located on Beloit College’s elegant tree-shaded grounds next to the Logan Museum. The garden was designed by world-famous public artist Siah Armajani. Mr. Armajani is noted for designing and installing bridges, public spaces, and free-standing works around the world. For instance, he designed the tower and flaming cauldron for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The garden was originally created as work of art commissioned for the Lannan Foundation in Los Angeles in 1992. However, when the foundation moved into a new location, it was dismantled. In 1999, elements of the original garden were installed on the grounds of Beloit College under the guidance of the Armajani.
The Beloit Poetry Garden consists of a series of benches, ceramic pots, wooden tables, and steel gates interspersed among greenery and floral plantings. Therefore, it is a popular venue for performances, presentations, class meetings, and quiet relaxation.
Free Admission. More information here.
Beloit Janesville Symphony
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra is now in its sixty-fourth year. In addition to its series of classical and pops concerts, each year it performs Independence Day concerts in Janesville and Beloit. These concerts are offered free to the public. The symphony began as a volunteer community orchestra in 1953 at Beloit College. However, it has grown into a respected regional orchestra in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Take a look at upcoming concerts here.
The Mouse Tavern & Restaurant
The Mouse is possibly the oldest bar in Beloit. Mickey Mouse-inspired décor is plentiful because the original name was The Mickey Mouse. However, after running into legal action with Disney, they had to change the name.
The Mouse specializes in Friday fish fry. They serve fried or baked cod or perch, with your choice of potato from French fries, baked potato, or hash browns. The hash browns are served with fried onions and cheese on top.]
They also serve other American classics like hamburgers or grilled cheese, and the special on Saturday is chicken and dumplings.
The service is great, and the tavern is well-maintained, while maintaining an old-time feel. It is a favorite for locals to grab a drink or take the family out for dinner.
