National Travel & Tourism Week 2026
National Travel & Tourism Week is May 3-9, 2026 and Visit Beloit has organized a lineup of activities to celebrate
Written by Savannah Schindler | visit Beloit | April 24, 2026
We’re all about supporting travel and tourism across our Beloit and Stateline communities! This week, our Marketing and Public Relations team will be creating videos highlighting each sector of the tourism industry, and you have a chance to win fun prizes!
Day 1: Sunday, May 3rd – Attractions
Don’t miss an exclusive video featuring some of the incredible attractions throughout the Greater Beloit Area. Watch for it on Instagram and Facebook (@visitbeloit). Complete the steps in the video caption, and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to a 2026 game of your choice with the Beloit Sky Carp!
View it here.
Day 2: Monday, May 4th – Shopping
Beloit is home to more than 70 unique shops offering one-of-a-kind finds.
Check out our video on Instagram and Facebook (@visitbeloit) to learn more about what they have to offer. Follow the steps in the video caption, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to Elements Nursery & Gift Shop.
View it here.
Day 3: Tuesday, May 5th – Food & Beverage
From classic Wisconsin supper clubs to authentic Mexican cuisine, sweet shops, craft cocktails, and so much more, Beloit is full of great places to grab a bite and cheers.
Check out our video on Instagram and Facebook (@visitbeloit) to discover where to dine next. Complete the steps in the video caption, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to The Rock Bar & Grill.
View it here.
Day 4: Wednesday, May 6th – Hotels
From a two-time Michelin-starred hotel to properties with a wide range of amenities and more, Beloit offers plenty of great places to unwind after a day of exploring.
Check out our video on Instagram and Facebook (@visitbeloit) to see where to book your next stay. Complete the steps in the video caption, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card from Geronimo Hospitality Group.
View it here.
Day 5: Thursday, May 7th – Ho-Chunk Nation Highlight
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Beloit is set to bring a major new entertainment and hospitality destination to Beloit. The casino is expected to open in fall 2026, followed by a hotel and conference center in 2027. This $705 million project, which broke ground in October 2024 near Willowbrook and Colley Roads, will become the second-largest casino in the state.
In recognition of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s deep historical ties to the region, Visit Beloit will debut a special project honoring the Indigenous people whose land we live and work on.
Day 6: Friday, May 8th – Recap of Hospitality Breakfast & Award Ceremony
We will host our Hospitality Breakfast on Wednesday, May 6. In appreciation of our tourism partners and their frontline efforts, guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet. Tickets can be purchased online here. We are excited to welcome Geronimo Hospitality Group as our Tourism Champion Sponsor!
The program will include a welcome address, guest speaker, Ms. Anne Katz, Executive Director of Create Wisconsin, State of the Industry Address, and a ribbon cutting for The 1914 at Visit Beloit, our new event space. Visit Beloit will also present the Outstanding Frontline Employee Award, recognizing a partner who has gone above and beyond in delivering exceptional service and care to Beloit visitors.
The recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Frontline Employee Award was announced at the Hospitality Breakfast & Award Ceremony at Visit Beloit on Wednesday, May 6.
Visit Beloit has recognized Bobby Walker Jr., Duel Executive Chef at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint and Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian, as an Outstanding Frontline Employee. Bobby has dedicated 13 years to the restaurant, building a reputation for excellence in both leadership and culinary craft. Nominated by Jeff Ashton, Bobby was praised for his “exceptional leadership” and “unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.” He is “deeply respected and admired by both his team and the guests he engages with,” bringing “authenticity, integrity, and emotional intelligence to every interaction.” A highly skilled culinarian, Bobby is known for his ability to “elevate classic dishes with thoughtful, refined touches,” while leading a team that consistently delivers a “high-quality, value-driven experience.” Bobby, thank you for the impact you make each day. We wish you continued success!
We’re grateful to our partners for helping make Beloit a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors. Congratulations to Emily Rudicil of Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot, recipient of the Visit Beloit 2025 Outstanding Frontline Employee Award. Her exceptional hospitality, outstanding customer service, and care ensures every guest feels right at home. Read more about Emily here.
Day 7: Saturday, May 9th – Industry Data Highlights
Tourism continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth in Rock County and across Wisconsin, contributing to a record-breaking year in 2024. Check back as we reveal the data, posted on our social media channels.
All Week: Fresh Wisconsin Cheese Samples
In addition to our fantastic lineup of events to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, The Wisconsin Welcome Center – Beloit team will be offering complimentary cheese samples all week courtesy of Alp and Dell Cheese Store in Monroe, WI! Swing by during your adventures this week to savor a slice of Wisconsin!
Wisconsin Welcome Center – Beloit is located on Interstate 39 Northbound/ 90 Westbound just as you enter Wisconsin from Illinois. Formerly operated by the State Department of Tourism, and is currently operated locally by Visit Beloit. The staff is trained to help with all your travel needs locally and throughout the entire state. Stop in for an Official Wisconsin State Map, a visitor guide, directions, weather forecast, information regarding road construction or just to say hello to our friendly staff.
The hours are as follows: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
