Walls of Wittenberg (WOW) – Shawano County, Wisconsin

To continue the new blog series of fun Wisconsin day trips and getaways (that are year round!), lets talk about Wittenberg, Wisconsin.

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard of Wittenberg prior to researching things to do in Shawano County; I’m glad my Mom and I got a chance to check it out!

 

Wittenberg, Wisconsin

A Village in central Wisconsin (Population ~1300) that is located:

  • ~ 70 min NW of Green Bay, WI
  • ~ 2 hr 30 min North of Madison, WI
  • ~ 2 hr 45 min NW of Milwaukee, WI

 

Why visit Wittenberg?

If you like art, and are looking for something different to see/do, then this is the perfect place to visit!  The streets are lined with beautiful murals on many of the buildings and local businesses down town.  These are the “Walls of Wittenberg” (WOW).   My favorite part?  The fact that it’s such a versatile tourist activity.  Since the murals are outside, they can be seen all year round, and at any time of day.

Walls of Wittenberg mural
This sign was located near the mural “Foundations of Faith”

Walls of Wittenberg mural
Part of “You Can’t Work All The Time” mural on the side of Resch Lanes – Artist: Adam Turman
Walls of Wittenberg mural
Part of “You Can’t Work All The Time” mural on the side of Resch Lanes – Artist: Adam Turman

 

The murals show the history of the area, and are so detailed.  The art is so impressive, and creates an uplifting feel to the atmosphere.

 

Walls of Wittenberg mural
“Wittenberg Welcomes You” mural on The Village Inn – Artist: Reynaldo Hernandez
Walls of Wittenberg mural
“Ka – Boom!!!” – Artist: Carole Bersin

 

Walls of Wittenberg mural
“A Tribute to Gus and Ann”, Artist: Ram Rojas

When we visited Wittenberg: Wisconsin decided to make things extra interesting by throwing 45 mph wind gusts and cold weather for the day.  I wasn’t super prepared for that (thanks to the unseasonably warm spell prior to that… I was spoiled) but it was still a great visit.  We parked near Vinal street, and ran around from mural to mural.  It was kind of like a scavenger hunt!

 

Pick up a map

There is a nice map with all of the mural locations noted on it, which we referred to also.  I got my map from Shawano County Tourism, but there was also a little box attached to the “Walls of Wittenberg” sign that may have had maps in it too (near the “Foundations of Faith” mural on the side of the Homme Home, 604 Webb St. )   Or, you can download a pdf of the map from this website.

“The Nuts and Bolts of It…” outside of True Value Hardware, Artist: Andy Goretski

 

 

Our visit

Our visit to Wittenberg was midday on a Tuesday, and there wasn’t too much action down town.  Most of the businesses near the murals were closed while we were there.   It was a really cute town, and would have been fun to stay longer to just wander around if it weren’t so windy that day.

With the wind, we probably only spent about an hour in Wittenberg.  But, depending on how leisurely you stroll in search of the murals, and if you stop off somewhere to eat or hang out I’d suggest blocking off 1-3 hours to enjoy the artwork.

Walls of Wittenberg mural
“GO PACK GO” mural located on the side of Sentry Foods, Artists: Carole Bersin and Alicia Rheal

Check out my other posts about touring around: Barn Quilts of Shawano CountyGresham barn quiltsHotel & Restaurant review

Walls of Wittenberg mural
WOW – Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Walls of Wittenberg mural
WOW – Wittenberg, Wisconsin

 

Disclaimer: I received some “Chamber bucks” to spend on food etc. at local businesses while on my trip to Shawano County, and had a discounted rate for overnight accommodations.  I picked my own itinerary based on suggestions from Shawano Country Tourism.  All opinions are my own.

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