by From the rise of murals downtown to the return of Fish Days (yes, plural again!) Port Washington is watching new activity and growth while retaining the charm and natural beauty that has always drawn people to this lovely – and growing – port city along Lake Michigan that’s easily accessible via Highways 32 and 33 just off I-43 and Highways 57 and 60. In this new episode of the State Trunk Tour Podcast, we visit with Wayne Chrusciel, Executive Director of Visit Port Washington.
In this episode, we discuss the influence of the lake and its majestic harbor, views from the hills, walking along the water in the marina and Coal Dock Park. The 1860 Lighthouse & Museum with St. Mary’s Church nearby brings you back to early history in Wisconsin; the downtown Port Washington has the largest collection of pre-Civil War buildings in the state. Their very walkable downtown brims with shops, beautiful architecture, and a growing list of restaurants with increasingly diverse cuisine options. The city landed its spot in the nationwide Global Roots: America Connects Mural Mosaic Project, where Port Washington beat out locations in 11 states to become the Midwest representative and foster its growing art scene. For recreation, Lake Michigan’s opportunity to enjoy swimming, boating, surfing, and beaches is unsurpassed anywhere in the state, and the city is flanked by spectacular parks, including Harrington Beach State Park to the north and Lions Den Gorge County Park to the south. Kids can enjoy all of these amenities as well as places like the Possibility Playground, which is accessible to everyone while offering beautiful views from the bluff. Inventors Brewpub offers terrific craft beer and is in the process of expanding to a new downtown venue. Vines to Cellar Winery not only makes and offers great wines, but also gives you extra opportunities to learn about wine and even make your own. Coal Dock Park is starting to blossom as a place to walk, enjoy the views, and some emerging events.
Upcoming events in Port Washington include the Port Festival of the Arts, Fall Fest, Christmas on the Corner, and the legendary Fish Days are BACK in mid-July – and running multiple days again! Meanwhile this summer, every Saturday from June through October Port Washington offers their comprehensive farmers market in the morning hours downtown and a beer garden in the afternoon in Upper Lake Park, right across from Possibility Playground. And their downtown hotel just reopened with major updates, so you have a walkable lodging option in the heart of town along the water. Check out more on StateTrunkTour.com as well as Visit Port Washington’s website, and listen to the podcast below!
