10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Beloit, Wisconsin (Rock County Guide)
Looking for a laid-back Midwest getaway that still has plenty to do?
Beloit, Wisconsin, in
Rock County, is a small city with a big personality. It sits right on the Wisconsin–Illinois border and makes a great weekend road-trip stop from Chicago, Milwaukee, or Madison.
Whether you like the outdoors, local food, small-town festivals, or history, you’ll find something here that fits your style.
Below are
10 things to do in and near Beloit, WI that locals love and visitors often overlook.
1. Stroll the Beloit Riverwalk Along the Rock River
If you do only one thing in Beloit, make it the
Beloit Riverwalk.
This paved trail runs for about 3.5 miles along the
Rock River, right through downtown. It’s an easy, flat walk, and it’s perfect for:
- Morning jogs or evening strolls
- Biking with the kids
- Watching the sunset over the river
- Grabbing photos of bridges and murals
You’ll pass parks, public art, and spots where you can sit on a bench and just listen to the water. On a warm day, you’ll see people fishing, walking dogs, and pushing strollers.
If you enjoy slow travel and like to get a feel for a town on foot, this is the place to start.
2. Catch a Beloit Sky Carp Baseball Game
Love minor league baseball? Then you’ll feel right at home at a
Beloit Sky Carp game.
The Sky Carp are a
High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and they play at
ABC Supply Stadium in downtown Beloit. The ballpark is modern, cozy, and designed so you’re never far from the action.
Expect:
- Affordable tickets and concessions
- Theme nights and fun promos
- Plenty of kid-friendly activities
- Fireworks on select nights
Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the vibe is pure summer. Think hot dogs, cold drinks, and cheering with locals under the lights on a warm Wisconsin night.
3. Explore Downtown Beloit’s Shops, Art, and Eats
Beloit’s
historic downtown is compact, walkable, and full of character. Old brick buildings now hold cafes, boutiques, lofts, and galleries.
You can easily spend a few hours:
- Popping into local shops for gifts and antiques
- Sipping coffee at a corner cafe
- Checking out public art and murals
- Grabbing a craft beer or cocktail
If you time your visit right, you might also catch a downtown event or live music night. The area has a friendly, small-city feel—people say hello, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone at the next table.
4. Visit Beloit College and the Logan Museum of Anthropology
Just a short walk from downtown sits
Beloit College, one of the oldest colleges in Wisconsin. The campus feels like a quiet park, with big trees and historic buildings.
The real hidden gem here is the
Logan Museum of Anthropology.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Native American artifacts and tools
- Items from cultures around the world
- Exhibits that show how people lived, worked, and traveled
It’s a small museum, but it’s surprisingly rich. If you’re traveling with curious kids or you enjoy history and culture, this is a peaceful, educational stop.
Tip: Walk around campus afterward and look for the ancient Native American
mounds on the grounds. It adds a deeper layer to the area’s history.
5. Hunt for Fresh Produce at the Beloit Farmers’ Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday between late spring and fall, don’t miss the
Beloit Farmers’ Market in downtown.
It’s one of the largest farmers’ markets in Wisconsin and usually offers:
- Fresh fruits and veggies from local farms
- Homemade baked goods and jams
- Cheese (of course—it’s Wisconsin!)
- Flowers, crafts, and handmade items
- Street musicians and food trucks
Arrive hungry and pick up breakfast as you walk: maybe a cinnamon roll in one hand and a coffee in the other. There’s a fun, community feel, with families, college students, and visitors all mixing together.
6. Enjoy Riverside Parks: Riverside Park & Turtle Creek Greenway
Beloit does parks really well. For outdoor things to do near Beloit, start with these two:
Riverside Park
Right along the Rock River, this popular park has:
- Paved walking and biking paths
- A playground and splash pad for kids
- Open lawns perfect for a picnic or frisbee
- River access for fishing or just watching the water
In summer, you’ll often see events and festivals here. Pack a blanket, grab some takeout from downtown, and enjoy an easy lunch by the river.
Turtle Creek Greenway
If you like something a little more natural-feeling, head to the
Turtle Creek Greenway. Trails follow Turtle Creek through peaceful wooded areas, giving you the sense of being far from town, even though you’re just minutes away.
This is a nice spot for:
- Short hikes
- Birdwatching
- Quiet time in nature
7. Step Back in Time at Beckman Mill County Park
About 7 miles west of Beloit, in Rock County’s countryside, you’ll find
Beckman Mill County Park—a classic slice of rural Wisconsin history.
The highlights include:
- A restored 1868 grist mill with a big wooden water wheel
- A covered bridge that’s straight out of a postcard
- Nature trails and picnic areas
- A visitor center and historic farmhouse (open seasonally)
When the mill is running on select days, you can see how grain was ground into flour back in the 1800s. It’s especially fun if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves “Little House on the Prairie”-style history.
Even on quiet days, it’s a beautiful place for photos and a slow walk.
8. Sample Local Beer, Wine, and Spirits
If you enjoy tasting local flavors, Beloit and Rock County give you some solid options.
You’ll find:
- Local breweries offering seasonal and small-batch beers
- Nearby wineries in the countryside for tastings and vineyard views
- Craft cocktail spots downtown using Wisconsin-made spirits
Many places are casual and family-friendly during the day, with board games, outdoor seating, or live music on weekends.
Tip: Ask what’s brewed or grown in Wisconsin. You may discover a new favorite IPA, hard cider, or fruit wine to bring home as a souvenir.
9. Take a Day Trip to Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens
Just about 15–20 minutes north of Beloit is
Janesville, another Rock County city worth a quick side trip—especially for garden lovers.
The main draw is
Rotary Botanical Gardens, a 20-acre oasis with:
- Beautiful themed gardens (Japanese, English cottage, and more)
- Ponds, bridges, and walking paths
- Seasonal flowers and holiday light displays
It’s an easy, flat walk, and there are benches everywhere so you can sit and soak it all in. If you’re visiting Beloit as a couple, this makes a peaceful, romantic stop.
Pair your visit with lunch or dinner in Janesville, then head back to Beloit for the evening.
10. Join the Fun at Beloit’s Seasonal Festivals and Events
One of the best things to do in Beloit is to plan around a
local festival. For a smaller city, Beloit knows how to throw a party.
Depending on the time of year, you might catch:
- Summer concerts in the park along the river
- Downtown street festivals with food vendors and live music
- Holiday events and winter markets
- Car shows, art walks, or cultural celebrations
These events are some of the easiest ways to feel the community spirit of Beloit and Rock County. Check local tourism sites or the city calendar before your trip so you don’t miss out.
Planning Your Visit to Beloit, WI
Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for outdoor activities, the farmers’ market, and baseball games. Winter can be cold but cozy, with fewer crowds.
- Getting around: Downtown Beloit is walkable. A car helps if you plan to explore Rock County, Beckman Mill, or Janesville.
- Trip length: Beloit works well for a day trip, but 1–2 nights lets you explore at a relaxed pace.
Final Thoughts: Discovering Beloit and Rock County
Beloit might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think “Wisconsin vacation,” but that’s part of its charm. It feels real, lived-in, and welcoming—like the kind of place where you can slow down, walk by the river, chat with locals, and still find plenty to do.
From
riverfront walks and
minor league baseball to
historic mills and
farmers’ markets, there’s more to this Rock County city than meets the eye.
Now it’s your turn:
Have you visited Beloit or anywhere else in Rock County, Wisconsin?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Which spot from this list would you try first?
Share your thoughts in the comments below—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend planning a Midwest road trip. Your share helps more travelers discover Beloit’s hidden gems.
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