If you don’t know who Diane Hendricks is you are likely not alone. Many people can name men billionaires off the top of their heads: Gates, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Buffet. I don’t even have to give you their first names because you know who they are. Women billionaires are not as common, but there is one in a small town in Wisconsin that has had a huge impact on her community. Diane Hendricks was the top self-made woman billionaire in 2018 and continues to hold her own in this exclusive club. That is something you will learn when you visit Beloit, Wisconsin.
The main reason I mention Mrs. Hendricks is that her legacy has had a very positive impact on the 197-year-old town of Beloit, Wisconsin. Set up as a trading post in the 1830s on Rock River, it was first home to the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe. Fast forward to the turn of the century and this area grew exponentially during the Industrial Revolution. This is also an important part of the history (and future) of this small south Wisconsin town.
Located on the picturesque Wisconsin-Illinois border, Beloit presents an inviting blend of small-town allure and proximity to major urban attractions. Within a comfortable 90-minute drive from Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, this charming city caters to both relaxation-seekers and adventure enthusiasts.
Whether you’re planning a rejuvenating girl’s getaway or a romantic couples weekend, Beloit offers an exceptional retreat. Its unique appeal is showcased by the serene bike and walking paths that meander along the Rock River, creating an idyllic backdrop for leisurely strolls. The city’s charm is enhanced by sumptuous restaurants and delightful boutique shops, all conveniently nestled within the historic downtown area.
A Bit of History
Ironworks is more than a theme in Beloit. This town was built on the hard work of ironworkers at Merrill and Houston (established in 1858, M&H produced paper machines, along with water wheels and other iron products). After hitting hard times, four employees of Merrill and Houston got together and formed a new corporation – Beloit Iron Works. This company suvived until 1999 when it filed for bankruptcy. This didn’t dissuade the Hendricks from digging deep and rejuvenating this small town landmark.
The Ironworks Campus is an easy-to-walk from the downtown core – it is a mixture of an older factory with character and new additions. Besides the Rock River, you will find the stunning Landing sculpture and the home of the Stateline Family YMCA and other small businesses.
Don’t miss the alleyway filled with hanging lights and huge pictures of ironworkers. Cross the small walking bridge to make your way to either the river walk or the statue of Ken Hendricks (right beside the Ironworks Hotel) to read about his commitment to the region.
I mention the YMCA because it is large and very modern with an indoor pool, running track and pickleball and basketball courts. As an added perk, if you stay at either the Ironworks Hotel or Hotel Goodwin, hotel guests have access to a day pass at the YMCA.
Insider Tip: Consider a luxury stay at the Ironworks Hotel as you can also access a day pass to the private Beloit Club (for an additional cost you can lounge by the pool and rent a cabana for the day). These two properties (Ironworks Hotel & Hotel Goodwin) are owned by the Geronimo Hospitality Group – part of Diane Hendricks’ empire. Check out my TikTok of the hotel here.
Beloit is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway (girls or couples) and is relaxed enough to make it an easy three-day itinerary. Here is what I would propose with a few added attractions to fit in if you have the time. Without a doubt, I highly recommend staying downtown at either the Ironworks Hotel or Hotel Goodwin for a bit of pampering and a lot of room! Just park your car and enjoy your time in Beloit!
Day 1 – Friday – Visit Beloit
Fridays in the Park
Arrive in time to catch some tunes and lunch in downtown Beloit (corner of State St. & Grand Ave.). There is live music every Friday and for $8 eat lunch from a local food vendor! The music rotates weekly, as does the food vendor. If for any reason the lunch offerings are sold out, walk over to any number of eateries. (Bushel & Peck’s Local Market, Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar or Zen Sushi & Grill).
Have a walk around downtown then cross the bridge and head towards the Ironworks business campus. There you will find the Stateline Family YMCA and the Ironworks Golf Lab. The golf lab has an HD Simulator that lets you choose from 80+ golf courses from around the world, or the Visual Sports Simulators let you choose between golf and 14 other games, including baseball, football, basketball, and zombie dodgeball). You can enjoy a cool drink and appetizers.
If you want to stay outside, you can walk or bike to the Beloit College campus along the Rock River Trail. This beautiful walk and bike path runs along the river and you will eventually get to Riverside Park. There is also a large playground for kids.
Music & Dance at Harry’s Place
You have two options for entertainment at the Harry Moore Pavilion in Riverside Park: on warm Monday nights dance lessons begin at 7 pm followed by an open dance at 8 pm. Each week promises a different style (chacha, swing, square dance etc.). Or on Friday evenings, enjoy live music. Starting from 6 pm bring a picnic dinner or stop by local food vendors and food trucks. The concerts begin at 7 pm – check the schedule for any changes!
A nightcap at 5Bar or snacks at truk’t
For an eclectic evening and killer cocktails (try the ginger basil lemon drop) stop by 5Bar dive bar (self-described). It’s a cross between drinks in your living room and a karaoke bar. It’s definitely a late-night drink sort of place. If you are looking for something a bit more traditional stop by truk’t Street Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey (I think the name says it all) and watch the bartender mix drinks – very entertaining, I kid you not. Feeling peckish, I had four different tacos for $18 and they were fantastic!
Day 2 – Saturday
Farmers Market
Get up nice and early and head over to the wonderful open-air market – the second largest in Wisconsin – in the heart of historic Downtown Beloit. An award-winning community tradition spanning over 50 years, the Downtown Beloit Farmers Market has grown to over 130 vendors selling farm-fresh local produce, baked goods, honey, jams & jellies, fresh flowers, artisan crafts, and sweet treats. Expect live music, food trucks, and plenty of food options. The market happens rain or shine! Located on State Street and Grand Avenue.
Shopping
Even though there are plenty of booths to stoke your curiosity at the Farmers Market, many of the stores and eateries were open. I stopped by a few to have a look, one of my favourites was the candy store with some delicious popcorn treats available in different sizes and flavours.
There were a few stores featuring local products from various artists (from jewellery, bath products and clothing) as well as paintings. Be sure and stop by Bushel & Peck’s Local Market for an assortment of plants, used books for sale, and very cute gardening supplies. My favourite part was they have a Little Free Library right in the store. I picked up a novel for the flight home!
Beloit Art Center
The Beloit Art Center, located in downtown Beloit, offers visitors a chance to view exhibits by local and regional artists. While we were visiting there was a wonderful exhibition by C.K. Chang a pathologist from Madison, WI and a talented realist painter. This is a small gallery that also houses other artists on the second floor. Volunteer, Ben Henthorn, gave us a great tour of the centre with interesting facts about the art community in Beloit.
The Beloit Club
As guests of the Ironworks Hotel, we took full advantage of guest privileges at the swanky Beloit Club, had a tour of the clubhouse and then headed over to the pool and our reserved cabana (there is an extra cost but well worth it). With the recently rebuilt and stunning clubhouse, award-winning golf course, swimming amenities and delightful menus for cuisine and drinks, The Beloit Club was a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Dinner downtown
There are numerous options to have dinner. You could stay at The Beloit Club or head back downtown. We were treated to a steak dinner at Merrill & Houston Steak Joint (adjacent to The Ironworks Hotel) but I would also suggest checking out the modern Italian fare at Velvet Buffalo at the Hotel Goodwin. All part of the Geronimo Hospitality Group, you can see how Diane Hendricks has invested in the well-being and prosperity of Beloit. Yet another reason to Visit Beloit, WI.
Cocktails at The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin
The perfect ending to a full day of fun is having a nightcap at the Rooftop Bar located at the Hotel Goodwin. A sister property to the Ironworks Hotel, this luxury hotel has the same access to the Beloit Club and the Stateline Family YMCA, PLUS a killer view of the Sky Carp’s fireworks display every Saturday night! We had an Old Fashion – Wisco Style and it was the BOMB!
Day 3 – Sunday
Beloit is spoilt for good coffee shops and bakeries in the downtown core. We picked up breakfast sandwiches, pastries and killer coffee on Sunday morning at Blue Collar Cofee. Other food options include Bagels and More or Bushel and Peck’s.
Historic Auto Attractions
Mid-morning drive over to one of the most interesting museums around. See all the history and artifacts that Historic Auto Attractions have to offer. This very eclectic museum, with over 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibits including the world’s largest collection of Presidential and World Leaders’ Limousines, a vast collection of Gangster Era vehicles, a large Elvis Presley display and memorabilia, TV Land cars, and cars from hit movies such as Batman, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future. Where entertaining, quirky and amusing collide, the Historic Auto Attractions museum has something for everyone.
I was enchanted by the owner/collector as he was passionate about his overall collection. He has not only collected but helped design each exhibit space. I enjoyed the Presidential limousine, Jackie O dresses and the Jack Ruby & Lee Harvey Oswald reenactment exhibit. You can spend hours here looking at everything from WWII uniforms, monster trucks and even Eva Braun’s lingerie (more on that in an upcoming blog post about this quirky museum).
Taco Trail and other Interesting walks
Getting hungry? Consider following The Taco Trail. With 20 different possibilities, you can taste a variety of tacos while discovering a little bit more of Beloit. Discover the vibrant Hispanic community at any number of eateries and food trucks.
It’s pretty simple to sign up for the Visit Beloit passport on their website with the different trail options. It uses your phone locations to help you navigate. Check-in, collect codes and earn stickers.
Insider’s Tip: Visit Beloit has a series of three different trails to pique your curiosity and help you have some fun discovering great food, history and a few choice breweries. You can follow the Outdoor Art Trail and find stunning public art and history. Lastly, who doesn’t love a Craft Beer Trail? Collect codes for all locations, and you’ll receive an exclusive 2023 Beloit & Beyond Craft Beer Trail T-Shirt. This state is famous for its brewery and cheese combinations and Beloit is no different
Sky Carp Baseball Game
How best to invest in the town of Beloit than to build a brand new baseball field for the high A affiliate home team? Diane Hendricks’ company ABC Supply holds the title name to this state-of-the-art ballpark stadium and it suits the town perfectly. Designed as an extension of downtown Beloit, ABC Supply Stadium has designated areas for family fun, adult socializing and easy access to the whole park. You will want to take in a game on a sunny Sunday afternoon or take in the fireworks on a Saturday evening. The Sky Carp are sure to entertain!
More of Beloit and surrounding area…
If you have a car you may want to drop by these points of interest.
- DC Estate Winery – take a wine tour and wine tasting and enjoy a delicious charcuterie board
- Beckman Mill Park – an authentically restored 1868 grist mill, a new dam, mill pond, fish ladder, footbridge, and sawmill display
- Wisconsin-style supper clubs – a throwback to yesteryear, supper clubs provide a traditional dining experience with some having shows as part of the entertainment
- Beloit College Museums – with two to choose from visit the Wright Museum of Art or the Logan Museum of Anthropology.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.
Looks like Beloit is a beautiful town!! Sounds like I need to plan a girls trip with my sister!
Honestly, this is the perfect place for a girl’s getaway. Definitely stay downtown at The Ironworks Hotel, the rooms were very spacious. The tacos at truk’t were soooooo good! And the Sky Carp baseball game was great.
Have fun!