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State Trunk Tour

by Eric Paulsen

Pick Some Roads and GO!! The State Trunk Tour is all about exploring Wisconsin road-by-road and place-by-place, with plenty of interesting facts, history, trivia, twists, and kitsch. Because this is one interesting state. Check out StateTrunkTour.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and of course this podcast and to discover some great ways to explore Wisconsin on road trips!

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Episodes

  1. 63 | Heading into February events including Kenosha 2026 Restaurant Week!

    In this State Trunk Tour episode, we cover the latest on the Ice Caves on Lake Superior and go over a few of the events this weekend before taking a deeper dive into Kenosha Restaurant Week, which kicks off Saturday, February 21st and runs through March 1st this year. Joining us will be Meridith...

  2. 60 | Visit Kenosha for amazing holiday markets, real reindeer, museum events and more in December

    It’s December, and you probably have holiday shopping on your mind. Kenosha is a great place to road trip to for their downtown holiday markets right now! They also have some great events at their major museums downtown Saturday, December 6th and at other points during the holiday season, PLUS…

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  3. 59 | UPDATE: Fun, Art, & Science with the World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes in Williams Bay

    The World’s Tallest Glass Tree is once again going up at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. It’s the centerpiece of science, art, and holiday fun that can be had the weekends of December 5-7 and 12-14, 2025. Rob Elliott and Jason Mack join host Eric Paulsen for a quick, fun…

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  4. 58 | Lights, stars, and shows: Dr. Teri Gee from the Barlow Planetarium

    Holiday Lights are getting full swing across Wisconsin for the season, and it’s also a great time to see the stars - the real ones in the sky - and take in some amazing shows at Wisconsin’s planetariums! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Teri Gee from the Barlow Planetarium in Menasha about their...

  5. 56 | Marshfield Maple Fall Fest and fun into the holidays, plus US 10 from Highground to Grottos

    In this episode, we preview Marshfield's Maple Fall Fest, which promises tons of tasty fun this weekend, with Visit Marshfield's Matt McLean. Looking ahead, we check out Seehafer Acres for fall fun in the area, the Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland holiday lights show with up to 2 million…

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  6. 55 | Books, Brats, and Boats: Busy August in Sheboygan!

    August is a busy time in Wisconsin with State Fair and so many other fun events. Sheboygan really gets into it with events like Johnsonville Brat Days, back for Saturday, August 2nd; Bookworm Gardens Fairyfolk Festival August 5th-10th; and then the BIG Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge Friday,...

  7. 54 | AMC History: Kenosha's Homecoming Weekend Car Show & Taste of Wisconsin, plus a ride on Highway 21

    Meredith Jumisko from Visit Kenosha joins host Eric Paulsen for a look at Kenosha's Homecoming Car Show, hosting classic cars and showcasing the city's amazing history of automobile manufacturing. AMC - American Motors - cars take center stage but many other classics will be on display. It's part...

  8. 49 | Flag Day began in Wisconsin. Learn about the history and museum with Dave Janik

    Flag Day is a national holiday, celebrating the United States flag every June 14th. But did you know it started in Wisconsin? We learn the history with Dave Janik, President of the Waubeka, Wisconsin-based National Flag Day Foundation, as well as discuss the annual celebrations in town...

  9. 48 | Visit Kenosha: Restaurant Week, History, Creative Fun & more with Meridith Jumisko

    Kenosha is Wisconsin's 4th largest city, right in the state's SE corner smack dab between Milwaukee and Chicago. This dynamic city has flavors of both Wisconsin and Illinois, with Lake Michigan fun, a dynamic downtown, and unexpected gems to boot. Museums showcase Kenosha's history from Wooly...

  10. 47 | Visit Racine County west to east and get hyped with Cari Greving!

    Real Racine is now Visit Racine County... but the whole county is real. Real fun with a lot of real options! In this State Trunk Tour Podcast, we cover everything Racine County with Cari Greving, Executive Director of Visit Racine County. We generally go from west to east, giving love to the…

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  11. 46 | Wisconsin Dive Bars and Road Trips with Jared Schutz

    Wisconsin Dive Bars can be found everywhere in the state and lately they've been getting the love nd recognition they deserve. Jared Schutz is a Wisconsin dive bar authority, having catalogued over 700 visits so far on his Wisco_Dive_Bars_ accounts on socials and his WiscoDiveBars.com website,...

  12. 45 | Central Wisconsin State Fair fun and tons of new and cool stuff in Marshfield with Matt McLean

    Host Eric Paulsen is joined by Matt McLean from Visit Marshfield to preview the Central Wisconsin State Fair, which kicks off August 20th through the 25th. National artists performing live, rodeo, demolition derby and all the other fun Fair activity (including the "Kiss A Critter" contest), food,...

  13. 44 | Olympics: Could Milwaukee host and make the most of it? Yes, according to Jay Sorgi

    With the 2024 Summer Olympic Games underway, we're here to talk about the Olympics – and Milwaukee and Wisconsin. As in, could Milwaukee host an Olympic Games? Even if it could. why? What’s in it for the city and the greater region? Answers exist in a fascinating book called Greater Than The…

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  14. 43 | Blasts, Brats, and Boats with Visit Sheboygan's Shelly Harms

    We preview the last weekend of June in this episode and then dive deeper into Sheboygan, where Eric Paulsen has a discussion about upcoming events with Shelly Harms from Visit Sheboygan. The 4th of July celebrations coming up kick off Wedmesday the 3rd with live music on City Green (part of the...

  15. 39 | The World's Tallest Glass Tree is going up right now in Williams Bay. Here's how you can check it out!

    The World's Tallest Glass Tree is going up right now at Yerkes Observatory along Highway 67 in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Under the inspirational guidance of Rob Elliott and glass maker Jason Mack, this endeavor is in its second year. They take donated glass from all over, spin it onto a pole, and...

  16. 38 | Marshfield, Maple Fall Fest, Meat Sticks, more updates on this growing city

    Marshfield, Wisconsin's "Hub City," continues to grow and offer more for visitors to experience. It starts with Central Avenue, the main artery offering some fantastic shopping, great restaurants and more to explore along with the Jurustic Park Downtown Walk. Within blocks, a wide variety of…

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  17. 36 | Oconto County: Road Tripping to Trails, Tracks, Copper, and the Coast

    Oconto County, tucked into northeastern Wisconsin, offers a lot on your road trip. In the episode, host Eric Paulsen talks with Oconto County Tourism Director Sammy Boucher to discuss it all. We begin with the county's extensive trails for motorized recreaton, especially with Gillett laying claim...

  18. 35 | All about Summerfest 2023 with Summerfest President Sarah Pancheri

    Milwaukee's legendary Summerfest turns 55 this year, and 2023 brings new experiences, changes and upgrades, and another amazing lineup of artists across multiple genres - over 600 performances to choose from. Running June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8, 2023, Eric Paulsen and Sarah Pancheri...

  19. 34 | Pull into Port Washington for 2023's New Murals, Expansions, the Return of Fish Days and much more

    Port Washington is awash in history and both natural and architectural beauty. But the variety of things to do and see - and the events you can experience - are growing rapidly. Eric sits down with Wayne Chrusciel, Executive Director of Port Washington Tourism, for an update on what's happening…

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  20. 30 | Lake Geneva this Winter: a new "World's Tallest" and a plethora of fun activities all season

    Lake Geneva has always offered a dizzying array of great options for winter fun, and this year they up the ante with the World's Tallest Glass Tree at the newly-reopened Yerkes Observatory. Eric joins VISIT Lake Geneva CEO Stephanie Klett to cover a lot of ground for all the activities you can...

  21. 29 | Canadian Pacific Holiday Train's stops across Wisconsin Dec 8-10

    The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is BACK this year! It runs across Wisconsin on the CP tracks, stopping in 13 places from Sturtevant to La Crosse December 8-10 in 2022. Here's where and when you can see the train, enjoy the beauty and entertainment, and help local community food banks - perhaps...

  22. 28 | Sheboygan: Surfing, Eating, and Exploring What's New (which is plenty!) into Fall & Winter

    Sheboygan offers plenty of great options - including surfing, of course - as we head into fall and winter. The increasingly vibrant and diverse restaurant (and food truck) scene is complemented with new museums, parks, and plenty to explore. We check in with Shelly Harms from Visit Sheboygan to...

  23. 27 | Marshfield expands with new sites, shops, events, and more

    Marshfield - Wisconsin's "Hub City" known for medical care and advancements, also has a vibrant downtown with unique shops, a great zoo, historic sites, crazy sculptures with Jurustic Park, new activities with outdoor plazas, and a number of great events coming up. Find out all about it with host...

  24. 26 | Chippewa Falls: Road Tripping to summer fairs, events, great scenery and towns

    Chippewa Falls and Chippewa County are packed with fun things to do and see as we go through summer. Events from the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and Rock Fest to Pure Water Day and Leinie's Oktoberfest, plus a ton of always-on options from breweries to bike trails all await as we discuss fun...

  25. 25 | Manitowoc County: the Coolest Coast for a Reason, with Jason Ring

    Manitowoc County features food trails, cave exploration, unique museums and maritime fun, all with cool stories behind them. Join host Eric Paulsen and guest Jason Ring to dive into Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and points throughout the county to find fun for everyone, including events that salute...

  26. 24 | A deep "dive" into Port Washington - maritime and more

    Port Washington may be a small town, but it has big offerings. From the incredible adventures you can have on the water and its beautiful harbor to its vibrant downtown, it's a great visit for a day trip, weekend, or for their may festivals - including their first-ever Winterfest, coming up...

  27. 23 | Lake Geneva: World Class Winter Magic: Ice Castles, Snow Sculptures, Winter Sports and a lot more

    Lake Geneva offers a world-class winter getaway experience, and with the coveted Ice Castles underway and their Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships coming, it was the perfect time for a conversation with VISIT Lake Geneva's dynamo CEO, Stephanie Klett. We also hit up winter...

  28. 22 | Sheboygan: Mingling in the Malibu of the Midwest

    Surfing in winter? Yes, they do that. Sheboygan is the Malibu of the Midwest and the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Buoyed by a diversifying food scene, a thriving arts and creative community, and a downtown people are increasingly moving to Sheboygan offers plenty of reasons to road trip. This...

  29. 21 | Hartford: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles... plus Golf, Hot Air Balloons, and more!

    Hartford offers remarkable automotive history with its museum, natural beauty all around, some classic architecture, proximity to Erin Hills, Holy Hill, and plenty to enjoy from shopping to balloon festivals and more. State Trunk Tour's Eric Paulsen talks with Doreen Buntrock about Hartford's...

  30. 20 | Exploring Green Bay's multitude of things to do and see when you can't go to games at Lambeau

    Green Bay is famous for being "Titletown." But don't let COVID-era attendance limitations at Lambeau stop you from heading to Wisconsin's oldest (and only NFL) city and taking in the sights, museums, history, gardens, family-friendly activities, breweries, and more. Brenda Krainik from the Green...

  31. 19 | Racine County Fall Farm Fun, Barn Quilts, Beer Gardens, Wine Walks, even Lakefront Yoga

    It's October, and fall fun options include apple picking (and shooting them out of cannons), barn quilt views and tours, wine walks, beer gardens, corn mazes, Halloween Glow lights, even yoga with coffee along Lake Michigan. Cari Greving from Real Racine joins Eric Paulsen for a fun review of…

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  32. 18 | Hygeia Spring and the Great Pipeline Battle to Chicago: Waukesha's colorful water history

    In the late 19th century, Waukesha's water and Hygeia Springs had a national reputation for health, to the point where an entrepreneur tried to build a pipeline sending the water to Chicago's 1893 World Columbian Exposition. He succeeded - sort of. You can even visit this spring in Big Bend, just...

  33. 17 | Paramount Music and the remarkable history of Blues in - Grafton and Port Washington, Wisconsin??

    Show of hands - who knew there was a HUGE early movement of Blues, R&B, Country and even some Big Band music in Grafton and Port Washington, Wisconsin? There was indeed, and the story is remarkable. The Paramount Music record label was created in a chair factory along the Milwaukee River…

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  34. 16 | The Milwaukee County Zoo's remarkable history, animals, attractions, and events with Jennifer Diliberti

    The Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the finest and largest zoos in the nation. Amidst a 190-acre park-like setting you can ride the Safari Train, explore Adventure Africa, check out over 2,100 animals representing 350 different species, and enjoy special events. We cover all of that Jenny…

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  35. 15 | Wisconsin State Fair 2019 Preview with Kristi Chuckel

    The Wisconsin State Fair ranks among the nation's best, and the 2019 edition runs August 1-11. In this STT episode, Eric Paulsen talks with State Fair Director of Public Affairs Kristi Chuckel about everything from traditional foods (cream puffs) to new foods (like bug tacos?!?) to rides, slides,...

  36. 13 | Exploring Manitowoc's Wisconsin Coastal Food (and Beverage) Trail with Jason Ring

    Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the surrounding area is home to some amazing farms, bakeries, cheese factories, breweries, wineries, and even confectioneries that can tickle your taste buds. State Trunk Tour host Eric Paulsen talks with Jason Ring from the Manitowoc/Two Rivers CVB about their new...

  37. 14 | Summerfest 2019: What to expect this year at the World's Largest Music Festival in Milwaukee

    Summerfest 2019 fills Milwaukee's lakefront with music from over 700 artists across many genres June 26-30 & July 2-7, 2019. State Trunk Tour's Eric Paulsen sits down with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. VP/Marketing Sarah Pancheri to talk new stages, artists, food, ways to get in at a reduced…

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  38. 12 | Talking again with WI Public Radio's "Central Time" in March about the State Trunk Tour

    After a well-received interview with Wisconsin Public Radio's "Central Time" show in January, we were invited back in March to talk about the State Trunk Tour, Wisconsin road trips, and hear from callers. This is our second WPR interview, as it aired live on March 27, 2019 on the state's radio...

  39. 11 | Talking State Trunk Tour with Wisconsin Public Radio's "Central Time"

    The road tripping ideas behind StateTrunkTour.com caught the attention of "Central Time," an afternoon show on Wisconsin Public Radio. On January 16, 2019, State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen sat down with Rob Ferrett, discussed Wisconsin and the Tours, and got callers from around the state....

  40. 10 | Winter Fest fun: Ice Carvers and Snow Sculptors in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin winters mean a lot of outdoor fun involving snow and ice. But out of what we often skate, snowmobile, or slide on - or just shovel away - some artists create incredible art and sculptures. In this episode, we talk with professional ice carver and snow sculptor Jeff Shawhan - one of the...

  41. 9 | Cherry Droppin' for New Year's: Door County's New Party Tradition

    Ah, New Year's Eve! We all know about the ball drop in Times Square in NYC. But did you know about the Cherry Drop? A new way to ring in the New Year is blossoming in Sister Bay, where the Door County Cherry Drop debuted to ring in 2018. And they're ready to build on it and make it a tradition....

  42. 8 | Exploring Chippewa Falls top to bottom with Tourism Director Jackie Boos

    Chippewa Falls is a beautiful town in Wisconsin, known for Leinenkugel's Beer, natural beauty, and plenty to see and do - especially for a city this size. We talk with Jackie Boos, Tourism Director of the Chippewa Chamber, to cover everything from their gem of a zoo and park to the Northern...

  43. 7 | Heading to the Hub: new updates on Marshfield, Wisconsin's "Hub City" with Matt McLean

    Marshfield is internationally known for its world-class Marshfield Clinic, but this city of 20,000 goes beyond medicine to prescribe a fun visit featuring the arts, historic structures, a zoo offering Kodiak bears, roaming buffalo and interactive exhibits, the unique "Jurustic Park" where words...

  44. 6 | Sheboygan and the new City Green; a conversation with Shelly Harms

    Sheboygan conjures up all kinds of images. This city of 50,000 on Lake Michigan is known for brats and good ol' Wisconsin traditions. But its admired harbor area, downtown development, world class golf, surfing reputation (seriously), support from companies and young professionals, Kohler-Andrae...

  45. 5 | Open House Racine County, a unique way to fully explore (up to) 57 places in a day

    On May 5, 2018, 57 venues around Racine and Racine County will hold a unique "open house," giving visitors free and full access to what they have to offer. They include museums highlighting art, chocolate, puzzles, and more; alpaca farms; high-tech manufacturing facilities; Frank Lloyd...

  46. 4 | Touring Highway 175, "old US 41" from Miller Park to Lake Winnebago

    Since the State Trunk Tour features following state highways from one end to the other, here we follow Highway 175 from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, which uses the former US 41 route before it was rebuilt on its current alignment in the early 1950s. Where 41 used to go, 175 goes now and you can see...

  47. 3 | Racine: Sights and insights into the Belle City with Cari Greving of Real Racine

    Racine, Wisconsin's 5th largest city, features everything from modern museums to classic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture; award-winning beaches, an extensive marina, and a classic lighthouse; a bevy of events and new development; plus fascinating history, from the invention of malted milk and the...

  48. 2 | Talking "Cheeseheads: The Documentary" with producer John Mitchell

    Producer John Mitchell is a Wisconsin native who left for L.A. and returned two decades later to make a documentary showcasing his home state and its special culture, history, and appeal. Called "Cheeseheads: The Documentary," this in-depth, sometimes personal, often humorous look at the state...

  49. 1 | State Trunk Tour, a brief intro

    The State Trunk Tour is a website that explore Wisconsin road-by-road to offer great road trip ideas, background and history of towns, attractions, popular and out-of-the-way joints, and opportunities for fun and recreation. We give you the basics here - consider it a brief primer. See...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Pick Some Roads and GO!! The State Trunk Tour is all about exploring Wisconsin road-by-road and place-by-place, with plenty of interesting facts, history, trivia, twists, and kitsch. Because this is one interesting state. Check out StateTrunkTour.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and of course this podcast and to discover some great ways to explore Wisconsin on road trips!

HOSTED BY

Eric Paulsen

Produced by State Trunk Tour, a division of Wellstream Media LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does State Trunk Tour have?

State Trunk Tour currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is State Trunk Tour about?

Pick Some Roads and GO!! The State Trunk Tour is all about exploring Wisconsin road-by-road and place-by-place, with plenty of interesting facts, history, trivia, twists, and kitsch. Because this is one interesting state. Check out StateTrunkTour.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and of...

How often does State Trunk Tour release new episodes?

State Trunk Tour has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to State Trunk Tour?

You can listen to State Trunk Tour on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts State Trunk Tour?

State Trunk Tour is created and hosted by Eric Paulsen.
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