by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri May 23, 2025
The U.S. Women’s Open Championship 2025 is heading to Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin on May 28.?
If you’ll be attending as a participant or spectator, this is the guide for you to make the most out of your trip to Southeastern Wisconsin, written by someone who knows it best.?
Let’s get started, shall we?
What to See and Do While in the Area
Aerial view of Holy Hill near Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo Credit: homank76 / Adobe Stock)
While you’re mainly here to attend the Women’s Open, there’s a lot more to the region than the golf tournament. We locals have a few secret spots up our sleeves—it’s a good thing for you that Wisconsites like to share our secrets!?
Hartford is the nearest city to the Erin Hills Golf Course, so it’s a must-visit for travelers who want to find a nearby restaurant to dine in, a shop to patronize or just explore the Hallmark movie-style streets. From there, you can also visit the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, where you’ll learn about the state’s contribution to American car manufacturing.?
Holy Hill is a required stop for travelers heading to the area. Visible for miles around, it’s the most visible landmark in the region and resembles a castle on a hill. The Basilica and Holy Shrine is a beautiful, serene place to stop for a free tour, climb up to the top of the tower or just meander around the surrounding maple forest. Faithful Catholics can enjoy a service or two during their stay.?
There’s also quite a few trailheads in the area for Wisconsin’s special Ice Age Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the nation.?
The beloved trail is a 1,000-mile footpath found only in the state and follows the state’s scenic geography, carved from the last Ice Age. Don’t worry if you stay a ways away from the golf course during your time here. Just Google the nearest trailhead and there’s certain to be one near you to enjoy. Did I mention they’re free??
Animal lovers can watch out for all sorts of wildlife in the region, from sandhill cranes to raccoons, deer (watch for these on the road!) and coyotes. Bird lovers should visit one of the area’s parks and preserves with their binoculars to make the most out of their time here—they might just catch a glimpse of a bald eagle.?
Travelers heading in from other areas should consider researching day trips to Port Washington, West Bend, Oconomowoc, Cedarburg, Delafield and Milwaukee, as they all offer quite a bit to see and do.?
Public lakes are a Wisconsin pastime, and Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and other towns offer public access to some great lakes to cool off and hang out—Pike Lake is a great choice closer to Erin Hills.?
Even if you can’t get to a public beach, driving around Lac La Belle, Fowler Lake, Friess Lake or Oconomowoc Lake is enough to make you wonder if you could afford a lake house here, too.
The wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)
Make sure to pencil in some time to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is one of the state’s most iconic architectural gems, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. From there, you can also enjoy scenic views of our biggest natural wonder, Lake Michigan.
Where to Eat and Drink Near Erin Hills
If there’s anything you should know about Wisconsin, it’s that we love food! After all, we’re one of the biggest producers of dairy products, cranberries and beer in the nation—and we don’t get a reputation like that without some dedication.?
In between attending the competitions, it’s likely you’ll want to stop for a quick bite to eat somewhere close. The town of Erin itself is home to a few bars, but for the true experience, a stop at JC’s Corner is a must.?
It’s located in a historic building that’s well-known to be not only haunted, but it’s also one of the oldest original buildings left standing in Erin. It’s the closest establishment to the golf course, which is another perk.
While you’re there, make sure to try an Old Fashioned; it’s a Midwest specialty. Don’t ask me why.?
The nearest city is Hartford, and it’s the main hub of activity and opportunity for shopping, dining, drinking and enjoyment outside of the golf course.?
Breakfast lovers and coffee addicts should visit Perc Place on Main Street, where they’ll find coffee by Colectivo, friendly staff, delicious breakfast food served all day and a unique atmosphere filled with coffee-themed paintings (local tip: don’t visit without a trip to one of the restrooms, which are filled floor-to-ceiling with hand-painted quotes).
Perc Place, a cafe and restaurant in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)
For lunch or dinner, The Mineshaft is a definite must-visit. Taking up a large portion of Main Street, the behemoth historic restaurant is inspired by, you guessed it, a mineshaft, a nod back to Wisconsin’s historic mining roots. Dark and cozy, it’s a great place for pizza and a pint (plus the kids will love the arcade on the upper floor).?
Dessert on Main Street is a required stop at Scoop De Ville Ice Cream Shop. The staple ice cream shop brings travelers back into a 1950s-style diner, and they’ll find plenty of ice cream flavors to enjoy, including a few dairy-free options.?
Adult beverages are never far away in Southeastern Wisconsin; in Hartford, they’re often only a few steps away from one another! Main Street is home to a large selection of bars and drinking establishments, but I’d recommend Brewed Omen, which specializes in craft brews and is located in a cozy basement of the historic Millstream Building, located along the river.?
For custard (another Wisconsin staple that’s a creamier, fattier version of traditional ice cream), check out Sweet Dreams Hartford, a seasonal outdoor ice cream stand that’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike on a hot day. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a vintage car show there!
Another must-visit restaurant for the vibes alone is the historic Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern. The historic building recalls the building traditions of European mountain villages and American log cabins, and it’s a short drive away from the golf course in Hubertus, near a lake.?
It’s a great place to sit and drink in the atmosphere, with a large bar and plenty of tables for large groups. Plus, the restaurant boasts a 2-for-1 meal pricing program all year long!?
For those staying near the golf course long enough to need groceries, stop by Our Daily Bread in Hartford; it’s a locally owned bakery and cafe specializing in sourdough bread. Trust me when I tell you, digging into one of their freshly baked loaves still warm from the oven is a life changing experience.
Further away from Erin Hills, travelers will find plenty to enjoy by way of food. Delafield’s Belfrē Kitchen is a must-do in summer—just be sure to make some reservations ahead of time, as its petite patio fills up fast during the dinner rush.?
Oconomowoc’s two cafes, Roots and Whelan’s Coffee & Ice Cream, are great places for a caffeine kick and some remote work, while Golosi Gelato Cafe boasts some of the most authentic gelato in the state.?
Coffee lovers should also check out a Stone Creek Coffee when they’re in the area. The local coffee company is a Wisconsin staple, and just recently attained B-Corp certification.?
Last but not least: a note about food culture. Please note that every Friday, even after Lent, is Fish Fry Friday. Nearly every restaurant observes this.?
You’ll also likely be recommended by a local to try your nearby Culver’s. While it may be fast food, it’ll likely be the best quality fast food you’ll ever eat, so give it a try.?
Also, please try the cheese curds. Fried or refrigerated, they’re amazing.?
Where to Shop for Souvenirs, Local Crafts and, of course, Wisconsin Cheese
The Local Collective in Hartford, WI is located in a historic building. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)
The closest place to shop for physical memories of your time in Wisconsin isn’t just the merchandise tent at Erin Hills; it’s also in Hartford!?
Main Street is home to several locally owned shops, like Faith & Giggles, a faith-based gift store and Shindigs, a shop selling elegant home decor items.?
But my favorite one of all is The Local Collective, which specializes in goods and crafts made by local artisans and craftspeople. Those looking for that perfect Wisconsin-themed souvenir, sticker or unique item to commemorate their trip will be able to find some of the most unique items there.?
Small towns like Cedarburg, West Bend, Delafield and Oconomowoc also offer quaint historic main streets with local shops and eateries, all with something a little different, so be sure to research them ahead of your visit and spend some time in each place as time allows.
For book lovers, the closest bookstore is Oconomowoc’s Books & Co., which has been family owned and operated for over forty years. Offering a wide selection of books and friendly staff, it’s a must-visit for book lovers in the area.?
Now…a note about Wisconsin cheese. While it can be found in every grocery store in the state, there are a few special places that are worth the drive.?
Widmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa, Bieri’s Jackson Cheese & Deli in Jackson and Held’s Meat and Cheese Market in Slinger are all the closest to the golf course, although, as a Wisconsinite, I feel obligated to say that a visit to any cheese store is a good recommendation in my book.?
Where to Work Remotely
The Jack Russell Memorial Library in Hartford, WI. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)
If you’ll be working remotely during any point in your stay, I have a few recommendations for where to stop and work. Any cafe is a great option (there’s Perc Place and Starbucks in Hartford, with more options about 25 minutes’ drive away), but for a quieter place, check out the Jack Russell Memorial Library.?
It’s inarguably one of the coolest designed libraries around. The library features private and semi-public spaces for people to sit and work, including some outdoor areas. Just do your future self a favor and don’t trust the Wi-Fi; bring your own hotspot.
The library is also within walking distance to Main Street, so travelers can park at the library and walk into town (I’d recommend taking the small river path to Main Street, as our Volunteers for a Beautiful Hartford have made some amazing garden improvements over the years, and it’s way prettier than the other route).?
There are also other public libraries offering working spaces throughout the area. Nearer to larger cities, like Milwaukee, you may also find some coworking spaces with private offices.??
Practical Tips
My biggest practical tip for travelers heading to the area to attend the U.S. Women’s Open is to rent a car or drive up. Either way, you’ll need to rely upon your own four wheels to get you places, as Erin is located within the country about an hour from the Milwaukee airport.?
Additionally, many of the best sites, attractions and towns to visit are located at least twenty minutes away from the golf course (except a few sites, like Hartford, Holy Hill and JC’s Corner).?
I recommend that you keep your eyes peeled for animals crossing the road while driving, especially at night. Erin Hills is located in the country, which means we share the roads with wild animals, including turkeys, deer, raccoons, opossums, sandhill cranes and more.?
If you’re driving at night and someone flashes their brights at you, you should know there’s likely to be wild animals on the road ahead of you, or a police vehicle.
Late May and early June is often warm in southeastern Wisconsin, but I recommend you bring at least a waterproof jacket and some waterproof shoes, as we can get a lot of rain during this time of year, too. The closer you stay to Lake Michigan, the cooler and windier it will be, so prepare accordingly.?
Lastly, enjoy your time here! We’re not a major tourism hotspot, but we sure are happy to welcome people to the area and show them around—don’t be intimidated about talking to the locals, as we’re always willing to give you directions on where to go, provide recommendations and make new friends. ??
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