Prairie Du Chien, Wis.
Relive the history of the fur trade era during the Prairie Villa Rendezvous Thu.-next Sun. at St. Feriole Island. The event is one of the largest buckskinner and fur trade re-enactments in the Midwest (prairieduchien.org; 1-800-732-1673). Also Fri.-next Sun., visitors can drive about 45 minutes northeast to Soldier's Grove for Dairy Days. The annual festival features a horse show, children's carnival, sports tournaments, music, dancing and more (tinyurl.com/yc3sr553).
Eau Claire & Oshkosh, Wis.
Aviation fans can enjoy air shows in Wisconsin Fri.-next Sun. and in late July. The Chippewa Valley Air Show kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Fri. with a meet and greet with the famed U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Holiday Inn South. On Sat. and next Sun., the Blue Angels, plus the Air Force's Wings of Blue skydiving team and vintage military and specialty aircraft will delight the crowd with air stunts (chippewavalleyairshow.com). Fans should plan to experience large crowds during EAA AirVenture, the world's premier aviation celebration, July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The annual event offers daily air shows featuring flyovers by military aircraft and other planes, plus aerial team maneuvers, vintage aircraft, films, exhibits, a veterans parade and much more (airventure.org; 1-800-564-6322).
Des Moines
Explore the Des Moines Arts Festival June 22-24 at Western Gateway Park, with more than 100 visual and performing artists showcasing their talents. The festival also includes music, dance, theater, culinary arts and a film festival (desmoinesartsfestival.org).
Colleen A. Coles
