AGP Executive Report

Fall Foliage Planning: Travel Wisconsin released its Fall Color Report for all 72 counties, with map-based updates from 100+ volunteers plus filters for best currently reported color and estimated peak weeks—also linking to the Wisconsin Trail Report for hikers and bikers. Milwaukee Streets: The Common Council unanimously approved up to $300,000 in capital funds to speed up street, alley, pothole, and concrete repairs, sending the measure to the mayor for signature or veto. Milwaukee Beer Tourism: Visit Milwaukee launched the Brew City Trail, a seven-county route connecting breweries, beer gardens, historic sites, attractions, tours, lodging, and more, with a Tuesday launch celebration featuring happy hours. Road Safety for Drivers: Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin School Bus Association kicked off Operation Safe Stop Week (Sept. 21-25) to remind motorists to stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Family Fun & Attractions: Central Wisconsin children’s museums (Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum and Children’s Imaginarium) offer free admission Saturday, Sept. 26, for Worldwide Day of Play. Travel Weather Watch: Fall begins today, and forecasts point to cooler-than-average conditions—plus guidance on whether frost or freezes are likely soon.

Milwaukee Transportation: Milwaukee launched MKE GO ahead of World Car Free Day, encouraging residents to leave cars parked once or twice a week by trying buses, biking, walking, and carpooling—starting with a Menomonee Valley push near Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Fuel Costs & Travel Impact: Surging diesel prices are squeezing western Wisconsin school district budgets, with Eau Claire-area reporting diesel at record highs and districts weighing spending cuts to keep buses running—an added pressure point for regional travel. Big Ten Road Trip: Wisconsin opens Big Ten play with its first true road test at No. 13 Penn State (4 p.m. Saturday), with coach Luke Fickell calling Happy Valley the league’s toughest environment. Public Lands: Protesters in Park Falls rallied to “protect public lands,” criticizing federal land management and warning about corporate influence over recreation and biodiversity. Local Community Fitness: Athens is raising funds for a new community fitness center to reduce the need for residents to drive 20+ miles for workouts. Hospitality Industry: Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association highlights leaders Bill Elliott and Renaissance Milwaukee West GM Chantal Boncher, focusing on tourism policy and arts-driven destination efforts. Aviation/History: A recovered WWII wingtip from Major Richard “Dick” Bong’s P-38 “Marge” is now on display at the Bong Center, part of the Mission Marge recovery. Brewers Tickets: Wisconsin residents get a special Brewers playoff presale Tuesday.

School Bus Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin School Bus Association are urging drivers to stop for school buses during Operation Safe Stop Week (Sept. 21-25), citing 1,300+ citations in 2025 for failing to stop. Airport Boost: Appleton International Airport’s $92 million terminal expansion and renovation earned top recognition from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, adding bigger-aircraft capacity, accessibility upgrades, and new dining/retail. Local Travel & Events: Milwaukee’s Doors Open returns Sept. 26-27 with 100+ unusual, behind-the-scenes stops across the city, from art studios to industrial spaces. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA offers fuel-saving driving tips as Wisconsin prices stay high, with diesel averaging just over $6.50 and regular gas around $4.45. Northwoods Outdoors: A Wisconsin teen’s muskie fishing trip ends with an IGFA record-setting catch, highlighting the state’s fall fishing draw. Weekend Watch: Water Circus Metropolis wraps in Mankato before moving to La Crosse, bringing a family-friendly big-top show to Wisconsin. Safety on the Move: A semi-truck overturned on County Highway O near Beagle Lane in Platteville area, spilling whey and prompting DNR notification.

International Travel & Education: The UW System saw its first drop in international student enrollment in three years, with total enrollment at about 163,260 this fall and international numbers down by roughly 1,100—mirroring a national decline tied to tighter federal visa policies. Outdoor & Community Events: Whitewater’s Discover Whitewater Series Race pushed through persistent rain for a half marathon and 5K, with runners and locals leaning into the “beauty of surprises” despite the weather. Family-Friendly Nature: Mosquito Hill Nature Center’s Honey Sunday highlighted pollinators with live honey harvesting demos and hands-on activities for families. Local Safety Watch: A 7-year-old was seriously injured but expected to survive after being struck by a vehicle in Milwaukee; the driver was arrested and cited. Volunteer Travel-Style Story: Two Hope Gospel Mission residents completed a 101-mile bike ride in the rain and cold to mark recovery and raise awareness. Travel Tech & Privacy: A Wisconsin-focused piece digs into the spread of Flock-style trail and license-plate cameras and what it means for privacy in public spaces. Sports Tourism Note: UW-Whitewater women’s cross country won at the Tom Hoffman Invitational, adding another reason visitors keep showing up for regional meets.

Outdoor & Parks: A new “Canoe Dig It” mockumentary is premiering in Madison at the Bartell Theatre (Sun., 6:30 p.m.), with a post-screening panel from Friends of Wisconsin State Parks—an easy way to plug into Wisconsin’s paddling culture and park advocacy. State Parks Events: Kohler-Andrae State Park is hosting “Among the Grasses” (Sun., 2–3 p.m.) and a “Discovery Bird Walk” (Tue., 8–10 a.m.), both geared for families and nature lovers. Local Travel Disruption: After storms and wind, major U.S. airports saw heavy weekend cancellations, with Delta leading the list—another reminder to build buffer time for fall travel. Community & Culture: Lemonade Lab 414 in Milwaukee is turning festivals into a “mad scientist” lemonade experience with bright pink school-bus setups and 20+ flavors—an upbeat stop for visitors looking for local flavor. Sports Tourism: Wisconsin fans may want to plan ahead for big regional matchups, including Indiana women’s soccer traveling to play Wisconsin.

Great Lakes Shipping & Tariffs: A Bloomberg report says U.S. tariffs and a Canada–U.S. rift are threatening trade flows for Great Lakes “lakers,” including a Wisconsin-built ship that loads iron ore at Duluth-Superior. Back-to-School in Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers visited UW–Superior as part of his statewide campaign, highlighting a $250 million UW System investment for schools and student support. Road Trip Planning (Madison area): WisDOT’s $33M U.S. 51 reconstruction segment in McFarland is set to start with lane closures next week, with a roundabout planned near Larson Beach Road. Travel & Culture: A Wisconsin chef’s new Pakistani cookbook aims to blend Pakistani dishes with Wisconsin ingredients and seasons. Measles Watch: Fillmore County, Minnesota confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult near the Wisconsin hotspot; Wisconsin has reported 164 cases this year. Fall Fun in Wisconsin: Kohler officials announced the Oct. 1 grand opening of The Serve, a year-round racquet sports destination with indoor pickleball and platform tennis. Sports Tourism: Organizers are pushing Wisconsin fans to make next year’s Badger game in Dublin, Ireland a full vacation.

College Football Travel Buzz: Wisconsin fans are being courted for next year’s Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, with organizers hoping 15,000 Badger fans will turn the game into a full-on trip. Game-Day Planning: Michigan State heads to Notre Dame for a prime-time matchup (NBC/Peacock, 7:30 p.m.), a reminder that Wisconsin sports weekends often mean cross-state travel. Racquet Sports in Kohler: The Serve opens Oct. 1 in Kohler, adding year-round pickleball and platform tennis with indoor courts, heated outdoors, lessons, leagues, and events—another reason to visit the Door County-adjacent “wellness” corridor. Rail & Tourism Access: WisDOT is seeking public input on a 30-year rail plan update, and Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson is urging residents to push for passenger rail returning to the lakeshore city. Weather Watch: Storms are disrupting flights around Chicago and a Flood Watch includes parts of Wisconsin (Racine, Kenosha, Walworth) through Saturday evening—plan extra buffer if you’re driving or flying. Local Events: Galena’s fall calendar is heating up with the Galena Cellars Fall Harvest Fest (Sept. 26) and Galena Oktoberfest (Oct. 3).

Fall Travel Planning: Travel Wisconsin’s interactive fall foliage map is live, with peak color expected first in northern Wisconsin (early–mid October) and later in central/southern areas (late October), so it’s a good time to map your leaf-peeping drives. Weather & Events: Special Olympics Wisconsin canceled its Fall Games at the DeForest Athletic Complex due to flood warnings, severe storms, unsafe field conditions, and travel concerns. Local History & Tourism: Wade House in Greenbush announced October programming, including an Autumn Celebration Weekend (Oct. 10–11), a Kettle Moraine leaf-peeping hike, and a Greenbush Cemetery Walk, plus stagecoach and covered-wagon rides on select Saturdays. Road Trip Watch: A “ramp to nowhere” on I-43 in Sheboygan County is getting attention from FOX6’s “You, Me & I-43” series—useful for travelers navigating the corridor. Public Health: Wisconsin officials say measles vaccination efforts are helping as the outbreak grows, with new cases reported in Vernon County.

Special Events & Tourism: Special Olympics Wisconsin canceled its 2026 Fall Games at the DeForest Athletic Complex due to flood warnings, severe weather, unsafe field conditions, and travel concerns—an early reminder that autumn plans in Wisconsin can change fast. Travel Safety & Infrastructure: WisDOT is seeking public input on the state’s Rail Plan, with Sheboygan residents encouraged to weigh in on potential passenger rail connections that could boost regional travel and tourism. Conservation & Outdoor Recreation: Door County Land Trust is launching a private-donation push to preserve land along Kayes Creek near Little Sturgeon after the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund’s expiration, aiming to create the Little Sturgeon Estuary Preserve with trails and creek walkways. Local Culture & Road Trips: The Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area will host a dedication for a new Wisconsin Historical Society marker on Sept. 26, highlighting the area’s natural history and Indigenous and stagecoach-era travel routes. Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Vernon County, expanding the outbreak beyond the original southwestern hotspot—vaccination reminders matter for travelers and families.

Firewood Rules for Travelers: Michigan is rolling out a new firewood quarantine starting Jan. 1, 2027, banning untreated firewood from entering the state—heat-treated, certified wood is allowed—aimed at stopping invasive pests and diseases that hitchhike on logs. Local Health Access: Aspirus opened a new hospital and clinic in the Chippewa Valley to restore emergency and inpatient care plus primary services after two local hospital closures left a major gap, reducing the need for long trips for treatment. Fall Fun & Family Plans: Weekend listings highlight harvest and community events across the region, including North Prairie’s Harvest Festival and apple-focused activities at Retzer Nature Center in Madison. Road-Trip Costs: Wisconsin diesel hit a record statewide average around $6.19/gal, with drivers hunting for cheaper stations using apps and rewards. Wildlife & Outdoor Impact: Wisconsin DNR reports a large epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak killing at least 1,200 deer in parts of the state, raising questions for hunters as seasons begin. Measles Watch: Health officials confirmed new measles cases in Wisconsin, including Marathon and Vernon counties, keeping vaccination and exposure awareness top of mind for travelers.

Data Centers & Environment: Milwaukee’s proposed moratorium on new data centers is headed to its first public hearing Sept. 28, aiming to pause new applications for a year while the city writes permanent rules tied to energy, water, and public health impacts. Outdoor & Conservation: Wade House Historic Site in Sheboygan is teaming up on a multi-year reforestation effort after Emerald Ash Borer wiped out most of its forest, with 49 trees going in Sept. 24. Family Travel & Wisconsin Pride: American Girl named Madison’s Daisy Davenport as its 2027 Girl of the Year, spotlighting camping and outdoor adventures at Camp Gowonagin. Tourism-Adjacent Culture: Milwaukee Opera Theatre will host a staged reading of “Nina/Violetta” Sept. 17-20 at the Florentine, a night that blends opera and local performing arts. Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Vernon County, bringing 2026 total to 166, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people. Lake Michigan Safety: A nonprofit is working to recover a diver’s body after a tragic deep-sea dive in Lake Michigan near Evanston, with Wisconsin ties to advanced search efforts. Road Trip Planning: If you’re heading out of town, plan ahead for big weekend crowds—Milwaukee’s I-43 and regional traffic stories are piling up, and local events can mean delays.

Wisconsin Dells Tourism: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions says its $85 million Aquadome™ waterpark expansion will open Oct. 10, adding a retractable roof and an enclosed Boomerango—another big reason to plan a fall-to-winter getaway in the Dells. Airport Travel: JD Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study names top-performing airports for 2026, with Minneapolis–St. Paul International taking top honors among mega airports and Charleston leading for medium airports—useful for travelers booking ahead. Road Safety & Costs: A driver in the Town of Burke was cited $767 for passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. Fuel Watch: Wisconsin diesel hit a record statewide average of $6.1275/gal (AAA), adding pressure for road trips and harvest-season travel. Local Tech & Privacy: Racine ended its Flock Safety camera contract after a mayoral tie-break, reflecting growing public pushback on license-plate reader surveillance. Health Alert: Wisconsin DHS confirmed new measles cases in Vernon County, including one linked to out-of-state travel.

Transit & Local Planning: Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is asking riders for input on a proposed bus network redesign tied to major financial pressure, with two competing concepts—more frequent routes for ridership or wider coverage with lower frequency—plus open houses starting Sept. 24. Health & Travel Safety: Wisconsin DHS confirmed a measles case in Marathon County linked to out-of-state travel, separate from the southwest outbreak, as officials work to identify possible exposures. Road-Trip & Event Planning: Metallica will play Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on June 12, 2027, with Limp Bizkit and Avatar opening—ticket presales begin Sept. 21. Healthcare Access: Essentia Health is investing $14.5 million to expand Superior services and specialty care ahead of the 2027 Blatnik Bridge closure, aiming to reduce travel barriers for northwest Wisconsin patients. Family Fun (Fall): The Wade House in Kettle Moraine is hosting an Autumn Celebration Weekend Oct. 10–11 with leaf-peeping hikes, historic activities, and seasonal events. Air Travel Tip: TSA caught a Dane County Regional Airport traveler trying to tape a knife into her carry-on to avoid a checked-bag fee—knives must be in checked luggage.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Wisconsin DHS confirmed a new measles case in Marathon County tied to out-of-state travel, not the southwest Wisconsin outbreak; officials say no public exposure sites have been identified so far, but the virus spreads easily through the air. Transit & Visitor Access: Milwaukee County Transit System leaders say fare-evasion progress is underway, yet a plan for a 25% bus service cut is still looming as they work to close a 2027 deficit—an issue for riders who rely on buses to get around. Airport & Road Trip Caution: TSA says a traveler at Dane County Regional Airport tried to conceal a knife taped inside a carry-on to avoid a checked-baggage fee, but it was spotted on X-ray and referred to law enforcement. Northwoods Weekend Planning: Tomahawk Fall Ride officials are urging safer driving and slower speeds as crowds and motorcycle traffic increase. Energy & Local Impacts: Residents in Calumet County voiced opposition to proposed natural gas energy centers near Brillion, citing concerns about air quality and farm impacts. Healthcare Access: Essentia Health announced expanded services in Superior ahead of the Blatnik Bridge closure, aiming to reduce travel delays for patients.

Bayfield Spotlight: WorldAtlas named Bayfield one of the “most inviting” northern U.S. towns, praising its Lake Superior setting, ferry to Madeline Island, and fall stops like the Bayfield Apple Fest. Packers Heritage Trail: “Uniquely Wisconsin” is adding a new episode featuring the Packers Heritage Trail in Green Bay and De Pere, with a Sept. 15 debut on YouTube’s Discover Wisconsin channel. Lake Wausau Landing: Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany says he and his pilot escaped a small-plane emergency landing in Lake Wausau with minor injuries after the aircraft lost power. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Walworth County at $3.60/gal (week ending Sept. 5), with similar midgrade and diesel price updates across multiple counties. Family Travel & Fun: Superior is asking residents for feedback on its new Wade Bowl splash pad after a positive first summer. Outdoor Health: Marshfield Clinic Research Institute highlights an autumn surge in deer tick risk and urges tick prevention. Tourism Calendar: River Falls marks Chamber of Commerce Month, while Rhinelander hosts an ENT & Allergy Associates open house tied to local community events.

Family Weekend Guide: Beloit is getting a spotlight for an easy, low-crowd late-summer getaway with Rock River recreation, a walkable downtown, and a short list of local eats. Emergency Landing: U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany survived a plane emergency landing on Lake Wausau, swimming to shallow water as responders arrived; he’s reported minor injuries. Road Safety: DOT data shows work zone crashes are up 15% on the I-41 expansion stretch between Appleton and De Pere, with the biggest jump between Kaukauna and De Pere. Tourism Impact: Eau Claire County says tourism delivered a $480 million boost last year, with a spring ad push and a strong summer carrying into fall. EV Charging: Wisconsin will fund 42 EV charging-station sites statewide, including stops near I-41 and Highway 11, to expand corridor access. Outdoor Rescue Update: Authorities detailed the grueling multi-agency rescue of missing Isle Royale hiker Craig Berg after 11 days lost. Local Travel Picks: A road-trip guide highlights stops on the drive to Lambeau Field, including Ulao and a Port Washington data center detour.