Above: "The Red Tide"

Beer? Cheese? Sausage and kraut? Nope. Cranberries and lots of them. In case you didn’t get the memo, Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of cranberries. (See more from Wistorial Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.) And we should be honored. But how do we, as Wisconsinites, fully immerse ourselves in  cran-licious state pride? Well, as posted on TravelWisconsin.com, “Five Ways to Enjoy Wisconsin’s Cranberry Harvest Season” outlines a few “cran-tastic” ways to make the most of Wisconsin’s cran-packed autumn season. A cranny-pack, if you will.

1. Let me just ask, when was the last time you toured a cranberry marsh? Just yesterday? Same here. Not really. But if you’re curious, perhaps a trip to Glacial Lake Cranberries in Wisconsin Rapids might sell you on the merits of the humble cranberry. I suppose it’s time to dig out those water waders because are red tides will be waiting (mid-September through mid-October only though).

2. Cran-wading not your forte? Well, I bet you like food. Travel Wisconsin also highlights gourmet food samplings and cranberry baked goods from around the state. It’s time to pack on for winter hibernation anyhow.

3. But if you’d rather stick to drinks, Cranberry Festivals such as the aptly named Warrens Cranberry Festival (Sept. 27-29) will probably quench your thirst with its wine tastings. And it’s cranberry infused parade will quench your thirst for, um, parades. Travel Wis.’s list includes a few others, as well.  

4. The article also mentions a self-toured drive through cranberry country. Just think of the beautiful (red and some more red) scenery the 50-mile Cranberry Highway has to offer.

5. And just when you think you’re totally cranned out (impossible), perhaps a cran-laxing weekend in your own private villa via at a “Cranberry Resort” (such as the Three Bears Lodge in Warrens) will take you over the edge. You won’t find a whirlpool overflowing with freshly harvested berries, but it’ll still be the perfect topper to a cran-derful season.

And then you can get back to the cheese curds.