Having a Ball
RECREATION NAME OF THE GAME IN BELOIT
From winter volleyball and summer softball leagues to the newly refinished pickleball courts at Wootton Park, 1451 4th St., Beloit is always enhancing its recreational offerings.
Wootton Park is home to 10 pickleball courts, offering one of the largest outdoor court spaces in the area. Tournaments, leagues and scheduled drop-in play are held throughout the year. Area residents will regularly find open times to enjoy the space with their friends and family.
“These courts are not only a blessing to the pickleball community, but with the sport becoming so popular, it is growing to be a blessing to the community as a whole. This sport and this space draw a great comradery with your fellow players, and often allows you to meet new people nearly every time you hit the court,” says Beloit’s Recreation Coordinator Riley Magnuson.
In addition to parks, courts and field spaces, Beloit has multiple facilities that feature and encourage recreation for everyone. Krueger Pool, Krueger-Haskell Golf Course, a disc golf course, Edwards Ice Arena, and Grinnell Hall Senior Center all offer diverse recreation opportunities.
A CITY OF PARKS
If the outdoors is calling your name, check out the many beautiful parks located in Beloit.
Big Hill Park, 1101 Big Hill Road, is one of Beloit’s most scenic sites. Located on the bluffs of the Rock River, this 190-acre park is the perfect place for adventure with nature and hiking trails, an environmental education center, two picnic shelters, restrooms, two playgrounds, cross-country ski trails and a scenic overlook with spectacular vistas.
No matter the season or time of day, Big Hill Park is home to some of the greatest views that the Stateline area has to offer.
“This Park is a must for anyone who loves walking or hiking trails,” says Beloit resident Kaileigh Lobrano. “It really doesn’t matter if it is a picture-perfect spring 70-degree day, or a snowy December afternoon, Big Hill is my preferred destination to get out of the house and enjoy nature.”
More centrally located, Beloit is also home to Riverside Park, located on the banks of the Rock River. The park buzzes with activity throughout the year, but it comes alive during the summer, with Music at Harry’s Place, Dancing at Harry’s Place and the Fourth of July festival, Pops on the Rock. In addition, this 23-acre park is home to the Beloit River Walk, a paved 3.5 mile walking and biking path that wraps around the Rock River, the Harry C. Moore Pavilion and the Rotary River Center.
Learn more about our parks at the The City of Beloit Parks & Recreation website.
BICYCLING
Rick Barder is a bicycle enthusiast. The Beloit resident rides at least 2,500 miles a year. “I encourage all levels of ridership, whether you’re a beginner or hardcore rider,” he says. “Bicycling is a great way to stay fit and help the environment. It’s a great activity that everyone can participate in.”
Barder is a member of the Stateline Spinners, a local cycling group that meets on Tuesdays, in the parking lot behind Bushel & Pecks in Downtown Beloit at 5:30 p.m. in March when the clock “springs forward”. The weekly rides end in November when the clock “turns back”. There are no dues or fees to join. Just show up with your bike and a helmet and join cyclists at your level of riding. The group rides anywhere from five to 30 miles on any given trip.
“Beloit is a good place to ride,” Barder says. “There are paths dedicated to riding, and there are some routes along the Rock River that are very nice. Once you get out of the city you can ride along beautiful farmland, some of which is hilly. There’s something for everyone.” For more information and to see 33 downloadable bike route maps in the Greater Beloit area, please visit www.statelinespinners.com.
GOLFING
Hit the links at two exceptional golf experiences. Krueger-Haskell Golf Course, 1611 Hackett St., is located on the west side of Beloit with a rich history and inclusive play style. With a wide variety of features, this golf course is designed to serve golfers of all skill levels. The newly renovated clubhouse offers food and beverage options and is open to the community.
The course was named after Butch Krueger, a touring golf professional and a PGA professional at Beloit Municipal Golf Course for 30 years. Everett Haskell was a Beloit native, local businessman, a city council member, and an avid golfer. The 18-hole course features a unique layout, mature trees and rolling terrain that makes it challenging and enjoyable for any golfer.
If you’re looking for a world-class round of golf, topped with an exceptional meal prepared by one of the best chefs in Wisconsin, you will find it at the Beloit Club. Their spectacular 18-hole private golf course at the Beloit Club offers some of the most scenic views in the area and a classic layout. The stunning new facility includes a full-service clubhouse that offers both
elegant and casual dining in the Standard Tavern. It also offers full locker rooms, a golf shop, private meeting areas and separate banquet space in a comfortable and stylish atmosphere.
“Beloit is a very active golf town,” says PGA professional Milt Kodl. “We have a city tournament each year that is open to all members of the community that is held the first weekend of August between our club and Krueger-Haskell. Between public and private golf, Beloit offers something for every type of golfer.”
PADDLING
Beloit’s area waterways offer great recreational paddling opportunities. Flowing through Beloit is the Rock River which is recognized as a National Water Trail. The Rock River Trail is 320-miles long and Beloit is located right at the halfway point. Detailed maps are available on their website. The Rock River Trail also offers 10 other ways to explore the Rock River communities, offering trails such as Birding, Hiking, Biking, Chocolate and Wine and more!
You’ll see the wild side of Beloit as you paddle on the scenic Turtle Creek as it winds through Beloit’ wooded greenway. Eagles, herons, hawks, and owls soar overhead or sit silently in trees as you paddle by.
Turtle Creek was home to the largest Ho-Chunk village until 1832. This village of over 700 inhabitants was called Ke-Chunk, which is the Ho-Chunk word for Turtle. Turtle Creek joins the Rock River at Nature At The Confluence, an environmental learning center which has an exhibit about the Ho-Chunk and a sculpture overlooking Turtle Creek by Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe.
“When I paddle down Turtle Creek, I think about the Ho-Chunk people who lived all along the creek and made it their home before this area was settled. It’s such a beautiful place to get away from everything and immerse yourself in history and nature”, says Therese Oldenburg, coordinator of Friends of Turtle Creek and the Rock River Trail.
Learn more about the Water Trails in the Beloit area at Friends of Turtle Creek and The Rock River Trail.
SPORTS & FITNESS
Whether it’s volleyball, golf, basketball, bowling, softball, bags or Kubb – we’ve got your game in Beloit! The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Department and local bars, such as The Rock Bar and Grill, offers various team sports.
The Stateline Family YMCA offers a variety of programs for area residents. From programming for those 6 weeks old to 99 years old, they have created something special for everyone! From cycling classes to bootcamp style classes to youth martial arts to pickleball and racquetball. Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy all that the Stateline Family YMCA has to offer! Join us for a tour and receive two FREE guest passes to try out the Stateline Family YMCA during your visit. Community partners that offer visitor memberships as part of your stay are Hotel Goodwin and the Ironworks Hotel. If you are a YMCA member visiting from another city, let the front desk staff know that you are visiting, and they can assist you in checking in with your Nationwide Access. The Stateline Family YMCA welcomes you to the area!