28 Wow-Worthy Must-Do’s for Lake Country Area Boomers – Autumn Edition
You heard it here first: the Lake Country area is one of the best places to live, work, relax, and enjoy retirement. Okay – maybe we’re not the first to say it, because you’ve undoubtedly heard it before today from the hundreds of happy people who live in the area and can attest to it, but allow us to reiterate.
Dousman, Wisconsin, located in the southeastern corner of the state in Waukesha County, is home to the 60-acre Three Pillars Senior Living Communities campus, where more than 300 happy residents age 55 and better reside. The impressive variety of amenities offered on the property make it an attractive place to live, but the abundant offerings just a day trip away in the greater surrounding community add the icing on the cake.
The employee team at Three Pillars includes an impressive variety of staff members, from caregivers to groundskeepers and everything in between; including directors of all things “FUN.” These folks, our Recreation Therapists, Community Events Coordinators, Lifestyles Specialists, and assistants, never stop planning program offerings to enhance the physical, social, emotional, environmental, spiritual, and intellectual wellness for residents. They plan it all, from parties to classes to clubs, groups, and seminars, and believe us when we say that they know all there is to know about fun daytrips and outings in our area! A well-rounded lifestyle for residents is their number one priority, and the beautiful, crisp fall months in Wisconsin bring prime opportunity to expand the offerings outside of the campus.
Residents on our campus go on group outings to fun and unique destinations in the area nearly every day of the week, including destinations for dining, shopping, the arts, history, educational opportunities, and more.
Here’s an alphabetical list of 28 of our top suggestions for the autumn months, including some special notes for when you plan your own trip. There’s sure to be one you haven’t visited, so consider checking some out!
- Aurora Healthcare Classes and Events (Summit)
We enjoy their educational Senior Breakfast Club programs, and there are a number of additional offerings to consider. - Bookworm Gardens (Sheboygan)
This unbelievable destination is a botanical garden inspired by favorite children’s books! They also offer a docent-guided tour for a mature audience. Open May 1 – October 31 annually. - Bus Tours with Kay Collins of KBC Tours (Milwaukee)
We’ve come to love going on guided tours with Kay, who takes us to all the best destinations on a comfortable coach bus. This summer, we enjoyed several themed tours around the Milwaukee area, including Mil-wacky, Saints & Sinners, and Taste of Milwaukee. Try one out in the scenic fall season! - Charles Allis & Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museums (Milwaukee)
Visit for the day or attend a special event or class. A docent-guided tour will not disappoint! - Dousman Farmer’s Market (Dousman)
Browse a fantastic variety of vendors selling their home-grown or handmade items. Wednesdays from May through late October. - East Troy Railroad Trolley Rides (East Troy)
With trips running from June through early November, this is a fun way to experience our beautiful corner of the state. You can catch the trolley at their Elegant Farmer Depot and pair it with apple picking and a mug of hot cider. - Epic Software Company Tour (Verona)
This company headquarters is an awe-inspiring destination, and they kindly offered our
group fascinating a tour. Contact them to learn more. - Fireside Theater (Fort Atkinson)
This one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations and the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin. Check upcoming shows and buy individual, group, or packaged tickets online. - Golden Lasers Luncheons (Wales)
Organized through Kettle Moraine School District Community Education, the Golden Lasers offers a wonderful inexpensive monthly lunch accompanied by a special speaker or interesting topic. - Halloween Haunted Woods at Three Pillars (Dousman)
Our fall fun list wouldn’t be complete without arguably the most famous Halloween event in the county! (In our humble opinion.) This free, family-friendly, safe trick-or-treat event rivals all others, with buildings decorated to the nines in different themes. Residents and staff prepare all month long and have a blast participating in this intergenerational activity. View the Facebook event for all the details. - Healthy Culinary Classes & Lecture Series (Dousman)
Three Pillars’ Wellness Connection welcomes Chef Kim Blair from Wellness & Food for several sessions of lectures, tastings, and cooking demonstrations! Contact Dawn for info or to register: 262.965.7017. - Kettle Moraine Drama Club Productions (Wales)
We’re lucky enough to have this school district right in our neighborhood, and they put on excellent shows. Check their website for the current production, with new shows each fall and spring, plus a summer musical. You may be able to get a discounted or complimentary ticket to their dress rehearsal and even get some behind-the-scenes info if you inquire with a group! - Kettle Moraine State Forest Scenic Drive or Park Visit (Dousman)
A trip to the forest pairs perfectly with some relaxing tunes or a companion to chat with. - Lunch & Learns (Dousman)
Picture yourself enjoying a delicious chef-prepared lunch with friends, followed by an intriguing educational presentation, all for $10. Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? Three Pillars offers monthly Lunch & Learn programs on a variety of topics, from events in history to health-related topics and much more. Learn about upcoming sessions on the website calendar - Marcus Majestic Theater (Brookfield)
The hottest blockbusters show at this premiere facility every Tuesday for just $5! Concession specials round out the day. - Milwaukee County Zoo (Brookfield)
You can’t go wrong with a day at the zoo, open 365 days a year! They even have a new app to help you plan your trip and navigate through the zoo. - Oconomowoc Arts Center (Oconomowoc)
This facility showcases visual arts, performances on the main stage, and special events, including the performances by the Oconomowoc High School students (you won’t believe how good they are). Ask about a discount for a group ticket purchase. - Olympia Resort Swimming (Oconomowoc)
Consider a monthly or weekly pass to enjoy their enjoyable indoor or outdoor pools. Fun for you, great for your body. - Pope Farm Conservancy (Middleton)
This beautiful hidden gem offers a variety of free events, tours, and programs that are open to the public. (And also, something to think about for next summer: we love to visit in mid-August to view their 9-acre sunflower field with over a half million sunflowers in bloom!) - Ronald McDonald House (Milwaukee)
Volunteer to prepare meals, have a tour, and make a difference at this remarkable abode. - Salvation Army (Waukesha)
Grab a friend or small group and volunteer to help make lunches for kids camps and other programs. You’ll learn about the organization as you help, and we bet you’ll learn something new! You’re sure to be surprised at all the good they do through many outreach programs. - Scandinavian Festival (New Berlin)
Because why not spend a nice autumn day at a festival? Organized by the Nordic Council of Wisconsin, the 2017 festival is on October 7th at Ronald Regan Elementary School. ($8 entrance fee) - Shalom Wildlife (West Bend)
You’ll be amazed at this unique opportunity to view exotic animals by golf cart at Wisconsin’s wildest zoo. Open late-April through December 31, including special “holiday drive-through” starting November 17! - Sunset Playhouse (Elm Grove)
Catch an incredible show or become a season ticket holder! Great for groups or solo. - The Box Theater Co. (formerly Theater on Main) (Oconomowoc)
This theater company offers several productions that are open to the public, as well as classes and workshops to budding young performers. - Waukesha Civic Theater (Waukesha)
Visit their website for ticket and show information, and consider becoming a season ticket holder. - Wellness Connection Group Fitness Classes (Dousman)
Whether you’re interested in yoga, tai chi, Zumba, or a walking club, the Wellness Connection at Three Pillars has a variety of offerings year-round! View the full list of fitness class offerings on the Three Pillars website, and consider contacting Dawn to drop in for a free trial class on us. - Wildlife in Need Center (Oconomowoc)
This is a wonderful organization to support, visit, learn from, volunteer, and be involved with. Contact them to learn about opportunities.
See something you’d like to try? Is there a destination or event we should add to our list for fall? Let us know your suggestions or how your visits go!
