The Grass Is Greener Outside

By Kristine Hansen | Photos: ©Monona Terrace (left), ©Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (top right), ©Hotel Goodwin (bottom right)

Flowers are now in bloom and sunshine extends late into the evening. Who wants to be stuck inside?

Around Wisconsin are plenty of awe-inspiring outdoor venues for your group’s meeting or event — everything from a botanical garden to a resort-town hotel’s recent refresh with a focus on alfresco. Then there’s the rooftop of a landmark building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Wisconsin’s famous architect, overlooking downtown Madison and picturesque Lake Monona. And does it get any better than hosting an event with the best view of Lambeau Field that’s not part of the stadium itself? Plus, all of these spaces flaunt rooftop (or elevated) lounges, bars or restaurants, or take full advantage of the kind of views attendees won’t be able to stop talking about and sharing.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva

The June renovation of this 1,300-acre resort introduced an additional option for outdoor dining at the 900-square-foot Landing, which seats up to 60 and is entirely alfresco with a covered pergola, and overhead fans and heating. Glass half-walls create an unobstructed view of the property’s rolling green hills and tree line, not to mention the private lake and golf course. The 355-room resort — which folds in five dining options — also has outdoor fire pits on Embers Terrace (just outside Geneva ChopHouse) for informal breakout sessions or post-meeting socializing.

Grand Geneva’s 5,400-square-foot Outdoor Pavilion’s open walls give you the best of both worlds, inside and out, should imminent weather occur. Groups can also incorporate fun activities on the property to further take in the resort’s views. Some examples include guided horseback riding, classic-car rentals (including convertibles like a 1965 Shelby Cobra Tribute or a 1968 Pontiac GTO), mountain biking or hiking.

Monona Terrace, Madison

Based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1938 design — although not built until 1997, 38 years after his death — this convention center hugging Lake Monona in downtown Madison boasts a 68,000-square-foot rooftop garden. From here, you can see the downtown skyline, the State Capitol dome and, of course, glittering Lake Monona. Buffet-style dining, as well as bars for cocktail hour, can be brought in, along with audiovisual equipment for any presentations.

Four different configurations of the space are offered to groups: the West Circle, the Center Circle, the Center and West Circle, and Olin Terrace. On its own, the Center Circle is the largest (at 34,730 square feet), and can accommodate up to 3,000 for a reception or up to 1,300 with banquet- style seating. Olin Terrace’s 5,000 square feet is a nice option for smaller functions, allowing for 96 in a banquet setting or 150 at a reception.

During the warmer months, Monona Terrace hosts many events for the community, including live music and Dane Dances, with performances and a dance floor. Architecture fans may also book a tour of the center. Two group-tour options (one that’s up to 10 people and another that’s up to 25 people) ensure your group has ample time to ask questions during a 45-minute tour or dig deeper into the story of one of America’s most beloved architects who grew up in nearby Spring Green. Tacking on glasses of sparkling or still wine, and cheese or cupcakes, is another popular activity that can be arranged through the center.

Lodge Kohler, Green Bay

A smaller, more intimate version of The American Club — also owned and managed by Kohler Company, but in the luxury plumber’s town of Kohler — is this 144-room boutique hotel that sits across the street from Lambeau Field. In fact, it’s only 100 yards away. Imagine sitting on the hotel’s fifth-floor Sky Terrace, where the iconic Green Bay Packers stadium appears at arm’s reach. The space accommodates up to 50 and catering can be coordinated through the hotel’s Taverne in the Sky open- flame rotisserie restaurant. For an afternoon pick-me-up or cocktail hour, Leaps & Bounds Café’s beverage menu of espresso drinks and cocktails can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace at Lodge Kohler — facing Lambeau Field at the street level and featuring fire pits. Morning fare at the café includes beignets, avocado toast, eggs and bacon.

That Lodge Kohler is part of the 45-acre Titletown District (owned and managed by the Green Bay Packers) provides access to even more outdoor space, including a regulation-size football field, and a 10-acre park and plaza. Titletown features outdoor programming that includes a Night Market on Thursdays; acoustic music both day and night; and tai chi, Zumba and yoga classes during the summer months.

Hotel Goodwin, Beloit

If you’re looking for an edgy and eclectic venue, the 34-room Hotel Goodwin in downtown Beloit delivers. Its 1,000-square-foot Rooftop, which can comfortably accommodate up to 60, has the proud distinction of being Beloit’s only rooftop bar with event space. Reserving The Rooftop means your group gets exclusive access, so they don’t have to elbow their way around to share the view of downtown with other guests. That said, being at the hotel on certain days may afford access to other activities, such as live music at The Rooftop on Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. in the summer.

On the food and drink menu are wines by the glass, craft beers with local roots, refreshing seasonal cocktails (such as strawberry rhubarb punch or violet lemonade) and what’s termed “all-day snacks“ — from chipotle smoked shrimp cocktails to chimichurri beef tenderloin skewers. Should cool, windy or rainy weather barge in on your event, it’s not a total washout as The Rooftop’s indoor spaces are also available to groups booking the space.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville

There’s a reason this 20-acre garden is a popular spot for weddings — with the abundant plants and flowers, there’s no need to bring in additional floral displays or other décor. The same is true for meetings and corporate functions where guests can be treated to breathtaking views while conducting business. Four different rooms, approximately 600 square feet each, can be rented separately or combined to create a larger space, with options to include an LCD projector, projection screen and sound system, as well as food and beverage catering.

Attendees can also easily squeeze in a nice stroll during their free time without leaving the venue. An estimated 4,000 varieties of plants are grown here, representing 24 different garden styles. Those in the group who have green thumbs may want to take advantage of events, such as guided walks, that are hosted for the public. A group tour for up to 55 people (and as few as 15 people) can be booked in advance as well. During this two-hour tour on foot (although golf carts can be arranged for the mobility-impaired), a guide discusses the gardens’ history and gives an overview of the plants grown here.