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JANESVILLE
Since 2018, close to $42 million of private and public funding has flowed into downtown Janesville according to Downtown Janesville Inc. Some of that transformative money kickstarted renovations along the downtown streets, bolstering the city’s infrastructure, and more recently transformations of landmark buildings like the complete restoration of the Monterey Hotel.
(Pictured above is historic London Hotel in downtown Janesville)
One noteworthy, municipal funded project is the ornate, Milwaukee Avenue bridge reconstruction which reopened in 2020. Like a modern expression of Art Nouveau this beautiful addition to Janesville's riverfront curves over the Rock River and features a palisade-like canopy of metallic branches sprouting oversized leaves. Another such catalytic project in Janesville is the Town Square, which won the 2019 WI APWA. The Town Square is part of a two-block development of downtown’s river walk which will eventually connect to the east bank via a pedestrian bridge.
Places to visit on your Daytrip to Janesville
Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in
Evansville and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites.
Please enjoy!
Have a place in Janesville you would like to recommend? Send us a line info@lakesedition.com
(Paddling the Rock River in September Morning Fog)
ROCK RIVER
Bisecting downtown Janesville is Southern Wisconsin's most prominent waterway the Rock River. One of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy this great river close up is paddling.
Paddling is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the U.S. With over 15,000 lakes and 12,000 rivers Wisconsin is a top destination in the Midwest for paddlers. The Rock River with over 320 miles end to end is one of the better trails in the entire region.
HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
Years in the making much of downtown Janesville's historic architectural legacy has been restored. All the transformative activity downtown is the culmination of several years of planning and investment according to John Beckord, president of Forward Janesville. Forward and its’ partner ARISE Now are bringing public and private investment together. This collaborative energy focused on downtown is not lost on local entrepreneurs either.. Prepare to take trip back in time.
Plan for about an hour to hour and half to take in all the architectural sights along the way.
>> Enjoy a tour of historic Janesville >
(Paddling the Rock River in September Morning Fog)
THE ROTARY GARDENS
1455 Palmer Drive Janesville, WI 53545.
This 20 acre park offers several unique botanical environments such as the annual garden, rose garden and the always popular Japanese garden. A very popular destination for wedding photographers so much so the Rotary Gardens require that you fill out a form before visiting. Not taking photos it's a wonderful place to chill and watch the bees and clouds go by.
Phone: (608)-752-3885
JANESVILLE'S FARMERS' MARKET
Recently located to downtown Janesville's newest jewel the river walk. The locally focused market features fresh produce, meats, cheese, eggs, honey, baked goods, plants, cut flowers, soaps, hand cream, jewelry, herbs, seasonal products, great art pieces and more!
When May - October
Saturdays, 8AM - 1PM
Where: 15 Dodge Street
(The Towns Square, Downtown Janesville)
(Paddling the Rock River in September Morning Fog)
THE GRAY BREWING
Co.
2424 Court St. Janesville, WI 53545.
Founded in 1856 by J.C. Gray this Janesville landmark business is one the oldest continuously operating breweries in the U.S. In 1992 the brewery's facility burned down but through the perseverance of Fred Gray the company continued to forge ahead under the aegis of the Gray Brewing Company. Take the tour and stay for the tasting room to sample from handcrafted beer or root beer, cream soda, strawberry soda, grape soda, orange cream soda and Belfast Ginger Beer. Great fun for the whole family.
DINING DOWNTOWN
Hungry after your tour of Historic Janesville? There are quite a few restaurant options just around the corner or steps away on Main Street. Like authentic American-Chinese food? You can't go wrong with one of Wisconsin's oldest Chinese restaurants The Cozy Inn on Milwaukee Street.. How about a traditional Wisconsin fishFry? Road Dawg Saloon & Eatery on Morse Street outside downtown is great chain option for a traditional fish try.
Enjoy Visiting Other Featured Towns of the Week
A day trip of adventure awaits you in Lakes Edition Country
