Great Attractions, Shopping and Restaurants in Beloit, Wisconsin
What makes Beloit a popular, weekend/daytrip for so many visitors to Southern Wisconsin? Beloit is a college town filled with historic architecture and blessed with the scenic byway setting of the Rock River. This town definitely punches above its weight class. For town the size of Beloit it has an outstanding array of attractions from minor league baseball (the Skycarp) to an art museum, and lovely college campus, and riverwalk.
The town's previous names included Turtle Creek and new Albany prior to 1837. Beloit's first immigrants came from New England, one such industrious sole was Major Johnston who wanted the town to be named similarly like Detroit, French origin so the name Beloit was chosen.

Downtown Beloit is just minutes from the Illinois border on US HWY 51. It is the beautifully restored, 19th century architecture along the town's Main Street. It is the easy hiking and kayaking access to the Rock River which runs right through downtown, and being located just 20 minutes from beautiful Lake Koshkonong. But if time is abundant after visiting all the great attractions, dining and shops around this historic town of 36,000, checking out the calendar and planning for a concert at the The Beloit Civic Theater is also worth a visit! And don't forget Southern Wisconsin's 3rd largest film festival, BIFF (the Beloit International Film Festival.)
Places to visit on your Daytrip to Beloit
Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Beloit and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites.
Please enjoy!
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ATTRACTIONS
ROCK RIVER
Downtown Beloit
The Rock River in downtown Beloit is truly the city's beautiful front door and this college town's playground for paddling, sports fishing, powerboat racing and much more. Aching to get in and join the fun on the Rock there are three public boat ramps offering access along the river in Beloit.
Address: 2405 River Road
Beloit, WI 53589
Phone:
608-873-9695
The Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF)
Downtown Beloit at various sites
The 3rd largest film festival in Southern Wisconsin and most prominent for its focus on film shorts from around the world. While BIFF primarily runs through the Spring during one week in April. There are films shown throughout the year on the Beloit College campus and often times feature talks by the film makers as well. Not many Midwestern towns of Beloit's size can boast about a film festival of this prominence let alone a fest featuring movies.

635 3rd Street, Beloit WI
Phone: (608)-466-9695
A spectacular renovation designed by architect Jeanne Gang, the powerplant now houses our student union and athletic center. This 120,000-square-foot facility features a theater (home to some of the BIFF movies), classroom space, and meeting spaces, running track, 8-lane competition swimming pool, and fitness areas. It is an amazing example of a successful reconditioning of an old industrial building into a dynamic community place for residents and students alike.
The Fairbanks Flats built in 1917 are a legacy and the remaining vestiges of segregation in the early 20th century in a northern city. It was a generational journey, encompassing not only the physical journey African American emigrants traveled, but also the continued journey as generations embrace their African American Heritage here in Beloit, Wisconsin and across the nation. The Fairbanks Flats were first listed in 1983, on the National Register of Historic Places, and were and still remain an anchor for the African American community within downtown Beloit.
Beloit Art Center
Downtown Beloit
What an amazing asset to have for a town the size of Beloit. This is a rare gem. The Beloit Art Center has revolving shows of local artists in its gallery space. There are also art classes available, and great little store featuring local artists.
520 E Grand Ave. Beloit, WI email: info@beloitartcenter.com​
Phone: 608-313-9083
www.beloitartcenter.com
Beloit Community Farmers' Market
Producer only market, volunteer powered, benefits the food pantry, community programs. Over 130 vendors, considered the second largest farmers market in Wisconsin, only the DCFM in Madison is bigger.
When: May Through October 2025(Saturdays) 8AM 1PM
Where: 207 South Forest Street (City Hall)
Beloit, WI, 53521
Website:https://www.downtownbeloit.com/farmers-market-2/
Phone:
(608) 365-0150
PLACES TO DINE
DOWNTOWN SHOPS
EVENTS
The Beloit International Film Festival
March 28 - April 6, 2025
Taking place throughout downtown Beloit, WI 53589, USA
2025 is the BIFF's 2oth year of providing great international, independent, and local film shorts to film buffs from across the region. The great thing about the festival's focus on film shorts is that there is a better chance that the auteur/director and actors will be on hand when a particular movie is shown.
The Beloit Sky Carp
ABC Supply Stadium, downtown Beloit, WI
Minor League Baseball is more popular than ever. See up and coming future pros (the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins) in the field and on the diamond. No need to travel to Milwaukee for that other baseball team the Beloit Sky Carp are a quick drive away.
Enjoy Visiting Our Other Previous Towns of the Week
Day trip adventures are just a short drive away in Lakes Edition country.
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