gather in waupaca

Business Conferences & Family Reunions

Small Town Charm, Big City Amenities & Personal Service – All at the Right Price
Make the Waupaca area the destination of your next gathering, big or small, the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help. We are here to assist you in identifying the perfect meeting location, area activities for attendees and their families, dining opportunities and area business resources. Consider us an extension of your planning team.

We look forward to your visit to the Waupaca area! Please contact us at (888) 417-4040 or email  for assistance in planning your event.

Businesses listed are for the convenience of visitors.  For a complete list of businesses, search the Chamber Business Directory.


Where is Waupaca?

Map

Waupaca is centrally located in the state halfway between Stevens Point and Appleton, at the intersection of state highways 10, 54 & 49.


  • 29 miles east of Stevens Point

  • 38 miles west of Appleton

  • 62 miles south of Wausau

  • 101 miles north of Madision

  • 119 miles north of Milwaukee

  • 209 miles north of Chicago

  • 240 miles east of Minneapolis 


Things to Do in Waupaca

The Waupaca area offers an abundance of dining and activity opportunties.

Dining    Activities   Tours   Events  


 

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Waupaca

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Waupaca

10. Fun in all four seasons

9. Ease of travel around the area

8. Personal service

7. Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities

6. Shopping scene with over forty unique retailers

5. Small town Waupaca hospitality

4. Unique venues for smaller gatherings aside convention centers with full amenities

3. Budget friendly prices for conference services and area dining and attractions

2. Central location in the state

1. Getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city!

Helping You Connect

The staff at the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce is here to assist you with planning the perfect meeting or event. We will add value for your attendees and assist with making your planning easier.

Services Provided:


  • Serve as an impartial liaison between meeting facilities, lodging and converence related services.

  • Provide guidance to planners by answering questions and offering suggestions.

  • Provide brochures on area dining, attractions and events.

  • Provide videos and photos of the Waupaca area to assist with event promotion.

  • Notify media of your event and rquest on-site coverage, per your request.

  • Event promotion through website listings, inclusion on event calendars, Facebook, e-newsletters, etc. (when appropriate).

  • Provide welcome bags for attendees.

  • Coordinate volunteer personnel to assist with registration and to provide concierge service.

  • Identify local representatives to extend a brief welcome for attendees.

  • Provide letters of welcome for your attendees from city officials.

  • Assist with coordination of leisure activities and dining opportunities for attendees.

  • Assist in arranging activities for spouses and families during their stay.

  • Make every effort to accomodate any spcial requests of meeting planners and attendees.

Grant Opportunites

New in 2012, the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce has established a grant program to assist organizations with costs associated with relocation of meetings or events to the Waupaca area. This grant opportunity will assist qualifying organizations with meeting and event expenses. Requests for grant dollars will be received by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce and reviewed by the Tourism Promotion Committee on a monthly basis. Please contact the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director more information or to apply. (715) 258-7343.

Requests for Proposals
Let us help you find the perfect venue for your meeting or event. Please submit your request with the following information and we'll be sure it gets to the appropriate venues. You will then receive bids directly from qualified venues. Email request.

Requests should include:


  • Contact Name

  • Company or Organization (if applicable)

  • Address

  • City, State, Zip

  • Phone Number

  • E-mail

  • Website (if applicable)

  • Dates of meeting or event

  • Number of attendees expected

  • Estimated number of rooms required & number of nights

  • Description of meeting or event

  • Any additional information or special accomomodations required

  • Date when your proposal is needed

Bring Your Meeting Home

As Waupaca residents, we are privileged to live and work in a small town setting with big city amenities. Now it is up to us to share it! That is what the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce is challenging Waupaca area residents to do with the Bring Your Meeting Home program.

If you are a member of an organization that hosts or attends gatherings, consider inviting the group to experience the Waupaca area. Whether it's a large corporate conference, an exhibition event or just a small group of friends that congregate to share ideas or participate in an activity, we have the amenities to suit your needs. So, why not Bring Your Meeting Home!

Annually, the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize residents who bring a meeting or event to the Waupaca area.

For complete information please contact the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director at (715) 258-7343.

Where to Meet & Stay

The Waupaca area offers a variety of meeting locations for all sizes of gatherings. Those seeking the traditional conference centers with full amenities will find their choice of several facilities offering large meeting rooms with multiple breakout options. The Waupaca area is also home to several bed & breakfasts and large lake homes each with their own unique appeal. These facilities are the perfect venue to develop a relaxing retreat atmosphere for smaller corporate retreats or organizational meetings. Contact us at (888) 417-4040 for assistance in finding a perfect venue for your gathering.

facilities

Map



Apple Tree Lane Bed & Breakfast
Along the Crystal River
E3192 Apple Tree Lane
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-3107
www.appletreelanebb.com

Meeting space for up to 20 guests with five guest rooms accommodating up to 10 individuals.  Apple Tree Lane will work with you to meet the needs of your group including meals, beverages and snacks.

Best Western PLUS Grand Seasons Hotel
110 Grand Seasons Drive
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-9212 or (877) 880-1054
www.bestwesternwaupaca.com

90 rooms plus 7 suites, indoor pool and waterslide, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center, meeting rooms and lounge. The Waupaca Banquet Room can accommodate 350 banquet style or 400 theater style.  Smaller conference rooms are also available.

Comfort Suites
199 Foxfire Drive
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 942-0500
www.comfortsuites.com

71 rooms including family suites with bunk beds, indoor adult and children’s pools, whirlpool, meeting room, exercise room, guest laundry room. A meeting room is available for a small group.

Crystal River Inn Bed & Breakfast
E1369 Rural Road
Waupaca WI 54981
(715) 258-5333
www.crystalriverinn.com

A wonderful place for group retreats, showers, seminars, recitals, hobby workshops, parties, 4 miles S of Waupaca, 2 miles from King. Just off State Hwy 22

The Inn, Granary and grounds nurture creativity, opening body, mind and spirit with a variety of spaces inside and out in nature – by the river, prairie or woods.

Our historic Granary is a secluded, two-story, rustic, open-format space with:

- wheelchair accessible entry and restroom
- electric heat and air conditioning
- plenty of lighting
- small refrigerator and microwave
- coffee and tea supplied
- tables and chairs provided
- parking

 Can accommodate 16 at worktables or 20-25 in lecture seating.

For overnight functions, the inn can accommodate 22 adults, double occupancy.

Fox Valley Technical College
1979 Godfrey Drive
Waupaca, WI 54981
(888) 324-3218
www.fvtc.edu

FVTC offers specialized equipment and facilities for your next meeting, training event, company function or technical project.

Facilities include state-of-the-art technology, convenient locations, dedicated labs and catering services.

Green Fountain Inn Bed & Breakfast
109 W. Lake Street    
Waupaca, WI 54981
(800) 603-4600
www.greenfountaininn.com

Comfortable setting in a homelike environment.  Two rooms available that can be opened up into one larger space for meetings.  Lunch and dinner service available tailored to your group's needs.  WIFI available.

Spencer Lake Christian Center
N1385 County Road E
Waupaca, WI
(715) 258-6019
www.spencer-lake.org

A year-round facility for conferences and family reunions.  Meeting room for 225.  Lodges with fireplaces and meeting rooms.  Auditorium for 750.

Village Inn Motel
1060 W Fulton Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-8526 or (800) 626-9391
www.villageinnwaupaca.com

79 rooms, indoor pool, game room, laundry, meeting rooms. A group of up to 125 can be accommodated in meeting rooms or at a poolside reception.

Waupaca Ale Center & Conference Center
201 Foxfire Drive
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 942-2424
www.waupacaalehouse.com

The Banquet Room can accommodate 500 banquet style or up to 665 theater style.  The conference room can hold up to 80 theater style.  Or have a gathering on the deck for up to 115 people.


Waupaca Expo Center
PO Box 535
Grand Seasons Drive
Waupaca, WI 54981

The Waupaca Expo Center is located just 25 miles east of Stevens Point and only 38 miles west of Appleton, the Expo offers a beautiful, centrally located location for big events.  For more informaiton
contact the Sales Department at Best Western Plus Grand Seasons Hotel.  715-258-9212

Complete List of Waupaca Bed & Breakfasts

Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals
The perfect setting for your executive retreat or family gathering.

parks

City Parks & Rec Department
(715) 258-4435

The Waupaca Parks and Recreation Department has set up a system whereby individuals and groups can reserve the  shelters, ball fields, and some equipment. Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis, beginning the first working day in January. Please keep in mind that a certain number of days have been set aside for community events. You must register in person, no phone registrations will be accepted. The fee and deposit must be paid at the time of reserving the facility.

The following parks are available for rental:


  • Upper South Park

  • Lower South Park

  • Brainards Bridge Park

  • Riverside Park


Hartman Creek State Park
(715) 258-2372

There are four picnic areas with tables, benches, grills, drinking water, and parking:

  • On the south side of Allen Lake, with an open-sided shelter, playground, and vault toilets

  • On the south side of Hartman Lake, with a fully-enclosed shelter and vault toilets

  • At the beach near the east end of Hartman Lake, with an open-sided shelter attached to a concession stand, a playground, and vault toilets

  • Whispering Pines, on the north side of Marl Lake, with flush toilet.


The three shelter buildings are available for rent for family gatherings, reunions, company picnics, etc. There is a rental fee, and each vehicle needs a park sticker, but special group rates may apply.