Sept. 8, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon County residents aged 50 and older are invited to experience the heart of Wisconsin’s cranberry country with a guided tour of the historic Wetherby Cranberry Company marsh in Warrens on Thursday, October 16.
Organized by Vernon County Over 50, the event includes round-trip bus transportation from Bethel Home in Viroqua, a 1.5-hour guided tour of the marsh operated by Wetherby Cranberry Company, and lunch at Discovery Cranberries & Café. The cost is $32.
Founded in 1903, Wetherby is a family-owned operation led by third-generation growers Jim and Naomi Van Wychen, along with their children and grandchildren. The marsh is known for producing fresh cranberries, cranberry wine, and hosting educational tours that highlight the state’s cranberry-growing legacy. Attendees will learn about the cultivation process, the environmental stewardship behind cranberry farming, and the cultural significance of the fruit in Wisconsin.
Warrens is home to one of the largest cranberry festivals in the world, and Wetherby’s marsh is a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural heritage. The tour offers a rare opportunity to walk among floating berries, meet the growers, and enjoy a seasonal meal in a scenic setting.
To register or learn more, contact Kay Wienke at Vernon County Over 50 by calling 262-384-0082 or emailing over50lunch @yahoo.com.. Event updates and community news are also available on the Vernon County Over 50 Facebook page.
For more on Wisconsin’s cranberry industry, visit the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. Details about Warrens and its annual festival can be found at the Warrens Cranberry Festival website.
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