Rock County is a south central Wisconsin county on the Wisconsin-Illinois border. The county has two designated wildlife viewing areas, a connector trail to the National Ice Age Trail, a number of lakes and creeks, and the Rock River as natural attractions. Recreational and entertainment opportunities during Labor Day weekend include planned community events and those activities that families can do on their own.
The community of Janesville in Rock County has celebrated Laborfest on Labor Day weekend since 1991. Labor Day activities include mud volleyball for both teens and adults, a classic car show, a petting zoo and a rock-climbing wall. Spectators are entertained for the three days with live bands. Displays and demonstrations, including live bird and reptile exhibits, are scheduled during Laborfest. The parade occurs on Labor Day and includes marching bands, floats and clowns.
Janesville Laborfest
1795 Lafayette St.
Janesville, WI 53546
608-755-5120, ext. 122
laborfest.org
The Rock River Thresheree is held over Labor Day weekend at Threshermen's Park on the Rock River. This four-day event began in 1955. The Thresheree brings together collectors of steam- and gas-powered machinery and farm equipment. Among the equipment displayed but not operated during the Thresheree is a 1927 Bucyrus railroad steam shovel. A sorghum mill and a buckwheat and cornmeal grist mill operate, and the products are sold during the Thresheree. Visitors can get a ride on the coal-powered steam locomotive, the Rock River Cannonball. Threshing and plowing demonstrations are major activities of the Labor Day weekend. Each afternoon, every machine that can move participates in the Parade of Power.
Rock River Thresheree
51 E. Cox Road
Edgerton, WI 53534
262-593-8200 or 888-876-8528
thresheree.org
One of the favorite activities families enjoy on Labor Day weekend is picnicking in a park. Beckman Mill County Park is west of Beloit. The 50-acre Rock County park is the site of a grist mill that was constructed in 1868 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Picnic under the covered picnic shelter and then visit the mill, the covered foot bridge, sawmill display and other buildings on the grounds. The park has a frog pond, fish ladder and nature trail in a serene setting.
Beckman Mill County Park
11450 S. Cty. Hwy. H
Beloit, WI 53511
608-365-7835
beckmanmill.org
Another Labor Day weekend family activity is fishing. Gibbs Lake County Park includes the shorelines of both Gibbs and Little Gibbs lakes. Put your boat or canoe in at the boat launch on the northern shore of Gibbs Lake. When the day's catch has been reeled in, you may hike on the trail for 2.6 miles. This Rock County park also has a 3.8-mile-long equestrian trail with parking for horse trailers. Grills and picnic tables are provided for picnicking.
Gibbs Lake County Park
9103 W. Gibbs Lake Road
Janesville, WI 53545
608-747-5450
The international and themed gardens in this Janesville park are open on Labor Day. If you desire a peaceful hour or so during the Labor Day weekend, a walk through the Rotary Botanical Gardens may provide it. Within these 20 acres, an English cottage garden co-exists with examples of a prairie garden, a Japanese garden and a nationally recognized garden composed of ferns and mosses. Visit the gift shop after touring the gardens.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
608-752-3885
rotarygardens.org
