Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
To plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, for the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival!
This page will help you prepare for a fun and memorable weekend in Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin.
Held each year during Labor Day weekend, the festival brings together visitors from across the region for cow chip tossing competitions, live entertainment, great food, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re traveling from nearby Madison or visiting the Wisconsin Dells area, the Cow Chip Festival is a unique Wisconsin tradition worth experiencing.
When you plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, consider staying close to the festival grounds.
Festival Location
The festival takes place in Prairie du Sac, a few blocks from the Wisconsin River.
Festival Grounds:
Marion Park / Grand Avenue area
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Plan Your Visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin
The location is easy to reach from major highways and is just a short drive from Madison and Wisconsin Dells.
Getting Here
Plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin. The Cow Chip Festival is easily reached from Sauk Prairie via several major routes.
From Madison:
Take US-12 west toward Sauk City.
From Wisconsin Dells:
Take US-12 south toward Sauk Prairie.
Clear signage and volunteers help guide visitors once they arrive in town.
Parking
Plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin. Festival parking is available near the event grounds, with volunteers directing traffic throughout the weekend.
Helpful tips for visitors:
• Arrive early for the best parking availability
• Follow posted festival parking signs
• Consider carpooling if attending with a group
Some parking areas may request a small donation that helps support local community organizations.
Food and Refreshments
The festival food court features a variety of local favorites and classic festival treats. Visitors can enjoy options like burgers, brats, walking tacos, pizza, lemonade, and sweet treats while exploring the festival grounds.
Many of the food vendors support local organizations and community groups in the Sauk Prairie area.
Things to Do at the Festival
The Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival offers activities for all ages.
When you plan your visit Sauk Prairie Wisconsin, remember to explore beyond the festival grounds.
🗓️ Festival Dates: September 4-5th, 2026
Events include:
• Cow Chip Toss Competition
• Fine Arts & Craft Fair
• Volleyball Tournament
• Live Music and Entertainment
• Kids Activities and Games
Visit the Festival Schedule page for detailed event times and daily activities.
Explore Sauk Prairie
Many visitors make a full weekend of it by exploring the surrounding Sauk Prairie area. The region is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, and visit these nearby attractions:
• Wisconsin River eagle overlook spots
• Bike, Run, or Walk along the Great Sauk State Trails
• Riverfront Park with Splash Pad
• Culver Community Park
• Devil’s Lake State Park is located 15 minutes away
• Baraboo Bluffs scenic landscapes
• Local restaurants and shops
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from hiking and biking to relaxing river views and wildlife watching. The Sauk Prairie community is also home to charming local businesses and dining spots where visitors can enjoy a meal, browse unique shops, or simply take in the beauty of the Wisconsin River valley.
Sauk Prairie offers beautiful scenery and small-town hospitality that make the festival experience even more memorable.
Accommodations
Plan your visit – Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, and stay for the full festival weekend! The Sauk Prairie area offers a variety of comfortable accommodations for visitors attending the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival. Options include locally owned motels, charming bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, and nearby hotels within a short drive of the festival grounds.
Popular lodging options in the Sauk Prairie area include the Cedarberry Inn, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sauk City, and other nearby inns and motels that offer convenient access to the Wisconsin River, local restaurants, and scenic outdoor attractions.
Because the festival weekend is one of the busiest times of the year in Sauk Prairie, visitors are encouraged to book accommodations early. Many travelers also stay in nearby communities such as Baraboo, Merrimac, and the Wisconsin Dells area, all located within a short drive of the festival.
See You at the Festival
Whether you’re competing in the famous cow chip toss or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival is a celebration of community, tradition, and good-natured fun.
We look forward to welcoming you when you plan your visit to Sauk Prairie Wisconsin for the Cow Chip Festival.
