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    • June 19, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 6:15 PM
    • Baraboo and Prairie du Sac
    • 12
    Registration is closed


    Circus, Stage & Sips: A Sauk County Adventure

    Canceled due to low registration

    Thursday, June 19, 2025

    Registration deadline is June 1


    Celebrate the advent of summer by joining us on a trip to Sauk County where we will have three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery.

    Note that this field trip is being organized by PLATO and there will be three pick-up stops in Madison:  East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods.

    Registration:  When you register there are two options.

    Option 1:  The registration fee for PLATO members is $95 which includes the bus, driver's tip, admission to Circus World, a guided tour of AL. Ringling Theatre, and a guided walking tour of Wollersheim Winery.  PLATO members can also register a guest for $95.

    Option 2:  If you are a PLATO member and also a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society,  you can show your current WHS membership card to get free admission to Circus World.  Because of that we are offering a registration option of "PLATO and Wisconsin Historical Society Member" for $76.  That registration fee includes the bus, driver's tip, a guided tour of AL. Ringling Theatre, and a guided walking tour of Wollersheim Winery along with your free admission to Circus World.  

    Lunch is not included in the registration fee.   See below for lunch options.

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    Circus World


    You will have three hours to explore Circus World on your own.  Circus World, owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society,  is located at the National Landmark Site of the original Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters on Water Street. These buildings are the largest and oldest group of circus structures in the United States, belonging to the largest circus enterprise the world has ever known.

    One of the highlights of Circus World is the world's largest collection of more than 250 beautifully restored circus wagons.  And new for 2025 four remarkable circus wagons will be on display alongside the permanent collection. On loan from Feld Entertainment, Inc., these treasures include the famed Ringling Bros. Bell Wagon. You’ll be awed by these historically significant circus wagons, each with their own tale to tell! 

    We will arrive in time for you to attend Circus World’s signature show “Holidays” under the Big Top.  Experience the gravity-defying artistry of an aerial hammock, an amazing display of equine artistry, acrobats flying high in the dome of the big top, joyous juggling, kooky comedy, memorable music ... and high-flying adventures with the Flying Poemas.

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    AL. Ringling Theatre

    We will have a 60-minute guided tour of the spectacular Ringling Theatre in downtown Baraboo.  The 700-seat theatre was built in 1915 by Al Ringling, co-founder with his brothers of the world-renowned Ringling Brothers Circus, and designed in the opulent style of grand French opera houses. Ringling built the theatre for the Baraboo community in a show of appreciation for the town that the Ringling Brothers called home and the original site of the Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters. Through the years, the theatre has hosted national touring companies, vaudeville, motion pictures and more, bringing performing arts and culture to Baraboo and the greater South-Central Wisconsin region.

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    Wollersheim Winery




    After leaving Baraboo we will travel to Wollersheim where we will have a 45-minute guided walking tour and learn about the winery's rich history, the vineyards and grape growing on the property.  We will view the fermentation room as well as the underground limestone aging cellars in the historic winery building.  During the tour we will be enjoying a sampling of 3 wines.


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    Lunch

    Lunch is on your own during our 3-hour visit to Circus World.  

    The Cookhouse Grill, located next to the Hippodrome,  has burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, fries, pizza,  and salads and other healthy options.

    Additionally, Circus World offers a full range of circus treats located at stands throughout the grounds – cotton candy, hot dogs, brats, popcorn, sno-cones and ice cream!

    For more upscale dining the Driftless Glen is rated the #1 restaurant in Baraboo and is a 5 minute walk from Circus World.  View their menu at https://driftlessglen.com/menu

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    Miscellaneous

    Registration Policy:  PLATO will refund an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline of June 1.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend or there are extenuating circumstances.  We encourage you to register early so we know if we have enough people to make the trip financially feasible.

    Dress Appropriately:  We will be outside at Circus World and Wollersheim Winery.  You should dress appropriately for the weather (i.e., comfortable, closed-toed shoes, umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, hats and gloves).

    Accessibility:   On the bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus.  If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand. 

    The AL. Ringling Theatre's main auditorium and lobby areas are accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility difficulties.

    At Wollersheim there is a 10 minute walk from the parking lot up a slight hill to the winery.  The guided tour is primarily on hard surfaces like concrete or tiles.  During the tour we will be walking or standing for 45 minutes, however there is a bench in the fermentation viewing area where you could sit for a few minutes while the guide talks about the fermentation process if you need a little break.  There are a set of stairs on the tour but if needed you are welcome to use the elevator located next to the stairs.

    Non-Member Policy:   Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer.  

    PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

    Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill in and Mail this form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

    _________________________

    Bus and Travel Details


    We will have a 56-passenger Van Galder/CoachUSA bus.  Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus.  When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave.  Arrive early and we will all arrive at our destination on time to begin our adventure.


    – Don’t be late.  We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.

    Our bus is equipped with WiFi and toilet facilities. 

    - Social Distancing will not be available on the bus.

    Itinerary

    Leave Madison

    7:45 AM    Bus arrives at East Towne Sears parking lot - (Across from Culvers under Lamp Post 10)

    8:00 AM    Departs East Towne Sears 

    8:25 AM    Departs Capitol Lakes - 333 W Main St (Free parking only in ramp’s uppermost “S” Level)

    9:00 AM    Departs Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Rd (Park in Heritage Oaks Garage)


    Arrive Madison (Estimated)

    5:15 PM     East Towne Sears

    5:45 PM     Arrives Capitol Lakes

    6:15 PM     Oakwood Village University Woods

    For further information, contact  trip organizer, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 

    • July 10, 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson
    • 6
    Register



    Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson

    Thursday, July 10, 2025

    Registration deadline extended to Friday, June 13

    It is 1979, the day of the church’s Centennial Celebration, and past parishioners have gathered to share hotdishes, bars, and stories from the last 100 years. As the women work in the kitchen, shared memories burst into life through a series of flashbacks. Travel back to 1897 and meet Vivian’s grandmother; see Karin as a newlywed cautiously navigating the politics of the kitchen; and be there in 1944 when Mavis first barreled her way through the door. The Centennial Celebration is bittersweet. Times are tough in this small farm community, and hard decisions will have to be made.

    The meal includes Asian Salad, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Lemon Chess Pie for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

    • Braised Pork Belly:  Succulent Duroc Pork Bely scored and seared to perfection Braised slowly in Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, and its natural juices until tender. Sliced and served with a Pan Sauce. Served with Fried Rice with Peas, Onion, and Egg and Honey Glazed Carrots.
    • Supreme Cut Chicken Breast:  Seasoned with Lemon Pepper and Seared. Served with Fried Rice with Peas, onion, and Egg and Honey Glazed Carrots.  
    • Thai Grilled Shrimp:  Fresh Shrimp, Onions, Bell Peppers, and Pineapple placed on bamboo skewers and marinated in Lemongrass, Sweet Chilis, and Garlic. Charred on the grill and served with Apricot Lemongrass Chutney. Served with Fried Rice with Peas, Onion, and Egg.
    • Vegetarian Option:  Hearty Vegetarian Cacciatore

    PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center  and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity.  Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips.  You will be required to fill out the Verona Senior Center New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Senior Center Liability Agreement.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

    Schedule (Return times are approximate)

    8:30 a.m. - Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

    9:00 a.m.  - Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

    5:00 p.m. - Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

    5:30 p.m. - Return Verona Senior Center


    Departure Locations

    Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

    East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

    Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

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    Cost:  $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

    Seating is limited, so register today!  Registrations must be received no later than noon on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

    Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill-in and Mail-in form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

    Refund Policy:  PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

    PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

    For further information, contact  trip organizer, Bob Shaw,    robert.e.shaw@gmail.com, 608-255-3486

    • July 16, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Milwaukee
    • 0
    Join waitlist



    Milwaukee History in the Making

    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

    Registration Deadline is Wednesday, June 11


    St. Josaphat Basilica epitomizes the striving of early Polish immigrants to express their ethnic heritage, spiritual devotion, and patriotic pride by building impressive houses of worship. The Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish and subsequently became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Its first home was a modest building that burned to the ground in 1889. The parish built a second church, but it was too small for its needs. This burgeoning immigrant community desired to construct a church to meet the needs of its more than 12,000 parishioners in the late 19th century. Ground was broken in 1896, and the new building would be finished in 1901. When the plans were nearly complete, Fr. Grutza learned that the Chicago Post Office and Custom House needed to be razed, and he was able to purchase it for $20,000.

    The present church is not what the Chicago Post Office looked like. Architect Brielmaier changed his plans to include the salvaged materials, but his design remained faithful to the original model—St. Peter’s.  At the time of completion, the only building in the country with a larger dome was the United States Capitol. In the Catholic Church, basilica status is reserved for the largest, most beautiful, and most historically important churches. 


    In 1929, St. Josaphat Church was named the third basilica in the United States. Today there are over sixty. It is as close as we get to a European Cathedral. It is the largest church in Milwaukee, with a seating capacity of over 1,000 on the main floor, hundreds more can be accommodated in the galleries.


    Following lunch, we are off to explore Milwaukee's past and present from our rivers, harbors & Lake Michigan during a 90-minute tour with unforgettable views and a unique perspective of Milwaukee's history & architecture. Live narration is provided by experienced and entertaining tour guides & the captain.

    Please note that temperatures can drastically vary on the lakefront, rivers, and mainland- please help make sure you stay comfortable by dressing in layers (year-round).

    As always there will be a ‘surprise stop’ along the way!

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    Lunch Options: (Indicate your choice when registering)

    • Breast of Chicken Sandwich - Served on a Milwaukee pretzel roll with lettuce, tomato & Swiss cheese, served with German potato salad
    • Hungarian Goulash -  Tender beef braised in paprika sauce and onion over spatzle
    • Weiner Schnitzel - Breaded tender port cutlet served with spatzle and sauerkraut
    • Vegetable Napoleon - Roasted vegetable tower drizzled with pepper coulis, topped with Provolone cheese and served with spatzle

      _________________________________________

      PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center  and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity.  Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips.  You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form  (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

      Schedule:  (Return times are approximate)

      8:00 a.m.  Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

      8:30 a.m.   Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

      5:00 p.m.   Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

      5:30 p.m.   Return Verona Senior Center

      Departure Locations:

      Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

      East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))

      Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)


      Cost: $100 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

      Seating is limited, so register today!  Registrations must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

      Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill-in, and Mail this Form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

      Refund Policy:  PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

      PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

      For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.

      • August 20, 2025
      • 7:00 AM - 6:15 PM
      • Two Rivers, Wisconsin
      • 35
      Register


      Celebrating American Design:

      Prairie Architecture and Wood Craft Design

      Wednesday, August 20, 2025

      Registration deadline is July 15


      Join us on our visit to Two Rivers, Wisconsin on the banks of Lake Michigan where we will tour a Frank Lloyd Wright house and the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum.

      Note that this field trip is being organized by PLATO and there will be three pick-up stops in Madison:  East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods.

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      Still Bend

      Join us for an guided tour of Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House” brought to life.  Nestled along a bend of the East Twin River in Two Rivers, this 3,000-square-foot home offers a rare glimpse into Wright’s revolutionary design for the modern American family.

      In 1938 LIFE magazine invited Frank Lloyd Wright to participate in an article called “Eight Houses for Modern Living” where he was to design a "dream house" for a typical American family.  Of the plans Wright submitted to Life magazine, Still Bend is the only one that was actually built, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for architecture lovers and history buffs alike

      This house is a unique, two-story Usonian home—Wright’s innovative, affordable design for middle-class families, featuring open floor plans, in-floor heating, and signature Wright furnishings.

      The house’s 65-foot-long recreation room, original Wright-designed furniture, and stunning riverside setting create an atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration

      To learn more about Still Bend, see

      Wikipedia article on Still Bend

      Conde Nast Traveler: My Favorite Airbnb:  A Frank Lloyd Wright House in Two Rivers, Wisconsin

      If you have Netflix,  Still Bend was featured on season 2, episode 1 of The World's Most Important Vacation Rentals

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      Hamilton Wood Type

      & Printing Museum


      Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before. The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination—the world's largest repository of vintage wood type and the country's biggest typographical museum.  

      • See working presses and type in action
      • Get hands-on with vintage tools and materials
      • Explore the artistry of letterpress printing
      • Learn about the legacy of Hamilton Manufacturing, once the largest wood type producer in the country
      • Discover how designers, artists, and printers are keeping this craft alive today

      Whether you're a history buff, a design lover, or simply curious about how printing shaped communication, this tour will leave you inspired. Walk among thousands of drawers of type, admire stunning posters, and even try your hand at printing!

      We will have a 90-minute guided museum tour with a hands-on letterpress printing experience.  Following the guided tour, each participant prints a poster (with hand-set wood type) to take home.  

      From a review on TripAdvisor:  "My wife and I loved this place. It tells the story of a little known industry founded in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Wood Type and wood cut illustrations were used in the past to print posters, advertising, and flyers. Banner headlines for newspapers were printed with wood type rather than lead. The Hamilton museum has well over a million examples of wood type, it also displays and explains the processes required to convert maple logs into usable type and printing blocks. On displays are huge saws, sanders, pantographic routers, flat presses, letter presses, linotype machines and of course all the output of those presses. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We were so glad we visited."

      To learn more about the museum see

      https://woodtype.org/pages/press

      Wired Magazine: Inside the Hamilton-Type Museum Where You're the Printer

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      Lunch

      Lunch is included in your registration fee and will be at Cool City Brewery

      Lunch consists of

      • Signature Cool City Smashburger (the vegetarian option is an Impossible burger)
      • Soup Flight - 3 small cups of soup (on a flight board to each individual giving everyone a variety to taste.  The soup flights always include a vegetarian option.
      • Salad (served family style in large bowls on the tables with dressing.
      • Fountain drink, iced tea or 5 oz. draft beer
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      Miscellaneous

      Cost:   $116  per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, and meal.

      Registration Policy:  PLATO will refund an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline of  July 15.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend or there are extenuating circumstances.  We encourage you to register early so we know if we have enough people to make the trip financially feasible.

      Dress Appropriately:    You should dress appropriately for the weather (i.e., comfortable, closed-toed shoes, umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, hats and gloves).

      Accessibility:   On the bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus.  If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand. 

      Non-Member Policy:   Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer.  

      PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

      Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill-In, and Mail this Form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

      _________________________

      Bus and Travel Details


      We will have a 56-passenger Van Galder/CoachUSA bus.  Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus.  When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave.  Arrive early and we will all arrive at our destination on time to begin our adventure.


      – Don’t be late.  We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.

      Our bus is equipped with WiFi and toilet facilities. 

      - Social Distancing will not be available on the bus.

      Itinerary

      Leave Madison

      6:45 AM    Bus arrives at Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Rd 

      7:00 AM    Departs Oakwood Village University Woods

      7:25 AM    Departs Capitol Lakes - 333 W Main St (Free parking only in ramp’s uppermost “S” Level)

      8:00 AM    Departs East Towne Sears parking lot - (Across from Culvers under Lamp Post 10)


      Two Rivers

      10:15 AM  Arrive Hamilton Wood Type Museum

      12:00 PM  Depart Hamilton for Cool City Brewing

      12:15 PM  Arrive Cool City Brewing

      1:15 PM    Depart Cool City for Still Bend

      1:30 PM    Arrive Still Bend

      2:45 PM    Depart Still Bend for Madison


      Arrive Madison (Estimated)

      5:15 PM     Oakwood Village University Woods

      5:45 PM     Arrives Capitol Lakes

      6:15 PM     East Towne Mall

      For further information, contact  trip organizer, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 


    PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported in part by:



    info@platomadison.org

    Facebook: @platomadison

    608-572-6869

    6209 Mineral Point Road #203
    Madison, WI 53705








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