On Saturday, August 16, 2025, The Highground welcomed 48 motorcycle riders for the 25th Annual Ride to Remember®. Although stormy skies and intermittent downpours played a role in reducing overall attendance, the riders who did join made the day feel…

Riders wave to the welcoming crowd as they arrive at The Highground on August 3 From August 1-3, 2025, cyclists from the Northern, Western, Eastern and Southwestern routes set off once again on their annual journey to The Highground. Three of…

Veterans participated in equine therapy at Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center this year The Highground extends its deepest gratitude to the individuals and organizations who made the 2025 Men’s Veterans Retreat a powerful and healing experience for all who attended.  Held…

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, The Highground invites motorcyclists, veterans and supporters to gather at The Highground for the 25th Annual Ride to Remember. This longstanding motorcycle ride is a celebration of honor and valor. Participants will have the opportunity…

The Highground is proud to announce its third annual military couples retreat, “Operation Re-Connect,” scheduled for October 17-19, 2025. The Highground welcomes five couples, veterans and their spouses or partners — regardless of where they are in their relationship journey—to…

On Saturday, August 2, a dedicated family of three will pack their support gear and lead the Southwestern Route riders for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour—a ride rooted in remembrance and purpose.  This meaningful tradition began in 1985 when…

On Friday, August 1, cyclists with the Western Route will load up their support vehicles and set out on a meaningful three-day trek for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour.  This ride traces its roots back to 1985 when Tom…

On Friday, August 1, bicyclists with the Eastern Route will pack their support vehicles and embark on a powerful three-day ride for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour.  This longstanding event began in 1985 when Tom Miller cycled 1,244 miles—one…

On Friday, August 1, cyclists with the “Awesome Northern Route” will load their support vehicles and begin a three-day journey as part of the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour.  This powerful tradition began in 1985 when Tom Miller rode 1,244…

The Northern (top) and Southwestern (bottom) routes were all smiles after the milestone 40th ride Neillsville, Wis., July 8, 2025—On August 1, 2025, the longtime Northern, Western, Eastern and Southwestern routes will again begin their annual bicycle ride toward The…

On June 14, The Highground proudly assisted families and friends in placing 12 Korean Honor Stones at the 11am ceremony, followed by the placement of 26 Legacy Stones and one United in Service Stone at the 2pm ceremony.  Korean Stone…

On Sunday, August 3, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, a documentary about a Vietnam War Huey Pilot, lunch for veterans and an opportunity to meet fellow Vietnam veterans. There have been over 300…

On July 16, The Highground will host a gripping presentation about the history of the 32nd Infantry Division – the Red Arrow. The 32nd Inf Div not only has a highly significant and storied past; it is also near and…

Throughout 2025, many activities and commemorations will take place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. To support the anniversary, The Highground will host a unique “Living History” event on Saturday, July 12, from 9am-4pm, that will…

As its second CAMO (Community and Military Outreach Program) presentation, The Highground hosted a Mental Health Expo on May 14, 2025. The event’s success reinforces the commitment to fostering mental wellness in both military and civilian communities.   Participants were…

On May 17, The Highground hosted its annual Spring Bake Sale in support of this year’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion coming up on August 3.  The 2025 Bake Sale raised $1,163, a vital contribution toward funding the Vietnam Veterans Reunion. Vietnam veterans…

The Highground kicked off the new year by hosting the Honor Ride at its own grounds, marking a significant milestone in its mission to honor and support veterans. The event, which had been held at the American Legion Post 73…

The public is invited to a special presentation on June 19 from 6-8pm to hear Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah L. Blum discuss her newest book, Warrior Nurse: PTSD and Healing and her Vietnam War service.  Sarah’s presentation will be followed by a…

The Highground’s Annual Education Days will be held September 30 and October 1 for fifth grade-middle schools (including a half-day guided tour of The Highground) and October 2 and 3 for high schools and adults (featuring a full day of…

The Highground will host its 15th Annual Honor Ride on Memorial Day, May 26. This notable ride continues to bring veteran and civilian motorcyclists together on this day when we pause to remember those who “gave all” in service to…

The Highground proudly opened its doors to a brand-new Welcome Center on Friday, May 2, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to honor veterans and provide a sanctuary for healing. The grand opening welcomed hundreds of guests, including…

The Friends of The Highground Dinner to recognize supporters for the year 2024 was held on Saturday, April 12, at the Castle Hill Supper Club in Merrillan, Wisconsin. Over 200 invitations were sent, with just over half of the recipients attending,…

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 4-7pm, The Highground will host an important presentation and workshop as part of its new CAMO (Community and Military Outreach) Program. This event is aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention awareness in…

The Highground is excited to announce the grand opening of its new Welcome Center, a space designed to enhance visitors’ experiences and deepen their connection to the site’s mission to honor, educate and heal.  “We are thrilled to unveil the…

Veterans create their own ornaments at The Highground during the 2024 retreat Registration is open for The Highground’s two female veterans’ retreats coming up in June. Veterans are welcome to join one or both retreats free of charge. Transportation to…

The Highground is excited to announce the kickoff of its highly anticipated Community and Military Outreach (CAMO) Program with a Financial Literacy Workshop titled “You Made It Through Tax Season-Now What?”    Scheduled for April 23, from 5-6:30pm, this money…

In This Newsletter: Explore our website for event updates, news and more. Read the March Newsletter

Local individuals and families are invited to join a community art project workshop at The Highground Welcome Center on Sunday, April 6 at 1pm. The Central Wisconsin region has vibrant cultural diversity: from indigenous Native Americans who have called this…

With the help of many community members and volunteers, The Highground Winter Veterans Retreat, held Jan. 31-Feb. 2, was a wonderful experience.  Veterans enjoy some time ice fishing on Lake Arbutus during this year’s Winter Veterans Retreat As many people…

The new gallery offers more room to house our exhibits For many veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, coming home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family,…

The Spring “Vets & Guitars” 10-week session begins Thursday, March 13 at The Highground Welcome Center. This program is offered to military veterans and is free of charge. Art and music have been found to help many veterans managing PTSD…

On Sunday, January 26, six lanes filled up for an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie in support of our veterans. The Highground’s 12th Annual Winter Bowl raised $1,595.00 for the Winter Veterans Retreat (held January 31-February 2). Participants bowling in…

On Sunday, January 26, at noon, staff and volunteers with The Highground will welcome bowlers at Bowl Winkle’s Bowling Alley in Eau Claire for the 12th Annual Winter Bowl fundraiser.   The colder and shorter days of winter present mental health…

At the beginning of November each year, The Highground turns on the “honor stars” on the Plaza as part of their annual Holiday Lights Program. This special initiative offers supporters a unique way to honor their loved ones or show…

On Tuesday, December 3, hopeful quilt ticket holders joined staff members in the new Welcome Center as 32 winning tickets were drawn for The Highground’s Annual Patriotic Quilt Raffle. It was great to have quilters and ticket holders from all…

In This Newsletter: For current news, event information and more, visitthehighground.us Read the December Newsletter

After months of selling raffle tickets for The Highground’s 5th Annual “Honoring Our Veterans” ATV Raffle (exactly 609 of the 999 ordered), Veterans Day, November 11, arrived for the winners’ names to be drawn. At 3pm that day, JT Savor,…

The Highground is honored to receive a grant of $25,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in support of their Veterans Program offerings for 2025.  According to Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) press release dated October 21, 2024,…

The Highground facilitated a memorable military couples retreat on October 18-20, 2024. Operation Re-Connect invites veterans and their spouses or partners to get away from their daily routines to enjoy each other while they explore their relationship, strengthen their friendship,…

The Highground will host their annual Winter Veterans Retreat January 31–February 2, 2025, along with a one-day ice fishing event on Saturday, February 1.  Veterans are encouraged to shake off the winter blues and discover a new appreciation for the…

The Highground is the proud recipient of an amazing donation discovered to have personal ties to the park’s humble beginnings.  Vietnam Veteran Hubert “Hub” Joski of Green Bay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam from…

On Monday, November 11, The Highground will host a Veterans Day Gathering at 1:30pm in the new Welcome Center. The Highground is honored to have U.S. Army Staff Sergeant JT Savor present to share his story of service, the battle…

The last Honor Stone Ceremonies for 2024 and the annual Fall Bake Sale brought numerous guests to The Highground on Saturday, October 5. The Highground’s Sweet Platoon provided temptations for everyone’s sweet tooth with baked goods ranging from miniature pies…

Over 800 Central Wisconsin students from 15 schools plus several homeschooling families from across the state traveled to The Highground for Education Days October 1-4. This annual event invites students and the public to attend to learn more about the…

The public is invited to register to attend Education Days on October 3 and 4, when The Highground welcomes several presenters who will be offering unique and exciting presentations on historical and cultural issues, past and present, that have been…

Read the September Newsletter

On Saturday, October 5, The Highground will host its annual Fall Bake Sale. A mouth-watering assortment of treats will be available starting at 10am until items sell out. Proceeds from this year’s bake sale will support The Highground’s second military couples retreat,…

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, 106 motorcycle riders came together at The Highground for the 24th Annual Ride to Remember® in Neillsville Wisconsin.  The Ride to Remember was based entirely at The Highground this year, which contributed to the overall spirit…

The Highground’s Annual Education Days event will offer two programs to enrich their educational mission. Two days will be dedicated to the traditional “5th Grade Tour of The Highground” along with two days of programs for students in middle school…