Latest News From The Highground
Bowl Over Winter Blues on January 26
On Sunday, January 26, at noon, staff and volunteers with The Highground will welcome bowlers at Bowl Winkle’s Bowling Alley…
Quilters Stitch Up $1,930 in Support of The Highground
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…
The Highground December 2024 Newsletter
In This Newsletter: For current news, event information and more, visitthehighground.us Read the December Newsletter
ATV Raffle Success: $11,740 Raised in Support of The Highground
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,…
$25,000 Grant Boosts The Highground’s Veterans Programs
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,…
Bonds were Strengthened During the 2024 Military Couples Retreat
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,…
Veterans, Register for the Winter Veterans Retreat and One-Day Ice Fishing Event
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…
A Kaiser Jeep Donation with a Touching Backstory Arrives at The Highground
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…
First Look: Veterans Day Gathering at New Welcome Center
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 Highground Fall Bake Sale Raises $1,040 to Support the Operation Re-Connect Retreat
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…
Hundreds of Students Attend The Highground Education Days
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 Highground Invites the Public to Attend Education Days October 3 and 4
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…
The Highground’s Fall Bake Sale Will Support Operation Re-Connect
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,…
The Ride to Remember Heads Home to The Highground for Year 24
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…
Area Schools and Homeschooled Families are Encouraged to Register Now for Education Days
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…
Fall Vets & Guitars Starts September 12 at The Highground
The Fall “Vets & Guitars” 10-week session will begin Thursday, September 12 at The Highground. This program is offered to military veterans free of charge. Art and music programs have been found to be helpful to many veterans who are…
The Highground’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion Hosts Over 300 Veterans
Honoring, remembering and respecting those who served in the Vietnam War was the founding mission of The Highground nearly 40 years ago. On Sunday, August 4, The Highground hosted a very special day for these veterans, The Highground’s Annual Vietnam…
The Highground’s 40th Annual Bike Tour Raises $74,222
On Sunday, August 4, 306 Vietnam veterans and their guests provided a well-deserved welcome to 113 bicyclists and SAG teams from all over Wisconsin as they peddled into The Highground for the culmination of the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike…
Wisconsin Inflatable Submarine 827 Rests at The Highground August 24
In observance of USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Day, a group of veterans and citizens will gather at The Highground on Saturday, August 24 to read Governor Evers’ proclamation. Along with them, the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association’s 50-foot inflatable replica of…
The Highground Ushers in the 24th Annual Ride to Remember August 17
On Saturday, August 17, motorcyclists will come together at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 for The Highground’s 24th Annual Ride to Remember® as a celebration of honor and valor. Veterans and veteran supporters will enjoy riding through Clark County’s scenic…
Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls Presents $2,500 to The Highground Vietnam Veterans Reunion
On Monday, June 24, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls (https://www.ho-chunkgaming.com/blackriverfalls) presented The Highground Veterans Memorial Park with a check for $2,500 in support of their 2024 Vietnam Veterans Reunion. Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls is a long-time supporter of The…
The Heroes Ride Southwestern Route Begins Their Journey in La Crosse August 2
On Friday August 2, the Southwestern Route, consisting of a family of three, will pack their support vehicles and leave La Crosse to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started…
The Heroes Ride Western Route Begins Their Journey in New Richmond August 2
On Friday, August 4, the Western Route bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave New Richmond to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom…
The Heroes Ride Northern Route Begins Their Journey in Hayward August 2
On Friday, August 2, the “Awesome Northern Route” bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave Hayward to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom…
The Heroes Ride Eastern Route Begins Their Journey in Appleton August 2
On Friday, August 2, the Eastern Route bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave Appleton to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom Miller…
The Highground’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion Coming Up August 4
On Sunday, August 4, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, Huey helicopter displays (a landing is planned weather permitting), a 1pm presentation by Vietnam Veteran and Author Doug Bradley, and an opportunity to meet…
The Highground Honor Stone Program Offers a Profound and Lasting Tribute
For many Veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, going home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family, everyday acceptable and calm conditions—a place to forget the nightmare…
The Highground Invites Military Couples to “Operation Re-Connect” This Fall
The Highground will host its second military couples retreat October 18-20. “Operation Re-Connect” invites veterans and their spouses or partners at any stage in their relationship to get away from their daily routines and enjoy a peaceful yet purposeful weekend…
The Highground Annual Bike Tour Reaches Milestone Year “40”
On Friday, August 2, riders will begin their trek to The Highground from four different locations across the state—marking the 40th anniversary of this long-running fundraiser. The history and the people behind this event are what makes it such an…
Female Veterans Enjoy a Four-Day Outdoor Skills Retreat Hosted by The Highground
Nature-based activities are proven to boost mental health, lessen anxiety and add to our physical and spiritual well-being. To harness these benefits, The Highground led a four-day female veterans retreat (May 30-June 2) near Holcombe, Wisconsin. This was the second…
The Highground Presents Badger Talk on Music of Vietnam Era
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is excited to host a Badger Talk by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Emeritus Doug Bradley on Sunday, August 4 at 1pm. Bradley will present We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam…
Engines Roared as the Honor Ride Arrived at The Highground on Memorial Day
On May 27, 176 motorcyclists from across Wisconsin began their ride to honor fallen service members and Veterans for the14th Annual Honor Ride. The Highground hosted nine routes this year: Appleton King/Waupaca, Wisconsin Rapids, Neillsville, Minocqua, Eau Claire, Wausau, Milwaukee/Madison,…
The Highground’s Male Veterans Retreat is Slated for September 27-29
The Highground is thrilled to announce this year’s Male Veterans Retreat will take place Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29. Veterans are invited to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and immerse themselves in a…
The Highground ‘s Annual Spring Bake Sale Raises $1,437
The Highground’s “Sweet Platoon” of bakers has done it again. The Highground hosted their annual Spring Bake Sale on May 18 in support of this year’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion, raising $1,437 to support the event. The Spring Bake Sale and the…
The Highground’s Fireworks Display Will Light Up the Sky on June 29
The Highground will host its Freedom Celebration Fireworks starting at dusk on Saturday, June 29. The community is invited to bring their blankets or chairs to enjoy the stunning display over the plaza. Admission is free, and popcorn and beverages will…
The Highground Hosts 20th Annual Recognition Dinner
Fifty-eight first-year contributors joined longtime supporters in bolstering the organization’s continued efforts to support Veterans and their families. Supporters of The Highground from Wisconsin and surrounding states spent the evening of April 13, 2024, with members of The Highground Staff…
The Highground Seeks Veteran Art Submissions for “Back in the World” Exhibit
For many Veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, going home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family, everyday acceptable and calm conditions—a place to forget the nightmare…
Veterans are Invited to Register for The Highground’s Summer Ukulele Course
At the time of this writing, The Highground is in the middle of the spring acoustic guitar course as part of the “Vets & Guitars” & Ukulele program. The summer course will be a little different. It will offer classes…
The 14th Annual Honor Ride Makes its Way to The Highground on Memorial Day
The Highground will host its 14th Annual Honor Ride on Memorial Day, May 27. For thirteen years, the Honor Ride has brought Veteran and civilian motorcyclists together on the day designated to hold those who died in service to our…
The Highground Invites Area Schools and Homeschooled Families to Education Days 2024
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 and…
The Highground Invites Female Veterans to Register for Two Retreats This Summer
Registration is now open for The Highground’s 2024 Female Veterans Retreats. The Female Veterans Ice Age Trail Hike is scheduled for May 30–June 2 and The Highground-based Female Veterans Retreat will take place June 21–23. Veterans can sign up for both…
The Highground’s Spring Vets & Guitars Courses Start March 21
The Highground is excited to announce that the Spring Vets & Guitars courses are open for registration. The Highground is doing something different this year by offering both beginning and continuing acoustic guitar classes. The courses are free for Veterans,…
The Highground Veterans Programs Receive Significant Funding
The Highground received a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to support The Highground’s Veterans Retreats, Vets & Guitars and Ukuleles Program and The Highground Veteran & Family Post-Traumatic Stress Peer Support Group. The following is…
Lack of Snow Doesn’t Stop The Highground’s Annual Winter Veterans Retreat
What happens when a Winter Retreat is scheduled, and Winter forgets to show up? With the help of many community members and volunteers, and a few adaptations to the itinerary, The Highground Winter Retreat, held Feb 2-4, was still a…
The Highground’s Annual Winter Bowl Raises $2,362 for their Veterans Retreats
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, The Highground hosted its 11th Annual Winter Bowl fundraiser at Bowl Winkle’s in Eau Claire. Bowlers of all ages took to the lanes at noon for a fun day of bowling, a chance at…
The Highground Rising: The Journey to Building a Strong Future
The Highground Staff and Board of Directors are excited to announce the latest update regarding the organization’s mission to create a lasting legacy for The Highground and those who hold it close. The $4 million capital campaign has been a…
The Highground’s Annual “Winter Bowl” Heads Back to Eau Claire for 2024
On Sunday, January 28, The Highground staff and volunteers will again welcome bowlers to Bowl Winkle’s Bowling Alley at 1616 N Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire for the 11th Annual Winter Bowl. This event has always had a strong following…
Veterans are Invited to the Winter Veterans Retreat and a One-Day Ice Fishing Event
The Highground is excited to announce registration is open for the annual three-day Winter Veterans Retreat scheduled for February 2–4, 2024 along with the addition of a one-day Ice Fishing Event on Saturday, February 3 on Lake Arbutus. Both events are open…