The 7 Best Rodeos in Wisconsin to Visit in 2024
Wondering which are the best rodeos in Wisconsin? Here are 7 great options, plus what to know about attending a rodeo.
Attending a rodeo is a thrilling experience, from watching the cowgirls race their horses at lightning-fast speeds or holding your breath as the cowboys attempt to stay on a wild, bucking bull. Watching the rodeo is sure to be an unforgettable experience for your whole family.
While rodeos first originated in the Western United States, there are plenty of rodeos in Wisconsin that you can attend. These rodeos have all the same exciting events as the Western rodeos, including Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, and so much more.
Are There Rodeos in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to several rodeos, all across the state. These rodeos are held each year, and most last for 2-4 days. Cowboys and cowgirls travel across the country to compete in some of these rodeos. Attending a Wisconsin rodeo is an exciting experience that is sure to be a fun time for both kids and adults.
7 Best Rodeos In Wisconsin
Below you will find a list of the 7 best rodeos in Wisconsin that are worth attending.
1. Mid-Western Rodeo
City: Manawa, WI I 2024 Dates: July 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2024
The Mid-Western Rodeo, also known as the Manawa Rodeo, is one of the best rodeos in Wisconsin to visit.
This rodeo has been taking place in Wisconsin for the last 64 years. It all began when a businessman named Carl Dretzke saw a western rodeo and thought it would make a great opportunity for the town of Manawa.
The Mid-Western Rodeo was a success and has since been a yearly event. Over the years, it has brought over 1.5 million dollars in revenue to local businesses in Manawa.
The Mid-Western Rodeo includes a variety of exciting rodeo events. The Rodeo includes Bareback Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Women’s Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Riding, Barrel Racing, and last but not least, Bull Riding.
The Rodeo also features several other fun events, such as a Rodeo parade, live music, and a 5k fun run/walk event.
Attending the Mid-Western Rodeo is a fun experience for the whole family, and both kids and adults are sure to love watching the cowboys saddle up their horses and participate in the rodeo events.
2. Wisconsin River Rodeo
City: Merrill, WI I 2024 Dates: June 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2024
Professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country come to compete at the Wisconsin River Rodeo each year. The weekend of the Wisconsin River Rodeo is filled with exciting events, live music, food, and vendors to ensure a true Western rodeo experience.
The Wisconsin River Rodeo has been promoting family-friendly entertainment and the sport of professional rodeo for the past 35 years. In recent years, it is estimated that about 14,000 people attend this 3-day rodeo in Wisconsin.
There are several great events at the Wisconsin River Rodeo including Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, and Bull Riding.
The Wisconsin River Rodeo is a kid-friendly event and has a boot scramble event for kids ages 4-12 years old. In this fun event, kids get to go into the rodeo arena and then toss both their shoes or cowboy boots. Once the timer starts, they have to find both shoes, put them on, and run back to the starting point. Prizes are then given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. It’s a fun way for kids to get involved in the rodeo.
3. Heart of the North: Spooner Rodeo
City: Spooner, WI I 2024 Dates: July 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2023
Attending the Spooner Rodeo is sure to be a highlight of summertime in Wisconsin. This rodeo is a thrilling experience, filled with exciting rodeo events, country music, and delicious barbeque food. The 4-day long event is the perfect activity for the whole family.
The Heart of the North: Spooner Rodeo has been taking place in Wisconsin for 70 years. Cowboys and cowgirls from across the midwest come to the Spooner Rodeo to compete in the exciting rodeo events which will help their ability to qualify for circuit finals and potentially go to the Rodeo National Finals that take place each year in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Events at the Heart of the North: Spooner Rodeo include Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Team Roping, Calf Roping, Mutton Bustin, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.
On the Saturday of the Spooner Rodeo, there is a large rodeo parade with 100 units, including bands, floats, and lots of horses. Other fun activities include a Lions Club Barbeque Cookout, a Nickel Scramble for kids, and lots of country music.
4. Great Northern Classic Rodeo
City: Superior, WI I 2024 Dates: September 2024
The Great Northern Classic Rodeo has been taking place for the past 32 years. Originally, the rodeo began in Duluth, Minnesota before crossing the river to be held at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds in Superior, Wisconsin.
The Great Northern Classic Rodeo features a variety of events, including Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronco Riding, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Ranch Bronc, Team Roping, and Bull Riding.
The Great Northern Classic Rodeo focuses on being a family-friendly event that gives back to the community. Every year, the rodeo donates proceeds to several local clubs and charity organizations. Some of these charities include North Country Ride, local 4-H clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs of Superior, and Horse Spirit.
The Great Northern Classic Rodeo also holds an event called the Miracle Rodeo for those with developmental and physical disabilities. The Miracle Rodeo includes barrel racing with stick horses, a meet and greet with the rodeo clown, and other fun activities.
Read more | 23 Best Things to Do in Superior, Wisconsin
5. Stanley Rodeo
City: Stanley, WI I 2024 Dates: June 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th 2024
Stanley Rodeo is an exciting Rodeo that takes place every year on Father’s Day Weekend. The Stanley Rodeo started in 2003 and is officially recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the country come to Stanley each year as they compete to try to make it to the Rodeo National Finals in Las Vegas.
The Stanley Rodeo has many rodeo events, including Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Bull Riding. The Stanley Rodeo also has other events such as horse games, a kiddie parade, and a cowboy breakfast.
6. The Price County Rodeo
City: Phillips, WI I 2024 Dates: July 5th and 6th, 2024
The Price County Rodeo is a 2-day event held each year in July. It is a great family-friendly event to attend and cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they participate in the thrilling rodeo events.
The Price County Rodeo features 8 main events. These include Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tiedown Roping, Bareback Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, and Team Roping.
The rodeo also has several entertainment events that take place in between the larger events. This includes fun activities such as watching the rodeo clown and a variety of children’s games.
7. Midwest Horse Fair
City: Madison, WI I 2024 Dates: April 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2024
Every year the Midwest Horse Fair is held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. While the Midwest Horse Fair focuses on showing horses and horse-related events, there is an evening Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo that takes place at the fair.
The PRCA Rodeo features a variety of events, including Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.
This is a great event for horse enthusiasts as the fair focuses on horses but also includes a full rodeo event.
What Happens at a Rodeo?
A rodeo is an exciting event where cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to compete in various events. Judges give scores for each cowboy or cowgirl based on a variety of factors, including time and skills utilized.
The rodeo usually lasts for around 2-4 days, and spectators can choose which days they want to visit. Different events are held throughout the rodeo.
Rodeo Events
There are many events held at a rodeo. Some of the most popular events include the following:
Bareback Bronc Riding
This involves riding a Bronc, which is a bucking horse, for 8 seconds. During the 8 seconds, the rider is attempting to stay on the horse. There is no saddle used with Bareback Bronc Riding.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Saddle Bronc Riding is similar to Bareback Bronc Riding, as riders will ride the Bronc for 8 seconds. In this event, the horse has a saddle with stirrups and a braided rein. There are also more technical rules with Saddle Bronc Riding, and it is easy for a cowboy to get zero points on a technicality.
Team Roping
This event includes two horseback riders who attempt to rope a steer (cattle). The first rider is called the header and attempts to wrap the rope around the horns, while the second rider is called the heeler and attempts to catch the heels.
Steer Wrestling
During this event a cowboy rides a horse and chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground.
Tie Down Roping
Tie-down roping involves a cowboy or cowgirl riding a horse and using a lasso in an attempt to catch the cattle.
Barrel Racing
Barrel Racing is where a rider and horse race around barrels that are set up in a clove-like pattern. It is typically a cowgirl event at most rodeos, and the goal is to get the fastest time.
Bull Riding
Bull Riding is when a rider gets on a bucking bull and attempts to stay mounted for 8 seconds. Bull Riding is one of the most dangerous events in the rodeo.
What to Wear to a Rodeo
If it is your first time attending a rodeo, you might be wondering what to bring to the rodeo and what to wear. Below, you will find some suggestions on what to wear and bring to a rodeo.
- A Nice Pair of Jeans
- A Collared, Button Up Shirt
- Sun Dress
- Cowboy Hat
- Cowboy Boots
- Leather Belt
- Silver Belt Buckle
- A Blanket or Seat Cushion
FAQ: Rodeos in Wisconsin
Yes, many rodeos take place throughout the Midwest. Rodeos are a great family-friendly event and there are several that take place in the Midwestern states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
The biggest rodeo in North America is Cheyenne Frontier Days and Western Festival. The rodeo takes place in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is a 9-day rodeo and festival that celebrates the culture of Western cowboys and cowgirls. The rodeo is massive and includes at least 3 different bull riding sections and 2 different sections of saddle and bareback broncos each day.
The most difficult rodeo event is the saddle bronc riding. In this event, cowboys attempt to ride a bucking horse (bronco) for eight seconds. The horses have a saddle with stirrups and a braided rein for cowboys to hold. Many cowboys state that saddle bronc riding is the hardest rodeo event due to the technical skills that are needed to complete the event.
Conclusion: Rodeos in Wisconsin
Attending a rodeo in Wisconsin is sure to be an exciting and unique experience. From watching the thrilling rodeo events like Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the rodeos also focus on the community, by having special events for children and those with disabilities, in addition to giving back to charity organizations. Not only is attending a rodeo sure to be an exciting experience, but it is also a way to support local Wisconsin communities.
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