Tiny Native Berry Means Big Business for Wisconsin

The harvest season is underway. And every year Wisconsin’s tiny cranberry means big business across the state. The native bright red fruit floats to the top as the marsh where it grows is flooded. But there’s an economic punch behind the harvest, too. The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association reports the cranberry business brings in nearly $1 billion every year. And it’s because more than half of the world’s cranberry supply is grown in the Badgers State.  

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Listen to this “Slice of Wisconsin” about cranberries here:

A Berry Good History

Cranberries have been harvested in Wisconsin since 1860. History indicates Native American tribes found wild cranberries and used the fruit as both a food source and medicine. They used cranberry pulp to treat wounds and juice as a dye for blankets and rugs.

By the way, it took 100 years before the right equipment was developed so the fruit no longer had to be picked by hand.

Wisconsin Rules as the Cranberry Capital of the World

Today, our state is the cranberry capital. And not just in the US, but our farmers produce more than half of the world’s cranberry supply. Washington State, New Jersey, and Massachusetts also produce cranberries, but no state comes close to Wisconsin.

Wonders of the Cranberry Capital in Wisconsin

Attention to cranberries continues to grow with a special road trip known as the Cranberry Highway. This is a 50-mile stretch through the cranberry marshes of Wisconsin Rapids, Pittsville, Nekoosa, and Tomah. Thanks to glacial retreats, the central and northern parts of the state have always offered ideal growing conditions.

But a trip around cranberry country isn’t complete without a stop in the heart of it all: Warrens. It’s called the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.” You’ll even find the Discover Cranberries Museum offering an all-in-one gift shop, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and restaurant.

The museum showcases the unique history of the state’s cranberry industry and its importance as Wisconsin’s top fruit crop. Learn the story behind the more than 100-year-old building, the historic Union Cranberry Warehouse. And you may even spot some of the wildlife making cranberry marshes their home.

Plus, don’t forget to sample some of the delicious berries! You can taste the handmade ice cream featuring several different cranberry flavors. There are also cranberry wines, jams, and other delicious local products to take home and enjoy after your visit.

The cranberry is the official state fruit, too! All of this goodness really does make it a true “Slice of Wisconsin!”

Quick Cranberry Facts and Figures

Healthy: Cranberries are packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and loaded with antioxidants. Plus, the proanthocyanidins keep bacteria and inflammation at bay.

Economy: 250 farms across the state and cultivate this tiny fruit on about 21,000 acres.

The industry also provides more than 4,000 jobs!

Enjoying: Americans devour close to 400 million pounds of cranberries each year. The average person eats about 2.3 pounds in the form of cranberry sauce or juice.