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Daytrip to Enschede: 8 Best Sights and Activities

Enschede is situated in the extreme east of the Netherlands, in the Overijssel province. It’s only a few kilometers from the border with Germany and and has great national and international train connections. As such, Enschede is a popular destination for a daytrip.

In this article, we’ll show what you can see and do in Enschede.

What is Enschede like?

The Netherlands is famous for picturesque city centers full of historic buildings and canals. However, not all cities in the countries are like that. Enschede is actually very different from the “typical Dutch city”.

Why’s that? The city has seen its share of destruction. It received city rights in the early 14 th century, but since most houses were made of wood (as is the case for most medieval cities), it was always at risk for fires. In the centuries that followed (16 th , 18 th, and 19 th ), Enschede experienced fires that devastated the city.

During WWII, its proximity to the German border made Enschede one of the first Dutch cities to be captured by German troops. It experienced many bombings during this time, which caused a lot of damage.

Sadly, the story of Enschede doesn’t stop here. As you might have read in the news, in May 2000, the city experienced a fireworks disaster at a local fireworks factory. The tragedy cost 23 lives, injured almost 1000 people, destroyed an entire district with nearly 2000 homes which cost the city over €450 million in damages.

Through it all – Enschede endures. Most buildings that you’ll see in Enschede today were built after WWII. There aren’t many century-old buildings or sights. Nevertheless, the city is home to a few great museums, breweries and recreational parks. As a popular city for students, it boasts an energetic city center that’s great to visit day and night.

Enschede – What to See and Do in

Due to its history, Enschede isn’t the place if you’re looking for histroric sights. However, it’s a great place to experience the vibrant Dutch culture, local breweries, shopping and nightlife. Let’s have a look at the 8 best things to do in Enschede!

1. Grolsch Brewery

Whether you’re a beer drinker or not, you probably know the iconic green bottle with its flip-top closure of Grolsch. The company has been brewing beer here since 1895 so it’s no wonder that there are Grolsch Brewery tours conducted here.

During the extensive 2.5 hour tour, you’ll get to know all about the company’s history, its brewing process, and the many beer variants it produces. Of course, the highlight is the beer tasting at the end of the tour.

Our tip: The Grolsch brewery tour is a great alternative to the Heineken experience in Amsterdam.

2. Rijksmuseum Twenthe

Rijksmuseum Twenthe holds a massive collection of art and artifacts in the east of the Netherlands. It’s so big that only a portion is shown at any given time, which makes every visit a bit unique. Numerous exhibits are held each year so check the calendar to see which ‘master’ is being showcased at the time of your visit. End your visit with some coffee (or tea) and some local cake ( Twentse krentenwegge ) at the museum café.

3. De Museumfabriek

If Rijksmuseum Twenthe is about indulging your visual senses with art, the De Museumfabriek is all about getting hands-on with nature, history, science, and old and new technologies.

The museum is actually the union of a local natural history museum, a textile museum, and a cultural-historical collection. Since 2016, plans are underway to further merge these collections into a ‘Museum of Wonderful Science’.

Although there’s plenty to see and take part in, don’t miss one of the highlights of the museum: a 3.6-meter-tall skeleton of a mammoth.

4. Nature Park near Vliegveld Twenthe

Vliegveld Twenthe (Twente Airport) is a small active airport open to private and business planes, as well as a glider club. However, the southern part of the airport is a nature reserve that’s open to the public. The area near the small airport offers amazing walking and cycling routes that will bring you through forests, groves, and meadows. You’ll also see old airplane hangars, which function as event venues today.

5. Shopping and Eating

Enschede us a shopping mecca! The city used to be the center of a thriving textile industry. When these businesses closed to move their production facilities to Asia, Enschede undertook massive renovation and rejuvenation works in its city center to improve its appeal. This meant having modern shopping centers and department stores that you’d normally only find in big cities like Amsterdam .

Besides big labels, you’ll also find some small shops here, selling anything from clothing, homeware to local specialities. The large variety of shops is partly the result of the city’s close proximity to the German border too. You’ll find many German-originating shops here.

All that shopping is bound to make you hungry, so be sure to visit the Twentsche Foodhal , where you can sample food from different world cuisines. If you’d like to stick to Dutch cuisine , you’ll surely love the amazing Dutch fries!

6. Volkspark

The Volkspark (People’s Park) was commissioned in 1872 and was meant as a place for textile workers and their families to relax during their free time. Today, it’s open for everyone to enjoy. Spread over 15 hectares, the park offers a wide variety of flora and fauna, a fishing pond, an aviary, a 23-meter high fountain, and a great playground for kids to enjoy.

It’s a great place to relax and have a picnic. When the weather is good, the park is usually well frequented, especially by younger people.

7. Nightlife

Enschede is home to the University of Twente, one of the leading public technical universities in the world. And as you know, where the young are, an active nightlife follows. The city center square becomes a very welcoming and lively destination at night with many places to eat and drink. Many people go to Enschede just to experience the gezellig (cozy) atmosphere here at night!

8. Walking and Biking Tours

For people interested in the history of the city, the local historic society has created three walking and biking tours. The Wigboldroute (Wedge-Bold Route) is a 5 km city walk along the outskirts of the city proper, while the Grensstenen Route (Boundary Stone Route) is a 25 km cycling route along the border between the Netherlands and Germany. If you’d like on a longer route, the Markestenenroute (Markstone Route) is an 80 km cycling route that takes you along the old borders of the former marks of Enschede: Lonneker, Esmarke, Usselo, Twekkelo, and Groot Driene.

If you have a simple bike and a moderate level of fitness, we strongly recommend to explore the Grensstenen Route. It takes around 1.5 hours to complete and incorporates city and nature. The Markestenenroute requires a race bike or an electric bike, and will take at least half a day to complete. It’s a great activitiy if you’re visiting Enschede for multiple days and have a good level of fitness.

Accommodations in Enschede

Enschede offers many accommodations to suit every preference and budget. There are cozy B&Bs, campsites, vacation rentals, budget and luxury hotel rooms, and ‘farm apartments’.

About Kitty & Yogesh

Hoi! We’re Kitty and Yogesh, expats in the Netherlands. HollandDreams is a blog dedicated to traveling and living in the Netherlands. Together with our beagle dog Pépa, we travel across the country to explore exciting destinations and gather useful tips for travelers and expats.

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• Things to do

Hiking & cycling

Hiking & cycling in Enschede

Discovering Enschede by foot or on a bike is relaxing and fun. Leave the city behind!

Hiking & Cycling

Leave the city, find the nature.

Discovering Enschede by foot or on a bike is relaxing and fun. Leave the city behind, follow a planned route and unearth the most wonderful spots in the lush surrounding land. On the other hand, a city tour brings you to the highlights in town, while a guided tour learns you more about the ins and outs of Enschede.

Discover Enschede

The Dutch love their bikes and cycling is a favorite pastime in Enschede as well. The city is ideal to discover by bike. You can park your bicycle in the city centre in underground parking areas. These are located at Wilminkplein (next to InterCityHotel), at Kruispunt de Graaff and near H.J. van Heekplein. Cycling paths are marked in red and lead you out of the city in no time. Want to hire a bike first? There are several spots in the city where you can go, Budget Bikes Hoeve is one of them.

A city tour in Enschede comes highly recommended. This is the best way to get to know the town. Take a guided tour through Roombeek, explore local shops with a shopping route or discover the cultural treasures of Enschede. The possibilities are boundless. Ask our team at the Tourist Information Office at Langestraat 41 and book your tour with them.

Explore a oasis full of green

Need a change of scenery? In and around Enschede you will find various green areas. Why not explore the parks, estates and nature reserves on foot? Het Volkspark, G.J. van Heekpark, Abraham Ledeboerpark and Wooldrikspark are the four largest parks around the city centre.

Enschede lies in the middle of a green environment. Vast meadows extend to tree groves and larger forests. Head to Het Rutbeek, south of the city, for a hike under the trees with impressive lake views. In the summer, locals flock to the beach here for a cooling dip. Another natural area that is well worth a visit is Vliegveld Twenthe, on the north side of Enschede. A handful of walking and cycling routes cross the former airbase and its wooded surroundings.

Rondje Enschede

Rondje Enschede is a 52 kilometer long route which connects the natural areas with the city centre. Some of those nature reserves are Aamsveen, Lonnekerberg and Vliegveld Twenthe. Together, they comprise of heaths, marshes, woodland and vast meadows. In the middle of the natural beauty lie wonderful places for a stop or a drink. Tea gardens, rope parks for kids and art workshops, to name a few. Cycling or walking this tour guarantees to be a gem.

Watch the map Rondje Enschede or get a Dutch copy at the Tourist Info Office.

Maps en routes

Maps and routes for cycling and hiking are for sale at Boekhandel Broekhuis. Some maps, like Rondje Enschede, are freely available at the Tourist Information Office. Go here as well for more information on guided city tours

• Boekhandel Broekhuis
• Tourist Info Enschede

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The best walks and hikes around Enschede

Hiking around Enschede is one of the best ways to experience more of the landscape, although finding the right route is not always easy. To help, here are the top hikes and walks around Enschede — so you can just get out and go.

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Hiking and climbing in the Scramble Forest on Hof Espelo

Sterrenbos – lonnekermeer loop from lonneker.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Sterrenbos – lonnekermeer loop from enschede kennispark, aamsveen uitkijktoren – bog path loop from amtsvenn, haagsebos – oldenzaalsveen loop from losser.

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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 15 Best Things to Do in Enschede (the Netherlands)

15 Best Things to Do in Enschede (the Netherlands)

In the east of the Netherlands right in the Dutch/German border is the municipality of Enschede.

Although the history of Enschede is largely a mystery, there was some form of establishment in medieval times surrounding the old marketplace.

In 1325, Bishop Jan van Diest granted Enschede city rights, and after this the city established its defences in the form of ditches, hedges and palisades due to the expense of stone.

During the 19th century, the city saw an economical boom from the textile industry and the production of the material bombazijn.

After the collapse in the textile industry in the Netherlands due to competition from the far east, Enschede struggled to survive, however investments from the government brought this wonderful city back to fortune and it now stands as a pleasant, charming and beautiful place known for its sports and museums.

Lets explore the best things to do in Enschede :

1. Grolsch Bierbrouwerij Tour

One of the nations favourite beers, Grolsch has been predominant in the Netherlands and Europe, noted for its great flavour, iconic bottles and fun advertisements.

What better way to learn about this brand than by taking a tour of their brewery? A professional guide will take you through the factory to see how the beer is brewed, learn about the history of the company, and understand about the craftsmanship and care that is put into the process.

A truly fun, educational and memorable tour, plus you of course get to sample the amazing Grolsch beer and buy some souvenirs.

2. Volkspark

One of the oldest public parks in the Netherlands, the Volkspark was officially opened in 1872 and is one of the finest examples of an English landscape garden in the country.

Spanning over 500m, the park sits next to the Saxion education complex to the west of the old town centre.

Admire the beautiful ponds brimming with colourful water lilies, walk over the many small bridges that cross the water, take in the sights and smells of the plants and species of trees, or just sit and relax on one of the well manicured lawns.

Volkspark is a truly magical place to unwind and spend a lazy afternoon at.

3. Rutbeek Park

Located approximately 20 minutes to the south of Enschede, Rutbeek Park is a sublime place where you can relax and have some fun.

Who would have thought you could find several beaches in mainland Europe? Surrounding this man made lake are a series of small but beautiful beaches and parkland where you can relax, play some games, have a dip in the water, or enjoy a family picnic.

Aside from the family fun, you can also opt to participate in the many activities that are organized here including scuba diving, paintball, surfing and fly boarding.

With something for everyone, Rutbeek Park is a superb place for a family outing.

4. Rijksmuseum Twenthe

Founded by textile baron Bernard Van Heek in 1927, this fascinating building has a beautiful design and also a wonderful collection of art, mainly focusing on the 18th century.

Located just to the north of the Oude Markt and Grote Kerk, the museum is easily accessible on foot as parking is limited.

Although the building was greatly damaged during the firework disaster in 2000, the art collection remained unharmed and today you can see this brilliant collection including works from Kunhert, Rungius and Rusdael.

5. FC Twente stadium

Football is extremely popular in the industrial town of Enschede and its main football club, FC Twente has a long history of success and popularity in the Dutch Eredivisie.

With a capacity of just over 30,000, the De Grolsch Veste stadium is a magnificent structure and the atmosphere at the FC Twente home games is unbelievable.

Over the years the stadium has seen much expansion and is now one of the top venues in the country.

Although located out of the town centre, the stadium is surrounded by a whole array of other activities too so a day trip here would be the perfect opportunity to see some football and have some fun.

6. Go Planet Park

Dubbed as the largest entertainment park in the north of the Netherlands, Go Planet Park is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Situated next to the FC Twente stadium and the ice-rink, this complex is part of a greater developed area that has come to be an area of fun and entertainment for Enschede.

Inside the park you will find a bowling alley, an indoor dive world, a cinema complex, a fitness centre and many themed restaurants (one of which contains a mini-golf course). With such an array of activities, a family could easily spend a day here and stay fully entertained.

7. Jacobuskerk

Also known as James Church, this modern building was constructed in 1931 on the site where the original neoclassical church once stood until it was destroyed in the 1800s.

With a truly stunning design that is not what you would expect from a traditional European church, Jacobuskerk features a large central basilica and a striking brickwork exterior.

Three huge circular windows adorn the front facade together with a series of intricate small archways.

Inside, you will find a beautiful spacious area full of light from the many circular windows at the base of the basilica.

A truly awe-inspiring building, even those who aren’t religious will appreciate the design and architecture of this church.

8. MBS Boekelo steam train

Some traditions that are kept alive provide great entertainment and nostalgia, and the Boekelo steam train is one such attraction.

The small town of Boekelo is around a 20 minute drive from Enschede and is actually a charming place to visit in its own right.

Spanning across the countryside of the Twente region is an 125 year old railway that is a far cry back to the thriving textile industry.

Take a ride on the MBS Boekelo and be transported (literally) back to a simpler time, special events are regularly held on the train like the winter stampot ride which includes a hearty Dutch stew.

Aside from the train, there is also a museum that has a fascinating collection of different train carriages and railway memorabilia.

9. Grote Kerk

Another fantastic church in the centre of Enschede, the Grote Kerk sits in the middle of the Oude Markt and takes price of place in the centre of the town.

Some parts of the church date back to the 13th century while much that stands today is a result of its conversion in the 1800’s.

A tall central bell tower with pointed roof stands at the north end, towering over the market square.

An organ that dates back to 1892 takes pride of place inside the church and dominates the far wall – Its many gilded pipes and ornate wooden frame are really impressive.

10. Oude Markt

The market place or Oude Markt is a central point in Enschede and one that provides a fine place to explore the city from.

Encircled by the Oude Markt street, this area contains many of Enschede’s wonderful pieces of architecture including Jacobuskerk and the Grote Kerk.

Furthermore there is a charming monument in the centre, and many restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating.

Enjoy a meal or a drink here, take in the sights, or walk into the many side streets to check out the shops.

11. Holland Casino

Fancy trying your luck on the tables or enjoying a fun filled night of entertainment and excitement? Holland Casino is a favourite casino brand in the Netherlands and the establishment in Enschede is awesome.

In prime position just on the southern outskirts of the old town centre and the Oude Markt, Holland Casino is within easy reach of the bars and restaurants.

Games available include American Roulette, Black Jack, Poker, Bingo, Texas Hold’em and of course slot machines.

Splash a little cash (responsibly!), enjoy a few drinks and entertainment, and enjoy a memorable time at this premier casino.

12. Rondje Enschede cycling route

As the urban areas of Enschede end, an area of beautiful countryside opens up and there are many cycling routes to be found in the countryside of eastern Netherlands.

Rondje Enschede translates literally as “around Enschede” and is a network of cycling paths that surround the city.

With over 52km of beautiful tracks for both cycling and hiking, this route offers the intrepid explorer the chance to see the Dutch countryside and engage in some exhilarating exercise.

Along the route you will see a myriad of different sites and complete information about Rondje Enschede is available in the cities tourist information centres.

13. Enschede Synagogue

One of the most beautiful remaining synagogues in Europe, this religious establishment is a true gem.

Commissioned in 1927 and constructed in 1928, the synagogue was designed by Karel de Bazel.

With an extraordinary exterior that features several domes and Hebrew scroll, you would not think the inside could be better, but it is! Inside you will find a dazzling display of coloured stained glass windows, intricate artwork, and a large iron chandelier hanging from the central dome.

A truly magnificent example of a traditional synagogue, it is easy to see why this building is held in such high regard.

14. IJsbaan Twente ice skating

For the adventurous, why not have a go at ice-skating? IJsbaan Twente ice skating is a world class skating rink that is known for its high skating speeds and many world records have been set here.

If you love skating, or simply want to have a go, the facilities here are world class and you can join in various different activities including curling.

There is also a reasonably priced restaurant where you can enjoy a fine meal after a fun session of skating.

15. Lasonderkerk

One of the more understated churches in the city, the Lasonderkerk lies just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum and offers something different – A fantastic aerial view of Enschede.

Inside this church is a beautiful range of stained glass windows, and the whole interior is full of wooden beams, arches and pews.

A real treat however is to climb to the top of the bell tower and see the wonderful cityscape of Enschede spread out before you.

15 Best Things to Do in Enschede (the Netherlands):

• Grolsch Bierbrouwerij Tour
• Rutbeek Park
• Rijksmuseum Twenthe
• FC Twente stadium
• Go Planet Park
• Jacobuskerk
• MBS Boekelo steam train
• Holland Casino
• Rondje Enschede cycling route
• Enschede Synagogue
• IJsbaan Twente ice skating
• Lasonderkerk

• Walking tours

Walking tours in Enschede

Escape Tour self-guided, interactive city challenge in Enschede

Discover Enschede in a unique way using an app. Work together, find clues and complete the puzzle

Popular experiences in Enschede

Enschede - Self guided tour with interactive city game of Enschede

Explore Enschede in a unique and affordable way. A self-guided city trail will guide you to the best spots in the city while playing fun riddles and assignments on your smartphone.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +1  nl

Enschede - Escape Tour self-guided, interactive city challenge in Enschede

Enschede - Self-guided interactive pub trail in Enschede with online app

Book a self-guided pub tour through Enschede using an online app. Solve questions, do assignments, and visit some great pubs in the city center.

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Frequently asked questions.

GuruWalk is an international community for pay-what-you-please walking tours that connects tourists with tour guides all around the world. Our mission is for you to be able to enjoy this type of tour in any place you can imagine.

The GuruWalk community is formed by "gurus" (local guides) who are open, attentive, fun people with great knowledge of the city and who will be your friends wherever you travel.

The other part of the community are the "walkers," or tourist who opt for this type of tour over the more traditional tours, who enjoy unforgettable experiences and most importantly, love to travel around the world doing guruwalks.

A "free walking tour" is a guided tour at a travel destination, where a local guide explains history, culture, and lifestyle. Currently, it is the first option that tourists choose when they visit a new city.

The concept can be a little confusing since "free" in English is a word that immediately makes you think free of cost. While becoming a part of the community, making a booking, or setting up a tour on the platform is 100% free, the traveler has to pay the guide at the end of the tour based on his experience. This concept is commonly referred to as a pay-what-you-please walking tour, because it empowers the client to pay based on their satisfaction with the tour and encourages the guide to always do their best.

At GuruWalk, we call them "guruwalks" so our walkers don’t get confused with the concept. Our intention is for them to understand the concept better and then give a fair remuneration to their Guru, so that we can all keep enjoying this type of tour all across the world.

Look for the city that you want to visit and then choose from all the guruwalks that are available, the different themed experiences, the different neighborhood and the various types of activities to find the best option for you. Book the tour for free through the online platform, receive the email confirmation with all the info and you’re ready to go!

All that’s left to do is show up to the guruwalk to enjoy and learn about other cultures in a fun and entertaining way. Don’t forget to tip your guru’s good work and have a great time.

The star question that the walkers always ask! You choose how much to give, you can take into consideration how satisfied you were with the tour and how much you can afford.

Our gurus are the best tour guides who are at it day after day, who are creating fun and entertaining tours so you can get to know the most important aspects of a city, they know a lot about the city you’re visiting and they’ll help you to have the trip of a lifetime.

This is why most walkers on GuruWalk generally give between 10 o 20€ per person, but as we said, you can choose to give more or less depending on your experience.

If you’d like to join our community of international gurus, all you have to do is click the link here. We’re waiting to get to know you!

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Presidio Museum Launches NEW Death After Dark Walking Tour

Tucson, AZ - -  The Presidio Museum is adding another tour offering to its many walking tour options.  The Death After Dark Tour will begin in front of the Presidio Museum on Friday, July 19, from 8-10 pm, and will be held each Friday through the end of September.  The two-mile tour includes the locations and information on a variety of interesting deaths that have taken place throughout Tucson’s history, including hangings, shootings, the tragic saga of the Pennington family, the gruesome death of three cesspool vault cleaners at a local drugstore, and many more.

“The Death After Dark tour came about for a couple of reasons,” said Mauro Trejo, the tour’s creator and guide.  “One is that I wanted to give people an option during the heat to be able to get out and enjoy some history. The other is that the tales of death are always what seem to fascinate people the most.  This seemed like a great opportunity to offer a cooler option with some darker stories.”

“We have some amazing historians who love to share Tucson’s unique history through their walking tours,” said April Bourie, Presidio Museum marketing and sales director.  “Previous walking tour attendees have asked us for more tours with new and unique topics of Tucson’s history, and this tour definitely delivers on that.”

Because the tour begins after dark, attendees are welcome to bring a flashlight, but most of the walk is well-lit.  Water and comfortable walking shoes are also encouraged. The cost of the tour is $30/person or $20/member. Pre-registration is required at  www.TucsonPresidio.com/walking-tours .

Other upcoming walking tours offered by the Presidio Museum include the following (All tours listed below are $30/person or $20/member, unless otherwise noted.):

Santa Cruz River History Tour – Friday, July 26, 8-10 am, $35/person, $25/member

Barrio Viejo – Saturday, July 27, 5:30-7 pm

Mansions of Main Avenue – Sunday, August 4, 8-10 am

Turquoise Trail – Saturday, August 10, 7:30-10 am

The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum is located on the northeast corner of the original Presidio at 196 N. Court Ave. The Presidio Museum is a reconstruction of the original Tucson Presidio built in 1775. Docent tours give visitors a glimpse of what life in the Presidio was like for soldiers and other residents.  Additional highlights include an original 150-year-old Sonoran row house and a 2,000-year-old prehistoric pit house.  Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-13 and free for children five and under and Presidio Museum members. Pima County residents, seniors 65+ and members of the military receive a $3 discount with ID. The Presidio Museum is managed by the Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation, a not-for-profit entity whose mission is to guide and aid in the interpretation of history at the Presidio San Agustín through research, education and living history experiences.

Did car dealerships and paper mills ever exist in downtown Chagrin Falls? Take the Chagrin Falls Historical Society Tour to find out

• Updated: Jul. 10, 2024, 9:02 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 10, 2024, 7:32 a.m.

Is one of the oldest hardware stores in the country -- Chagrin Hardware haunted or does it just host an annual Halloween party -- take the Chagrin Falls Historical Society Tour to find out. Matt Leavitt

• Matt Leavitt, special to cleveland.com

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Want to shake up the usual summer Saturday morning routine of mowing the lawn, organizing the garage, or watching the news? Meet your Chagrin Falls Historical Society’s tour guide -- Scott Hageman.

Hageman (Chagrin Falls High School Class of 1976) a lifelong Chagrin Falls resident has been interested in Chagrin Falls history since he was a kid. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in the late spring and extending to the early fall -- Hageman tells the story of how Chagrin Falls transformed from a dusty, smelly mill town to its current state of a bustling, vibrant tourist attraction.

The group on the walking tour will learn how the Chagrin River was re-routed from the center of town to its current location and how Triangle Park in downtown Chagrin Falls used to have a certain water feature. Hageman will tell the account of Chagrin Falls’ only bank robbery that turned into a murder at the current Fortis Sporting Goods Store.

During the one-hour tour, the historical tour guide will detail many of the downtown buildings in Chagrin Falls, including how the building that represents the village’s iconic Popcorn Shop has been moved from its original location. Speaking of the Popcorn Shop -- Hageman will share the story of an ex-president accidentally leaving his popcorn purchase at the store.

For those who love the subject of ghosts -- Hageman will discuss whether Chagrin Hardware - one of the oldest hardware stores in the country -- is haunted or talk about “ghost signs” on various downtown buildings.

Saturday morning walking tours are scheduled for July 13 through September 28. To reserve your tour and see further details click on https://www.chagrinhistorical.org/explore-chagrin-falls-2/.

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New augmented reality walking tour reveals what Third Ward ghost signs used to look like

Mike Roe, the executive creative director for Milwaukee marketing agency Hoffman York , got interested in ghost signs when he noticed one outside his office window in the Third Ward, and then started noticing them everywhere in the neighborhood.

Ghost signs are faded advertisements that were painted on the outside of buildings decades ago, the remnants of which can still be seen.

"These signs were like the original out-of-home advertisements before TV, before social media, when you'd paint a big message on the side of your building to say, 'These are things we sell,'" Roe said. "And now it's like this art form of a part of history."

As his interest in the ghost signs grew, Roe started talking to people at the Historic Third Ward Association and learned about some of the factors that make the old, faded signs so prevalent in the Third Ward — including the fact that the area is a federally protected historic district and that it has a concentration of brick buildings built after a fire in 1892 destroyed hundreds of wooden buildings .

Roe wondered if there was a noninvasive way to preserve the signs before they completely fade away so people can see what they looked like in their glory days. With the help of augmented reality technology, he and some coworkers created a ghost sign tour of 13 signs on 10 buildings in the Third Ward. Now people can scan a QR code on a paper map or a mobile link, hold up their phone to a building, and see what the ghost sign used to look like.

Here's what Roe had to say about the tour and his fascination with ghost signs.

How did you learn what the ghost signs used to look like?

Most of the signs are now illegible so I had to find old photographs, some of them century-old. And when you look for those photos, they're usually of other things. So you're sifting through all these old photographs to try to catch these buildings in the background.

I found all these photos at the Milwaukee Public Library and the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the Wisconsin Historical Society . I've never had an excuse to really explore those places before, but whenever I would tell the staff there what I was looking to do, everyone was so friendly and excited and happy to help.

Once we found enough photos for reference, our designers and art directors re-created the signs. The augmented reality work was challenging because that type of technology works really well for closer stuff, like when you go to a furniture store website and they show you what your furniture would look like in your living room. But we were trying to use the technology on a much bigger scale, to show what something would look like on the side of a whole building. The developers used geolocation and got it worked out so when you use your phone to look at the side of the building, the sign will sit there and when you move, it stays anchored and doesn't float around.

What can people expect when they go on the tour?

People can go to the Historic Third Ward Association, 525 E. Chicago St., to get a copy of the map. We're also hoping to partner with other places in the Third Ward, like the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., so people spending time in the Third Ward can pick up a map to either take a walking tour of the signs or use the mobile link ( augmentedhistory.org ) when they come across the buildings.

Then, as you come up to one of the buildings on the map, you use your phone to scan the QR code for that building, and hold up your phone to the ghost sign, and it will overlay the image of what the sign used to look like.

Will there be more ghost sign tours in the future?

What's great about having this tour in the Third Ward is, in addition to so many ghost signs, people can get something to eat, go to the shops and the galleries, spend some time walking around and have a fun adventure.

We've had kind of tunnel vision on creating this experience and making it live, and now, after doing a soft launch, we're realizing how many people are really enthusiastic about this. A lot of people have told me about their passion for this art form, so we'd love to feed that passion as much as we can. And I've noticed there are a lot of ghost signs in the Fifth Ward as well. A part of me would love to expand the tour, and I do love the idea of finding other ghost signs in Milwaukee.

How do you explain your fascination with ghost signs?

I would never have called myself a history buff, but there's something about these signs. I look at them and then when I see what they used to look like, I think about that company and what they used to sell and what it used to be like.

Like one of the buildings had these two Rex Chocolates signs, which was this big chocolate manufacturer. When I was researching them, I found magazine and newspaper articles about them, then on eBay, I found some of their old candy tins. I love to see that there was this whole experience, this whole brand that few people know about now that used to be this giant of Milwaukee industry.

I've got to watch out. It's definitely a rabbit hole.

Minneapolis cat tour started as joke, now draws hundreds of admirers

“I love to do weird, goofy stuff like this,” said John Edwards, who organizes the yearly event.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• The tour features 22 stops, including a cat memorial.
• Community building is the main goal of this annual event.
• The organizer prefers dogs but appreciates the camaraderie of the cat tours.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

The cat tour started small.

John Edwards thought it would be hilarious — and somewhat ridiculous — to lead a walk through his Minneapolis neighborhood admiring the many felines that live there.

“It’s the kind of densely populated neighborhood where if you’re walking around, you’re going to see a lot of cats,” said Edwards, who lives in Lowry Hill East — often called “the Wedge” because of its wedgelike shape — where there are approximately 9,300 residents.

About a dozen people showed up for the impromptu cat tour, led by Edwards, seven years ago. Over a two-mile walk, the group stopped to see about 20 cats peeking through their windows.

Edwards — who runs a hyperlocal media publication called Wedge Live — never anticipated his cat tour concept would catch on. But people loved it and wanted more, so Edwards began organizing an annual cat tour.

It grew every year.

“It was a joke, and now it’s real,” Edwards said. “I just thought it would be a funny theme for an event, and it turned into a thing hundreds and hundreds of people wanted to come to.”

On the evening of June 26, about 500 people of all ages congregated at a local park, ready to start the annual cat tour. Many held signs saying “show us your cats,” and people also wore official “Cats of the Wedge” T-shirts, tank tops and totes. Local reporters were there to cover the tour.

“It’s incredibly weird,” Edwards said of his yearly event, which is free. “I love to do weird, goofy stuff like this.”

Other people love it, too. While the cat tour is mainly attended by locals, some travel from surrounding suburbs — or farther — to be there.

“Last year, we even had a guy who came specifically for the cat tour from Oklahoma City,” Edwards said. “He said he had it on his bucket list and flew in.”

Now that the event has grown considerably, Edwards requests that residents who want to feature their felines in the tour register their pets. This year, there were about 22 stops along the one-hour tour, though there were several “bonus cats” (as Edwards calls them) whose owners saw the commotion outside and decided to bring out their furry friends to join in the fun. There was also a memorial for a former tour cat named Princess Pickles.

While many cats remain inside their homes, others come out to mingle. The large group blocks traffic, but drivers don’t seem to mind.

“It really is just getting together with your neighbors, going for a walk and looking at cats,” said Taylor Dahlin, who lives in a nearby neighborhood and has attended five cat tours over the years. “I’ve never heard of anything like that. It’s just such a fun way to spend an evening.”

Paula Chesley is also a big fan of the cat tour. For three years, she showed off her cat Billie Jean. She brought her outside in a stroller to socialize with people.

“She loved it,” said Chesley, adding that she has met many friends through the tour.

Billie Jean passed away last July, but Chesley was still eager to participate in the event.

“It’s very whimsical,” she said. “I think it just brings out peoples’ sense of silliness.”

Chesley hopes her new rescue cat, Elvis, can be showcased in next year’s cat tour when he is less skittish. In the meantime, she loved meeting the other neighborhood cats.

“It’s a very joyful event,” she said.

David Montgomery’s cats, Coda and Margeaux, posed for people in their window. Montgomery is also taking care of a litter of kittens and placed them in another window for tour attendees to offer their oohs and aahs.

“People loved it,” Montgomery said. “I love showing off our cats and getting to see everyone.”

Montgomery moved to the Wedge last year and said the cat tour is a staple gathering for residents.

“It’s one of the highlights of living in this neighborhood, both the event itself, and the kind of community that being able to host an event like this reflects,” he said.

Community-building is Edwards’s main goal for the annual tour.

“I’ve come to really appreciate how much people enjoy it,” he said.

Edwards did, however, want to clarify one thing: He does not have a cat. He described himself as more of a dog person.

“I love all animals, but I kind of prefer dogs, so it is odd that I’m the cat tour guy,” he said, explaining that a cat tour seemed simpler than a dog tour, as dogs tend to be less docile.

“It’s not really about the cats,” he said. “It’s a large number of people getting together and sharing an experience. I think people really just like the camaraderie.”

The 2025 cat tour is already scheduled for June 25. Edwards plans to carry on the cat tour tradition indefinitely.

“Everyone has such a good time,” he said. “Every year, I’m shocked by how happy everyone looks while it’s happening.”