Step into the Poe Mansion for a Gothic Raven Party: cocktails at 5:15 p.m., a three-course meal, and a three-hour interactive whodunit that encourages costumes and conversation. Reservations are required and the experience is accessible for guests 14 and up.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Approximately three hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; comfortable mobility for short indoor walking is sufficient
Wildlife
History
The event borrows from the Gothic literary tradition—invoking motifs associated with Poe and the rise of communal dinner theater—without requiring prior literary knowledge.
Conservation
The venue encourages recycling and reduced waste; locally sourced ingredients are used when possible to support nearby vendors.
Willow Springs Garden
Willow Springs Garden in Wausau, Wisconsin, operates as an event venue and agritourism destination offering a range of seasonal experiences and family activities. The site hosts themed gatherings such as the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party in the Walnut Grove, where guests enjoy Wonderland-themed treats and costumed characters; reservations are required for that event. The property includes a vineyard and a historic Round Barn used during events like Dinner in the Vineyard 2025, which features a welcome cocktail, wagon ride, vineyard views, and a dinner paired with wine under lights. Visitors can join a vineyard tour led by a viticulturist during experiences like Ribs, Wine, & Barleyfest, which also includes beer tastings, a buffet with BBQ ribs and brisket, and live music. Willow Springs Garden programs a variety of family-oriented activities such as Children’s Stick Pony Rodeo Races on June 29 for ages 2–12, with stick ponies provided or allowed from home and ribbon awards announced by an MC. Other seasonal offerings include an Old Fashioned Charcoal Chicken Dinner at the Barn, an Elvis Christmas Concert at the museum with holiday displays and cookie baking, and competitive community events like Pizza and Puzzles with team puzzle challenges and a pizza buffet (registration before November 1).
Events are ticketed and scheduled seasonally; visitors should check event listings and reservation requirements before attending.
Location
Wausau, WI
Central Wisconsin event venue
Experiences
7 unique events
Family and adult seasonal events
Next Event
June 29
Children's Stick Pony Rodeo Races date
Reservation Note
Required for some events
Check listings for ticketing rules
Check event dates, ticketing, and reservation details to secure seats for upcoming tea parties, vineyard dinners, family rodeos, and concerts.
Arrive Early for Cocktails
Check in by 5:15 p.m. to enjoy the cocktail hour and meet other guests before the mystery begins.
Dress the Part
Costumes are encouraged; dark, period-inspired attire heightens immersion and photo opportunities.
Notify for Dietary Needs
Reserve in advance and specify dietary sensitivities so the kitchen can accommodate your meal.
Bring Low-Light Gear
Interiors are dim and atmospheric; a fast lens or phone night mode will improve photos.
Gothic accessory or costume piece
A simple hat, brooch, or cape helps you get into character and enhances the group experience.
Warm outer layer
Bring a coat for cool Wisconsin evenings between the venue and your car or transit.
fall
Comfortable shoes
Expect short walks on uneven paths around the property and standing during mingling periods.
Notebook and pen
Jot clues and theories between courses to track contradictions and suspects.