I would like to make my first trip to Iola Wi. swapmeet this year. Could use some help as to where to stay that is close, as I think I should make reservations asap. Any help and /or suggestions would be appreciated. Terry
A lot of rooms in Stevens Point WI. A ton of vehicles and swappers stay in the area. Only about a very pleasant half hour drive to the Iola grounds. Give the Stevens Point Visitors Center a call at 715-344-2556. They will help you a ton ....
Start calling now, lots of guys keep the same hotel room year after year and just re-book it on their way out Sunday, so you might not be super close. The town of Iola is tiny and a little isolated. It's a great swap meet though, you could spend 3 days looking at everything if you take your time, and that's just the swap part. It has cooled off the past few years but judging by the early swaps I've been to this year it's going to be on fire again.
I've stayed at the Blue Roof in Stevens point, camped outside the grounds at that camp site next to the swap and inside. I think I prefer to camp inside the grounds in our space. If you bring stuff to swap and get a space you can camp right there in your spot FYI- We go to the local high school and shower- its great!
I usually stay in the on site campground, but last year I made an unexpected trip to Iola to meet a guy who brought me an engine I needed. I found a room in Waupaca on very short notice. I recommend that area as an alternative if you have difficulty in the other communities. Ray
Stevens point is where wed stay of we stayed two days, lately weve driven out early, stayed the day then went home, gonna try for 2 days again this year. jeff
I'm planning on being a first timer there as well... will likely camp. Not much on hotels when it's warm...
The swap has change a little in the last few years... Thursday/Friday are the big days and swappers start to close up Saturday afternoon now.... Stevens Point is a great place for hotels, and have a number of good restaurants... Have fun!
The show has been getting strange over the years. I keep going back and forth with my self if i want to skip it and go up to Back to the 50's. I'm to young to do both my family is still young. This year I'm going to iola for sure.
iola greatest show on earth, do pancakes in morning , chicken in afternoon and swap till you drop in between
Get there as early as you can, Thursday & friday are the best days. I recommend one of those safari hats with the brim that goes all the way around. Who cares if you look like an idiot, the back of your neck will thank you. Bring a back pack with some water bottles. If you buy something heavy, you can rent a boy scout with a cart and they can help transport it for ya. Iola is great. I'm 31, been going there for over half my life. My dad has had a swap space since the 80's
In my opinion, the people that run that show are ruining it and I have been going for over 25 years. If it wasn't for all the people I see there, I would stay home.
flatjack.....you are 100% right, lawyer and some investor dork i heard....not car guys. heard lots of vendors last year saying it's there last because of that. Not to put a dim light on it, i'll still be there! It's always fun, good deals to be found. camping, camp fire with a few beer and good friends
30th year for me we have camped in our spot for 20 of those years 10 years we stayed in stevens point but the raised the prices so much we stopped e16-18 is where we have been the whole time we are leaving friday so i can go to a vintage go kart race saturday tk
I have stayed in my spots in swap meet over 30 years R34 35. Always went home sat night after 6 pm. Should be the same but may have to get home sat. We will see