Get ready for a journey along the road to the Iowa vs. Wisconsin rivalry, where beer and college football collide in a unique and captivating way!
A Tale of Two States and Their Liquid Gold
In the heart of the Upper Midwest, a special connection exists between Iowa and Wisconsin, fueled by their shared love for beer and a fierce football rivalry. This story takes us back to the days when teams traveled through small towns, and fans engaged in playful rivalries at every stoplight.
The Historic Route: A Journey Through Time
Before the modern highways, the Wisconsin and Iowa football teams embarked on a winding road trip, passing through charming towns on both sides of the Mississippi River. Every other year, the Hawkeyes would embark on a 90-mile journey, stopping in Dubuque for dinner before crossing into Wisconsin. At a bar called the Squirrel's Nest, located in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, patrons gathered for some liquid courage, eagerly awaiting the Iowa buses at the intersection of Highways 151 and 61.
The rivalry was intense, with fans honking and flashing their support (or lack thereof) at each other. It was a unique display of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The Role of Beer: A Cultural Connector
German immigrants flocked to Iowa and Wisconsin in the 1800s, leaving their mark on the region's drinking establishments. The availability of grain, crisp waterways, and heavy industry made beer an integral part of the local culture. When football arrived in the early 1890s, it was a match made in heaven. Fans embraced the sport, creating a unique bond across the Mississippi River.
A Unique Rivalry: Iowa vs. Wisconsin
Unlike other rivalries, Iowa and Wisconsin have a special dynamic. While both teams harbor strong feelings for Minnesota, their rivalry is different. Wisconsin lacks an annual in-state rival like Iowa's rivalry with Iowa State. However, when it comes to stakes, Iowa-Wisconsin takes the cake. In the Big Ten's geographical divisions, either Iowa or Wisconsin has advanced to the championship game an impressive seven times. Their combined success is undeniable.
The Beer Highway: A Journey Through Beer and Football
The beer highway extends from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids and then towards the state line. On this route, you'll find markers of beer's past and present, with football serving as the glue that holds it all together. Dubuque, a city nestled on the Mississippi River, perfectly embodies this fusion of beer and football.
Dubuque: Where Beer and Football Collide
Dubuque, with its magnificent bluffs and rolling hills, is a unique blend of European and American influences. It boasts a vibrant craft beer scene and a rich history of shot-and-a-beer tavern culture. Marc Morehouse, a retired sportswriter and beer connoisseur, knows Dubuque's beer culture inside out.
The Impact of Hayden Fry: A Turning Point
In the 1980s, Hayden Fry's success with the Hawkeyes forever changed Dubuque's allegiance. Morehouse describes the rivalry as a battle of equals, with a healthy dose of friendly competition and a touch of FOMO. Beer, according to Morehouse, is the ultimate community builder, and it's what brings these fan bases together.
Dimensional Brewing Company: A Throwback to Dubuque's Roots
Just a few blocks from the old Dubuque Star Brewing, Dimensional Brewing Company pays homage to the city's beer brewing heritage. Co-founder Joe Specht sees it as a revival of Dubuque's regional beer center. The explosion of award-winning breweries on the west side of the Mississippi has led to a friendly rivalry between Iowa and Wisconsin's beer scenes.
New Glarus and Cedar Rapids: Off the Beaten Path
New Glarus, Wisconsin, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offer unique detours off the main route. New Glarus, with its Swiss charm, is home to the renowned New Glarus Brewing Company, known for its Spotted Cow beer. Meanwhile, Cedar Rapids, with its Rust Belt influence, is known for its smells, including the sweet aroma of Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries.
The Campus Scene: A Party School Rivalry
Both Iowa and Wisconsin have earned their spots on the Princeton Review's party school list. The bar scenes in Madison and Iowa City are vibrant, with a unique rhythm that beats to the heart of college football. This weekend, the Badgers host the Hawkeyes, and fans will gather at Jordan's Big 10 Pub, just a stone's throw from Camp Randall Stadium.
A Middle-Class Rivalry: Upward Mobility and Collapse
In the world of college football, Iowa and Wisconsin represent the middle class, capable of both success and setbacks. This year, Wisconsin struggles, while Iowa remains a mystery. Their rivalry, dating back to 1894, is a testament to their shared history and the unique bond between these two states.
The Road Through Iowa and Wisconsin: A Window to Their Souls
The people along the beer highway are welcoming yet emotionally reserved. They strike a balance between skepticism and earnestness. The landscapes, with their lush green pastures and towering cornstalks, are a reminder of the similarities between Iowa and Wisconsin. The beer, a liquid representation of their shared culture, flows freely along the Driftless beer highway.
A Friendly Rivalry: A Toast to Brotherhood
As Morehouse puts it, the rivalry between Iowa and Wisconsin is like a meeting of Barney from "The Simpsons" and Otis from "Mayberry." It's a celebration of their similarities, a reason to hang out and share a beer. So, raise a glass to this unique rivalry, where beer and football create an unbreakable bond.
