Honestly, if you find yourself driving through Shawano, Wisconsin, and you don’t stop at Twig's Museum and Gift Shop, you’re kind of missing out on a piece of American history that’s literally bubbling over. Most people think Sun Drop is just another corporate soda owned by a giant conglomerate. And technically, yeah, Keurig Dr Pepper owns the brand name. But the Sun Drop you find at Twig’s? That’s something else entirely. It’s the "Golden Cola" made with real sugar, real fruit pulp, and Shawano water. No corn syrup. No plastic bottles. Just glass and a recipe that hasn't budged since the 1950s.
It’s a weirdly specific type of nostalgia. You walk into the place at 920 South Franklin Street and the first thing that hits you is the smell—sweet, syrupy, and a little bit like a vintage candy store.
The Axe Handle and the Korean War
The story starts with Floyd Hartwig. Everyone called him "Twig." He was a Korean War vet who basically sent his military paychecks home to buy bottling equipment. Talk about a side hustle. When he got back, he set up shop in 1951 on the same plot of land where the museum sits today.
Back then, things were... primitive.
We’re talking about a guy who used an axe handle to stir batches of soda. If a machine broke, he didn't call a technician; he just figured it out. He started with flavors like Bullseye Root Beer and Goody Orange. He’d sell a case of soda just to have enough cash to buy a loaf of bread for his family. It wasn't some grand corporate strategy; it was survival.
The big turning point came in 1953. Charles Lazier, the guy who actually invented Sun Drop, was looking for a place to produce and distribute his new citrus drink in the Midwest. He met Twig, they shook hands, and Shawano became a Sun Drop town. While other bottlers eventually caved to the pressure of plastic and high-fructose corn syrup, the Hartwig family just... didn't.
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Why Twig’s Museum and Gift Shop is Actually Worth the Stop
You’ve probably seen "museums" that are just three dusty shelves in the back of a store. This isn't that. Dan Hartwig (Floyd’s son) opened the official museum in 2015 because his collection of vintage signs and soda memorabilia was getting out of control.
Here is what actually happens when you go:
- The Theater: You start in a small movie theater. You get free popcorn (if it's a Friday or Saturday) and watch a 10-minute flick about how the business survived. It’s charming, a little kitschy, and surprisingly moving.
- The Bottling Line: This is the cool part. There’s a massive glass window where you can watch the actual bottling line. If you time it right—usually Monday through Thursday in the winter or Tuesday through Friday in the summer—you’ll see the returnable glass bottles clinking along the conveyor. These aren't new bottles. Some of them have been in circulation since the '50s.
- The Tasting Bar: They have a bar made of crushed glass and bottle caps. You get to sample everything. Not just Sun Drop, but the weird stuff too.
- The Gift Shop: This is where you realize how many flavors they actually make. We're talking 18+ varieties.
The Returnable Bottle Mystery
One thing that confuses people is the "Returnable" vs "Non-Returnable" situation.
Basically, Twig’s is the last bottler in the world still doing returnable glass bottles for Sun Drop. These bottles are thicker and tougher because they’re meant to be washed and refilled hundreds of times. You buy a wooden crate, drink the soda, and bring the bottles back for a "deposit" credit.
Because of glass shortages in recent years, they sometimes have to limit new deposits, but you can always buy the "non-returnable" glass bottles to take home if you’re from out of state. Those use a different, thinner glass, but the soda inside is still the real-deal sugar recipe.
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The Flavors You’ve Never Heard Of
Most people go for the Sun Drop, but the Twig's Museum and Gift Shop is the only place you can find their full experimental lineup.
Forget-Me-Not Grape is a big one. They’ve been donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle to the Alzheimer’s Association since 2016. Then there’s Rhuberry, which is a strawberry-rhubarb blend that sounds weird until you try it. Butterscotch Root Beer is basically a dessert in a bottle.
They also have a flavor called Twig’s Sour. People always ask if it has grapefruit. Nope. It’s a lemon-based mixer, sort of like a more aggressive, bitter lemonade. It’s a staple for Wisconsin Old Fashioneds, which, if you know anything about Wisconsin, is basically the state religion.
Real Talk: Is it a Trap?
Look, it’s a small venue. If you’re expecting a Disney-level theme park, you’re going to be disappointed. Most people spend about 45 minutes to an hour here.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak summer weekends, especially during Sun Drop Dayz, which is a massive festival the town throws every June. But honestly, it’s free to get in. The samples are free. The history is real. It’s one of those rare places that hasn't been "sanitized" by a marketing firm.
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Tips for Your Visit
- Check the hours: They’re usually closed on Sundays. Saturdays they close early (around 3 PM).
- The "Live" Factor: If you really want to see the machines running, call ahead. They don't bottle every single hour of every day.
- The Slushie: Do not leave without trying the Sun Drop slushie at the tasting bar. It’s a game-changer.
- Mix and Match: In the gift shop, you can build your own 4-pack or 12-pack. Don't just get four of the same thing. Grab a Blue Raspberry, a Caramel Apple, and a Black Cherry just to see what they’re playing with.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip, the museum is located at 920 South Franklin Street, Shawano, WI. Since it's only about 40 minutes west of Green Bay, it’s a perfect pit stop if you’re headed up north.
You should definitely check their Facebook page or official website before you head out, as they occasionally host events with local legends—like the time former Packer Mason Crosby showed up for a signing.
When you get there, make sure to sign the guest book in the theater. It’s a small touch, but it’s part of the tradition Floyd started decades ago. Once you've finished your tour and loaded up the trunk with a case of glass-bottled "liquid gold," you'll understand why people drive hundreds of miles just for a soda.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Plan for Production: Call (715) 526-5031 to confirm if the bottling line is running on the day of your visit.
- Check the Calendar: If you are visiting in June, align your trip with Sun Drop Dayz for live music and community events.
- Pack a Cooler: If you're traveling from out of state, bring a cooler to keep your "Mix & Match" packs cold for the drive home.