Action City & Chaos Water Park Passes
Our foundation of hard work and hospitality runs deep in our roots. Metropolis Resort founders, Tom and Shirley Hahn grew up on farms in Iowa where they learned the value of family and hard work. In the beginning, Tom’s parents sold their farm and opened a grocery store, Hahn’s Circle Foods, in a small town, Grand Mound, IA.
In the early years, Tom bagged groceries and learned the importance of customer service and hospitality from his parents. He married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1963. Tom was known for his meat counter and Shirley ran the books. They had two children, Brian and Kim, both raised in their parents’ business. They started bagging groceries and worked their way up into the business, just like their parents. Together these four Hahn’s worked hand in hand for years. They have many stories to tell, all of which end with laughter and fond memories of the people they have met over the years.
The Hahn’s went on many business adventures together. If you could sit and listen to them talk, you would hear stories of many grocery stores, an ice cream parlor, a motel, a laundromat, several Dairy Queens, a marketing firm, real estate and the joys of being landlords.
One of the great adventures started after Tom and Shirley retired. In 2005 they created Action City with another partner. After quick success they added on a Hotel and Waterpark. Now we have the Metropolis Resort, that boasts “Where the Fun Never Stops.”
The Hahn’s have a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome wherever they go. They are known for their hospitality professionally and personally. The legacy that they leave behind is fun. It’s established everywhere they have a presence. A culture of fun is known in each of their businesses. Through it all, you will always hear about how they wouldn’t be where they are today without their customers, family and the team that makes it happen.
You can learn more about the family by listening to a podcast called, Mixing Family & Business featuring an inside view of the Hahn’s family spanning multiple generations of business, family and fun.

This week’s episode is a little different because it’s just me. I wanted to take a moment to speak directly to you and share what’s been on my mind regarding the Mixing Family and Business Podcast. Th... ...more
Mixing Family and Business
April 21, 2026•1 min read

On this episode of the Mixing Family and Business podcast, I got together with Shirley, Tom, and Kim to hash out what experience really teaches you in business, why unlearning can be harder (and more ... ...more
Mixing Family and Business
April 14, 2026•3 min read

Every time I sit down to record an episode with Kim, Tom, and Shirley, I end up thinking about just how much the business landscape changes and how much, honestly, stays exactly the same. This week on... ...more
Mixing Family and Business
April 07, 2026•4 min read
Why does Metropolis go all out for Christmas? General Manager Sara Schwendemann joins us to share how the resort’s holiday traditions grew, why the Christmas village and festive activities mean so muc... ...more
Fun Intended
October 08, 2026•10 min read

Kate heads to Action City with Hunter to talk new arcade games, trampoline park upgrades, go-karts, memberships, and what guests can expect from the big expansion. ...more
Fun Intended
September 24, 2026•5 min read

Hear David Minor share his perspective on Eau Claire’s growth, community partnerships, tourism, leadership, and how hospitality connects people across the Chippewa Valley. ...more
Fun Intended
September 10, 2026•5 min read
