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Wisconsin Travel Notes

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Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Wisconsin; with its pristine lakes, lush forests, and scenic trails perfect for outdoor adventures and nature lovers.

About Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a state with a rich cultural heritage, diverse economy, and abundant natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

Also known as the Badger State, the badger was only declared the official state animal of Wisconsin in 1957.

States neighbouring Wisconsin: Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois.

Travel Map Mapping Wisconsin

Map of Wisconsin

Map of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its diverse geography, including forests, farmland, and the Great Lakes coastline.

The state capital of Wisconsin is Madison.

Wisconsin Overview

Wisconsin is a state located in the north-central region of the United States, bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the south-west, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the north-east, and Lake Superior to the north.

Culture and Heritage

Wisconsin has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse immigrant populations, including German, Scandinavian, Irish, and Polish settlers.

This cultural diversity is reflected in the state's festivals, cuisine, and traditions.

Wisconsin is also known for its outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting, boating, and hiking.

Economy

Historically, Wisconsin's economy has been based on agriculture, particularly dairy farming.

The state is often called 'America's Dairyland' due to its prominence in dairy production, especially cheese.

However, Wisconsin's economy has diversified over time, with manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and information technology playing significant roles.

Education

The state is home to several renowned universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is a major research institution and one of the largest universities in the United States.

Other notable universities include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University.

Major Cities

The largest city in Wisconsin is Milwaukee.

Other major cities include Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, and Appleton.

Natural Beauty

Wisconsin boasts numerous natural attractions, including the scenic Door Peninsula, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, and the picturesque Wisconsin Dells.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling in Wisconsin's many state parks and forests.

Politics

Wisconsin has a diverse political landscape, with a mix of conservative and liberal-leaning areas.

It's considered a swing state in national elections, with voters often closely divided between Democrats and Republicans.

The state has a history of progressive politics, being the birthplace of the Progressive Movement led by figures like Robert La Follette.

Sports

Wisconsin has a strong sports culture, particularly in football.

The Green Bay Packers, based in Green Bay, are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL).

The state also has a strong college sports tradition, with the University of Wisconsin's football and basketball teams being notable contenders.

Visiting Wisconsin

Visiting Wisconsin offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities.

Wisconsin Highlights

Cheese and Beer Tasting

Wisconsin is famous for its cheese and beer.

Take a cheese tour to learn about cheese-making processes and sample delicious varieties.

Cultural Attractions

Explore Wisconsin's rich cultural heritage by visiting museums, galleries, and historic sites.

Some notable ones include the Milwaukee Public Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, and Taliesin: the home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Pair your cheese with locally brewed craft beers for a true taste of Wisconsin.

Door County

Experience the charm of Door County, located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

It's known for its quaint towns, scenic lighthouses, cherry orchards, and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, and boating.

Fall Foliage

If you're visiting in autumn, witness the breathtaking display of fall colours as the leaves change across Wisconsin's landscapes.

Take scenic drives or hikes through state parks like Devil's Lake or Peninsula State Park for the best views.

Food and Festivals

Don't miss out on Wisconsin's food festivals celebrating everything from bratwurst to cranberries.

Experience local cuisine at farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, and supper clubs scattered throughout the state.

Lake Geneva

Relax and unwind in this picturesque resort town nestled around Geneva Lake.

Enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, or take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade.

Visit historic mansions like the Black Point Estate or take a scenic boat tour of the lake.

Madison

Wisconsin's capital city is vibrant and lively, with a youthful energy thanks to the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Visit the State Capitol building, stroll around the scenic Capitol Square, and enjoy outdoor activities at the University's lakeside campus.

Milwaukee

Explore the largest city in Wisconsin, known for its breweries, Harley-Davidson Museum, and beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

Don't miss the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic wing-like structure, and the historic Third Ward district for shopping and dining.

Outdoor Adventures

With its abundance of lakes, forests, and parks, Wisconsin offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling depending on the season.

Wisconsin Dells

Dubbed the 'Waterpark Capital of the World', Wisconsin Dells offers a plethora of indoor and outdoor waterparks, amusement parks, and entertainment options for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Don't miss the stunning natural rock formations along the Wisconsin River.

Madison

The site of the state government is also home to the University of Wisconsin, and a nice collection of museums.

Map of Madison, Wisconsin

Map of Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is easy to get around on foot, and a visit to the white granite domed State Capitol is a good place to start.

There are many examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School architecture around Madison, including a Unitarian Church.

To appreciate the history of Wisconsin's Native Americans, visit the State Historical Museum at 30 N. Carroll St.

International Crane Foundation

In Baraboo, forty-five minutes from Madison, you can get close to the world's largest flying birds at the headquarters of the International Crane Foundation.

Amid the farmlands of southern Wisconsin, just ten minutes from the Wisconsin Dells and surrounding Baraboo Hills, visitors can learn about the world’s cranes at the only place in the world with all fifteen species of crane.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May 1st and October 31st.

Around Wisconsin

Wisconsin is named after the Wisconsin River, and has more than 8,000 interior lakes; many of them in the north.

Wisconsin Tourism

Much of Wisconsin's popularity is due to its natural beauty - two Great Lakes, the famous Mississippi River and extensive forests and lakes.

From top-notch outdoor recreation to world-class events, attractions and lodging, visitors to Wisconsin can enjoy four seasons of unsurpassed vacation opportunities.

Wisconsin Travel Information

How to get around Wisconsin efficiently, from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan forms the eastern shoreline of Wisconsin, Lake Superior gives the state a northern coast, and the Mississippi River runs down its western border with Minnesota and Iowa.

Door County

Door Peninsula points into Lake Michigan.

With 250 miles of shoreline, ten lighthouses and five state parks, the area is often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest.

Scandinavians settled in the area and made fishboils a spectacular part of the menu.

Lake Superior

Jewels of Lake Superior

Proclaimed a National Lakeshore, Apostle Islands lie 90 miles from Duluth, in Lake Superior.

Historical Wisconsin

Native History

Aztalan State Park, near Lake Mills, is a National Historic Landmark and contains one of Wisconsin's most important archaeological sites, showcasing an ancient Middle-Mississippian village that thrived between A.D. 1000 and 1300.

The people who settled Aztalan built large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around their village. Portions of the stockade and two mounds have been reconstructed in the park.

Lizard Mound, near West Bend, is one of the most well-preserved Native American effigy mound sites in the nation, with 28 extant conical and linear mounds on the property.

Restored Wisconsin

Greenbush's Old Wade House is a restored stagecoach inn and includes a museum of antique carriages, wagons, and sleighs.

Old World Wisconsin, near Eagle, is an outdoor museum with examples of farmhouses built by 19th century German and Scandinavian immigrants.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee's name comes from the Potawatomi term for gathering place by water.

If you like beer, you'll love Milwaukee. Early German settlers introduced the barley brew to the state, and it's used to oil many of the summer festivals.

You can even see how beer is brewed on guided tours of Milwaukee breweries.

Milwaukee's baseball team is aptly called the Brewers.

Circus Parade

The Great Circus Parade was first presented in downtown Milwaukee in 1963.

Each summer this mile long tribute to the circus street parades of a century ago features over 750 horses, 1,000 costumed participants, 50 carved circus wagons, 100 clowns and exotic animals.

Discovery World

Located on Milwaukee's lakefront with easy access on and off of the expressway, the Discovery World science and technology center provides fun and educational experiences through interactive exhibits and educational programs for families and students.

Milwaukee Public Museum

Not everyone spends their time by the lake. The Milwaukee Public Museum features displays on natural history and a walk through exhibit of Old Milwaukee.

St Josaphat Basilica

St Josaphat Basilica (1897-1901) is the only Polish basilica in North America.

It was built from salvaged materials by its working-class parishioners and its dome was modelled after that of St Peter's in Rome.

Where to Stay in Milwaukee

Travelodge by Wyndham Milwaukee

Travelodge by Wyndham Milwaukee

Travelodge by Wyndham Milwaukee: 1716 West Layton Avenue, Milwaukee.

Conveniently located off I-94, I-41, and I-43, just a few minutes from the Historic Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee. Relax on the shores of Lake Michigan at nearby Bradford Beach or spend a peaceful day in Wilson Park.

For those flying in to Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is just four miles from the Travelodge by Wyndham Milwaukee.

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel: 139 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee.

With a prime location in the theater district, 'one of the absolute coolest hotels in Wisconsin' serves as a creative hub, where every aspect of the hotel is inspired by music, painting, sculpture, and design.

Recognized as one of Milwaukee's most esteemed hotels, Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel offers a modern luxury experience with an artful twist; a place to discover, a place to remember, and a place to connect.

The Pfister

The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel: 424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee.

Considered the premier downtown Milwaukee hotel for over a century this Victorian masterpiece features elegant accommodations and an outstanding location in the midst of Milwaukee's downtown.

Award-winning dining, 23rd-floor indoor pool and spa, personal-touch services and a world-class Victorian art collection inspired Conde Nast Traveler readers to choose The Pfister hotel as one of the World's Best Places to Stay.

Hotels in Milwaukee.

Tomah

Tomah is a city in Monroe County, Wisconsin.

Visit Tomah

Tomah is located midway between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee, where the State's Interstate system (I-90 & I-94) divides.

Where to Stay in Tomah

Cranberry Country Lodge

Cranberry Country Lodge

Cranberry Country Lodge: 319 Wittig Road, Tomah, Wisconsin.

Experience a unique combination of quiet Midwest charm and family-friendly excitement in this rejuvenating Tomah resort and contemporary event hotel with state-of-the-art convention and meeting facilities.

Located in Tomah, Wisconsin, the Cranberry Country Lodge offers guests a unique, family-style aquatic center experience at its indoor water park and pool.

Hotels in Tomah.

Wisconsin Attractions

Circus World Museum

Located on a 50-acre complex in Baraboo, a south-central Wisconsin community, Circus World Museum displays exhibits on circus history year-round and live performances that entertain and educate in the summer.

Explore Wisconsin

You'll find plenty of Wisconsin destinations well worth a visit in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter.

Explore the electric bustle of Milwaukee, or live the city lake life in Madison. Wind your way through charming towns along the Mississippi, or wander the vibrant harbor towns along Lake Superior and throughout Door County. Escape to communities in the Northwoods for lake cabin relaxation and outdoor adventure, or find the water thrills overflowing in Wisconsin Dells.

In addition to its beautiful scenery and exciting destinations, Wisconsin offers travellers first-class events year round. Thousands of events blanket the state capturing the spirit of its culture, history and people.

Travel Wiscon offers a number of Travel Guides and Maps that can be dowloaded in PDF format. Print versions can also be ordered online.

Rustic Roads and Scenic Byways

Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially-designated Rustic Roads in Wisconsin.

These routes provide bikers, hikers and motorists with an opportunity to leisurely travel through some of Wisconsin's scenic countryside to see native terrain and wildlife in a rural setting.

The Scenic Byways program is similar but separate from WisDOT’s Rustic Roads program.

The state currently has five scenic byways, which are state highway routes at least 30 miles long, with​ numerous scenic and/or historical features whose promotion can serve to boost a region’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Wisconsin Dells

The Dells of Wisconsin River have long been a favourite tourist attraction.

The area is famous for its unique and beautiful river scenery, lakes and state parks.

Dells Army Ducks

Take a guided Duck ride of the Lower Dells aboard an original World War II-era Dells Army Duck. Dells Ducks have been one of Wisconsin Dells' most popular attractions for more than seventy years and provide a sightseeing experience unlike any other.

Visiting Wisconsin Dells

The Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau (WDVCB) is the official tourism destination marketing organization for the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton area.

With something for everyone to enjoy, people regularly load up their cars, trucks, RVs and motorcycles to make a pilgrimage to the excitement and fun of Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin Dells Tourism Authority, 211 Pioneer Drive, Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin Waterpark Resorts

The Waterpark Resorts of Wisconsin Dells are committed to offering families the best possible fun vacation getaway.

Each property has a wide range of exciting water fun amenities and a worry-free, themed environment for families to play in.

Hotels in Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin Travel Guides

Moon Wisconsin (Moon Handbooks) Lonely Planet Best Road Trips Midwest & the Great Lakes

Wisconsin Travel Guides - Wisconsin Maps.

About Wisconsin - Wisconsin Weather:
Find out more about Wisconsin before you travel there.

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