Wisconsin is highly regarded by its admirers as the ‘Cheese State’ or the ‘Dairy State’ as nearly 21 million gallons of ice cream are consumed by Wisconsinites each year. But there’s far more to this Badger State than just the fun you can have with dairy. Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of the big city or you are looking to lay back in a country-life setting or you want to embark on an adventure in the wild, Wisconsin is the one place that’s got it all.
For travellers from around the world, there’s a multitude of exhilarating places one could visit in Wisconsin. Big cities like Milwaukee and Madison draw in a varied crowd of denizens while maintaining a college town experience with its bountiful bars and beautiful landscapes. Whereas the countryside is filled with tiny towns each with its own unique appeal and a few residents.
Though, traveller be warned, a trip through Wisconsin means one should be ready for any type of weather if they want to make the most of their adventure. If you happen to suspend your car for good during a wild country ride, or by narrowly escaping a crash from one among the 800,000 dears that roam the premises of this Dairy State, you might want to consider to junk your car in Milwaukee.
So, here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit to have a proper Wisconsin experience:
- Oshkosh
The small town of Oshkosh, located northwest of Milwaukee on Lake Winnebago, is known for two things: its popular brand of children’s clothes and its role on the international airshow circuit. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s biggest gathering of aviators, has been hosted here every summer since 1970.
The Oshkosh control tower becomes the busiest on the globe during the week-long event, as up to 15,000 planes of all kinds and sizes arrive on the airport. They’re joined by an estimated half-million spectators who have come to see exhilarating aerobatic displays and flybys from antique and modern military aircraft.
- Cave of the Mounds
The Cave of the Mounds – a caver’s delight located 20 minutes west of Madison – is one of the most cherished caves in the Midwest. It is often referred to as the ‘jewel box’ of the Midwest’s caves and is known for its many formations and sheer beauty. Visitors may also have a picnic lunch, go hiking, go biking on the biking trails, see the Butterfly Gardens, check out the Fossil Dig, or visit the gift shop.
- Pattison state park
Pattison State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks. It’s off the coast of Lake Superior in the northern area. It’s a fantastic year-round vacation with plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities.
The Big Manitou Falls – a 165-foot (50 meters) high waterfall, is Wisconsin’s largest waterfall and one of the park’s most popular attractions. The park also features Little Manitou Falls which, being 31 feet (9 meters) high, is another popular tourist attraction. There are a number of campsites and a few nearby motels.
- Lake Minocqua
A great spot where tourists can find many vacation rentals and public boating landings whilst experiencing nature’s serenity at its best is none other than Lake Minocqua. A magnificent lake in Oneida county, Lake Minocqua is most popular in the winter for snowmobiling and in the summer for water-skiing and boating.
- The Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
Nothing says “freedom” quite like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a fact that is not lost on visitors to Milwaukee, the birthplace of the famous ‘Hog.’ The city’s Harley-Davidson Museum, which has over 450 historic bikes, is the finest site to learn more about this legendary machine.
If at all possible, schedule your visit to coincide with one of the museum’s popular ‘bike nights’, when enthusiasts and owners come in droves to show off and appreciate these legendary machines. There’s even a fun Harley-themed restaurant.
- Wisconsin Dells water park
Wisconsin Dells is known as ‘The Waterpark Capital of the World’ and offers a range of attractions and accommodations to meet every waterpark lover’s needs. The Dells have gone from a summer hotspot to a year-round destination thanks to a proliferation of indoor water parks. There are over 21 water parks, adrenaline shows, and super-minigolf courses to choose from. There are two visitor centres in the Dells that may help travellers plan their holiday.
- Apostle Islands
There is a place in the southern part of Lake Superior that offers miles and miles of beaches, trails, cliffs, and water to be enjoyed and explored. This place is only accessible by boat and is a great destination for sailing or island-hopping by boat or to selectively stop to swim or fish in quiet secluded little bays. This is the one and only – Apostle Islands. There is also a multitude of guided kayaking tours available including one that will take you inside some of the magnificent Apostle Islands Sea Caves.
