These 12 Unforgettable Destinations Should Be on Your Wisconsin Travel Bucket List
If you're planning to visit the American Upper Midwest, Wisconsin should be on your travel bucket list. And, if you are a cheese lover, then a visit to Milwaukee is a must. Join us in this article as we explore 15 remarkable locations in the great Wisconsin that should be on your travel bucket list.
1. Madison
Your Wisconsin tour probably starts in Madison, the state capital. The best way to see Madison is through a guided tour, starting from the magnificent State Capitol building. The guided tour might take you through the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. For traveling parties with kids, the Madison Children's Museum awaits. Madison also has a rich performing arts scene. Shows go on regularly at the Bartell Theater and the Wisconsin Union Theater.2. Oshkosh
Oshkosh is otherwise known as Wisconsin's event city. it is a vibrant destination that you'll never miss an activity to enjoy. You can experience great culture when you stop by the EAA Aviation Museum. Here you'll find a great vintage collection of planes. If you are a student in college visiting the Oshkosh area, take a moment to breathe by hiring a college essay writing service. Visit the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where you'll get a chill college vibe. You can also check out different activities, festivals, and museums happening on the usual.If you are up for some shopping in the Oshkosh area, be sure to take a stroll through the Outlet Shoppes at Oshkosh. The Paine Art Center and Gardens is another place with a great history that you should visit. Take a moment to appreciate the Grand Opera House, or visit some more shops at the Menominee Nation Arena.
For nature lovers, there are 200+ miles of nature trails, hiking and biking trails, and boating and fishing on Lake Winnebago.
3. Eau Claire
Located in Western Wisconsin, Eau Claire offers a rich tapestry of arts and culture. Be sure to step out first for some wine and beverage tasting at the Infinity Beverages Winery and Lazy Monk Brewing.There are several museums and cultural-historical sites in Eau Claire. The Chippewa Valley Museum is one of the places that is easy to ignore at first. Here, you'll find a lot of cultural heritage from the Native Americans who lived here hundreds of years ago. Right next to the museum, you'll find the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, which also offers fun tours.
For a little fun on your itinerary be sure to check out the Eau Claire Scavenger Hunt. If you are traveling with kids in your party, the Children's Museum at Eau Claire awaits. Or, you can make your way down to the Farmers Market downtown. And certainly, for the great outdoorsy, there's everything from Lowes Creek County Park to Phoenix Park. These and others such as Mount Simon offer glorious trails.
4. La Crosse
If you are a water enthusiast, La Crosse is a place you must consider visiting. Right on the Mississippi River, you'll find fishing, paddling, kayaking, and cruising. Hixson Forest and Green Coulee give you miles of nature trails and tons of wildlife. The Grandad Bluff will give you views to remember for life, overlooking the entire city.You'll walk around the City of Bridges discovering hidden gems, solving trivia, and discovering some of the best landmarks. Don't forget to give your tummy a treat by visiting places like Pearl Ice Cream, Lovechild, and the Freighthouse for some Artichoke.
You'll also get opportunities for some sports, with golf and winter skiing all in the mix.
5. Devil's Lake State Park
Wisconsin's largest state park, Devil's Lake State Park, spans over 9,000 acres of the Baraboo Range. The park receives over 3 million visitors per year, offering a variety of outdoor activities. You can Kayak on Devil's Lake, fish, hike, and climb amidst unique quartzite rock formations like Balanced Rock.Check out Downtown Madison for a guided E-Bike tour. The Madison Scavenger Hunt is another activity that won't put a dent in your wallet. For fun, check out the Ghosts of Madison, a private 2-hour spooky evening tour.
Other attractions in this area include rock climbing activities in Baraboo, the Merrimac Ferry, and Ochner Park Zoo. The area also has several distilleries and wineries that you can visit. These include the Driftless Glen, Balanced Rock, and Wollersheim Winery and Distillery.
6. Green Bay
A visit to Wisconsin wouldn't be complete without going to its oldest town, Green Bay, home of the Green Bay Packers. You'll get all kinds of local history with narrated trolley tours. You can also explore the Broadway district and Packers Heritage Trail. Family-friendly attractions include the Bay Beach Amusement Park and The New Zoo.Outdoor lovers will appreciate the Fox River State Recreational Trail, with miles of nature trails. Those who want to dive into the history of the town can visit the National Railroad Museum. Besides history, you'll find a diverse collection of locomotives and passenger rail coaches.
7. Pattison State Park
Pattison State Park is a year-round vacation destination, right off the coast of Lake Superior. Marvel at Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin's largest waterfall, and explore Little Manitou Falls. A ton of outdoor activities are available, including hiking, swimming, and camping. Especially for camp lovers, there are over 400 camping grounds available. You can also get guided walking tours offering insights into the park's biodiversity.8. Spring Green
If you are an architecture student visiting Spring Green, the Taliesin Preservation Center awaits. This 800-acre property houses Wright's home, school, and studio with different stunning buildings. You can better explore it by using the Taliesin app with a Trail Tracker.
You can also explore the historic downtown with its charming shops and cafes. For eating, check out Arthur's Supper Club, the Kitchen at Arcadia Books, and Rumbleseats, the all-American diner.
9. Lake Geneva
Someone once said to get it straight; the city is Lake Geneva and the lake is Geneva Lake. Might just be a Wisconsin thing but when in Rome you do as the Romans do. Lake Geneva is a resort village offering a perfect blend of activities.You can enjoy boutique shopping, golf at world-class resorts, or treat yourself to a spa day. The 21-mile Shore Path along the lake's shoreline offers unforgettable views. For nature lovers, you can zigzag through lush forests, taking in the scenery and history dating back to the 1800s.
10. Milwaukee
Your visit to Wisconsin wouldn't be complete without a visit to Milwaukee, a city synonymous with breweries and baseball. Besides these, the city has a rich culture and history. Again, a guided tour helps here a lot.The tour might probably begin with a trip to the stunning Milwaukee Public Museum, an architectural gem. The 24-acre lakefront campus offers a huge collection of antiquities and dynamic art experiences. Afterward, you might be taken through the Harley-Davidson Museum, with great collections from an American icon.
40 minutes from Milwaukee is the majestic Holy Hill Basilica, a Roman Catholic Shrine located in the Town of Erin. You won’t find better views of the sunrise and sunset in the entire state, especially when the leaves turn in Fall.
For more art, you might get to visit the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, or the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. Nature lovers will love canoeing with the Milwaukee Kayak Company and numerous nature trails. For gastronome, don't forget to visit Glorioso's Italian Market, La Merenda for Spanish cuisine, and Mo's Steakhouse.
11. Cave of the Mounds
Just 20 minutes west of Madison, the Cave of the Mounds is a caver's paradise. This designated national landmark boasts numerous formations, making it an explorer's paradise. You can take a guided tour, enjoy a picnic, explore the butterfly gardens, or try your hand at fossil digging. The Cave of the Mounds promises a subterranean adventure like no other.12. Wisconsin Dells
Located on the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin Dells is a laid-back place that grows on you by the minute. The city is known for its entertainment, set against a beautiful natural backdrop. Wisconsin Dells features magnificent glacier-carved sandstone formations. There are also theme parks that you can explore, including Noah's Ark and Mount Olympus.For nature lovers, the Mirror Lake State Park's nature trails await. Wisconsin Dells is the perfect blend of camping, nature trails, and family-friendly attractions.
Wrapping Up
Wisconsin has the perfect mix of fun and activity for anyone who visits it. It matters not if you are a nature lover who can't wait to explore the great outdoors, or a foodie looking for a nice taste experience. There's something for everyone.Realistically, you might not be able to visit all these places in the Badger State. Our top picks? Eau Claire for food and wine, Green Bay for history, La Crosse for all types of water sports, and the Holy Hill Basilica for scenery. Finally, if you need some vibrancy in your visit, Milwaukee is the place to be. Each destination in Wisconsin offers a unique experience.