Wisconsin Travel Guide
Wisconsin is a Midwestern state defined by its lakes, farming heritage, and cultural traditions. Tour lakefront cities such as Milwaukee and Sheboygan, go cheese tasting in the “Cheese Capital of the World”, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Wisconsin’s state parks. With its blend of outdoor adventure and Midwestern charm, Wisconsin is a place that is easy for anyone to enjoy.
Racing in Madison, Wisconsin
We raced the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin triathlon in September of 2024. Taking place in the beautiful city of Madison, this article details everything you can expect to see as you swim, bike, and run towards the finish line.
IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin: Race Report & Race-cation Ideas
Top Experiences in Wisconsin
Milwaukee. Seated on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is known for its brewing heritage, festivals, and vibrant waterfront. Milwaukee is home to famous breweries such as Miller, Pabst, Schiltz, and Blatz, along with plenty of smaller brewpubs well worth a visit. Milwaukee is also the founding site for Harley-Davidson, and the city hosts Summerfest every year, which is one of the world’s largest musical festivals. While here, be sure to also see the Milwaukee Art Museum with its very unique and striking architectural design.
Madison. Madison has a unique waterfront characteristic with its downtown area set on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. Popular things to do include touring the eye-catching State Capitol building, visiting the many shops and restaurants of State Street, wandering along the scenic lakefronts, and strolling through the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Green Bay. The city of Green Bay is most famous for being home to Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers. Tour this legendary stadium and watch the Packers in action. Beyond football, visitors can explore the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the National Railroad Museum.
Cheese Tasting. Plymouth, Wisconsin is known as the “Cheese Capital of the World”, with more than 10% of total U.S. cheese produced here. What better way to celebrate Wisconsin’s proud cheesemaking heritage than through cheese tastings! The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center in Plymouth is a great place to start.
Cave Point Country Park. Explore Cave Point Country Park’s Dolomite/limestone ledges on foot or by kayaking. Kayak tours take visitors along this scenic Lake Michigan shoreline and to sea caves.
Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells is a city with a blend of family fun and natural beauty. The area is home to several water parks, making it a great place to take your kids. For a quieter experience, explore Mirror Lake State Park which is located just outside of town. Here visitors can hike, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, and swim. Alternatively, take the boat tour to Witches Gulch and hike through this scenic slot canyon.
Apostle Islands. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a scenic archipelago of islands on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. The islands are known for their sandstone sea caves and historic lighthouses. The best way to see the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands is by taking a kayaking tour or a boat tour.
Cave of the Mounds. This natural limestone cave is home to some of the oldest cave formations in the Midwest. Take a guided tour through this cave system and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites.
Devil’s Lake State Park. This is Wisconsin’s largest state park. It features 500-foot quartzite bluffs, a 360-acre lake, and 30 miles of hiking trails. The park has two beaches where visitors can unwind by the water, as well as trails that take hikers to panoramic views over Devil’s Lake.
Sheboygan. This city sits on Lake Michigan and has been called “The Malibu of the Midwest” due to its freshwater surfing scene. In addition to surfing, visitors stroll the Riverfront Boardwalk, enjoy the city’s sandy beaches, and go boating.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a Midwestern state that experiences all four seasons. Expect warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters.
The best time to visit Wisconsin is in the summer, from June and into September. You will have the best, most pleasant temperatures for outdoor sightseeing, which is great if you are planning on touring Wisconsin’s cities or state parks. This is also the best time of year to be on the water.
During the spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October) seasons you have to be more selective with what you plan to do in Wisconsin. The cooler temperatures this time of year are not ideal for water-based activities, but visiting Wisconsin cities would be fine.
Places to Visit Near Wisconsin
First Time in Detroit: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
In early June 2019, I spent several days exploring Detroit. Tim had to travel here for work so I tagged along, just to see what Detroit was all about. I wasn’t expecting much and then I spent two days wandering around Detroit in the pure bliss that occurs when a place totally blows away all […]
Best Things to Do in Detroit, Michigan
On a visit to Detroit, tour the Ford Rouge Factory, learn how Motown got its start, visit one of the best art museums in the USA, and enjoy Detroit’s trendy food scene. Detroit is an underrated city with a tumultuous past, but it is on the up and up. Here are the best things to […]
Top 10 Things to Do in Indiana Dunes National & State Parks
Indiana Dunes is one of the newest national parks in the USA. This has been a popular beach destination for decades, but it is also one of the most biodiverse national parks in the USA. Exploring the sand dunes and relaxing on the beach are two of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes […]
How to Visit Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis
Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a famous American icon. Since its completion in the 1960’s, the Arch has been attracting thousands of visitors every year. Gateway Arch is one of the newest additions to the long list of national parks, achieving official national park status on February 22, 2018. A visit to […]
One Perfect Day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
One day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is all the time you need to visit the highlights. With one day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can hike one or two short trails, spot wildlife in Beaver Marsh, visit a few waterfalls, and ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Quick Facts About Cuyahoga Valley National […]
The Ledges Trail, A Must-Do Hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
In Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there are many short hikes to choose from. The Ledges Trail is our favorite hike in the park. This is a beautiful hike, and it is a much different experience from the other hikes that we did in Cuyahoga Valley. For most of this hike, the trail follows along massive […]
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.