If you haven’t added Wisconsin to your list of must-see states, it’s time to reconsider! You may not know this, but Wisconsin attracts millions of tourists each year and the tourism industry accounts for over $20 billion of the state’s annual income.
Now that you know how many people are flocking to Wisconsin, you’re probably wondering what there is to do when visiting Wisconsin.
How can you make the most of your trip? What time of year is best for visiting Wisconsin and what are some of the must-see spots the state has to offer?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting Wisconsin and how you should plan your trip.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Wisconsin?
If you love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, you’ll love Wisconsin winters. Cascade Mountain, Wilmot Mountain, and Granite Peak are just a few of the many incredible ski resorts to choose from and you’ll find perfect skiing conditions from late November through early spring.
However, if you’re hoping for more sight-seeing or outdoor adventures that pair better with warmer weather, you’re going to want to visit Wisconsin sometime between May and September. During these late spring and summer months, you’ll find warm temperatures, blue skies, and tons of fun ways to spend a week or two!
What Must-See Spots Should You Check Out When Visiting Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a lot to offer and just about everyone will find something about Wisconsin that they absolutely love. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve broken up our vacation planning guide by category. Whether you’re traveling with the family or taking an adults-only trip, you’re going to have an unforgettable time!
Family-Friendly Attractions
Overall, Wisconsin is a very family-friendly state. However, planning a vacation with kids in tow can be a completely different experience. Keeping expenses down and sticking to 100% children-friendly spots is key.
To start, check out this perfect spot for a family vacation. No matter what time of year you plan to travel, Adeline’s is filled with outdoor family fun.
Don’t forget to consider adding the Circus World Museum to your to-do list! Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, this little museum covers the vast history of one of America’s original sources of family fun.
Sites for Sport Lovers
If you’re an avid football fan, you can’t visit Wisconsin without stopping at Green Bay, home to the Green Bay Packers. Even if it isn’t football season, you won’t want to miss checking out Lambeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers have won many a game!
The rest of Green Bay is worth checking out, too. You’ll find tons of great sports bars and shops selling Green Bay gear. Plus, you can take a great trolley tour and learn more about the history of Green Bay, Wisconsin–and don’t worry, the football team will come up quite a bit during your tour!
Wisconsin Outdoor Adventure Spots
Wisconsin is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of places to celebrate it. In addition to the ski spots we’ve already mentioned, you can enjoy hiking trails, kayaking trips, and more in the warm season.
Head to Kenosha to enjoy time on Lake Michigan, where you can rent kayaks and canoes, lounge on the lakeside, or take a fishing trip. If you’re looking for more chances to hike or enjoy the water, check out Land O’ Lakes (yes, like the butter, although the original butter plant has closed down). Finally, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see the limestone bluffs in Cave Point County Park!
Cultural Spots for Art Enthusiasts
If you love art and want to spend your vacation walking the halls of some phenomenal museums, head to the state capitol. Madison, Wisconsin, is home to tons of museums, including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chazen Museum of Art. If you’re traveling with the kiddos, they can get in on the action at the Madison Children’s Museum, jam-packed with great hands-on activities and exhibits.
If you’re looking for more culture, you’ll also want to make the trek to Spring Green, where you’ll find the Taliesin, the home built and once inhabited by renowned 20th-century architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. (Fun fact: Wisconsin was Frank Lloyd Wright’s boyhood home, and the hill upon which the Taliesin sits was one of his favorite spots to pass the time!)
Great Finds for Foodies
If you love great food, you’ll feel right at home in Wisconsin! The state may be known for dairy, but it has far more to offer than farm-fresh cheese and ice cream.
If you’re a fan of bratwurst, you won’t want to miss the little town of Sheboygan, better known as the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Heading to a Green Bay Packers game? You can get your bratwurst fill at Lambeau Field, too!
Ready to try cheese like you’ve never experienced it before? Head to the only Limburger cheese factory in the country, Chalet Cheese Co-op, to try this stinky, surface-ripened cheese sandwiched between two pieces of dark bread and topped with onions and horseradish. Paired with a refreshing beer, this sandwich is unbeatable.
Make Visiting Wisconsin a Priority on Your Travel Agenda
If visiting Wisconsin wasn’t on your bucket list before, we’re sure that it is now! Make sure that you head to Wisconsin at least once in your life and use our guide to see some of the best attractions Wisconsin has to offer.
Looking for even more great travel tips? Take a look at the rest of our content and find out what other incredible sites, hidden food joints, and fantastic deals we have in store for you.
