Welcome to Wisconsin
Wisconsin, adorned with over 15,000 lakes, is a haven for lake enthusiasts, but among them, Lake Geneva stands out as a crown jewel. Nestled in the state’s southeastern region, Lake Geneva is renowned not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
This glacial lake, with its crystal clear waters, is a hub for a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Beyond the water, the town of Lake Geneva charms visitors with its quaint boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cozy bed and breakfasts, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.
Top Three Facts about Wisconsin
America’s Dairyland
Wisconsin is often referred to as “America’s Dairyland” due to its significant dairy production. The state is a leading cheese producer in the United States and is renowned for its cheese varieties, including the famous Wisconsin cheddar and Swiss.
First Kindergarten in the U.S.
Watertown, Wisconsin, is home to the first kindergarten in the United States. Founded by Margarethe Meyer Schurz in 1856, it marked the beginning of early childhood education in the country.
House on the Rock
The House on the Rock, located near Spring Green, is a unique attraction featuring eclectic collections, intricate architecture, and stunning views. It is famous for its unusual design and the Infinity Room, which extends out over the valley.
Must See Attractions
Devil’s Lake State Park
Nature & Parks
Devil’s Lake State Park is renowned for its stunning 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. These bluffs offer visitors a picturesque setting for hiking, swimming, fishing, and rock climbing.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Attraction
Noah’s Ark Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells is the largest waterpark in the United States. It offers an exhilarating array of slides, wave pools, and water attractions for endless family fun and adventure.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Nature & Parks
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a serene 16-acre oasis that showcases a stunning array of themed gardens and the striking Bolz Conservatory. The gardens enchant visitors with their diverse plant species and tranquil landscapes.
What’s Nearby
1. Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is known as the “most studied lake” in the United States and is popular for sailing, fishing, and enjoying stunning sunsets from Memorial Union Terrace.
2. Devil’s Lake
Nestled in a state park, Devil’s Lake is famous for its striking 500-foot quartzite bluffs, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing.
3. Lake Geneva
Renowned for its crystal clear water, Lake Geneva is a hub of water sports, surrounded by historic estates and offering a scenic lakeside path for exploration.
4. Lake Winnebago
As Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago is a fishing haven known for walleye and sturgeon and hosts numerous recreational activities, including ice fishing.
5. Elkhart Lake
Known for its blue-green waters and motor racing heritage at Road America, Elkhart Lake is a charming destination for water activities and luxury resorts.
6. Lake Minocqua
Located in the Northwoods, Lake Minocqua is a favorite for boating, water skiing, and fishing, surrounded by a picturesque setting of dense forests.
7. Lake Chippewa
Wisconsin’s third-largest lake, Lake Chippewa, is a peaceful retreat for anglers seeking muskie and walleye, and its wild shoreline is ideal for nature lovers.
8. Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features breathtaking natural beauty with sea caves, historic lighthouses, and excellent kayaking opportunities.
Annual Events and Festivals
Brat Fest
Brat Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, is a unique culinary festival celebrating a quintessential element of the state’s food culture: the bratwurst. It takes place at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center and attracts thousands of visitors. The festival’s central attraction is the vast array of bratwursts cooked and served in traditional and innovative styles, satisfying both purists and adventurous eaters. But Brat Fest is more than just a celebration of sausages; it’s a family-friendly event that offers various activities and entertainment. This includes multiple stages featuring live music from local and regional bands across various genres, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.
Summerfest
Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands as a beacon of musical diversity and celebration, proudly holding the title “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” This colossal event attracts approximately 800,000 visitors. Set along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Summerfest transforms the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park into a vibrant tapestry of music, food, and entertainment. The festival boasts an impressive lineup, featuring over 800 acts across various genres, from rock, pop, and country to R&B, electronic, and indie music, catering to an incredibly diverse audience.
Cranberry Fest
Cranberry Fest in Warrens, Wisconsin, is a vibrant celebration of one of the state’s most significant and unique agricultural products: cranberries. As the largest cranberry festival in the world, it attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, who come to experience the rich heritage and the economic importance of cranberry farming in the region. The festival is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering cranberry-based treats ranging from cranberry cream puffs to cranberry wine.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to take marsh tours, where visitors can learn about the cranberry harvesting process and see the beautiful cranberry bogs up close. In addition to celebrating the cranberry, the festival features over 850 arts and crafts booths, 300 flea market and antique booths, and 100 farm market booths, making it a shopper’s paradise.
Top Hiking Trails
Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop
Willow River Nature Center, 020-1007-30, #000, Hudson, Wisconsin
This moderately challenging loop trail, approximately 2.5 miles long, is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families. The trail winds through a diverse landscape of dense woods, open prairies, and rolling hills, providing a tranquil escape into nature. The trail’s highlight is the stunning Willow Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades gracefully into a deep gorge, creating a serene and photogenic backdrop. The trail is well-maintained and features several lookout points, including an observation deck near the falls, which provides views of the waterfall and the surrounding valley.
Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail
Chateau, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail is a remarkable hiking experience in Wisconsin’s scenic Devil’s Lake State Park. This trail, renowned for its stunning vistas and challenging terrain, spans about 3.7 miles and offers a refreshing and visually captivating loop route. As hikers ascend the West Bluff Trail, they are treated to panoramic views of Devil’s Lake, a glacially formed lake known for its deep blue waters and surrounding quartzite bluffs. Though moderately challenging, the trail is well-maintained and includes a mix of steep climbs, rocky paths, and wooden steps.
Eagle Trail
Eagle Terrace, Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Eagle Trail, nestled in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin, is a cherished hiking path known for its rugged beauty and stunning geological features. This moderately challenging trail, approximately two miles long, offers hikers an immersive experience in one of Wisconsin’s most picturesque natural settings. As hikers traverse the Eagle Trail, they are greeted with breathtaking views of towering bluffs and the serene waters of Green Bay. The trail’s terrain is a dynamic mix of rocky cliffs, dense forest, and occasional beach areas, providing a diverse hiking experience.
Best Golf Courses
Blackwolf Run Golf Course
1111 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, Wisconsin
Blackwolf Run’s River Course, located in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a golfing masterpiece that showcases the state’s natural beauty while providing a challenging and rewarding experience for golf enthusiasts. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, the River Course is part of the renowned American Club Resort. Set along the Sheboygan River, the course features pristine fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that harmonize with the surrounding landscapes. The signature par-4 14th hole, “Nature’s Course,” exemplifies this integration, requiring a tee shot across a meadow and over the river to a well-protected green.
SentryWorld Golf Course
601 Michigan Ave N, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Opened in 1982 and designed by the acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., this public golf course has been a jewel in the crown of Wisconsin golfing ever since. The course underwent a significant renovation in 2014, further elevating its status and playability. Spanning over 200 acres, the course is known for its lush fairways, strategic bunkering, and pristine water features that add to the game’s beauty and challenge. One of SentryWorld’s most iconic holes is the par-3 16th, famously known as the “Flower Hole,” which is beautifully surrounded by over 30,000 flowers.
The Golf Courses of Lawsonia
W2615 S Valley View Dr, Green Lake, Wisconsin
The Golf Courses of Lawsonia, nestled in the serene landscape of Green Lake, Wisconsin, stand as a testament to timeless golf course design and natural beauty. Comprising the Links and the Woodlands courses, crafted by the esteemed architect William Langford, Lawsonia offers a golfing experience that transcends the ordinary. These courses provide a harmonious blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery. Overlooking the stunning Green Lake, the courses provide a golfing challenge and a visual feast of nature’s beauty.
Water Sports
Wisconsin River Outings
Kayaking
Kayaking in Wisconsin is a delightful way to explore the state’s scenic waterways, from tranquil lakes to meandering rivers. With an abundance of paddle-friendly locations, kayakers can enjoy diverse landscapes and wildlife. One notable company that offers kayak rentals and enhances the paddling experience is Wisconsin River Outings. Based in Boscobel, they provide rentals for kayaks, canoes, and tubes, allowing adventurers to embark on a memorable journey along the picturesque Lower Wisconsin Riverway. The river meanders through unspoiled landscapes, featuring sandbars, wooded bluffs, and abundant wildlife, creating an idyllic setting for paddlers.
Lake Wisconsin Watersports
Waterskiing
Waterskiing in Wisconsin is a cherished summertime activity, and the state’s abundant lakes provide the perfect playground for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Lake Wisconsin Watersports offers waterski rentals for individuals and families eager to take to the water themselves.
Wolf Pack Adventures
Fishing
Fishing in Wisconsin offers a diverse and enriching experience, given the state’s rich assortment of lakes, rivers, and access to the Great Lakes. Anglers can find a variety of species, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge (muskie), bass, trout, and panfish, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. One of the standout charter services in Wisconsin is Wolf Pack Adventures, which operates in the Sheboygan area and offers guided fishing trips on Lake Michigan and surrounding inland lakes and rivers. They specialize in targeting salmon and trout on Lake Michigan, where the vast waters are home to some of the best trophy fishing in the region.
Resorts to Discover
Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort
Recreational, Family-friendly
4303 Bay Shore Dr, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235
The Abbey Resort
Lakefront, Spa
269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin 53125
Mont du Lac Resort
Recreational
3125 S Mont Du Lac Rd, Superior, Wisconsin 54880
Tips on Vacationing in Wisconsin
Enjoy the Lakes
Wisconsin is known for its lakes, so plan activities like boating, fishing, or simply relaxing on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lake Mendota, or one of the many other picturesque lakes in the state.
Comfort Food
Wisconsin is a cheese lover’s paradise. Try local cheese varieties, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy classic Wisconsin dishes like bratwurst, cheese curds, and Friday night fish fry.
Take a Scenic Drive
Wisconsin offers beautiful scenic drives. Explore routes like the Great River Road along the Mississippi River or the Door County Coastal Byway for breathtaking views.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for its cheese, producing various cheese types. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes like bratwurst, fish fry, and the iconic butter burger.
Wisconsin offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping in state parks, water activities on its many lakes, biking on scenic trails, and winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling.
There are various lakefront vacation rentals in Wisconsin that you can consider for your next getaway. Some popular options include Sunsets on the Shore in Burlington near Lake Geneva with fantastic sunset views and Bakers Sunset Bay Resort in Wisconsin Dells near Lake Delton. Make sure to read reviews and check the available amenities to ensure you have an unforgettable lakefront experience.
To find affordable cabin rentals in Wisconsin, visit websites such as Lake, Rent By Owner™ or Wisconsin Premier Vacation Homes. These websites offer a variety of cabin rentals in different locations, such as Arkdale Wood Cabin Near Petenwell Lake and Timber Bay Resort. Customize your search with filters based on your budget, location, and preferred amenities.
Yes, you can book a last-minute trip to Wisconsin Dells. Many vacation rental websites, such as Lake, offer availability calendars, which can help you find properties with open dates at the last minute. However, be prepared for fewer options or higher rates during peak travel seasons, such as summer or holidays.
Northern Wisconsin boasts numerous picturesque lakes and cabin rentals. You can find rental cabins on websites like Lake, Rent By Owner™ or Wisconsin Premier Vacation Homes, which offer a wide range of rental options with various amenities. Some popular northern Wisconsin lake destinations include the Northwoods region, the Hayward Lakes area, and Eagle River.