As part of our Summer Bucket List series, we share where to go and what to see in each part of the Badger State.
Many people associate northeastern Wisconsin with fall. When it comes to football and leaves, there’s no doubt that this is a fantastic season to visit, but the other three aren’t bad either. There are actually many places to visit and things to do better in summer.
From the beaches of Lake Michigan to the trails of the Northwoods, northeastern Wisconsin is full of hidden gems worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
Whether you live in the area or are visiting from downstate, here are some attractions you don’t want to miss!
Tour of the Northern Waters Distillery
Location: 8136 US Hwy 51 S, Minocqua
Hours: Tours are offered at 4:00 PM on Friday, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday
Price: $10
Minocqua is known for its pretty landscapes and wonderful resorts, but Northern Waters Distillery is a must-see for all cocktail lovers. Each 45-minute tour comes with a complimentary drink that shows off the distillation process and the company’s operations. Black Lab Berry Whiskey, Northwoods Gin and Cinnamon Maple Moonshine are just a few of the fun spirits you can try during your visit.
Take a scenic boat tour of Door County
Location: Fish Creek Sightseeing Boat Tours, 9448 Spruce St., Fish Creek
Hours: Every day from May to October, first cruise departs at 11:00
Price: $27 to $42 for adults and seniors, $5 for children
A visit to Door County is probably already on your list of things to do in northeastern Wisconsin if you haven’t been there yet. Take your visit to the next level by exploring Door County by boat. Fish Creek Sightseeing Boat Tours offers four trips every day throughout the summer, in addition to various special cruises. Each tour tells the opulent history of the region and takes you to the West Islands, Peninsula Park Caves, Millionaire’s Row and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. For truly spectacular views of Door County from the water, make a reservation Cruise with live music at sunset.
Dine at Maiden Lake Supper Club
Location: 15649 Maiden Lake Rd., Mt.
Hours: Open on Friday and Saturday from 16:00 to 20:00
Price: $16 and up
Supper clubs are a staple in the Midwest, but they’re especially popular in Wisconsin, where you’ll find over 250 of them across the state. The atmosphere, location and constant praise are impressive Maiden Lake Supper Club a must-see. Maiden Lake Supper Club is located on the shores of Maiden Lake in the Chequamegon National Forest and features a patio with drinks, a cozy bar and an action-packed dining room. If you don’t decide on the Friday Fish Fry, try their notable Gorgonzola Tenderloin!
Visit Lambeau Field
Location: 1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay
Hours: Tours of NFL regular season home game weekends, Hall of Fame open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Price: $10 and up
Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, qualifies as a mecca for the NFL, its fans and history buffs. The Super Bowl was named after the notable Green Bay coach, Vince Lombardiyet. Lambeau offers all year round many types of stadium tours. You can also visit the Packers Hall of Fame to learn more about the history of the Green Bay Packers. They even let Bears and Vikings fans in!
Attend the Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Pow Wow
Location: 603 Peace Pipe Row, Lac du Flambeau
Hours: Most Tuesdays in June, July and August
Price: from 5 to 10 dollars
Wisconsin is home to 11 federally recognized Indian tribes. It’s not often that foreigners get the chance to interact with them on their sacred land. Luckily, Lac du Flambeau Complex on Lake Superior Chippewa welcomes outsiders to pow-wow festivities. You can visit the reservation at any time to try your luck at Lake of the Torches Casino or learn more about Ojibwei history at George W. Brown Jr. Museum and Cultural Center Ojibwe. However, attending a pow-wow in Waaswaganing Indian Bowl it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ceremony begins with the raising of the flag before the dance begins. Viewers are invited to participate in the last dance, but don’t worry – you don’t have to.
Explore Wisconsin’s shipwreck coast
Location: Lake Michigan from Two Rivers to Port Washington
Hours: Varies, depending on activity
Price: $100 and up per person for diver fees for charter operation, $8-$15 for admission to Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc
Chances are good you’ve been to Lake Michigan, but head to Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast to immerse yourself in the state’s maritime history. In 2021, NOAA designated 962 square miles of Lake Michigan’s western shore as a National Marine Sanctuary. There are 36 shipwrecks in the area. So, while you’re at the beach, you can dive or snorkel to observe the wrecks. You might even find a modern one! Scientists estimate that there are about 60 shipwrecks waiting to be discovered. Feeling less adventurous? Check out Manitowoc’s Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Visiting the EAA Aviation Museum
Location: 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price: EAA Members and children 5 and under FREE ADMISSION, $12 for children 6-18, $13 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for adults 19 and older
If you didn’t grow up in the area, you may not know that northeastern Wisconsin has one of the coolest aviation museums in the country. EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Aviation Museum. is home to several amazing exhibits that showcase the past and future of aviation. During your visit, you will see over 200 historic aircraft and other fascinating exhibits. The museum also hosts several internationally renowned events throughout the year, including the world’s largest aviation festival, EAA Air Venturewhich attracts over 600,000 people.
