As part of our 2023 Bucket List series, we’re sharing where to go and what to see in every part of the Badger State.
Bordering the St. River Croix and Lake Superior, northwestern Wisconsin is a hidden gem in much of the Midwest. But for those who live there, its charm is no surprise. The area is home to plenty of restaurants, resorts, and parks that deserve 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!
Visit to the Leinenkugel brewing company
Location: 124 E. Elm Street, Chippewa Falls
Hours: Thursday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday. 10:00 to 18:00
Price: $15 to $60
Photo courtesy of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.
Jacob Leinenkugel built one of Wisconsin’s most notable breweries in Chippewa Falls in 1867. Visitors can take part in one of the several trips from the Leinie Lodge, including those recognized Visiting Stary Browar. On selected dates, the brewery also offers: Behind the scenes tour ia Tour with a brewmaster. After learning about the luxurious history of the Leinenkugel, head to the bar to sample over 15 different beers.
Take a boat trip on the St. River. Croix
Location: Taylors Falls Sightseeing Boat Tours, 220 South St., Taylors Falls, Minnesota
Hours: The first cruise leaves at 11:00 every day from May to October
Price: $15 to $60
Photo courtesy of Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Although you have to go to Minnesota for this trip, it is worth the effort. Learn about the history and admire views of the natural rock formations that make the lower St. River notable. Croix, traveling by rowboat around The Queen or Princess of Taylors Falls. take a look at massive stone cross– namesake of the river – during the ride: St. Croix means Holy Cross in French.
Dine at the Watershed Cafe
Location: 99 N. Cascade Street, Osceola
Hours: Marry. through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Price: $10 and up
Photo courtesy of Watershed Cafe
You’ll find great, but one-of-a-kind restaurants throughout Northwest Wisconsin farm-to-table experience.add Osceola Breakthrough Cafe to your wish list. This diminutive, family-owned restaurant offers plain comfort food made with fresh ingredients. Most ingredients are sourced from within 12 miles of Osceola, giving guests a true taste of northwest Wisconsin. Note: The menu changes with the seasons, but Walleye Fridays are a much-loved staple.
Visit Concrete Park Wisconsin
Location: State Highway N8236. 13, Phillips
Hours: All year round during daylight hours
Price: Free, but donations welcome
Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Concrete Park
From 1948, he was a retired lumberjack, artist and musician for 16 years Fred Smith he built over 200 sculptures in concrete and various techniques on his property in Price County. After his death, the Kohler Foundation of Wisconsin purchased the property, restored the sculptures, and donated it (and the land) to the county to become a park. Today, visitors can admire these life-size sculptures of people, animals and places that draw from local, regional and national history. A concrete park in Wisconsin.
Go bird watching at Crex Meadows
Location: 102 Crex Ave., Grantsburg
Hours: Nature reserve open 24 hours a day, Tourist Center open Mon. to Friday from 8:00 to 16:30, on weekends from 10:00 to 16:00
Price: Free of charge, binoculars and snowshoes can be rented for $5 each
Photo courtesy of Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
30,000 acres of restored wetlands and prairies Crexa meadows the perfect stop for nature lovers in northwestern Wisconsin. Here you will find handsome flowers and plenty of wildlife to observe and photograph. But the park is perhaps best known for its wonderful bird watching. Crex Meadows is home to over 280 species of birds, including majestic waterfowl such as mallards, wood ducks and trumpeter swans. Click here to see what’s been spotted recently.
Relax at The Inn on Madeline Island
Location: 641 Fort Rd., La Pointe
Hours: All year
Price: $165 per night and up, depending on season
Photo courtesy of The Inn on Madeline Island
Of all the resorts in northwestern Wisconsin, Madeline Island Inn it is certainly one of the best – if only because of its excellent location. The full-service resort is located on the marina and offers not only hotel rooms and apartments, but also vacation home rentals! There is an outdoor swimming pool, beach, scorching tub, sauna, tennis courts, pub and much more. And if you feel like exploring, it’s there a long list of off-site natural attractions nearby-turning on Apostle Islands.
Explore Pattison State Park
Location: 6294 WI Hwy. 35, superior
Hours: 6:00 to 23:00
Price: Daily Admission Sticker, $3 and up, Annual WI Parks Sticker, $13 and up
Photo courtesy of Zach Johns
Northwest Wisconsin is full of fantastic state and national parks such as Interstate Park, Willow River State Park, Copper Falls State Park, and Amnicon State Park, where visitors can hike trails and chase waterfalls. However, no wish list is complete without Pattison State Park– home to the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Great Manitou Falls. The 55-meter-tall Big Manitou is the centerpiece of the 1,400-acre park, which also has hiking trails, beaches, a nature center and campsites.
MORE: Yes, Down Go chasing waterfalls – at least the ones on this list in Wisconsin
