Wisconsin has more than enough exploration and excitement to offer those who give it a chance, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation. In fact, the Badger State is one of America’s most attractive regions for outdoor activities, in addition to a wealth of indoor adventures and unique attractions.
From history-rich museums, fun city attractions and amazing water parks to picturesque state parks, charming towns, attractive lakes and mesmerizing mountain landscapes, Wisconsin offers an extensive menu of family-friendly spaces and places that make for a spectacular visit. Of all the cities and towns worthy of attention, the following ones are definitely the ones that stand out.
9 Wisconsin Dells
The “Waterpark Capital of the World” is none other than Wisconsin Dells, a spirited destination that is a popular vacation spot and one of the best in the Midwest for family fun. The area was once the center of summer holidays, but in recent years it has become a year-round destination thanks to the emergence of a gigantic number of impressive water parks and family resorts. The most renowned water parks include the Mt Olympus Water and Theme Park, which recently introduced a brand modern, inventive water slide and ferris wheel ride.
What’s more, it’s not just the watery wonders that attract summer enthusiasts to the Dells; the area is also renowned for its steep bluffs along the rivers, which make for many great days cruising.
8 Clean water
This Midwestern city is a spirited college town filled with warmth. Eau Claire is especially known for its distinctive art scene and affable culture, which can be enjoyed through a variety of unique tours and attractions in the area. Visitors can go on a sculpture tour, visit the UWEC Foster Art Gallery, or paint Best regards, Pablo Paint and classes with Sip if art is your area of interest. Similarly, visitors who love art can enjoy the State Theater – just check to see if a show is taking place there before visiting. If none of this catches guests’ attention, they’ll have to settle for drinking beer and wine at Infinity Beverages Winery and Distillery or taking a Bus Bros tour!
In addition, Eau Claire also offers its guests a number of unique museums – the most renowned and beloved of all are the Chippewa Valley Museum and the Ager House Museum. Finally, while in this city, an outdoor adventure is definitely in the cards. From the renowned Chippewa Valley Railroad to the Beaver Creek Preserve, Eu Claire is a paradise for nature fanatics.
7 Madison
Madison is the state capital and one of the most popular cities. As one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing cities, tourism is a booming industry – and it’s basic to see why. Famous for its colorful culture, quirky festivals and events, and an impressive array of indoor and outdoor events, Madison offers visitors a fun-filled vacation. In particular, visitors should start at State Street – the heart of downtown Madison, where the boardwalk is bustling with bars, shops and restaurants, drawing locals and tourists alike to discover what makes this city come alive.
If all this urbanization, food, and retail therapy gets a little too much, Madison offers beauty and entertainment for lovers of the great outdoors, too. There are several botanical gardens, state parks, and a list of captivating historical sites to appreciate. The Lakeshore Trail is also a great option – it runs along Lake Mendota where city dwellers can relax and enjoy a nice picnic spot in between exploring the city streets.
Madison is also home to many noteworthy urban gems, the most iconic of which is the State Capitol building, a majestic, looming structure on the skyline that tickles the fantasies of people who can’t get enough of architecture, history and art. In fact, people who appreciate these three have virtually endless options for discovery, including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Historical Museum, the Veterans Museum, and the Geological Arboretum and Museum. Finally, Madison’s versatile repertoire also includes a growing brewing industry, with an impressive number of fantastic pubs and breweries growing, offering beer-hungry beer drinkers some of the best beers in the Badger State.
6 Egg Port
Nicknamed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” and considered one of the most attractive parts of Wisconsin, Door County boasts three hundred miles of sublime shoreline between breathtaking Lake Michigan and the gorgeous Green Bay – and Egg Harbor is one of the favorite retreats in this area Badger State.
Exuding a charming small-town atmosphere, plenty of affable locals, cozy restaurants, shops, a spa, an old-world stone church, and several golf courses, Egg Harbor is a year-round, fit and diverse vacation destination that’s well suited to the whole family. And when you add great water sports, kayaking, paddleboarding and nice parks, the picture of perfection is ready.
5 Racine
Racine is just a stone’s throw from Milwaukee and is one of the cheapest cities in the world to live in, which translates into a mighty spot on Wisconsin’s affordable travel trail; a holiday in this city will not hurt your wallet. The cost may be low, but the entertainment certainly isn’t; Racine offers visitors a wealth of attractions – from the Racine Zoo with hundreds of species of birds, amphibians and reptiles to the River Bend Nature Center and Reef Point Marina, science and animal lovers will be in their element with the city’s enriching attractions.
On the other hand, let’s assume that the interiors are more attractive. In that case, Racine’s list of great museums, such as the Racine Art Museum, the Masonic Center, and the Heritage Museum, will provide more than enough fascination to fill your time.
4 New Glarus
Affectionately known as “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus, as its beloved title suggests, is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its unique Swiss architecture and cuisine. The city is also home to plenty of historic treasures, such as Swiss cottages, Swiss bakeries with flower boxes, and Swiss flags displayed outside buildings alongside the American flag. There’s also an amazing craft brewery here, and visitors can even take a free guided tour of New Glarus Brewing Co.
Beer bellies and cheese lovers rejoice, because the taste doesn’t end there; New Glarus also hosts a number of tasty, tummy-rumble festivals in June, including the Brews and Food Truck Festival, the Beer, Bacon and Cheese Festival, and the Heidi Festival and Blues, and in August, the Swiss Volksfest. The event will continue in the fall, with epic events like Harvest Fest and Oktoberfest taking place in the Swiss Historic Village.
3 Excellent
The port town of Superior, located on the western side of the lake of the same name, is an ideal base for exploring nearby Pattison State Park. The state park is home to the legendary Big Manitou Falls – a huge 55-meter-high cascading waterfall, considered the tallest in the entire state of Wisconsin. Legend has it that Native Americans living in the area once believed that the voice of the Great Spirit could be heard from these falls, which made them an significant part of the history and spirituality of the native people of Wisconsin.
In Superior itself, there are also plenty of downtown entertainment options; there are plenty of fascinating museums, such as the Richard I. Bong Museum, which tells the incredible story of the “Ace of Aces” during World War II. Additionally, history buffs will love the Fairlawn Mansion, which was the first building in the city’s early days and home to the Douglas County Historical Society. However, lovers of music and a good party will enjoy the live music performances that take place in the bars and taverns in downtown Superior.
2 Milwaukee
It’s no wonder that Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city and one of the state’s favorite weekend destinations. Why? Perhaps the attractive riverfront in the city center may have something to do with its popularity. Moreover, this pretty city also offers a seemingly endless number of tourist-pleasing things to do and see, such as the pier, many museums, parks, war memorials and many other places of interest. Additionally, Milwaukee provides guests with plentiful retail and dining options – so much so that you can spend your entire stay shopping and dining as you wander through the city.
1 Kenosha
Located near sparkling Lake Michigan, Kenosha is Wisconsin’s top tourist destination – thanks to the city’s attractive waterfront, moneyed history and excellent museums, with some of the most noteworthy to see including the Public Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, War Museum Art Nouveau, the Light Station Museum in Southport and several others. But on the other hand, nature and animal lovers will be entertained with guided tours of Hawthorn Hollow Nature Preserve and Arboretum – a must-see for anyone in Kenosha.
Alternatively, shopaholics will have a sublime time by taking their purses on a tour of the European-inspired Kenosha Harbor Market, where seemingly everything you can imagine is available for sale – from food, arts and crafts to ancient clothing and furniture. But without a doubt, one of the most original and eye-opening ways to experience Kenosha is to ride its historic streetcars, which take passengers on a scenic two-mile loop through downtown, along the shores of Lake Michigan and through two historic districts.
