Welcome to Wisconsin

Getting lost in an enchanting natural world and gorging on cheese are two things that should sit high on the list of any Wisconsin visit. Glaciers carved this landscape over 10,000 years ago, leaving behind 15,000 lakes, 12,624 rivers, idyllic prairies and stunning mountains. What does this mean for you? A world of outdoor adventure welcoming your arrival.

Whether you want to hike, bike, canoe, bird-watch, ski or ice fish, you’ll get to do all that and more in the gorgeous Badger State. Wisconsin also produces 25 percent of the nation’s cheese supply. Take advantage of this by sampling this dairy product at a variety of cheese factories.

Endless Adventure on Land and Sea 

See Mother Nature at her finest at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Comprising of 21 islands in Lake Superior, this archipelago features sandstone cliffs, tranquil beaches and more lighthouses than any other site within the National Park System. Bird-watchers will be delighted to know that over 240 species flock here during migration season. Hit the water via kayak and boat, or scuba dive to search incredible shipwrecks and underwater rock formations.

About 123 miles west of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Dells boasts the largest collection of indoor and outdoor water parks on the globe, but that’s not all you’ll find here. Get an adrenalin rush from fishing, parasailing, boating, kayaking and canoeing on the Wisconsin River.

Just north of town, the Dells of the Wisconsin River never fail to dazzle. This beautiful five-mile gorge can only be accessed by boat, and visitors are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of extraordinary rock formations and towering cliffs.

Situated in the north between Boulder Junction, Eagle River and Rhinelander, the untouched Land o’ Lakes area was made for water recreation. Comprising 200 lakes, the region hosts canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing. On land, there are lots of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing. Land O’ Lakes is great for bird-watching, too. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive white-tailed eagle.

Cities With So Much in Store

For urban delights, make your way to Milwaukee, sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Celebrate the city’s rich beer heritage by taking a tour through its many breweries, including Milwaukee Brewing Company, Sprecher and Lakefront Brewery. Lovers of American iron should ride to the Harley-Davidson Museum for an interesting perspective on American history and culture.

If you’re a Packers fan, a stop at Green Bay is a must. Just 119 miles north of Milwaukee, Green Bay wears its football heritage on its sleeve. Soak up small-town charm in the state capital of Madison, where you can glimpse Wisconsin’s past by visiting the Capitol, State Historical Museum and Veterans Museum.

Cheese lovers will want to flock to Monroe County for the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Learn about the influence the Monroe region has had on the cheese-making process. Nearby, cheese factories serve up everything from Swiss and Havarti to raclette and feta.