Hikes, beers and (yes) cheese: the best things to do in Wisconsin
Apr 24, 2022 • 6 min read
Every summer, Wisconsin overflows with festivals and fairs – like the State Fair, held in Milwaukee © Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images
Whether you’re heading to the Badger State for fun and sun during the summer festival season or looking forward to winter hiking and cross-country skiing, Wisconsin has you covered.
Warm-weather fans will find plenty of outdoor music and culture festivals to keep them busy, while colder months are a great time to explore nature, museums and the state’s famous food scene. Regardless of when you visit, Wisconsin promises to show you a good time.
While it wasn’t easy to pare down all this state has to offer, here are our picks for the best things to do in Wisconsin.
Catch an outdoor concert
Come summer, Wisconsin hims with the sound of live music.
The state’s most famous music event is Summerfest , a 10-day outdoor concert series in Milwaukee that features dozens of performances each day. Lesser-known local groups and bands that were big in previous decades perform on small stages around the Summerfest grounds, while huge international acts fill up the on-site Marcus Amphitheater. From rock and hip-hop to country and bluegrass, the vast lineup has something for every music lover. Outside of Summerfest dates, outdoor concerts take place at Marcus Amphitheater all summer and fall. Check out the upcoming lineup and plan your trip around a favorite band.
About 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee, the city of Elkhorn plays host to another outdoor music favorite, Alpine Valley Music Theater . The outdoor venue can accommodate up to 37,000 people in its reserved seats and on its first-come-first-serve lawn area. Country-music lovers should look out for the Hodag Country Festival , where 25,000 campers head to the northern part of the state for camping and country music, while bluegrass lovers should check out Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire. In central Wisconsin, Rock Fest is set on 360 acres of land and is the largest rock and camping festival in the country. Large and mid-size cities across the entire state also hold free weekly outdoor concerts at city parks and botanical gardens during the summer.
Hit up one of the state’s festivals
Some of the best-known festivals in Wisconsin also take place on the Summerfest grounds, in the heart of Milwaukee. On non-Summerfest weekends in summer and fall, you’ll find food truck festivals and events celebrating the city’s culture and ethnic diversity, including festivities for the city’s Mexican, African, Irish, German and LGBTIQ+ communities. The Wisconsin State Fair , also held in Milwaukee, is a massive festival that takes place every August and features food, music, rides and entertainment for couples, groups and families. In Madison, head to Brat Fest , which has been going strong for 40 years – and where attendees consume 200,000 brats in a single weekend every year.
Indulge in the state’s official desserts
Depending whom you ask, Wisconsin’s official state dessert is one of two things: cream puffs or kringle. While you can technically find the former in bakeries and supermarkets year-round, the real deal can only be sampled at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. Kringle, on the other hand, can be found every single day of the year, mostly at supermarkets and bakeries. Racine, Wisconsin is the kringle capital of the country; even if you can’t squeeze in a day or two to explore the city (which we highly recommend), you’ll still find authentic, Racine-baked kringle all over southeastern Wisconsin.
Enjoy a day at the beach
Thanks to over 800 miles of Great Lakes coastline and 200 miles of Mississippi River shoreline – not to mention the state’s 15,000 lakes – Wisconsin has a huge number of wonderful beaches . From the urban beaches in Milwaukee to tiny beaches in front of cozy cabins in the Northwoods, you’re sure to find a stretch of sand to relax on no matter where you find yourself in the state.
Take a brewery tour – and sample freely
If there were a contest for the official Wisconsin state drink, there would be a tie between a glass of milk and a pint of beer. Milwaukee is nationally famous as the “Brew City” (its baseball team is the Milwaukee Brewers, after all), so you’ll find a huge number of breweries offering tours here, including Pabst Brewery, MobCraft, Lakefront Brewery , Miller Brewing and Milwaukee Brewing Company.
In college town and state capital Madison , the huge number of breweries includes Capital Brewery (one of the oldest), and the female-, LGBTIQ-owned Giant Jones Brewing Company . There’s even a dedicated gluten-free brewery and tap room, ALT Brew . While you’ll find the most breweries in the state’s two largest cities, rest assured that you’ll find great beer (and breweries) all over the state, from the New Glarus Brewing Company in southern part of the state to Sand Creek Brewing Company in Black River Falls. Serious beer lovers can even plan a visit along the state’s Brew Trail .
Eat some cheese
Since Wisconsin’s unofficial nickname is the Dairy State, and since its residents lovingly call themselves “cheeseheads,” you’d do well to sample some of the state’s most famous culinary product. While you’ll find especially large selections at places like the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, you’ll find great cheese anywhere and everywhere in the state. Specialty stores, cheese emporiums, small roadside stands and supermarkets all sell great cheese; you’ll even find cheese curds in bulk at some gas stations. True cheese connoisseurs should head to Milwaukee for the fine selection at the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe and Wisconsin Cheese Mart, and to Madison , where Fromagination is your go-to spot.
Go for a hike
Whether you’re looking for an easy family-friendly jaunt in a city park or an epic multi-day backpacking trip, you’ll find fantastic hiking all over Wisconsin. Hiking is a year-round activity here, and each season has its own unique appeal. Spring hikers are treated to wildflowers, while summer wanderers can enjoy nature in full bloom; autumn excursions promise fabulous fall foliage everywhere in the state. Snow-covered pine plantations are especially picturesque in winter, when trails also tend to be less crowded (just be sure to bundle up).
Cycle on one of the state’s rail trails
Former railroad rights-of-way that have been converted into car-free bicycle and pedestrian paths, rail trails date to the 1960s – and Wisconsin was one of the first states to embrace the idea in the 34-mile Elroy Sparta State Trail . The state now boasts nearly 2000 miles of trails, ranging from Milwaukee’s urban Beerline Trail , which runs along an old freight route and connects city parks and popular breweries, to the 52-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System near the Michigan border in northern Wisconsin. Ambitious riders could tackle the ride in a single day, though since you’ll also find plenty of picnic spots, swimming holes, campgrounds and motels along the route, we recommend taking your time over multiple days.
Spend some time in the Northwoods
While Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin’s Southeast have plenty to offer, to get a true sense of what it’s like to live in Wisconsin one has to visit the remote Northwoods. Going “up north” to a cabin or campsite is a core part of Wisconsin’s culture; visiting the Northwoods means being surrounded by pine trees, smelling campfires at night and looking out onto small lakes and meandering rivers. It’s possible you’ll see a bear, it’s probable you’ll see someone fishing and it’s guaranteed that you’ll see loads of deer. Life is a bit slower and quieter up here. And that’s exactly the appeal.
You might also like: The best beaches in Wisconsin: Great Lakes and great beaches The 9 best things to do in Racine, Wisconsin: art, architecture, and everything needed for a great weekend away 300 miles of beer, brats and cheese: A Wisconsin culinary tour
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10 Best Small Towns in Wisconsin for Serene Views, Charming Hotels, and Delicious Food
Check out these charming small towns in Wisconsin for a Midwest getaway without the crowds.
Wisconsin truly has everything, from epic natural wonders to dynamic cities to a thriving farm-to-table scene. But what sets this Midwestern destination apart is its bevy of delightful small towns sprinkled across the state. We've rounded up the best small towns in Wisconsin — all with a population under 15,000 — that offer something for every type of traveler.
Pretty Stockholm is set on the Great River Road , a newly designated National Scenic Byway. This enclave, long ago settled by Scandinavians, offers a plethora of cute shops and eateries that epitomize small town charm. Stop for a fresh, locally grown meal at Hop Dish & Vine , which serves an ever-rotating menu based on the bounty of nearby farms. For a sweet something, longtime favorite Stockholm Pie is sure to delight. On the souvenir front, consider Scandhihoo for sustainable Nordic-inspired wares, The Palate for foodie finds, and Iris & Oak for work from regional artists, including area favorite Stockholm Pottery.
One of the best-known Midwest destinations is Wisconsin's Door County , a jagged thumb of a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan on the state's eastern side. Though every village here has its own treasure trove of attractions, Sister Bay is an excellent small town pick. Stay at The Dörr , a new Scandinavian-inspired hotel with a prime central location. From there, walk to the waterfront for weekly concerts or movies in the park, which guests can enjoy seasonally. Finally, don't miss the famous rooftop goats at Al Johnson's . Tip: Summertime visitors should be sure to sample the lingonberry-forward Swedish Swirl ice cream at Al's.
As the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , Bayfield is a can't-miss small town in the Badger State. Visitors can expect sea caves (or ice caves , depending on the time of year), orchards (organized into the aptly named Fruit Loop ), and stellar paddling (for all skill levels). Additionally, this area, known for its native culture, is home to the country's first tribal national park, Frog Bay , and the nation's first Indigenous-owned distillery, Copper Crow . Stay at a classic Bayfield bed-and-breakfast, the Old Rittenhouse Inn , which has multiple private residences under one roof.
Prairie du Chien
The bluffy beauty of western Wisconsin is best epitomized in the small town of Prairie du Chien, set along the majestic Mississippi River Valley. Visitors here can enjoy a traditional fish fry at The Barn , hike for lovely views at Wyalusing State Park , and pick up smoked fish and fresh cheese curds from Valley Fish & Cheese Market . After a day spent exploring this Driftless port of call, lay your head at the family-owned Waterfront Hotel right downtown.
Elkhart Lake
Racing enthusiasts will recognize the village of Elkhart Lake , located on Wisconsin's eastern flank. This small town is home to Road America , a historic (and fast) permanent racing track set on a 600-acre complex. Elkhart Lake itself, for which the town is named, is often ranked the cleanest in the state. It's also noteworthy for its signature aqua color, resembling a slice of Caribbean paradise in the Midwest. For a perfect getaway, stay at the famed Osthoff Resort , dine at the Paddock Club or Lake Street Cafe , and enjoy a sunset beverage at the Tiki Bar at The Shore Club.
One can't think of Wisconsin without acknowledging its agricultural bounty, and while the nickname of America's Dairyland is accurate (hello, cheese trail ), lots more is produced here. Set in the rolling hills of the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin, Viroqua is home to one of the highest concentrations of organic farms in the U.S. Sample some farm-to-table goodness at the James Beard-nominated Driftless Cafe , grab breakfast and a solar-powered cup from Wonderstate Coffee , and pop into the Viroqua Food Co-Op for edible souvenirs. For accommodations, enjoy the Victorian stylings of Viroqua Heritage Inn or the rustic Scandinavian charm of the cabins at Driftless Creek .
Lake Geneva
A well-known southeastern Wisconsin locale, Lake Geneva is home to a storied collection of Gilded Age waterfront mansions. Unlike other upscale second home spots , these properties are accessible for ogling via the 26-mile-long Geneva Lake Shore Path . After a hike, grab a bite at Lake City Social , then wash it down at Geneva Lake Distilling . Spend the night at the chic Grand Geneva Resort & Spa , a reimagined former Playboy Club.
Spring Green
Architecture buffs will recognize Spring Green as Frank Lloyd Wright central. The architect's 800-acre Taliesin estate is conveniently located south of town. The site, now recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance, includes highlights like the Taliesin home and Hillside Studio. Another quirky attraction, The House on the Rock is also architecturally relevant. For a more natural offering, visit nearby Tower Hill State Park , known for hiking, birding, and paddling.
Sometimes called the Island City due to its location on the pristine Lake Minocqua, Minocqua is a small town in northern Wisconsin. Water recreation activities abound in Minocqua, home to the Min-Aqua Bats , one of the country's oldest water ski show teams. Grab a lakeside beverage at the more-than-a-century-old Thirsty Whale and enjoy a meal at the Boathouse , before retiring to one of the area's many rustic, lodge-style accommodations. Beer is a way of life in Wisconsin, so consider stopping at Rocky Reef Brewing Company just north of town. It's known for its large selection of craft beers with fun names like Staycation, a classic light offering, and Musky Bite, a popular IPA.
Mount Horeb
For the kitschiest small town in Wisconsin, look no further than Mount Horeb. Roughly 25 miles west of state capital Madison, this spot is known for its trolls. To spot the whimsical wooden creatures — an ode to the area's Norwegian heritage — check out the downtown Trollway guide , which includes multiple maps of notable trolls. Other area highlights include the Driftless Historium museum, Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts (in equally adorable Mineral Point), and Cave of the Mounds , a National Natural Landmark. Before leaving, don't forget to stop by the tasting room at Brix Cider for a locally crafted beverage.
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