Overview

Wisconsin is known as America's Dairyland and is over 65,000 square miles in total area. Its capital is Madison and it borders two of the five Great Lakes. In 1634, Jean Nicolet founded the Green Bay colony, which later became Wisconsin after the War of 1812. In the nineteenth century settlers from various parts around the world came to call Wisconsin home, including German, Swiss, Scandinavian and Yankee settlers.

Activities & Attractions

The diverse landscape of Wisconsin makes the state a popular tourist destination. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has many historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, and natural animal habitats. Wisconsin Dells gets its name from the dells of the Wisconsin River; a glacially formed gorge. The city has 18 indoor water parks, 3 outdoor water parks, and calls itself the "Waterpark capital of the world." The largest outdoor park in the U.S., Noah's Ark, is located here. Other attractions include the Dells Boat Tours, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, golf courses and more.

Door Peninsula attracts more visitors every year and is well known for its cherry and apple orchards. You can view the Limestone outcroppings from both shores of the peninsula. Madison also has many things to offer. It winds itself around the three lakes; Mendota, Monona and Wingra. The city flourishes with numerous museums, historic and scenic attractions. Other important cities in the state are Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, Lacrosse, Sheboygan and Manitowoc.

A few other fun destinations to visit are House on the Rock, Circus World Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Ice Age Trail, and the North Country National Scenic Trail. Wisconsin also hosts important festivals like Summerfest and the EAA Oshkosh Air Show.

Activities like skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are famous during the winter season. To experience some boating action, Door Country is the place to go. Finally, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a popular destination for canoeing, boating, fishing and hunting.

Lodging

Wisconsin lodging offers a variety of choices and vacation accommodations. Depending on the time of year, snow lodging is popular because of exciting trails that can be traversed by snow vehicles or cross country skiing. During warm and summer climates, a delightful mix of hotels, spas, motels and nestled away bed and breakfasts make up the assortment of lodging choices. To know more click on the links found in the resources section below.

Transportation

There are various modes of transportation in the state like bicycles, cars, rail and waterways. Buses are available as a public mode of transportation controlled by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Additionally, there are two passenger trains in the state operated by Amtrak. Waterways are also used, although more for fulfilling needs of industry.