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Sitting on the shores of two Great Lakes, Wisconsin is a great setting for road trips and exploring. With protected parks, beautiful hiking trails, and towns perfect for weekend retreats, it’s an American state worth exploring when heading north. That being said, there are some great places to visit in Wisconsin at points throughout the state.
As you can imagine, making a concise plan of what to do and where to visit can be overwhelming.
So, to help you along the way (so you can focus on the all-important exploring), I wanted to share some of the top places in Wisconsin that I think you’ll love.
Have a wonderful trip exploring Wisconsin.
1.) Cave of Mounds
Located near the Blue Mounds and only a 30-minute drive from Madison, Mounds Cave is often referred to as North America’s jewelry caving box – and with good reason!
Now, the cave itself is hidden on the southern slope of the Blue Mound. It is famous for its amazing limestone features that have been formed over thousands of years in the cave. Which, you can easily see with the wonderful instructions on the site.
Without going into too much of a history lesson, it might be hard to believe, but Mounds Cave was just the first discovery.
It was so much fun to see what was inside. So, a year later, the cave was opened to visitors, making it one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin today. Best of all, you can get inside
Of course you’ll visit the limestone stalactites (which are awesome, by the way) but don’t forget about the hiking trails near Blue Mounds State Park.
It’s a wonderful area of Wisconsin.
2) Madison
Speaking of Madison, no trip to Wisconsin is complete without a little gander around this Wisconsin gem. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best cities to visit in the state – even if it’s smaller than some American cities.
Once here, be sure to check out the Wisconsin State Capitol. It is probably the most famous building in the city and a must see. Just be sure to go inside and take a free tour, the interiors are beautiful. Honestly, the photos don’t do it justice!
The capitol building is the tallest building in Madison and has been preserved in this way, preventing other buildings from being taller than it. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a statue of Athena holding a beaver (Wisconsin’s state animal).
Afterward, book a show at the Overture Center for the Arts and head to Old Fashioned for a cookout nearby. Their beer selection is excellent.
3.) Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the best places to visit for a relaxing vacation in Wisconsin. It’s a place where time seems to slow down – and the countryside and coastline are stunning.
Now, Lake Geneva is huge, so make sure you pick beach spots in advance. That being said, it is nowhere near being the size of the Great Lakes and I guess size is relative.
Once here, you can take a walk along the Lake Geneva Coastal Trail and stop at Riviera Beach, which is absolutely charming. You basically walk through the backyard of several historic mansions.
4.) Devil’s Lake State Park
Known as the largest state park in all of Wisconsin, Devils Lake boasts over 9,000 acres of scenic beauty in the Baraboo region.
Not only is it beautiful, millions of visitors flock to Devil’s Lake State Park every year. This makes it one of the most visited parks in Wisconsin. Don’t let that put you off though – there’s enough room for everyone and it really doesn’t feel crowded.
Once you arrive, be sure to take some of the amazing hikes that criss-cross the park itself. It’s a great way. Explore the park and see the wildlife in this beautiful Wisconsin area.
Of course, you should follow the Ice Age National Scenic Route (after all, the lake was formed by ancient glaciers). Oh, and don’t forget to check out Devil’s Gate.
It is a large geological feature that is very famous in Wisconsin and worth the hike to see.
5) Advanced
The sophisticated port city is, as you might have guessed, on the upper shores of a lake. It may be small, but it’s one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin and can serve as a gateway to exploring much of the region.
Sitting on the western edge of Lake Superior, you’ll find plenty to do, especially in nearby Pattison State Park. Here, you’ll find the spectacular Big Manitou Falls. Not only is it the longest fall in all of Wisconsin, but it also has deep meaning for the local Native Americans who live in the area.
After spending time at the back, return to Superior and check out the Fairlawn Mansion (near Barker Island), Thirsty, the Richard I. Bong Museum, and the Shooters Saloon.
They are great places to spend an afternoon or evening and well worth the gander.
6.) Egg port
Look, it may be small, but Egg Harbor and the surrounding area of Wisconsin are amazing to see. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in Wisconsin, Door County is sometimes nicknamed. Midwestern Cape Cod.
This is where you’ll find Egg Harbor, a must-see in the city. We absolutely love Egg Harbor Beach and it’s so beautiful to visit on a hot summer day. Take your sunscreen though, that wind can be tricky!
Not only that, but you can also kayak and paddleboard in Egg Harbor, or visit the beach.
Is it making a profit? Go to Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse. Their prime rib sandwich can’t be beat!
7.) Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
About a 90-minute drive from the top city, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is worth a visit. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best places in Wisconsin to visit while exploring the state.
Are you looking for adventure? You can camp on Madeleine Island (which is amazing) before exploring the banks of sea caves on the island.
Exploring these caves can take some time though, so you may want to set aside a day for this and always listen to local advice on conditions. Nobody likes an indifferent browser.
The clear water of Lake Superior is beautiful on a sunny, sunny day. Kayaking is the best place to go – easily organized with some great organized tours through Lost Creek Adventures.
8.) Gate County
As I’ve mentioned before, along with Egg Harbor, Door County is a total paradise to visit, especially if you love the outdoors.
You see, Door County is a place where you’ll find charming lighthouses and small villages that are perfect for road trips.
Plus, you’ll love the 300 miles of coastline that can be easily explored at places like Whitefish Dunes State Park and Toft Point.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop at the Cana Island Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s. It’s good to take a gander.
Heading further into Door County? Park at Newport State Park Beach. It can be quiet on weekdays and the beach is completely clean.
9.) Bayfield
I’m still not sure how Bayfield is classified as a town (since it’s really small) but, regardless, it’s a beautiful place to visit in Wisconsin.
Although small, and home to around a hundred individuals, this place is steeped in history.
Not only that, but Bayfield is the main gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, so if you’re going to the lakeshore. All of this makes it easy to include in a comprehensive itinerary when exploring the best places to visit in Wisconsin.
Here, you’ll find Manypenny Bistro (casual diner) with the best buffalo wings this side of Wisconsin. Also, you have museums like the Bayfield Maritime Museum, which is great to see.
To be honest though, the biggest attraction for me is the delicious Apple Fest that happens every year in October.
10.) Milwaukee
Perhaps one of the best places in Wisconsin to visit for a city break, Milwaukee is a pretty big city where everything goes.
Yes, it’s sometimes overshadowed by the likes of Chicago – but don’t let that put you off visiting.
Once here, be sure to check out the Milwaukee Art Museum. Not only is the set absolutely incredible, but so is the building. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of my favorite buildings in all of Wisconsin.
Afterwards, check out the Harley-Davidson Museum and then head over to Lakefront Brewery for some of their seasonal beers.
11.) Holy Hill Basilica
Not far from Milwaukee, Holy Hill is a nearly 100 year old sanctuary! It’s amazing to see one of the best places in Wisconsin to see some of the state’s historic sites.
It’s absolutely beautiful inside and out, and well worth checking out. Plus, if you want, you can join the Holy Hill Trail, which is absolutely beautiful on a sunny summer day.
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