Destination overview

If you’re all about the great outdoors, Wisconsin is a paradise for those who love fishing, water activities and hunting. Foodies, wine and beer lovers will also delight in discovering Wisconsin’s artisan cheese makers, wineries and breweries, as well as farmers’ markets and award-winning restaurants. Great places like Wisconsin Dells, Door County and Lake Geneva offer loads of options to suit holiday-makers of all kinds. In Wisconsin, you can go golfing, boating, skiing, shopping and sightseeing; in fact, whatever your interests, Wisconsin is the place to pursue them.

Known as ‘The Dairy State’, Wisconsin produces 2.4 billion pounds of cheese each year - one-quarter of all cheese produced in the United States. But Wisconsin is not all about dairy products; in this diverse state you can visit extraordinary natural wonders such as Cave of the Mounds and the Apostle Islands, have a go at cow chip throwing, soak up beer, art and festivals in Milwaukee and Madison or see the landscape in a whole new way with a thrilling zip line adventure.

Explore Wisconsin's cities and regions from the Great Lakes to the Mighty Mississippi and the land in-between. Wisconsin is home to a vast landscape of beauty that includes woods, waters, prairies and cityscapes. In Wisconsin you’ll find small towns and back roads filled with charming hidden gems and deep history connected to nature. The resort communities offer a relaxing oasis while urban cities pulse with excitement and take fun to the next level.

Central

The heart of Wisconsin pulses with the steady beat of scores of friendly communities. From the pastoral farm towns of the great sand plain to industrial centres along the Wisconsin River, the heartland of Wisconsin is a treasure of rugged natural beauty. On the river, at lake's edge or in the shadow of the state's highest peaks, mid-state home towns invite you to sample their cuisine, attractions and warm hospitality.

Northeast

Thousands of shimmering lakes and waterways will lure the boating enthusiast, whitewater paddler, angler, water-skier and swimmer. Verdant forest, dappled meadows and cascading streams harbour relaxation and recreation and holiday-makers revel in this unique ‘up-north’ atmosphere.

South Central

Wisconsin Dells is the nexus of Wisconsin tourism - the Waterpark Capital of the World and a prime destination for family fun in the Midwest. The region is also central to the history of the state with six Wisconsin Historical Society sites, as well as the state capitol and the University of Wisconsin campus in downtown Madison.

Southwest

This area was spared the levelling effects of the great glaciers that ground the rest of the state into gentler, rolling hills and here the ridges run high and the valleys deep. Bordered on the west by the Mississippi River, this was the first part of the Wisconsin Territory to be populated by Europeans. As you take in the startling natural beauty along the Great River Road, explore the chain of charming towns along the river that echo this rich heritage.

East Central

The communities along Lake Michigan are perennial holiday favourites with a true coastal flavour, complete with sandy beaches, towering lighthouses, a nautical ambience and a burgeoning charter fishing industry. Along the shoreline surrounding 137,000-acre Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, you'll find towns full of friendly people, excellent museums and a rich blend of European heritage.

Northwest

From the wild and beautiful St Croix River to the deep waters of Lake Superior, this is the land of the adventurer. Once the domain of the lumberjack, today it's a prime destination for family holidays as well as the outdoor enthusiast. Kayak the Apostle Islands, bike the trails of the Chippewa Valley or just relax and take in the pristine beauty.

Southeast

Milwaukee and its metro neighbours are a cosmopolitan and inspiring destination, offering world-class music, dining and shopping. Here you’ll find some of the state’s finest art museums, natural science and history museums and zoos. However, unlike many cities, the beaches, sport fishing, sailing and biking are all part of the urban mix. Enjoy a summer season of lakeshore festivals, complemented by a winter of spectacular performing arts. For added flavour, Lake Geneva, along Wisconsin's southern border, showcases the summer mansions of wealthy Chicagoans.

Madison

Built on an isthmus between two glacial lakes, Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison is a city that is literally surrounded by natural beauty. These lakes and more than 200 city parks are open year-round for limitless recreational opportunities. Experience the beauty of any season with a walk or bike ride along hundreds of miles of paths or by taking a scenic drive to one of Madison’s inviting neighbouring communities.

Madison offers families plenty of free or low-cost activities, from one of the nation’s few remaining free zoos to lush botanical gardens and a host of museums. Other wonderful attractions include Overture Center for the Arts, Madison’s breathtaking new performing arts centre, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace Convention & Community Center, a jewel in the city skyline. And, don’t forget to explore the surrounding communities for some great Wisconsin attractions like Little Norway, Cave of the Mounds, Taliesin, the Crane Foundation, Circus World Museum, among many others.

Milwaukee

Bordering the western shore of Lake Michigan and just 90 miles north of Chicago, metropolitan Milwaukee offers urban, suburban, ethnic neighbourhoods, spectacular waterfront and industrial and rural settings within minutes of each other.

Visitors can enjoy popular Milwaukee traditions like ethnic festivals and brewery tours, eclectic shops, two performing arts districts, professional sports, the RiverWalk, 15,000 acres of parkland and a multitude of unique museums and attractions. The Greater Milwaukee area abounds with everything from quaint specialty shops, artisans' villages and one-of-a-kind galleries to malls and outlet stores. Milwaukee boasts opera companies, a world-class symphony, a nationally-acclaimed ballet company and an array of professional dance and theatre companies.

Door County

Door County is unique in that it offers visitors a rare mix of activities in the midst of some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. It’s the only county in America to offer 300 miles of picturesque shoreline, five scenic state parks, 10 historic lighthouses, 11 challenging golf courses and a renowned performing and visual arts culture, all within a 30-minute driving radius. In addition, visitors will enjoy exploring charming specialty shops, delicious cuisine at a wide variety of restaurants and some one-of-a kind activities unique to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Dells – Waterpark Capital of the World

The Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World for good reason. On arrival you will notice the colourful slides, huge swimming pools and the massive roller coasters. Beautiful sandstone landscape is a Wisconsin Dells claim to fame. There is a variety of canoe, tubing and kayak trips where you can paddle among the sandstone bluffs and pine forests, or try one of the more land-locked activities at any of the numerous championship golf courses. The Dells also offers snow thrills at four downhill and three cross country ski locations, and on hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails.

Bayfield

With breathtaking views and pristine waters, Bayfield is one of Wisconsin’s top destinations for those looking for an active, sustainable getaway in a picturesque setting. This small harbour town sits on the vast waters of Lake Superior and serves as the virtual door step to the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – 22 coastal islands highlighted by stunning rock formations and six historic lighthouses considered the finest collection in the country.