Visit Wisconsin: Travel Guide to the Badger State

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Wisconsin at a Glance

Introduction

Wisconsin is a state in the north-central region of the United States, bordered by Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Illinois to the south, and the states of Iowa and Minnesota to the west. It is the 20th most populous state and ranks 23rd in area. It measures 320 miles in length and has a width of 295 miles.

Wisconsin is known for its dairy industry, its natural beauty, and its diverse culture. The capital is Madison, and its largest city is Milwaukee. Wisconsin became the 30th state to join the Union on May 29, 1848.

History

Wisconsin’s history begins with the Native American tribes who lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first Europeans to explore Wisconsin were the French, who established fur trade and missionary networks in the 17th and 18th centuries. Marquette University immortalized the name of Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary and one of the first explorers in the region.

Wisconsin became part of British territory after the French and Indian War, and then part of the United States after the American Revolution. Wisconsin was initially part of the Northwest Territory, and then the Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan territories, before becoming a separate territory in 1836. Wisconsin faced conflicts with the Native Americans, such as the Black Hawk War and the Winnebago War, as well as with the British, such as the War of 1812 and the Aroostook War. Wisconsin also saw a large influx of immigrants, especially from Germany and Scandinavia, who contributed to the state’s cultural and economic development. Wisconsin became the 30th state to join the Union on May 29, 1848.

During the Civil War, Wisconsin was a strong supporter of the Union cause and sent over 90,000 soldiers to fight. Wisconsin also played a key role in the Progressive Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led by figures such as Robert La Follette and John Muir.

For much of its history, Wisconsin’s economy was based on agriculture, mining, lumber, and manufacturing. It later diversified into tourism, education, and technology. Wisconsin is known for its dairy industry, its natural beauty, and its diverse culture.

Wisconsin Historical Timeline

Prehistory: Native American tribes, such as the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and others, live in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers.
1634: French explorer Jean Nicolet arrives in Wisconsin, seeking the Northwest Passage.
1689: French trader Nicolas Perrot claims the region for France.
1754-1763: The French and Indian War breaks out between France and Britain, with Wisconsin Indians allied with the French.
1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the war and transfers Wisconsin to British control.
1775-1783: The American Revolution takes place, with Wisconsin Indians mostly siding with the British.
1783: The Treaty of Paris ends the war and grants Wisconsin to the United States, but British fur traders continue to dominate the region.
1787: The Ordinanceof 1787 estqblishes Wisconsin as part of the Northwest Territory.
1800-1836: Wisconsin is successively part of the Indiana Territory, the Illinois Territory, and the Michigan Territory.
1812-1815: The War of 1812 erupts between the United States and Britain, with Wisconsin Indians again mostly supporting the British.
1820s-1830s: Several conflicts occur between the United States and the Wisconsin Indians, such as the Black Hawk War and the Winnebago War.
1836: Wisconsin becomes a separate territory with Henry Dodge as the first governor.
1848: Wisconsin becomes the 30th state to join the Union on May 29, with Nelson Dewey as the first governor.
1854: The Republican Party is founded in Ripon by anti-slavery activists.
1861-1865: The Civil War breaks out between the Union and the Confederacy, with Wisconsin strongly supporting the Union cause and sending over 90,000 soldiers to fight.
1867: The University of Wisconsin is established in Madison as a land-grant institution.
1871: The Great Peshtigo Fire destroys over a million acres of land and kills over 1,000 people in northeastern Wisconsin, making it the deadliest wildfire in US history.
1882: The first hydroelectric plant in the world is built on the Fox River in Appleton.
1890s-1910s: Wisconsin becomes a leader in the Progressive Movement, led by figures such as Robert La Follette, John Muir, and Belle Case La Follette5.
1893: The World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago features a replica of a Wisconsin dairy farm, showcasing the state’s dairy industry.
1901: The Wisconsin Anti-Tuberculosis Association is formed, becoming the first statewide voluntary health agency in the nation.
1911: Wisconsin enacts the nation’s first Worker’s Compensation Act, guaranteeing injury compensation as a legal right for workers.
1919: Wisconsin becomes the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.
1927: The Milwaukee Auditorium hosts the first national convention of the Future Farmers of America, a youth organization for agricultural education.
1934: The Wisconsin Idea is coined by Charles McCarthy to describe the close collaboration between the state government and the University of Wisconsin in addressing public issues.
1939: The Wisconsin Conservation Department launches the Outdoor Wisconsin program, a pioneering effort to educate the public about natural resources and conservation.
1957: The Milwaukee Braves baseball team wins the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees.
1962: Noah’s Ark, the first water park in the world, opens, cementing the growth of the Wisconsin Dells as major tourist destination.
1964: The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is established as a separate institution from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
1967: The Green Bay Packers football team wins the first Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs.
1970: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the site of anti-war protests, resulting in the bombing of the Sterling Hall and the death of a researcher.
1978: The Wisconsin Lottery is established, offering various games and prizes to the public.
1982: The Milwaukee Brewers baseball team reaches the World Series for the first time, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals.
1988: The Milwaukee Art Museum acquires the Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
1996: The Green Bay Packers football team wins the Super Bowl for the third time, defeating the New England Patriots.

Geography

Wisconsin is a state in the north-central United States, with an area of 65,496 square miles (169,630 square kilometers) and a population of 5.9 million as of 2020. It is bordered by two Great Lakes, Michigan and Superior, and four other states, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan. Wisconsin can be divided into five geographic regions: Lake Superior Lowland, Northern Highland, Central Plain, Western Upland, and Eastern Ridges & Lowlands. The state has a humid continental climate, with four seasons and varying temperatures. Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes, several major rivers, and 820 miles (1,320 km) of shoreline along the Great Lakes.

The Lake Superior Lowland Region is a narrow plain that borders the southern shore of Lake Superior. It covers about 1,250 square miles and slopes gently downward from south to north. The region is mostly forested with aspen and birch trees, and contains the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Apostle Islands are an archipelago of 21 islands famous for windswept beaches and sandstone cliffs.

The Northern Highland Region is a broad upland area covering about one third of the state. It lies atop a base of granite bedrock and has the highest elevation in the state, reaching 1,951 feet (595 meters) at Timms Hill in Price County. The region is dotted with thousands of glacial lakes and has extensive hardwood and conifer forests.

The Central Plain is a flat, sandy area that covers about 13,000 square miles in a v-shaped belt across the center of the state. The region also has rolling hills, moraines, kettle lakes, forests, and wetlands. It was once the bed of Glacial Lake Wisconsin, whose eventual drainage left behind sandstone formations including the Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin River, a tributary of the mighty Mississippi River, cuts through the plain flowing north to south 430 miles (692 km), and is a major source of water and recreation.

The Western Upland Region is a hilly area that covers much of the western half of the state. It is part of the Driftless Area, a region that escaped glaciation for millions of years. The Wisconsin section is also called the Coulee Region because of the characteristic ravines that cover the area. The region has many rocky outcroppings, caves, rivers, and forests, with elevation ranging from about 600 feet to over 1,700 feet above sea level.

The Eastern Ridges and Lowlands Region is a geographical area in the southeast part of the state, bordering on Lake Michigan. It is mostly a flat plain that slopes gently toward the lake, with two ridges that run through it from north to south. The ridges are made of limestone and have some escarpments and caves. The region hosts many of Wisconsin’s largest cities, such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. It is also the most populous and agriculturally productive region in the state.

Top 15: The Faber Dozen

1. Explore the Apostle Islands and Bayfield, a scenic area of Lake Superior with 22 islands, historic lighthouses, sea caves, and kayaking opportunities

2. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright sites, such as his home and studio Taliesin in Spring Green, the Monona Terrace in Madison, and the Wingspread in Racine

3. Experience Door County’s cool community, a peninsula with charming towns, orchards, wineries, art galleries, and outdoor activities.

4. Drive the Wisconsin Great River Road, a scenic route along the Mississippi River that passes through historic towns, wildlife refuges, and bluff-top views.

5. Take the kids to the Wisconsin Dells, the water park capital of the world, with over 20 indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as other family attractions including zip-lining, mini-golf, and boat tours.

6. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, a stunning architectural landmark that houses over 25,000 works of art, from ancient to contemporary.

7. Float along Lake Geneva, a resort town with a beautiful lake, elegant mansions, beaches, golf courses, and boat cruises.

8. Wander Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a 16-acre oasis in Madison with themed gardens, a tropical conservatory, and a Thai pavilion.

9. Discover Iconic Milwaukee, a city with a rich brewing heritage, a vibrant cultural scene, and a lively downtown.

10. Enjoy the Cheese Trail, a network of cheese factories, shops, and farms across the state, where you can sample and buy Wisconsin’s famous dairy products.

11. Hike the Wisconsin section of the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile trail that follows the edge of the last glacial period, offering diverse landscapes, wildlife, and geology.

12. Learn about Native American Culture at places like the Indian Mounds Park in Oshkosh, the Ho-Chunk Gaming in Baraboo, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend.

13. Watch a Green Bay Packers game, the legendary NFL team with a loyal fan base, a storied history, and a unique stadium.

14. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, a tribute to the iconic motorcycle brand, with exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Experience the Wisconsin State Fair, a 10-day event in August that features live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and delicious food.

Local Products

Unique Wisconsin Products Take Home

Wisconsin has products and souvenirs for every taste and style.

Homegrown Wisconsin Food and Drink

Nothing shouts “Wisconsin” like cheese. It is the leading cheese producer in the US, making over 3 billion pounds of cheese annually, and has more Master Cheesemakers than any other place in the world. Cheese is a major part of Wisconsin’s culture and history. Dairy farms and cheese factories dot the landscape. People celebrate cheese festivals, visit cheese museums, and hold contests dedicated to cheese all year long. A special cheese gift is the ideal Wisconsin souvenir to share with family and friends.

Sargento is one of the most well known Wisconsin cheese brands. Founded by the children of Italian immigrants, Sargento is the inventor of packaged sliced cheese and the first to use zippered packaging for cheese. They make and sell cheese products such as sliced cheese, shredded cheese, snack cheese, and cheese dips.

Wisconsin sausage culture is a result of the state’s history and diversity, influenced by the traditions and recipes of various European immigrants, especially Germans, who settled in the region in the 19th century. Wisconsin is home to many family-operated meat markets and specialty sausage makers who offer a wide range of products, from bratwurst and kielbasa to trippe and chorizo. Wisconsin sausages are a staple of the state’s cuisine and a source of pride and innovation.

No discussion of Wisconsin products should overlook beer. Milwaukee, affectionately called Brew City, is the hometown of historic brands Miller, Schlitz, Pabst, and Blatz, as well as newer craft labels such as Lakefront, Eagle Park and Leinenkugel’s and Blue Moon. Today there are over 30 craft breweries in the city. Pick up a six-pack to take home for your friends.

Milwaukee may be the beer capital, but it hardly holds a monopoly on Wisconsin beer. Here’s a list of 15 craft breweries from around the state:

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus
Capital Brewery, Middleton
3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Sheboygan
Central Waters Brewing Company, Amherst
Badger State Brewing Company, Green Bay
Lazy Monk Brewing LLC, Eau Claire
MobCraft Brewery and Taproom, Madison
Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, Mount Horeb
Sand Creek Brewing Company, Black River Falls
Tyranena Brewing Company, Lake Mills
One Barrel Brewing Company, Madison
Door County Brewing Company, Baileys Harbor
Lake Louie Brewing, Arena

Wisconsin is Home to Iconic Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a symbol of Wisconsin’s industrial heritage and innovation, as well as a source of pride and identity for many riders and enthusiasts. Founded in Milwaukee in 1903, An interesting anecdote is that Harley-Davidson survived the Great Depression by selling motorcycles to the US Army. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, where you can find a broad selection of souvenirs and themed gifts.

Take Home Johnson Outdoors for the Adventure Enthusiast in Your Life

Johnson Outdoors embraces Wisconsin’s love of nature, supporting the pursuit of outdoor adventures around the state. They produce outdoor equipment such as fishing gear, camping gear, watercraft and marine electronics. Founded by a member of the S.C. Johnson family, famous local industrialists, a gift of Johnson Outdoors products is the ideal memento of fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, boating or skiing in the state.

American Girl Dolls Celebrate Wisconsin History and Culture

American Girl, founded in Middleton, sells dolls and books, as well as clothing, furniture, and accessories for the dolls. American Girl dolls and books feature several characters and stories that are set in Wisconsin, such as Kirsten Larson, a pioneer girl from the 1850s, and Molly McIntire, a girl from the 1940s.

Local Cuisine

Wisconsin is known as “America’s Dairyland” for its rich and diverse cheese production, as well as other dairy products like cheese curds and frozen custard. Cheese curds are bite-sized chunks of fresh cheese that can be eaten plain or fried, while frozen custard is a creamy and smooth ice cream made with eggs. Wisconsin is also famous for its bratwursts, which are German-style sausages that are often boiled in beer and grilled, then served on a bun with sauerkraut, mustard, and onions.

Another staple of Wisconsin cuisine is the fish fry, a tradition that dates back to the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. The fish, usually cod, perch, or walleye, is battered or breaded and deep-fried, then served with coleslaw, rye bread, and tartar sauce. Many restaurants and pubs offer fish fries on Friday nights, often accompanied by live music and dancing. Wisconsin is also known for its butter burgers, which are burgers topped with a generous amount of butter, cheese, and sometimes onions.

Wisconsin has a strong influence from its European immigrants, especially from Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland. Some of the dishes that reflect this heritage are kringle, a flaky pastry filled with fruit or nuts; booyah, a hearty stew made with chicken, beef, and vegetables; and pasties, dough pockets stuffed with meat and potatoes.

Wisconsin also has a vibrant craft beer scene, with many local breweries and pubs offering a variety of styles and flavors. One of the most popular drinks in Wisconsin is the brandy old-fashioned, a cocktail made with brandy, sugar, bitters, and soda.

If you want to try some of these dishes, here are some places we recommend:

– For cheese curds, frozen custard, and butter burgers, you can visit Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Greenfield, which has been serving these specialties since 1950.
– For bratwursts, you can go to The Vanguard in Milwaukee, which offers a wide range of sausages, including beer brats, currywurst, and vegan options.
– For fish fry, you can check out Dorf Haus Supper Club in Sauk City, which has been hosting fish fries since 1959, with live polka music and dancing.
– For kringle, you can stop by Larsen Bakery in Racine, which is the most iconic place to get this pastry in Wisconsin.
– For booyah, you can try The Booyah Shed in Green Bay, which serves this stew in large kettles, along with sandwiches and salads.