Wisconsin is a fabulous vacation destination. It has a huge number of museums, delicious food, and lots of outdoor activities. In fact, we’ve created a Wisconsin bucket list to help make sure you can see and do everything you’d like to while you’re there.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a set of beautiful, rocky, forested islands. Located in the magnificent Lake Superior, these islands are full of magic and mystery, waiting to be explored.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
During the Ice Age, a large portion of North America was covered by a huge glacier, and mammoths and saber-tooth cats roamed the earth. Follow the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to find evidence of this glacier as you trace the glacier’s edge and discover what it left behind.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Another beautiful scenic trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail is a wonderful place to check out the scenery in the region. Discover sparkling lakes and streams, wander through open prairies, and explore historic sites on this trail.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is where the Saint Croix and Namekagon rivers join together. They create 200 miles of cool, clean water that rushes alongside a forested landscape. Whether you choose to boat, fish, or paddle, there is something for you on these beautiful waters.
Explore the Cave of the Mounds
Discovered in 1939, the Cave of the Mounds began forming around 488 million years ago. This amazing cave is often referred to as a “jewel box” thanks to its gorgeous formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws, lily pads, and angled helictites. We love that the cave is accessible to all, meaning that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy its beauty.
Discover the Historic Third Ward
Home to such renowned attractions as the Milwaukee Public Market and Third Ward Riverwalk, the Historic Third Ward is a must-visit spot when in Wisconsin. The district spans 10 square blocks and is conveniently located just south of downtown. Besides the aforementioned attractions, you’ll also find historic homes, art galleries, theaters, boutiques, and eateries in the district.
Check Out the Taliesin Preservation
Originally the home and drafting studio of the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin Preservation is now a museum of sorts. At this attraction, people can learn about the life and times of this extraordinary architect while touring Taliesin, a building of his own creation. It’s a fascinating experience for anyone interested in history or architecture.
Try a Wisconsin Kringle
The official state pastry, the Wisconsin Kringle is a delicious, flaky treat that was brought to the US by Scandinavian settlers in the mid-1800s. The Wisconsin version is traditionally oval-shaped and filled with various fruits and nuts, then topped with icing. It’s delicious and well worth trying.
Stroll Bookworm Gardens
Perfect for book-loving kiddos, Bookworm Gardens is a 35-acre garden in Sheboygan that features beautifully manicured plants and references to over 60 well-known children’s books. Wander the gardens, learn about crops and flowers, stop with a good book in a reading nook, dig in the worm bin, and more in this lovely and fun spot.
Visit the Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Dells is a vacation area named after the Dells of the Wisconsin River – sandstone rock formations carved by glaciers that are worth a visit. Along with seeing these stunning rocks, head to town for a number of waterparks (it’s known as the Waterpark Capital of the World), go-karts, zip lines, roller coasters, and more entertainment and fun.
Experience the Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a super cool museum with over 450 motorcycles on display. Additionally, the attraction features exhibits about racing, the design of motorcycles, and more.
Wander the EAA AirVenture Museum
Airplane lovers of all ages will appreciate the EAA AirVenture Museum. This awesome facility features 200 different aircraft from different time periods, interactive kids exhibits, and a unique “living history” re-creation of airports from the old days. Additionally, you’ll find an entire hangar devoted to educating the public on aviation during World War II.
Catch a Show at Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Check out the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in the Lake Geneva area. This hour-long show is full of illusions and entertainment. Because the auditorium is small, every audience member gets to be up close to the action, and a large screen helps ensure everyone can see everything that is happening.
Enjoy a Scoop of Frozen Custard
If you’ve never tried frozen custard, Wisconsin is the place to try it out. This state is considered the home of frozen custard, and there are places to pick up a scoop or two everywhere you turn. You’re sure to love this rich, velvety smooth frozen treat.
See the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
Many people think of the Green Bay Packers when they think of Wisconsin. If you’re one of them, spend some time learning about the team on your visit. Check out the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the history and players of this beloved team.
Relax at Green Bay Botanical Garden
The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a lovely place, ideal for an afternoon stroll. The 47-acre garden is home to a huge variety of plant and flower species, and the fountains and stone paths make it an especially inviting space.
Get Your Hands Dirty at Farm Wisconsin
Learn all about farm life at Farm Wisconsin. It’s often referred to as “a living museum of rural America” and features exhibits on all aspects of farm life. Learn about livestock, crops, and much more as you wander the grounds of this unique and memorable museum.
Dive Into the Wisconsin Maritime Museum
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum features a huge collection of artifacts from the seafaring history of the United States. Explore a World War II submarine, wander the galleries, and have a wonderful time learning about maritime history.
Admire the Art at Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum has been open since 1882. It houses more than 25,000 pieces and is one of the largest museums in the country. Whether you’re looking for artifacts from ancient times or some wonderful modern art, there is something for you at this museum.
Chow Down on a Butter Burger
Another fantastic Wisconsin food, the butter burger is exactly what you’d think: a burger involving butter. While some like the butter cooked into the meat, others prefer to butter their bun and melt a piece of butter on top. Either way, you’ll be left with a delicious entree that you’re sure to enjoy.
Get Outside at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is 700 acres of outdoor fun dedicated to educating visitors on nature and wildlife. Here you can get close to animals during educational programs, walk six miles of nature trails, and even enjoy catch-and-release fishing.
Be Awed at Pabst Mansion
Home of Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of Pabst Brewing Company, Pabst Mansion is well worth a visit. This large Flemish Renaissance Revival-style mansion was built in 1892 and was home to the Pabst family until 1908. After that, the mansion was home to several archbishops until 1978. Today, it serves as a peek into the past, offering tours to curious guests all year round.
Time Travel at Old World Wisconsin
Visit Old World Wisconsin to experience what life would have been like in the past. This living history museum allows guests to step back to the late 1800s and get a feel for what life might have been like for the immigrants who settled the Midwest during this time. Visit the blacksmith, shop the general store, work on the farm, and sit in a one-room schoolhouse at this awesome place.
Munch on Some Cheese Curds
Most people know that Wisconsin is the place to go for cheese. One of our favorite ways to enjoy Wisconsin cheese is in the form of cheese curds — little curds of squeaky cheese, breaded and deep fried. These can be found at a huge number of area restaurants and are another must-have food while in the state.
Chug Over to the National Railroad Museum
The National Railroad Museum to their bucket list. This is one of the oldest museums of its kind, and is dedicated to educating the public about railroad history in the US. See old locomotives, admire railroad artifacts, take a train ride, and more at this awesome attraction.
Appreciate Plants at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is often referred to as “the Domes.” This is because the conservatory is set in three large domes, each with its own theme. The Show Dome features seasonal garden shows. The Tropical Dome gives guests a chance to admire over 1,000 tropical plant species. Finally, the Desert Dome is home to desert plants such as cacti.
Find Magic at Circus World
A colorful, fun attraction that the whole family is sure to enjoy, Circus World is both an entertainment facility as well as an educational attraction. Here, circus performances happen on a daily basis, giving guests a chance to experience the magic of the circus. When you’re finished enjoying the show, be sure to stop by the circus museum, where you can learn all about the circus.
Wisconsin is a great place to visit, and you aren’t likely to get bored in the state. That said, you might feel a bit overwhelmed trying to hop from one area to another in order to see and do everything. Staying in an RV can help. You can have the freedom to move about easily and still sleep comfortably in your own bed each night.
If you don’t have an RV, you can check out RVshare’s Wisconsin RV rentals. Browse through them, and find one that suits your needs.
