Wisconsin

Travel Guide North America USA Midwestern United States Wisconsin

Introduction

Day 17 - Wisconsin Farm

When most Americans think Wisconsin they think cheese. The residents of this fine state embrace this by making lactose the state microbe but at the same time there is much more to the state. Unlike most other midwestern states Wisconsin is not flat but has a series of pretty rolling hills across the state. Also there are several lakes dotting the landscape that make great swimming holes in the summer. Along the coastline of the great lakes the stunning land scape is natural and is a protected wilderness area. For people looking for culture, nightlife and sports the cities of Milwaukee and Madison can provide better then most places in the world. So get ready to eat some cheese, dance some polka and drink some beer because Wisconsin is waiting for you.

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Geography

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Cities

Appleton
Eau Claire
Green Bay
Kenosha
Madison, Wisconsin's capital and is home to the University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, the state's largest city and has several great summer festivals.
Oshkosh
Racine
Waukesha
West Allis

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Sights and Activities

Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are a stunning series of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland of protected Lake Superior shoreline. The park is 69,372 acres (281 km²) and has a collection of historic lighthouses, sea caves and even some old growth forests that are extremely rare in the midwest. It is believed that Native Americans inhabited the area for centuries although the French explorer Étienne Brûlé named the islands in the 17th century. You can hike, canoe, sail or cruise to experience this shoreline and area.

Wisconsin Dells

The Wisconsin Dells is an intense regional vacation destination. Starting after World War II people from the surrounding states started to visit the Dells to see the amazing river bluffs abroad old World War II landing craft, known as duck boats. The area has grown into a sort of mega-resort aimed to towards family boasting countless water parks, mini golfs courses, go cart tracks, odd museums, duck boat rides and other family oriented entertainment. Starting in the 90s Indian Casinos were built nearby making the elderly folk in droves for nickel slots. Interestingly though the natural beauty is still there and great hikes and rocking climbing can be found at Devil's Lake.

Other Sights and Activities

Canoeing can be done on the rivers and lakes around the state.
Devil's Lake is home to great hiking and some of the best rock climbing in the midwest.
Hiking can be found throughout the state. Some of the better trails are located in the state and national protected areas.
Hunting and Fishing is an extremely popular activity with locals and for more information check this website: General Mitchell International Airport
Nightlife can be found in cities like Milwaukee and Madison.
Polka Dancing is the state's national dance and is widely practiced.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

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Getting There

By Plane

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is located about 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the central business district of Milwaukee. It mainly serves other US cities, though there are international flights to Toronto and seasonal flights to Cancun.

To/from the airport
Badger Coach has frequent trips between Mitchell Airport, Downtown Milwaukee, Madison, Johnson Creek, and Goerkes Corners. Milwaukee County Transit System Route 80 serves the Airport with a $2.25 fare to anywhere in the county. Amtrak has a station platform 3/4 of a mile from the airport and uses the Wisconsin Coach Lines operates frequently to the two Chicago Airports: O'Hare Airport (ORD), Midway Airport (MDW) and to Waukesha, Milwaukee (Downtown Amtrak/Greyhound Station), Racine, and Kenosha.

By Train

Two trains, operated by Amtrak travel to and from Wisconsin:

The Empire Builder, operated by Amtrak, travels between Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington, stopping en route in a number of places in Wisconsin, including Milwaukee.
The Hiawatha travels between Chicago and Milwaukee, also stopping on the international airport of Milwaukee.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

The SS Badger travels between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin once or twice a day between late May and early October. The trip takes around 4 hours and costs $67 one way, $110 roundtrip for adults.

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Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

Wisconsin has a number of National Scenic Byways which offer a great way to explore the state crossing beautiful landscapes. Mostly, there are lots of national parks, state parks or monuments along the way and it's generally a better alternative than the faster but boring Interstate Highways.

By Bus

By Boat

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Eat

Cheese and Dairy Products dominate the thoughts, minds and beliefs of the residents of Wisconsin.

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Drink

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Sleep

The larger towns have an assortment of the major hotel chains and motels dot the highways. Another popular option is to stay in a Bed and Breakfast. For more information on Bed and Breakfasts in Wisconsin check this website: Motel 6.

Hotel and Motel Chains

There are dozens of hotel and motel chains, ranging from budget to top end. Allthough they are not the most charming accommodations, they usually have a very decent midrange service with good rooms and are generally good value. At least you know what to expect and in some cases they are either the only or the best option in the area. Some of them include: