What makes a place unforgettable? Is it the view from a towering bluff as the sun sets over a vast lake? The taste of something you’ve never tried before—maybe a traditional fish boil, flames shooting sky-high as the meal is prepared? Could it be the eerie, otherworldly beauty of an underground cave, formations growing silently over millions of years?
If you think you know Wisconsin, think again.
This state isn’t just beer, cheese, and football (though, let’s be honest, those are all excellent). It’s 15,000 lakes, rugged cliffs, hidden islands, and quirky roadside wonders. It’s wild forests, glacial-carved landscapes, and towns that feel like something out of a storybook.
Some places demand a visit at least once in your lifetime. Others? You’ll want to go back again and again
1. Door County – 300 Miles of Scenic Shoreline
This peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay is the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
What Makes It Special?
- Cana Island Lighthouse – Accessible by a causeway that floods during high tide, requiring a walk through shallow water. Once inside, climb 97 steps for panoramic lake views.
- Peninsula State Park – Spanning 3,776 acres with 468 campsites, an 18-hole golf course, and the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse from 1868. Sunset views here are unreal.
- Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor – Serving homemade root beer and sundaes since 1906 in Ephraim. Their root beer floats are a must.
- Fish Boils at Pelletier’s – A Door County tradition where fresh-caught whitefish is boiled in an open fire. The flames shoot up as the fish oils ignite, making for a dramatic (and delicious) show.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers endless lake activities, and fall? The entire peninsula glows red and gold.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park – 500-Foot Quartzite Cliffs
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The most visited state park in Wisconsin draws over 3 million people a year, and for good reason. The landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.
What to Do Here?
- East Bluff Trail – 2.4 miles of steep, rocky terrain leading to the famous Balanced Rock formation. Expect a challenging hike, but the view from the top is worth every step.
- Rock Climbing on the Bluffs – Over 1,600 climbing routes, making it one of the best places in the Midwest for climbers.
- Swimming in Devil’s Lake – Unlike many lakes in the region, this one has no rivers flowing in or out, which makes the water crystal clear.
- Ice Age Trail – A portion of this 1,200-mile trail runs through the park, offering stunning glacial landscapes.
In fall, the cliffs are surrounded by fiery autumn leaves, making it one of the best places in the state for photography.
3. Apostle Islands – 21 Islands, Sea Caves, and Lighthouses
Located on Lake Superior, this archipelago of 21 islands is one of the most stunning places in the entire Midwest. It’s also home to the highest concentration of lighthouses in North America.
Top Experiences
- Kayaking Through the Sea Caves – The best way to see these sculpted rock formations is by paddling through them. Meyers Beach is the main launch point.
- Devil’s Island Lighthouse – The 1891 lighthouse is perched on an island with some of the best sea caves in the region. Only accessible by boat.
- Winter Ice Caves – When conditions are just right, Lake Superior freezes, revealing towering ice formations inside the caves. Happens only in particularly cold winters.
- Camping on Stockton Island – Home to the largest population of black bears in the state. Campsites are remote, and the starry night sky here is unforgettable.
Most of the islands are only accessible by kayak or ferry, adding to their untouched, wild feel.
4. Milwaukee – Historic Breweries and Lakefront Culture
@su.savory.bites This month, I explored the lively 📍Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while visiting family. From stunning Lake Michigan views to incredible landmarks, each moment was photo-worthy. Here are some must-visit spots that made my trip unforgettable: 1. Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory @milwaukeedomes 📍 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215 ⏰ Mon 9AM-5PM, Wed-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-4PM ⭐ Reason to visit: Experience a beautiful floral gardens and a lush tropical jungle, arid desert oasis all under one roof. 🎟️ Adults: $9.00 | $8.00 residents 2. Milwaukee Art Museum @milwaukeeart 📍 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202 ⏰ Tues-Wed, Fri-Sun 10AM-5PM, Thurs 10AM-8PM ⭐ Reason to visit: Landmark of Milkwaukee, Unique design. Home to over 25,000 works of art and a stunning architectural landmark with its Burke Brise Soleil. 🎟️ Adults: $27.00 | Seniors & Students: $20.00 3. The Pabst Mansion @pabstmansion 📍 2000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233 ⏰ Mon-Sun 10AM-4PM ⭐ Reason to visit: Discover the grand history of Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of Pabst Brewing Company, inside this beautifully kept mansion. 🎟️ Self-Classic Guide Tour Adults: $17.00 | Seniors & Students: $13.00 4. Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum @villaterracemuseum 📍 2220 N Terrace Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 ⏰ Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM ⭐ Reason to visit: Marvel at the Renaissance architecture and extensive decorative arts collection. 🎟️ Adults: $15.00 | Seniors, Students & Military: $12.00 5. McKinley Marina 📍 1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202 ⏰ Open 24/7 for marina services ⭐ Reason to visit: Best spot to view the entire city of Milwaukee and enjoy waterfront activities. 🎟️ Free Follow @su.savory.bites for more exquisite Milwaukee spots💕 #milwaukeewi #mustvisit #mitchellparkdomes #milwaukeeartmuseum #pabstmansion #villaterrace #mckinleymarina #discovermilwaukee #travelwisconsin ♬ original sound – Su
Milwaukee is where history, beer, and culture collide. Sitting on Lake Michigan, the city has a mix of gritty industrial charm and modern energy.
Where to Go and What to Do
- Harley-Davidson Museum – Over 100 years of motorcycle history, featuring rare models and the actual 1903 Harley-Davidson Serial Number One.
- Lakefront Brewery Tour – Famous for its hilarious, interactive guides. You get four beer samples plus a souvenir pint glass with your ticket.
- Mitchell Park Domes – Three massive glass biodomes housing a desert, a tropical rainforest, and a seasonal floral show.
- Pabst Mansion – The historic home of Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of Pabst Brewing, showcases late 19th-century architecture in all its gilded glory.
- Summerfest – The world’s largest music festival, running for three weekends with over 800 acts on 12 stages.
Milwaukee has more breweries than any other city in the state, so beer lovers won’t run out of things to try.
5. The Wisconsin Dells – Waterparks and Rock Formations
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Dells has more than just wave pools and slides. The landscape features ancient sandstone formations carved by glaciers thousands of years ago.
Must-Do Activities
- Upper Dells Boat Tour – A two-hour ride through sandstone cliffs, including a stop at Witches Gulch—a narrow, moss-covered canyon.
- Noah’s Ark Waterpark – The largest outdoor waterpark in the U.S., covering 70 acres with 51 slides.
- Tommy Bartlett Show – Wisconsin’s iconic water-ski, jet-ski, and stunt show that’s been entertaining visitors since 1952.
- Mirror Lake State Park – Just outside the main Dells area, this park has peaceful kayaking and one of the best stand-up paddleboarding spots in the state.
Families will love it, but even adults can find fun here—especially if they explore beyond the waterparks.
6. Bayfield – The Quaint Town with Big Character
POV: A day trip to Michigan Island with Apostle Island Cruises. Explore historic lighthouses, hike along Lake Superior’s scenic shoreline, and discover the serene sandspit and lagoon. Adventure awaits! 🌊🛳️ #ApostleIslands #BayfieldWI pic.twitter.com/LAktxHwuf9
— Bayfield & the Apostle Islands (@Bayfield_WI) July 17, 2024
A hidden gem on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands.
Top Highlights
- Bayfield Apple Festival – A three-day celebration in October featuring over 50,000 apple pies, fresh cider, and a massive parade.
- Hauser’s Superior View Farm – Pick your own apples with a backdrop of rolling hills and the lake.
- Ferry to Madeline Island – The only Apostle Island that allows cars, home to Big Bay State Park, a 2,350-acre wilderness area.
- Legendary Fish Fry at The Copper Trout – Locally sourced whitefish, fried to perfection.
Even in winter, Bayfield is worth visiting for its cozy, snow-covered atmosphere.
7. Green Bay – Beyond the Packers
Green Bay isn’t just for football fans (though Lambeau Field tours are incredible).
Hidden Gems in Green Bay
- Bay Beach Amusement Park – A historic amusement park with rides that cost less than a dollar each.
- Green Bay Botanical Garden – 47 acres of landscaped gardens, with an incredible holiday lights display in December.
- Neville Public Museum – A mix of history, art, and science exhibits, including artifacts from the region’s Native American tribes.
Green Bay has a lot of character beyond football, and it’s worth exploring.
8. La Crosse – The Best Mississippi River Views in the State
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Tucked along the banks of the Mississippi River, La Crosse offers stunning bluff-top views, a historic downtown, and a lively brewery scene. It’s one of those places where life slows down just enough to really appreciate the scenery.
Must-See Spots in La Crosse
- Grandad Bluff – A 590-foot-high overlook that gives you panoramic views of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. There’s no better place to catch a sunset.
- Riverside Park – Located where the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers meet. Walk the trails, watch steamboats glide by, or hop on a river cruise.
- Pearl Street Brewery – A historic brewery housed in a 100-year-old factory. Their D.T.B. Brown Ale is a local favorite.
- Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe – An ornate Catholic shrine surrounded by peaceful nature trails. Even non-religious visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere.
La Crosse is especially vibrant in fall, when the hills along the Mississippi explode in red, orange, and gold.
9. The House on the Rock – Wisconsin’s Strangest Attraction
There’s nothing quite like The House on the Rock in Spring Green. It’s bizarre, overwhelming, and one of the most unique places in the country—let alone Wisconsin.
What’s Inside?
- The Infinity Room – A 218-foot-long glass hallway that extends out over a cliff, with no visible supports. Walking to the very tip feels surreal.
- The World’s Largest Indoor Carousel – 269 hand-carved animals, over 20,000 lights, and over 180 chandeliers. Not a single horse in sight—just bizarre mythical creatures.
- Automated Music Machines – Entire rooms filled with self-playing orchestras. Some are whimsical, others feel straight out of a horror movie.
- The Heritage of the Sea Room – Home to a 200-foot-long whale battling a giant squid, surrounded by shipwreck relics.
The House on the Rock doesn’t just break the rules of architecture—it throws logic out the window. If you love weird, this is the place for you.
10. Cave of the Mounds – Wisconsin’s Underground Wonderland
Located near Blue Mounds, this National Natural Landmark is a stunning limestone cave system discovered by accident in 1939. The caves are estimated to be over a million years old.
What’s Inside?
- Crystal Formations – Stalactites and stalagmites cover the walls, creating a surreal underground landscape.
- The “Cave Pearl” Pools – Tiny spherical mineral deposits formed by dripping water over thousands of years.
- Colorful Mineral Deposits – Iron, copper, and calcite create streaks of red, orange, blue, and green throughout the cave.
- Guided Tours – The cave stays a constant 50°F year-round, making it a perfect escape from summer heat or winter cold.
Above ground, the surrounding area has hiking trails, butterfly gardens, and fossil-digging activities for kids.