Known as the ‘Badger State’ or ‘America’s Dairyland’, Wisconsin abounds in historic cities, natural parks, and cultural attractions. Bordering Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, the expansive state offers plenty to see and do.
If you’re trying to pick your ideal holiday destination in Wisconsin, we here at City Tours MKE are happy to help out. As a team of Wisconsin locals, we have first-hand knowledge of our home state. The best placesto vacation in Wisconsin = depends on what you want to experience, and there’s no shortage of opportunities.
Read our blog for ideas or get in touch with us to find out more about our Milwaukee tours.
Visit Milwaukee for a taste of culture
It comes as no surprise that Milwaukee is one of the best destinations in Wisconsin. Founded in the 1840s, today it’s the largest city in the state, home to iconic art, historic breweries, and the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Explore the Milwaukee Art Museum, which features over 30,000 works of art across three brilliantly designed buildings. If this isn’t enough to sate your taste for culture, you can also check out Milwaukee’s Outdoor Art Collection.
Visiting Milwaukee is sure to wet your whistle, as beer is one of its most famous exports. The city made its name as a great beer city thanks to the breweries that got their start here, such as Miller. To find out more about the city’s brewing culture, read our blog, Exploring Milwaukee’s Breweries: A Beer Lover’s Guide. Better yet, you can join us on a comprehensive Milwaukee Brewery Tour when you visit!
Milwaukee is also the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, welcoming motorbike enthusiasts from far and wide to its museum featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
There’s no mention of Milkwaukee without Summerfest. One of the largest music festivals in the world, Summerfest has been held in Milwaukee since the 1960s, and continues to feature some of the biggest names in America. Plan your visit around the next event to be a part of music history!
Enjoy fascinating history in Madison
Lying between the lakes of Mendota and Monona, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin. Here, you’ll enjoy a mix of urban living and natural excursions, stepping from the bustling city streets to go boating on the water.
One of the highlights of Madison is the Wisconsin State Capitol, the tallest building in the city and the state’s seat of legislature. You can join a free tour of the Capitol every day to admire its beautiful design and learn more about its history.
If you’re looking for outdoor experiences, you can go walking or cycling along the Capital City State Trail, which spans 17 miles. Along the way, you may pass the Monona Terrace, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright – a Wisconsin native! Don’t miss the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a 16-acre oasis of green in the city. For a family-friendly excursion, make sure to visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, with animals from lions to lemurs. You can even explore the zoo for free!
Splash around at the waterparks of Wisconsin Dells
Dive into fun in Wisconsin Dells, the “Waterpark Capital of the World”. Home to over 20 different waterparks, Wisconsin Dells is the place to be for families and thrill seekers. Go for a splash at Noah’s Ark, America’s largest outdoor waterpark, or slip and slide at the indoor Kalahari Resorts, no matter the weather.
Wisconsin Dells is not just known for its waterparks. It’s a prime location for outdoor experiences, with plenty of campsites to choose from and opportunities to go boating on the Wisconsin River.
You may even take a horse-drawn carriage through a scenic gorge, or feed and interact with the deers at Wisconsin Deer Park. To see even more of Wisconsin, you can travel on a restored locomotive along the Mid-Continent Railway.
Go on an adventure in Door County
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Door County is your gateway to adventure. Home to numerous state and county parks, you can hike, bike, and paddle to your heart’s content.
Practice your swing at the 18-hole golf course at Peninsula State Park while overlooking the lake, or go kayaking or scuba diving at Cave Point County Park, one of the most scenic sections of Door County. If you just want to relax, you can rest along the 300-mile stretch of shoreline.
For an excursion into history, Door County is home to 11 lighthouses, including the Cana Island Lighthouse, which has stood over Lake Michigan since 1869. You can climb the 97 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Door County. Make sure to bring your camera!
Explore the wild side of the Apostle Islands
To fully immerse yourself in Wisconsin’s wilderness, go camping on the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.
With no cars and no roads, you’ll have to make your way to the islands by boat. Kayaking, boating, and scuba diving are some of the most popular activities on the islands, as the shores are dotted with rock formations and caves. Alternatively, explore the islands on foot with a hike and discover the numerous lighthouses.
The Apostle Islands are a haven for wildlife. You can expect to see plenty of birds, from cranes to hawks, as well as black bears, red foxes, and the rare American marten – an endangered species in Wisconsin.
Indulge in the grandeur of Lake Geneva
If you’re looking for something a little less rustic, Lake Geneva offers a combination of thrills and luxury.
Opulent mansions overlook the glistening waters, where you can partake in everything from jet skiing to kayaking. The US Mailboat Tour is a unique way to see the beautiful homes around the lake. Go on a gentle horseback ride through the countryside, or opt for an adrenaline rush with a Lake Geneva zipline tour.
For a bit more leisure, you can soak up the sun on the beaches, visit one of the local spas for a treatment, or indulge in some shopping at the boutiques. Discover Lake Geneva’s history with a visit to the Black Point Estate, the former Victorian home of a beer tycoon, or dine on a delectable meal at the 1885 Baker House.
Whether you’re an adventurer or a history buff, Wisconsin has something for everyone. These are just some of the best places in Wisconsin for a vacation, with so much more to discover.
If you’re planning to visit Milwaukee, feel free to get in touch about our tours and events.