Wisconsin

 

Milwaukee Art Museum (carmen, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Let’s Visit Wisconsin

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Wisconsin.

  1. Wisconsin Dells (Wisconsin Dells): Known as the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells is famous for its numerous indoor and outdoor water parks, scenic boat tours along the Wisconsin River, and unique rock formations. It’s a top destination for family-friendly fun and adventure.
  2. Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee): With its iconic, wing-like structure designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the most visually stunning buildings in the state. It houses over 25,000 works of art, including collections of European, American, and contemporary pieces.
  3. Lambeau Field (Green Bay): Home of the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field is one of the most storied stadiums in the NFL. Football fans flock here for the history, legendary games, and to visit the Packers Hall of Fame and Museum located inside the stadium.
  4. House on the Rock (Spring Green): A quirky and mysterious attraction, House on the Rock is an architectural marvel filled with oddities, including a massive carousel, the world’s largest indoor whale sculpture, and endless collections of strange and fascinating objects. It’s a must-see for those who love the unusual.
  5. Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo): Wisconsin’s largest state park, Devil’s Lake is famous for its breathtaking cliffs, beautiful lake, and miles of hiking trails. The park is a favorite for outdoor activities like rock climbing, swimming, and camping, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  6. Taliesin (Spring Green): The home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin is a masterpiece of architectural design. Visitors can tour the estate and learn about Wright’s innovative ideas and influence on modern architecture.
  7. Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds): Known as the jewel box of America’s caves, Cave of the Mounds is famous for its beautifully colored limestone formations and underground chambers. It’s a designated National Natural Landmark and a popular destination for geology enthusiasts.
  8. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield): Located on Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands are known for their stunning sea caves, pristine beaches, and old-growth forests. Visitors can explore the islands by kayak, hike through the wilderness, and visit historic lighthouses.
  9. Old World Wisconsin (Eagle): This open-air museum brings Wisconsin’s rural history to life with its restored historic buildings, including homes and farms from the 19th century. It offers interactive experiences where visitors can step back in time and learn about pioneer life.
  10. The Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee): A must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Harley-Davidson Museum showcases the history and culture of the iconic American brand. The museum features over 450 motorcycles and exhibits chronicling the evolution of the Harley-Davidson legacy.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Wisconsin.

  1. Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the U.S.: Known as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state. It’s famous for cheese curds, which squeak when you bite into them, a snack that’s unique to the state.
  2. The first-ever ice cream sundae was created in Wisconsin: The town of Two Rivers claims to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, invented in 1881 when a soda fountain owner added chocolate syrup to ice cream.
  3. There’s a house made entirely of glass bottles: In the town of Milton, you’ll find a quirky house made out of over 60,000 glass bottles. This bizarre structure, known as the Bottle House, is a testament to creative recycling.
  4. Wisconsin has a mustard museum: The National Mustard Museum in Middleton holds more than 6,000 types of mustard from all over the world. It’s a strange but beloved attraction for mustard fans and condiment enthusiasts.
  5. Wisconsin Dells has the most water parks in the world: Wisconsin Dells is home to more water parks per capita than any other place on Earth, making it a top destination for those who love water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
  6. There’s a giant pink elephant in Wisconsin: Outside a gas station in DeForest stands a massive pink elephant statue, complete with sunglasses. Known as Pinkie the Elephant, it’s one of the state’s many quirky roadside attractions.
  7. Wisconsin has a UFO capital: The town of Belleville hosts an annual UFO Day festival to celebrate its reputation as a hotspot for UFO sightings. The festival includes a parade, costume contest, and plenty of extraterrestrial-themed fun.
  8. The world’s largest six-pack is in La Crosse: This massive six-pack of beer is actually a set of old brewery storage tanks repainted to look like beer cans. Each “can” holds the equivalent of 7.3 million beers.
  9. Green Bay has more football championships than any other NFL team: The Green Bay Packers have won 13 NFL championships, more than any other team in history, solidifying their place as a powerhouse in American football.
  10. A town holds a festival dedicated to cow chip throwing: Prairie du Sac hosts an annual Cow Chip Throw, where participants compete to see who can toss dried cow patties the farthest.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Wisconsin.

Famous Men

  1. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959): Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects in history. He is known for his innovative designs, including Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, and his influence on modern architecture.
  2. Orson Welles (1915–1985): Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Orson Welles was an influential filmmaker, actor, and writer. He is best known for directing and starring in Citizen Kane, considered one of the greatest films ever made.
  3. Liberace (1919–1987): Born in West Allis, Wisconsin, Liberace was a flamboyant pianist and entertainer who became a cultural icon in the mid-20th century. He was known for his over-the-top performances and glittering costumes.
  4. Gene Wilder (1933–2016): Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gene Wilder was a beloved actor and comedian, famous for his roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles.
  5. J. J. Watt (1989–): Born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, J. J. Watt is a professional football player and one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and known for his philanthropic efforts.

Famous Women

  1. Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957): Born in Pepin, Wisconsin, Laura Ingalls Wilder was a famous author best known for her Little House on the Prairie series, which chronicled her childhood in a pioneer family. Her books became beloved classics.
  2. Golda Meir (1898–1978): Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel in 1969. She was one of the world’s first female heads of state and is remembered for her leadership during key moments in Israeli history.
  3. Charlotte Rae (1926–2018): Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Charlotte Rae was an actress best known for her role as Mrs. Garrett on the TV shows Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. Her career in television and theater spanned decades.
  4. Heather Graham (1970–): Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Heather Graham is an actress and model known for her roles in films like Boogie Nights, Austin Powers, and The Hangover. She has been a prominent figure in Hollywood since the 1990s.
  5. Ellen Corby (1911–1999): Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Ellen Corby was an actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton on the TV show The Waltons, for which she won three Emmy Awards. She had a long career in both film and television.

Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/
Admission to the Union

May 29, 1848 (30th)

State Capital and Government

Wisconsin State Capitol Building in Madison (Lectrician2, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Area and Total Population

Area: 54,157 square miles Total Population: 5,758,000

Major cities and their population

City Population
Milwaukee 561,000
Madison 280,000
Green Bay 106,000
Kenosha 98,000
Racine 77,000
Oshkosh 66,000

Education

Educational Resources

Twinkl. Wisconsin

Fairs and festivals

Flag

Geography

Location

Glimpses Into History

National Landmarks and Historic Sites

Breathtaking Landscapes

Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Wisconsin.

National and State Parks

Sports

Professional Sports Teams

Green Bay

Milwaukee

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams

State Motto

“Forward”

State Nicknames

  • The Badgers State
  • America’s Dairyland

State Symbols

See Wisconsin State Symbols

Seal

License Plate

State Animal

American Badger (Point Reyes, Wikipedia CCA 3.0)

State Bird

American Robin (MDF, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

State Flower

Wood violet (Wikimedia Commons)

Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations

Watch a video

Weather

More Resources For The Best Things To Do

Green Bay

Madison

Milwaukee

Oshkosh

Racine