Wisconsin, home to Wisconsin River, is a stunning wonderland of natural beauty, plus a treasure trove of big city activities, so you’ll never get bored in this state! Hang out for a week in Wisconsin Dells, satisfying your thrill-junkie heart with some theme and water park rides! Traverse through the wilderness of Door County, kayaking through the wetlands and rivers. Or paint the towns of Madison and Milwaukee, touring their unique historic landmarks and sampling all of their delicious, Midwestern-style food (especially those cheeseburgers)! No matter whether you’re into art and culture, history, or the great outdoors, keep reading below to find countless things to do in Wisconsin, USA.
1. Check out the sights in Milwaukee (from USD 40.0)
Tour some of the most iconic destinations in Milwaukee on this bus tour! With a maximum occupancy of 14 people, you are guaranteed an intimate and personalized experience which takes you not just sight-seeing, but food tasting as well! You will be treated to beer tasting at the Lakefront Brewery and food sampling at the Clock Shadow Creamery. And make sure to pack your camera, for you’ll see, among the stops, City Hall, Pabst Theater, and Black Cat Alley’s stunning murals!
Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour with Brewery Tasting
Duration: 2 hours
2. Enjoy local cuisines with Madison Eats Food Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The neat thing about Madison Eats Food Tours is that they offer a variety of differently themed tours, so you can pick one that best suits your tastebuds! Take an international trip on the “Willy Street Global Eats Food Tour” and sample sweet and spicy Indonesian, Thai, and Ethiopian dishes. For something a little closer to home, “Capitol Square Downtown Tour” lets its guests sample famous, homemade Wisconsin cheese and ice cream! No matter what you’re craving, Madison Eats has scheduled something you’ll enjoy!
Madison Eats Food Tours
Website: Madison Eats Food Tours
Price: 55 - 69 USD
3. Glide through the wetlands on this kayaking tour (from USD 75.0)
Spend a couple hours of your day learning to kayak and then launching off for a tour of the native wetlands of the luscious Door County. This activity is a perfect one for the whole family as the tour includes a brief paddling lesson at the beginning and an in-depth commentary throughout. You’ll learn about the wildlife native to Door County – keep your eyes peeled for swans, blue herons, and bald eagles! And listen as the various trees are identified – white spruce, balsam fir, and black ash – to better understand the complexities of this ecosystem!
Door County Wetlands Kayak Tour
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
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4. Take a tour inside the Cave of the Mounds
The stunning Cave of Mounds is truly a wonder to behold and it has been titled “the jewel box of America’s show caves,” making it a natural landmark that the whole family will enjoy! Located in southern Wisconsin about 20 minutes west of Madison, you can easily take one of the daily departing tours to see the colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and other naturally occurring formations. Gaze into the underground pools and walk along the glowing pathways for a truly immersive expedition which is bound to excite your little spelunkers!
Cave of the Mounds
Address: 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
Website: Cave of the Mounds
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 18.95 USD
5. Check out the classic motorcycles at The Harley-Davidson Museum
Gentlemen, start your engines, for this gasoline-fueled tour is truly a thrilling drive through motorcycling history. Walk the halls and learn all about the makes and models and the stories contributing to the fame of Harley-Davidson’s Motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson Museum offers something for everyone, from motorcycles riders to by-standing enthusiasts, by allowing guests to choose from an assortment of tours. You can pick from self-guided tours to an immersive, all-day behind-the-scenes experience to get the absolute most out of your time! And be sure to pop into the gift shop at the end of the day to memorialize your visit!
The Harley-Davidson Museum
Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Website: The Harley-Davidson Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 22 USD
6. Sleep under the stars at Interstate State Park
Located way on the west side of Wisconsin along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Interstate State Park proudly holds the title of Wisconsin’s oldest state park. With the river flowing right nearby and the dramatic scenery of Dalles of St. Croix gorge, it provides a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor activity, whether you stay for a long time or a short, sweet good time! Camp out for the evening on your reserved camping spot and spend your day hiking trails, river boating, or hammocking beneath the trees. Interstate State Park provides a much-needed escape from the hustle of city life!
Interstate State Park
Address: WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
Website: Interstate State Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Varies by campsite
7. Root for your favorite team at Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers NFL football team, is a must-visit for enthusiastic football or sports fans. Before you catch a game, however, make sure you set aside plenty of time to explore the Lambeau Field Atrium, home to the impressive Packers Hall of Fame, as well as 1919 Kitchen and Tap, a delicious restaurant some classy appetizers and local beers before kickoff. And for the number one fans out there, schedule a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium so that you can walk through the famous tunnel onto the field in the footsteps of greatness!
Lambeau Field
Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304
Website: Lambeau Field
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm
8. Pay a visit to Historic Cedarburg
Cedarburg rests 20 miles (32 km) north of Milwaukee and continues to enchant guests with its beautifully maintained historic buildings, magical streets and walkways, and quaint shops and eateries. Set aside time to stroll in Washington Avenue, window shopping at the countless specialty shops scattered about. Grab a coffee at Fiddleheads Espresso Bar and Café, and maybe set aside time for dinner at one of the local restaurants!
Cedarburg
Website: Cedarburg
9. Visit Land o' Lakes for some small town vibes
The charming town of Land o’ Lakes is everything you would expect in a little midwestern town with its surroundings of natural beauty. Appropriately named, this town is situated right near Lake Superior on the border of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Not surprisingly, fishing abounds in this lake town, as does hiking, biking, and even snowmobiling during the winter months on the many miles of trails in the surrounding area!
Land o' Lakes
Website: Land o’ Lakes
10. See naturally occurring fossils on the stones at Wisconsin State Capitol
Because the Wisconsin State Capitol building was designed using stones and materials from all over the world, if you look closely, you can see the Jurassic history etched in the steps and walls. Numerous fossils can be found in the architecture, such as a starfish on one of the steps of the staircase, and other gastropods scattered about. Take a tour of the Capitol Building and see how many other naturally occurring gems you can find!
Wisconsin State Capitol
Address: 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 4pm; Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
11. Enjoy hiking with friends along the Ice Age Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Ice Age Trail is 1000 miles (1609 km) of wooded footpath created organically by the glacial carving of the land during prehistoric years. Once the glacier melted thousands of years ago, the beautiful landscape, which now characterizes much of Wisconsin, was unveiled. The Ice Age Trail has long been a means for people to disconnect from the noises of the world and reconnect with themselves in the peaceful, and sometimes challenging environment of the woods. Take your hiking boots or your snowshoes and venture out to find the peace that only the woods can offer and get lost for a couple of blissful hours among the trees.
Ice Age Trail
Address: Eagle, WI 53119
Website: Ice Age Trail
Opening hours: 5am - 8pm (daily)
12. Explore the beautiful flora and fauna at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
There are two sections of flowery beauty in the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Traverse through the 16 acres of the outdoor garden and see the landscapes and Midwestern plants which grow native in Wisconsin. Then, wander inside to the Bolz Conservatory where you’ll immediately be transported to the tropics – the conservatory is covered ceiling to floor in exotic plants, vibrant flowers and orchids, and resident birds. Olbrich is always hosting an entertaining or educational event, so be sure to check the website before you go for the schedule!
If you can’t get enough of botanical gardens, visit Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee and Green Bay Botanical Garden in Green Bay too.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Address: 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Website: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 0 - 2 USD
13. Escape with the kids to the magical world of Bookworm Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bookworm Gardens is the perfect place to take the kids for some educational, outdoor entertainment! As it is a literary botanic garden, the children will recognize many different artifacts and themes from their favorite books. Located in Sheboygan, one hour south of Green Bay, one hour north of Milwaukee, Bookworms is an ideal place for a little summer day trip to give your kids a trip that educates both on nature and literature, to spark in them the love of caring for their planet!
Bookworm Gardens
Address: 1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081
Website: Bookworm Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 5 USD
14. Take a train ride at the National Railroad Museum
No matter if you’re a railroad enthusiast, a three-year-old obsessed with trains, or a sibling just along for the ride, the National Railroad Museum is sure to enchant everyone who stops by. Learn about the history of railroad building and the importance of the very first, groundbreaking railroad which stretched from coast to coast. Explore the hundreds of varieties of locomotives, plus get an insider’s look at all kinds of cars, from sleeping cars to dining cars to engine cars! And don’t miss out on the free train ride which offers an interactive experience of the museum!
National Railroad Museum
Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Website: National Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: 10 USD
15. Watch a magic show at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Awesome crowds this summer! #lakegenevamagic #lakegenevawi
Posted by Tristan Crist Magic Theatre on Thursday, 1 August 2019
Illusionist Tristan Crist puts on quite the magical experience at his Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva. People from all over rave about his incredible ability to levitate objects, cut people in half, and make helicopters appear onstage! This is one that the whole family can enjoy and probably will want to attend over and over as there’s always something new in-store. And, if you’re so lucky, you might even be called up on stage to help with a reality-defying trick!
Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Address: 100 N Edwards Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website: Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Price: 35 USD
16. Climb up the historic lighthouses at Apostle Islands
Visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and explore the collection of 21 different islands, spending a day island hopping to see all the natural wonders each one holds! On your voyage, be sure to stop at the seven lighthouses scattered about on the islands! From boating to water skiing to hiking to camping, there is so much to do in this incredibly stunning area!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Address: 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
Website: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
17. Feed farm animals at The Farm
Located in Door County of Sturgeon Bay, The Farm is everything you would expect it to be with such a quaint little name! Come into the world of Old McDonald and spend a day milking cows, snuggling kittens, roaming with sheep, and tending to the garden! Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day watching the kids get in touch with the farming lifestyle of Wisconsin, as well as making all kinds of four-legged friends!
The Farm
Address: 4285 WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Website: The Farm
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8.50 USD
18. Check out the experimental and historic aircraft at EAA AirVenture Museum
Everyone’s Aviation Association, or EAA, is located in Oshkosh and it annually throws a huge aviation festival where guests from all over come and support pilots and the art of aviation. Held at the end of July, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an experience where everyone can come and meet pilots, talk about their dreams of aviation, swap important and inspiring stories, climb into select cockpits to learn more, and watch mouth-dropping airshows! Be sure to check the website’s calendar and then mark your own to attend!
EAA AirVenture Museum
Address: 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Website: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Price: 19 - 125 USD
19. Watch a classic Broadway performance at the Palace Theater in the Dells
Our guests were up and dancing along during today’s performance of Mamma Mia! Get your tickets now for the summer ? To order go to dellspalace.com or call 608-253-5000 #dellspalace #mammamia
Posted by The Palace Theater on Wednesday, 5 June 2019
Performing up to seven shows each season, the Palace Theater in the Dells is a theatre experience you’ll want to bring the whole family to! Including dinner and a show, a dinner theatre is a unique event where guests are treated to a lovely meal and then entertained with the high caliber musical of the evening (check the website for changing performance titles). So book your table, pull out your favorite evening suit or dress, and enjoy this seriously classy evening!
Palace Theater in the Dells
Address: 564 Wisconsin Dells Parkway S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Website: Palace Theater in the Dells
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 8pm; Tue: 9am - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
Price: 22 - 72.95 USD
20. Browse the collection of American decorative arts at Milwaukee Art Museum
With exhibits constantly changing to keep up with modern and contemporary trends, the Milwaukee Art Museum is one you can attend again and again for a different experience each time. Explore the uniquely new pieces and wonder at the statements that the artist makes; walk through the galleries of photographs and see the world through new eyes; or slip back in time and learn about the early painting techniques which continue to influence that which is created today.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website: Milwaukee Art Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 19 USD
21. Have burgers at Culver's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you don't wanna bite into this tender, juicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich right now, that's a you thing.
Posted by Culver's on Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Culver’s is guaranteed to become your new favorite burger joint with their signature ButterBurgers, crinkle-cut fries, and mouth-watering Concrete Mixers made from their Fresh Frozen Custard and mix-ins of your choosing! Although the restaurant is now a cult favorite all over the midwestern United States, the very first Culver’s was opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin – so, of course, you have to make sure you visit the original to see where it all started!
Culver's
Address: 716 Phillips Blvd, Sauk City, WI 53583
Website: Culver’s
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
22. Visit the prairie-style houses and buildings built by Frank Lloyd Wright
BIG NEWS FROM FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S BURNHAM BLOCK! We are thrilled to announce our purchase of the duplex at 2728-30 West...
Posted by Wright In Milwaukee on Saturday, 26 January 2019
Frank Lloyd Wright’s mission of over seven decades was to create masterpiece homes for the middle and low-income classes of America who would otherwise never be able to afford such beautiful living spaces. Located on the Burnham Block in Milwaukee are some such homes, including the restored Model B1. Guests can take a tour of the house, led by highly knowledgable docents, and learn more about the peace and harmony Wright tried to and succeeded in capturing in his architecture.
Wright in Milwaukee
Address: 2714 West Burnham, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215 USA
Website: Wright in Milwaukee
Opening hours: 12pm - 2:30pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
23. Enjoy drinks at Anchor Bar & Grill
Posted by Jennifer Zastrow Kuechle on Saturday, 10 August 2019
As featured on Food Network, Anchor Bar & Grill is absolutely worth the hype. Located in Superior, guests come from near and far to get a taste of their juicy burgers covered in mouth-watering toppings and served with crisp fries. With menu prices averaging at 6 USD, there’s nothing stopping you from coming in, taking a seat under the nautical memorabilia strapped to the ceiling, and diving into one of the best burgers in the state of Wisconsin!
Anchor Bar & Grill
Address: 413 Tower Ave, Superior, WI 54880
Website: Anchor Bar & Grill
Opening hours: 11am - 2pm (daily)
24. Go boating or fishing at Minocqua Lake
You could spend an entire day exploring the waters of the 1,339-acre (542-hectare) Minocqua Lake. Whether you like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or tubing behind the speed boat, Minocqua Lake is the place for you! There are countless boat docks to launch out into the waters, and for the fishermen of the crew, the lakes teem with large and smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike, to name a few. Bring your catch home for a tasty, freshly caught dinner!
Minocqua Lake
Address: Oneida County, Wisconsin
Website: Minocqua Lake
25. Relax and rejuvenate yourself at Sundara Inn & Spa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Take a weekend for yourself at the luxurious Sundara Inn & Spa. Their theme is “energizing the soul,” promising good care of not only your body but your spirit as well. Get some of that zen with a cleansing river stone facial; take care of your muscles with a signature body polish and massage to fully hydrate some tired skin, or opt for one of the six spa packages so you can feel all kinds of pampered and rejuvenated from your time at Sundara.
Sundara Inn & Spa
Address: 920 Canyon Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Website: Sundara Inn & Spa
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
26. Have the summer of a lifetime at Wisconsin Dells
Known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is the perfect place to take the family for summer vacation. From water parks to amusement parks to theaters and festivals, plus countless dining options, Wisconsin Dells has everything you need to have the summer of your life! Top attractions include Chula Vista Resort Waterparks, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, and Noah’s Ark Water Park (5th largest waterpark in the U.S.)! So pack your swimsuits, explore the lazy rivers, because this is sure to be a watery blast!
Wisconsin Dells
Address: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
Website: Wisconsin Dells
27. Play a round of golf at Whistling Straits Golf Course
Our own little slice of the Irish countryside. ?? #WhistlingStraits
Posted by Whistling Straits & Blackwolf Run on Friday, 26 July 2019
The luscious Whistling Straits Golf Course entices golfers from all over the world to try out the challenging courses. Pick between The Straits and The Irish courses, both quite different in their landscapes of varied sand dunes and grassy terrains. Situated right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, working your way through these courses and then relaxing at one of the many top-quality restaurants at the end is an ideal way to spend a day. So, plan to visit Whistling Straits Golf Course and prepare for a fun-filled experience.
Whistling Straits Golf Course
Address: N8501 Lakeshore Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53083
Website: Whistling Straits Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
28. Enjoy hiking in the state parks in Door County
Located on a peninsula snuggled between the waters Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County has over a dozen state parks through which you can wander and even get blissfully lost if you so chose. Peninsula State Park offers the luxury of golfing as well as the adventure of camping. Newport State Park offers its guests the chance to do some off-road biking. And Cave Point County Park thrills its guests with underwater caves and limestone cliffs. With so many incredible options, you’ll want to visit them all!
Door County State Parks
Address: Wisconsin
Website: Door County
29. Browse the designer outlet stores at Outlets at The Dells
Calling all bargain shoppers! The Outlets at The Dells is the place to go if you love the brand names but don’t want to swing those prices! Shop through dozens of your favorite brands at your new favorite prices. Get ready for your outdoor adventures with the Eddie Bauer and Columbia factory stores; stock up for the kids at the Children’s Place; outfit the whole family at the Levi’s factory store! And do it all without breaking the bank!
Outlets at The Dells
Address: 210 N Gasser Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
Website: Outlets at The Dells
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
30. Create your own tour on this hop-on hop-off bus (from USD 35.0)
This fully narrated bus tour of Milwaukee allows you to spend as much (or as little) time as you want, seeing the sights of the city. Departing from 11 different locations, you can pick and choose which of the sites you want to see – whether it be the Harley Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, The Pfister Hotel, or all three! And while visiting these locations, there’s no worry about missing the bus’s departure time. If you’re enjoying the stop, stay a while and just wait for the next tour! No matter if you choose to participate for 60 minutes or 6 hours, you’re sure to gain some new trivia about Milwaukee!
Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Duration: 1 hour
A great state to explore for locals and visitors alike
Delicious food, inspiring landscapes, and unique history are just some of the things which make Wisconsin so exciting to visit! Whether you’re a seasoned local looking for something new to do or visit from out of town with a thirst to explore the area, Wisconsin will not leave you wanting for entertainment!
Don’t want to cut your trip short? Some more attractions in Wisconsin that are worth visiting include Bradford Beach in Milwaukee, Devil’s Lake State Park and Circus World Museum in Baraboo, and Witches Gulch in Wisconsin Dells, among many others.
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