One of the best places to visit in Wisconsin is Door County. Located some 46 miles northeast of Green Bay, this area of outstanding natural beauty lies on a peninsula overlooking Lake Michigan and has become a popular vacation spot for its many charming hotels, as well as its plentiful campsites. Its county seat is Sturgeon Bay, making it one of three Wisconsin counties on Lake Michigan not to have a county seat with the same name. Instead, it is named after the strait between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island.

Additionally, pollution modeling predicts the presence of locally generated air pollution associated with vehicular traffic in the city of Sturgeon Bay. This pleasant rural countryside draws numerous visitors each year for its many outdoor activities. These include fun things to do such as trout fishing, sailing, diving, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking. This is also a great place for kayaking. Some of Wisconsin's best small towns are found in Door County, including picturesque Sturgeon Bay, with its lovely old lighthouse, and Ephraim, with its old harbor and historic buildings. Washington Island is also worth visiting and has the country's oldest Icelandic settlement.

Location: Wisconsin, United States

Area: 2,370 sq mi (6,100 km2)

Website: https://www.doorcounty.com/

Tripadvisor Review: 5/5 (124851 reviews)

Cave Point County Park is perhaps the most iconic natural landscape in all of Door County. Revered by divers, photographers, swimmers, hikers, and all who visit, the beautifully carved rock faces lining the blue waters of Lake Michigan are quintessentially Door County. While not a state or national park, Cave Point has no shortage of majesty. Local county officials preserve the park, offering free admission to the picnic areas, trails, and spectacular views just up the beach from Whitefish Dunes State Park.

At Cave Point centuries of prevailing winds have produced the relentlessly pounding waves that have carved out caves in the limestone bluffs. You can enjoy the wonderful views and watch nature at work from several overlooks - you can explore the 19-acre park on foot along a short half-mile trail or bring a picnic and simply enjoy the view. Sunsets are particularly impressive and photographers will have a marvelous time. Adventurous visitors can go on a guided kayak tour with Door County Kayak Tours to see and explore the caves from the water.

In 1943, the Door County Board of Supervisors took a visionary step in preserving the 19 acres that would become Cave Point County Park. It was the fifth park established in the county and its preservation well preceded the formation of Whitefish Dunes State Park just to the south in 1967. The cavernous stone found at Cave Point has been carved out by centuries of violent waves crashing on the shore and dissolving the limestone cliff faces. Those waves are still crashing today, often reaching heights of more than 30 feet when they meet the immovable rock. Kayakers and scuba divers have the opportunity to see the dozens of underwater caverns that are hidden from view on the land.

Location: 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
Area: 867 acres (351 ha)
Website: https://www.co.door.wi.gov/554/Cave-Point-County-Park

Hour: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tripadvisor Review: 5/5 (1,245 reviews)

While the Badger State is known for many things - it's certainly not short of natural wonders, either. It's especially popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its numerous lovely waterfalls. While some of the most attractive are set in relatively remote locations, many are within easy reach of major urban centers. One of the most popular Wisconsin destinations for waterfalls is Copper Falls State Park.

Just a few minutes drive north of the small town of Mellen, this beautiful park is, in fact, home to no less than three waterfalls. If you visit Wisconsin in the fall, then you should head to Copper Falls State Park to experience amazing foliage. This beautiful park is comprised of gorges, waterfalls, and ancient lava flows. There are many hiking trails for exploring the park and finding wildlife. Some animals that you may spot in the park include black bears, gray wolves, deer, raccoons, and chipmunks. There are also over 200 species of birds seen here throughout the year. Of course, you have to see the titular Copper Falls! If you come in the winter, you can enjoy the cross-country skiing trails.

Location: 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, United States
Area: 3,068 acres (12.42 km2)
Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls
Phone: 715-274-5123
Hour: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tripadvisor Review: 5/5 (270 reviews)

Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s biggest city with nearly 600,000 residents. It is located on Lake Michigan’s southwestern shore and is known for its brewing traditions. Milwaukee boasts many attractions to appeal to tourists such as Pier Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Riverwalk, and Miller Park. Visitors who would rather take a walk on the wild side can see the Harley-Davidson Museum or Milwaukee County Zoo. Tourists can break up their time in the city by visiting the Kettle Moraine State Forest, an enormous park home to the thousand-mile Ice Age Trail.

Milwaukee is full of interesting and educational attractions to keep you busy every hour of the day. You can start off by combining fun and education on a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World, and the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Art lovers can feast their eyes on the wonderful collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the expansive 40-acre Lynden Sculpture Garden before catching a Broadway show at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts or attending the Milwaukee Ballet or the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Anyone interested in motorbikes will not want to miss a tour of the Harley Davidson Museum. The lake breeze is most common between the months of March and July.

Location: Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States

Area: 96.81 sq mi (250.75 km2)

Website: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (3,099 reviews)

Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin and home to around 260,000 people. The city is one of only two in North America that is located on an isthmus. Madison is home to fine dining, theater, and thriving nightlife, as well as five lakes and plenty of bike-friendly areas. Many college students reside in Madison because the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison has the feel of a college town combined with the benefits of a metropolitan area, yet a short drive out of the city gives travelers access to the countryside.

The majestic State Capitol building seems like a fitting place to start your visit to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. The imposing granite structure is boldly situated between two lakes and daily guided tours are available. There is a lengthy list of city attractions you can explore including the State Historical Museum, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chazen Museum of Art, and the hands-on Madison Children’s Museum. The performing arts are thriving in Madison and you can get your fill at the Bartell Theatre or Wisconsin Union Theatre, among others. Other interesting activities to try include campus tours of the University of Wisconsin, visiting Olbrich Botanical Gardens, boating and paddling on the five lakes around the city, and biking the extensive network of cycling trails.

Location: Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Area: 219 km 2 (84.7 mi 2 )

Website: https://www.cityofmadison.com/

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (2,038 reviews)

Wisconsin Dells is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World” and offers a range of attractions and accommodations to meet every waterpark lover’s needs. An explosion of indoor water parks has turned the Dells from a summer hot spot to a year-round destination. There are over 21 water parks, water-skiing thrill shows, and super-minigolf courses. The Dells has two visitor centers that can best assist tourists to plan their vacation.

The city of Wisconsin Dells was founded in 1856 by the Wisconsin Hydraulic Company, a dam-building, and real estate investment business. The town was originally named Kilbourn City for Byron Kilbourn, the president of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company, which was then preparing to build a railroad across the Wisconsin River to connect Milwaukee and La Crosse, Wisconsin. The railroad's route caused great local controversy. Boosters and speculators had anticipated the river crossing two miles downriver, where they had established the town of Newport, Wisconsin, and attracted around 1,500 residents by 1855.

When the railroad instead completed a slightly more northern route in 1857, Newport rapidly turned into a ghost town as its residents relocated to the site of the railroad bridge, bringing many buildings and even a church from the earlier town to reassemble in Kilbourn City. Kilbourn City quickly became a popular travel destination in the Midwest due to the scenery of the Dells of the Wisconsin River and the ready railroad access. In 1856, entrepreneur Leroy Gates began taking tourists on boat tours of the Wisconsin Dells and promoting the town to railroad travelers. These tours were given using wooden rowboats until 1873 when two excursion steamers, the Modocawanda and the Dell Queen launched.

Location: Wisconsin, United States

Area: 8.18 sq mi (21.19 km2)

Website: https://www.wisdells.com/

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (1,437 reviews)

The Geneva Lake Walking Path is a 21-mile (34 km) mix of concrete, limestone, and dirt originally created by Native Americans a century ago. Serious walkers can complete the path in eight hours, but most people require 10 to 14. Some travelers may prefer the lake’s South Side because it allows access to Big Foot Beach State Park, but this side is not as developed as the North Side, which is home to many old mansions.

Visitors desiring a shorter walk can travel a portion of the path. A 6.5-mile section takes people through downtown Lake Geneva and Williams Bay. People choosing this option can drive into Williams Bay and leave their car if they can arrange for a ride back, or tourists can opt for the more unique option and arrange to be picked up by a water taxi from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Each of the estates that border the lake is responsible for maintaining their own strip of the Shore Path which gives the path a unique character – some owners have erected art, some have provided benches and some have water fountains for thirsty walkers. There are several public access points dotted around the circumference of the lake.

Location: Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States
Area: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Lake-Geneva-Shore-Path-408375676211020/

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (758 reviews)

Pattison State Park is home to Big Manitou Falls, a 165-foot-high waterfall, the tallest in the state. Native Americans were said to have believed to hears the Great Spirit’s voice from the falls. The park also has Little Manitou Falls, which is 31 feet high. The state park is located around 13 miles south of Superior in Douglas County. There are many campsites as well as a few nearby motels.

Pattison State Park, established in 1920, spans over 1,430 acres. It is home to Big Manitou Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Pattison State Park is named after Martin Pattison, an early lumberman and miner. In 1879 the company he was working with moved to Superior. After becoming wealthy in the iron mining business, he purchased an entire city block on the harbor where he built the 42-room Martin Pattison House, which is now the Fairlawn Mansion and Museum. In 1917 there was a plan to build a "power dam" on the Black River. If you are planning a special event, like a birthday party or family gathering, there is an enclosed picnic shelter that you can reserve ahead of time. It is more convenient than mere picnic tables that are subject to the weather.

Location: 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, United States

Area: 1,436 acres (5.81 km2)

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=109666352393508

Phone: 715-399-3111

Hour: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (219 reviews)

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a U.S. national lakeshore consisting of 21 islands and a shoreline encompassing 69,372 acres on the northern tip of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its collection of historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, a few old-growth remnant forests, and natural animal habitats. The lakeshore comprises beaches, cliffs, water, and 21 islands. Madeline Island, with commercial establishments in the town of La Pointe, is the only one of the Apostle Islands not included in the national lakeshore, although a portion of the island is protected as Big Bay State Park.

Many people choose to access the islands by kayak but there is a ferry that can take cars to Madeline Island. Stockton Island is home to one of the greatest concentrations of black bears in North America, though bears may be found on just about any of the Apostle Islands. The islands are only accessible by boat and you will find a great many options for enjoying the calm waters of Lake Superior. You can go sailing or island-hopping by boat, stopped here and there to swim or fish in quiet secluded little bays, or get active on the waters in a kayak, canoe, or wind-surfer. There are several guided kayaking tours available including one that will take you inside some of the spectacular Apostle Islands Sea Caves. Back on land, you can enjoy hiking over 50 miles of trails, camping, or going on day trips to neighboring islands.

Location: Ashland County and Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States

Area: 69,372 acres (280.74 km2)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apostleislandsnps

Phone: 715-779-3397
Hour: At all day

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (162 reviews)

High Cliff State Park is a 1,187-acre (480 ha) Wisconsin state park near Sherwood, Wisconsin. It is the only state-owned recreation area located on Lake Winnebago. It is named after the towering limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment which overlooks the park along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, providing hikers with several challenging trails.

The park's location along the shores of Lake Winnebago means that you can participate in many water-related activities which include sailing, wind-surfing, kite-boarding, paddling, swimming, and fishing. The effigy mounds at the top of the escarpment have led to a small part of the park being added to the National Register of Historic Places, listed as High Cliff Mounds. A trail meanders through six long-tailed mounds and several conical mounds. Out of the original 30 effigy mounds in High Cliff, only nine remain, among them a panther mound that reaches 285 feet in length, as well as mounds presenting a bird and one that was most likely a bear. The mounds are consistent with other mound groups found at the peak of the Niagara Escarpment along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, including the Calumet County Park Group.

Location: Calumet, Wisconsin, United States

Area: 1,187 acres (4.80 km2)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofHighCliff

Phone: 920-989-1106

Hour: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

Tripadvisor Review: 4.5/5 (148 reviews)