Known as “The Badger State,” Wisconsin is home to an incredible array of destinations. From world-class breweries to architectural marvels, breathtaking mountain ranges and coastlines to vibrant college towns, and much, much more.

With so many amazing spots to check out, figuring out which places to head to first can be a bit challenging. To help you out, we’ve listed 10 great places to visit in Wisconsin:

 

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore& Lake Superior

 

 

The picturesque Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a wonderland for vacationers and adventurers of all ages, with its serene sandy beaches, enchanting shorelines, historic lighthouses and expansive wilderness areas. Nestled on Lake Superior at the northeastern tip of the majestic Bayfield Peninsula, the coastal park features 21 Apostle Islands and a 12-mile strip of mainland shoreline.

This scenic haven is perfect for activities like hiking, kayaking, sailing, camping, fishing, and more.

 

1. 1. Bayfield Maritime Museum

 

The Bayfield Maritime Museum preserves and showcases rare artifacts of Bayfield’s rich maritime history. Visitors of the museum can learn more about the history of the Great Lakes through exhibits and demonstrations that cover boatbuilding traditions, shipwrecks, sailor crafts, commercial fishing, and more.

The Bayfield Maritime Museum offers free admission and is open from June through mid-September.

 

1. 1. Big Bay State Park

 

Big Bay State Park is an ideal family-friendly destination for outdoor lovers. Located on Madeline Island, the park features a gorgeous 1.5-mile beach, several picnic areas, a campground, a 1.3-mile boardwalk, and over seven miles of hiking trails surrounded by amazing views of Lake Superior.

To get to the park, take a Madeline Island Ferry, which operates regularly between Bayfield and La Pointe.

 

1. 1. Big Top Chautauqua

 

Located around three miles south of Bayfield, Big Top Chautauqua is a 900-seat theatre that hosts electrifying performances from world-class acts every year, including local talents like the Blue Canvas Orchestra and the Big Top Chautauqua house band. The venue presents more than 60 concerts, events and shows annually, from June through September.

 

1. 1. South Shore Brewery

 

South Shore Brewery is considered one of the top craft breweries in Wisconsin, offering a superb selection of quality brews on tap. Established in 1995, the independent brewery is a member of some of Wisconsin’s most prestigious brewing associations including the Wisconsin Brewers Association, Brewers Guild, and the Wisconsin Hops and Barley Co-op.

 

1. 1. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

 

Discover the unique qualities of the region by visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Opened in 1998, the center offers a wide range of exhibits and activities, as well as a variety of programs geared towards kids.

Some of the center’s highlights include a replica of an 18th-century fur trade post, murals depicting life in the Lake Superior region, and a 0.75-mile interpretative boardwalk trail through a sedge meadow, black ash swamp, and cedar and tamarack swamp.

 

1. 1. Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area

 

Spanning roughly 552 acres along Lake Superior, Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area consists of springs, lagoons, and wetlands on a bay nestled between two rocky headlands. The expansive haven is one of the top birding sites in Wisconsin and is home to bald eagles, red-throated loons, and American bitterns, among many other species. The area is open to several activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

 

1. 1. Pike Lake Chain of Lakes

 

Located in the northeast section of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Pike Lake Chain of Lakes consists of four spring-fed lakes, two creeks, and an additional lake accessible through a short portage. Spanning more than 2,000 acres of water, this terrific outdoor paradise offers a myriad of water activities, as well as hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and ATV riding along the many trails meandering through surrounding woodlands.

 

1. 1. Benoit Cheese House

 

Benoit Cheese House is an old-fashioned cheese shop offering some of the finest cheese in Wisconsin. Open since 1973, the store carries over 150 varieties of cheese, from fresh curds to 16-year old cheddar, all freshly cut to order. Locally made items such as specialty meats, syrups, organic oils, candles, soaps, and more are available at the shop as well.

 

1. 1. Historic Third Ward

 

Located in the heart of Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is an eclectic mixed-use neighborhood that boasts gorgeous architecture and a historic ambiance. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, the sprawling district spans approximately ten blocks, and is home to the largest concentration of art galleries in Milwaukee, along with award-winning restaurants, vibrant entertainment and nightlife venues, and unique specialty stores, all within a classic warehouse setting.

If you’re searching for more great places to visit in Wisconsin, talk to us at Windseeker Realty! Call [ai_phone href=”1.715.779.5000″]715-779-5000[/ai_phone], or send an email to [mail_to email=”Agent@WindseekerRealty.com”]Agent@WindseekerRealty.com[/mail_to].

Be sure to check out our other blog articles this month!

For first-time home buyers looking for helpful info on the home buying process, we’ve prepared a list of some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a new home.

For home sellers, we have this handy guide that can show you several staging tips and techniques that will help you sell your home for top dollar.

We also have a helpful article for those looking forward to enjoying a kayaking adventure in Apostle Islands! Find out what you need to bring, what you should avoid, and other information.