Wisconsin’s communities consistently rank among the best places to live in the United States. The quality of life and friendliness of the residents are second to none.

Those who live here enjoy:

• Low cost of living
• Low unemployment
• A robust economy and vibrant business climate
• An exciting job market
• A diverse housing market
• Excellent schools
• Low crime rates
• A clean and peaceful environment
• Year-round cultural, sports, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities

Hobbies

Sports

Wisconsin is home to the following professional sports teams:

• Green Bay Packers
• Green Bay Blizzard
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Beloit Snappers
• Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Milwaukee Admirals

Football, baseball, basketball, and hockey are among the most popular sports in the state.

It is also home to world-class sports and entertainment venues such as:

• Kohl Center
• Fiserv Forum
• Camp Randall Stadium
• Wisconsin Field House
• OW Kolf Sports Center

Art and Culture

WI is known for its unique brand of folk and metal art. However, the art economy is diversifying at a dizzying speed, with a growing selection of museums, galleries, symphonies, design companies, and festivals, attracting talent from all over the nation.

Highlights include:

• Milwaukee Museum of Art
• Museum of Wisconsin Art
• Gallery of Wisconsin Art
• A World of Accordions Museum
• The Paine Art Center and Gardens
• Wisconsin Philharmonic
• Madison Symphony Orchestra
• American Players Theatre
• Al. Ringling Theatre
• 1800 Theatre
• Attic Chamber Theatre
• American Family Insurance Family Theater

Don’t miss these art and cultural festivals:

• Lakefront Festival of Arts
• Art Fair on the Square
• Bayfield Festival of Arts
• Venetian Festival Arts & Crafts Fair
• Great River Folk Festival
• Milwaukee Summerfest
• Mile of Music
• EauxClaires Fest

Outdoor Recreation

WI is famous for its Apostle Islands kayaking trips, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year. Indeed, the state offers countless opportunities for water sports, with two Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes within its boundaries. Boating, fishing, swimming, paddle boating, and jet skiing are popular pastimes.

There’s plenty to do on land as well – there are world-class golf courses and millions of acres of public hunting land, with a robust population of white-tailed deer.

Food and Dining

A renowned agricultural hub, Wisconsin residents enjoy a bountiful supply of fresh, locally grown produce. There are some 68,700 working farms throughout the state, and popular commodities include corn, potatoes, soybeans, and cranberries. The Badger State is also the 4th largest producer of cherries in the nation.

As the Dairy Capital of the United States, it produces a quality selection of milk and cheese. Popular cheese variants include mozzarella and authentic Colby.

Farmers markets help bring these goods to communities. Popular farmers markets include:

• Milwaukee Farmers Market
• Dane County Farmers Market
• Northside Farmers Market
• Local Farmers Markets – contact your agent to find out where and when!

Wisconsin’s must-try delicacies include:

• Fish fry
• Cheese curds
• Beer brats (slow-cooked bratwurst marinated in onions, beer, and chili flakes)
• Old-fashioned brandy

Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, casual fare, and mom-and-pop restaurants. Farm-to-table dining rules the restaurant scene, with Wisconsinites taking pride in locally sourced ingredients like seasonal produce, handmade salami, house-cured meats, and more.

The craft beer scene is no less remarkable, with a variety of breweries and craft beers to choose from.

Shopping

WI brings you modern malls, charming boutiques, book stores, and antique shops. Shop your favorite brands and hunt for bargains at these retail hotspots:

• Historic Third Ward. A renowned art and fashion district, this retail strip features an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques selling jewelry, chocolates, and outdoor gear.
• Green Lake Country. Here you’ll find shops with a curated selection of goods ranging from eco-friendly, fair trade home décor to artisanal sweets like flavored popcorn.
• Monroe Street. Known for a wide selection of specialty stores, Monroe Street is the place to find one-of-a-kind items, with retailers selling organic clothing, home brewing equipment, and Native American art and clothing.
• River District. Located along scenic Wisconsin River, this retail strip features art studios, clothing stores, flower shops, and restaurants.
• Bay Park Square. Shop your favorite brands and catch the latest box office hits in this mall.
• Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Find incredible bargains at this outlet, which carry designer brands at discounted prices.

Lifestyle

Cost of Living

According to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), the cost of living in Wisconsin is 6.5% lower than the national average. Its rankings include:

• 7th best state to raise a family
• 5th best state for women
• 3rd best state for overall quality of life

It has low state and local taxes, and movie theater prices are among the cheapest in the country.

Wisconsin is one of the most affordable states for renters, with the monthly median rent hovering below $1,000. Cities like Madison are expanding affordable housing, with as many as 1,600 households being paid for by Section 8.

Healthcare

In 2018, WalletHub ranked Wisconsin among the best states in the nation for health care outcomes .The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranked the state fourth for overall healthcare quality in 2018.

Reputable hospitals and clinics work that round the clock include:

• University of Wisconsin (UW) Hospitals
• Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Bellin Memorial Hospital
• Mayo Clinic Eau Claire
• Aspirus Wasau Hospital

The state’s health officials are dedicated to getting more individuals vaccinated against the flu and to minimizing opioid overdoses.

Education

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System is comprised of 13 two-year campuses and 13 four-year universities. It is among the largest public higher education systems in the nation, serving over 170,000 students and employing roughly 39,000 staff and faculty. Half of all state workers are employed under the UW System.

It is also celebrated as one of the finest research institutions in the US.

The K-12 and higher education landscape is shaped by innovation and technology, with schools districts being given the opportunity to become Innovation Districts.

Innovation Districts can get exemptions from administrative rules or state law in order to implement original or groundbreaking practices and reduce barriers to learning.

Real Estate

The WI housing market has tightened over the last few years, with limited inventory driving home sales. The most common housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.

The most coveted waterfront properties are located in areas like Lake Superior. Energy efficient earth-sheltered and berm homes have been recently introduced to the market.

Prevalent architectural styles include:

• Greek Revival
• Gothic Revival
• Queen Anne Revival
• Shingle
• Bungalow
• English Tudor
• Georgian
• Mediterranean

Explore Wisconsin’s diverse real estate market. You can reach Windseeker Realty by calling 715.779.5000 or sending an email to Agent@WindseekerRealty.com

Attractions

From gleaming lakes to ski resorts, there is no shortage of must-see attractions throughout WI, including:

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Bayfield. Situated on scenic Lake Superior, just beyond Bayfield, this archipelago is known for its hiking trails, ancient lighthouses, and the famous sea caves.
• Big Top Chautauqua. Bayfield is more than just your gateway to the Apostle Islands. It is a destination in its own right, with attractions like the Big Top Chautauqua tent. This 900-seat live music and performance art venue has hosted musical acts like Willie Nelson.
• Harley Davidson Museum and Factory. Located in Milwaukee, it features interactive exhibits celebrating the history and innovation of the Harley Davidson brand. The movie room lets you go on a ride along the roads and farmlands of the Midwest on one of nine motorcycles.
• Cave of the Mounds. This National Natural Landmark is known for its surreal crystal formations. Just above the cave you’ll find exquisite gardens and walking trails.
• Interstate State Park. The oldest state park in WI is situated across St. Croix River, offering hiking opportunities along glacial potholes. There is a placid lake you can swim in and a heron rookery for bird watching.
• Alpine Valley Resort. The resort offers 120 plush suites at the base of a ski hill. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, arcade-style game room, and an on-site restaurant. Guests can go downhill skiing with professional guidance.

Related reading on Wisconsin attractions

Windseeker Realty strives to be your one-stop source for all things Wisconsin.

Learn more about the unique WI lifestyle here:

• Go on an Apostle Islands kayaking adventure

Windseeker Realty helps you live your best life along Lake Superior on the Bayfield Peninsula and in other Wisconsin communities.

As a licensed WI real estate entity, we offer superior brokerage and property management services in Wisconsin’s most in-demand communities along Lake Superior.

Call us at 715.779.5000 or send an email to Agent@WindseekerRealty.com for the latest listings and trends in the market.

Wisconsin is not all about farms and dairy products. It also can provide a romantic setting. You can go on endless dates here, exploring the state’s plethora of arts and music spaces. If you and your loved one are the outdoorsy types, there are plenty of romantic getaways centered on Wisconsin’s great outdoors as well. If both of you prefer relaxing staycations in cozy accommodations, this state has that as well!

America’s Dairyland is also home to a plethora of romantic destinations that make for ideal weekend getaways. Click here to for four highly recommended spots, from Bayfield to Lake Geneva.

The best nature parks and camping spots in and around Bayfield, WI

The Bayfield area is home to a great variety of destinations to enjoy a memorable weekend getaway, thanks to the abundance of thriving natural areas surrounding the northern Wisconsin locale. From birdwatching in sprawling nature preserves, to exploring miles upon miles of multi-use trails, to fishing, swimming, or kayaking on a sparkling lake, there is certainly something for everyone’s tastes. There are pristine, undeveloped camping areas where you can “rough it” to your heart’s delight. And there are even some that feature family-friendly amenities like a waterslide and a bounce house. In this informative guide, Windseeker Realty recommends five of the best destinations near Bayfield for your next weekend adventure.