Whether you are new to the Badger State or a long-time resident looking for fresh ideas, this list will come in handy for your vacation planning.
Explore the Apostle Islands
Located just off the Bayfield Peninsula is a cluster of 21 islands called the Apostle Islands. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a natural area protected by the United States government.
These jewels of Lake Superior are picturesque living museums where tourists can see thriving habitats of natural wildlife, sandstone sea caves, and several preserved old-growth forests. A collection of historic and modern lighthouses also ranks among the crowd-pleasers here. Many of the islands allow recreational activities like camping, fishing, kayaking, and some hunting.
Madeline Island is not included in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore but is one of the largest and most developed islands in Lake Superior. In addition to campsites and many beaches, Madeline Island also boasts of its own golf course, a diverse collection of dining and shopping spots, and even a thriving local arts scene.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Celebrate the legacy of one of the most influential Wisconsinites in history. Born in Richland Center, WI and a University of Wisconsin alum, Frank Lloyd Wright is esteemed around the world for his contributions in the field of architecture.
Wisconsin’s Tourism and Transportation departments have partnered to create a designated driving trail that showcases nine buildings that Wright designed:
- SC Johnson Administration Buildings and Research Tower (Racine)
- Wingspread (Racine)
- Burnham American System Built Homes (Milwaukee)
- Monona Terrace (Madison)
- First Unitarian Society Meeting House (Madison)
- Taliesin and Visitor Center (Spring Green)
- Wyoming Valley School (Spring Green)
- AD German Warehouse (Richland Center)
The self-guided tour covers almost 170 miles from Racine to Richland Center, so take time to tour and appreciate each site at your own pace. Several accommodations, including some with direct ties with Wright, are available along the way.
Splash around at the “Waterpark Capital of the World”
Wisconsin is a state where nearly every city stakes a claim for being the capital of something. The south-central city of Wisconsin Dells is one of them, and its claim to fame is perfect for your summer vacation plans.
Wisconsin Dells delivers on its self-proclaimed “Waterpark Capital of the World” title with a jaw-dropping selection of indoor and outdoor waterparks. Some of the most notable destinations are Noah’s Ark, Chula Vista Resort, and Great Wolf Lodge.
Aside from waterparks, Wisconsin Dells checks a lot of boxes when it comes to recreational activities. The city also boasts of top-notch breweries and wineries, animal and wildlife attractions, and golf courses.
Be part of one of the world’s biggest music festivals
An annual tradition in the Brew City since 1968, Summerfest is an 11-day extravaganza that draws crowds that have been fast approaching the one million mark each year. The event even made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, setting the benchmark for crowd attendance in 1999.
Boasting lineups that feature world-famous musical acts and up-and-comers on a total of 11 performance stages, Summerfest today still ranks among the top five biggest music festivals across the globe.
Summerfest also covers a lot of ground with other attractions and activities. It truly is where the traditional state fair vibe blends with the global party crowd.
Go sightseeing on a refreshing waterfall tour
One of the most awe-inspiring Wisconsin vacation ideas you can add to your list is a visit to Marinette County. This northeast Wisconsin County is gaining national and global renown for an array of picturesque and accessible waterfalls, nestled in more than 230,000 acres of lush forest.
There are 14 gorgeous waterfalls to behold, all located within the Marinette County Parks System. You can explore any combination of these through a variety of tours endorsed by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Novice hikers have nothing to worry about with these easy-to-tackle routes:
-
- Enchanted Trails Tour – A scenic trail featuring Veteran’s Falls, McClintock Rapids, and Strong Falls. You will see interesting trails, picturesque bridges, and even islands at McClintock Rapids.
-
- Hidden Falls Tour – A hike through winding trails will reward you with views of Four Foot Falls, Eighteen Foot Falls, Twelve Foot Falls, and Eight Foot Falls, as well as sightings of various native birds.
-
- Rocky Trails Tour – While named for its challenging hills, taking this route pays off with magnificent views of Smalley Falls and the 50-foot drop of Long Slide Falls.
- Log Jam Legends Tour – Stories say this river trail was instrumental in transporting logs cut from trees down to their final destination. Dave’s Falls and Bulls Falls are the stars of this route.
Learn more about Wisconsin and its excellent communities from leading local real estate firm, Windseeker Realty. Contact us to discover the best homes for sale in coveted northern Wisconsin locations like Bayfield, Washburn, and Cornucopia. Call [ai_phone href=”1.715.779.5000″]715.779.5000[/ai_phone] or email [mail_to email=”Agent@WindseekerRealty.com”]Agent@WindseekerRealty.com[/mail_to] today.
PAGE SUMMARY
With summer right around the corner, it is time to plan for a well-deserved getaway. Fortunately, Wisconsin has the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions for you to discover and enjoy.
The BadgerState offers plenty of opportunities and destinations to explore the outdoors. There are activities that celebrate a world-renowned hometown icon, too. Or how about spectacular live performances at one of the world’s biggest music festivals. Whatever you choose, you are sure to have a summer vacation to remember in Wisconsin.
Ready to jump into your next unforgettable summer? Read Windseeker Realty’s top five summer vacation recommendations here.