You don’t have to go too far to find fun in Wisconsin. From bike trails that pass through vast expanses of Northwoods wilderness to tasty samples at award-winning breweries, there’s something for every interest across the Badger State. Wisconsin Travel Best Bets: Your Guide to Wisconsin’s Best Destinations.
The enchanting Black River flows through this rugged landscape of yellow pines, weathered oaks and picturesque rock outcroppings. It’s a beautiful wilderness. However, Black River Country’s convenient location along I-94 allows any old Jane or Joe to have a true wilderness experience. Whether you travel by hiking boot, mountain bike or ATV, Black River Country is just waiting to be explored.
Imagine a land where there are 10 muskies for every resident. Well, friends, it exists. Boulder Junction is home to nearly 200 lakes brimming with musky, as well a slew of other fish just waiting for you to cast a lure. But, if angling isn't your cup of tea, Boulder Junction is home to some of the best biking and hiking trails in the state. All this abundance in one place—Boulder Junction.
Find a new state (or states) of mind in Land O’ Lakes, which sits on the border of the vast wilderness of northern Wisconsin and the towering pines and placid lakes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You’ll find Black Oak Lake, the clearest lake in Wisconsin, as well as the famous Cisco Chain of Lakes. Immerse yourself in nature on more than 75 miles of shared-use trails.
Looking for something new to tickle your fancy? Make your way to Middleton and the one-and-only National Mustard Museum. And don't miss Middleton's Capital Brewery, maker of some of the world's finest ales, stouts and lagers. Later, shop Middleton's delightful downtown and the stylish Greenway Station. Then, discuss your discoveries over dinner at one of 70 restaurants.
The Mississippi River is absolutely magic. It is no secret that its waters have mesmerized poets, painters, writers and explorers for centuries. Onalaska is the place to experience the beauty and wonder of America's greatest river. You'll see the Mississippi River from every angle in Onalaska—atop the bluffs, along the trail or from a kayak cutting through the waves.
Oneida County might boast about its excellent biking, hiking, fishing, boating and paddling. But, it's the quiet things that really set this Northwoods county apart. The gleam of sunlight on the waves. Cozy white cottages peering out from the shore. A woodland trail taking a turn into the hemlocks. It's all waiting for you in Oneida County.
Was that a yawn? Drop everything and immediately head to Oshkosh, where there's always something happening. More than 1,000 events occur each year in this cheerful community on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Live performances and art exhibitions. Tournaments and races. Festivals and art fairs. Oshkosh is ready to entertain you.
Travel the world over and you'll hear no tale of the Hodag, except in the Rhinelander area. Why only this scenic corner of Wisconsin? Perhaps it is the lakes teeming with fish, or the tall pine forests webbed with trails for hiking or biking. Maybe it's the happy travelers who come from miles around. Maybe you should just visit and see for yourself.
Far from the bluster of big-city life, there's a corner of the Badger State that beckons paddlers, anglers, mountain bikers and hikers with its backcountry charms. Slip your canoe into the water and cast for feisty smallmouth on the Flambeau River. Mountain bike the Blue Hills, home to babbling brooks, rock-strewn valleys and peaceful forests. Or just sit, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
If the sound of a bottle cap separating itself from a chilled brown bottle makes your heart go aquiver, then Stevens Point is your dream come true. In addition to three fantastic breweries, Stevens Point proudly offers the 30.5-mile Green Circle Trail, abundant arts, a dandy downtown district and the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.
The communities of Vilas County make up a delightful dozen, keeping travelers content with their lakeside resorts, cozy cabins and spacious vacation homes. Scattered across the landscape of whispering pines are 1,300 gleaming lakes, clear and clean as any in the world and inhabited by all manner of fish, from crappie and bass to walleye and musky.
Just a jolly jaunt from bustling Milwaukee, you'll find a storybook community full of sculpture, trails and serenity. Drop in at one of the four museums. Take a stroll down the Riverwalk, Sculpture Walk or the Eisenbahn State Trail. For added adventure, bring along a handheld GPS and go geocaching.