Top Things to do in Wisconsin
Top Hotels in Wisconsin
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
- 3. Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- 4. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
- 5. Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
- 6. Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
- 7. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay
- 8. Radisson Hotel La Crosse
- 9. Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
Things to do in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities
When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.
Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.
Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!
Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.
Restaurants in Wisconsin
1. Great River Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Part of a 3,000-mile network of roads called the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Wisconsin's Great River Road is made up of several highways covering about 300 miles from Kieler in the state's southwestern corner to St. Croix Falls, about an hour northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Reviewed By Keenomanjaro - Croydon, United Kingdom
We drove the Great River Road from St Louis to Minneapolis and followed the Wisconsin section from the river crossing at Dubuque all the way up to Prescott, with a stop-over in La Crosse for one night. This was by far my favourite section of the road, offering a great, continuous view of the river for much of the way, unlike many long sections downstream where the river can vanish from sight for long periods. The section from Prairie du Chien to La Crosse was particularly enjoyable, given that we drove it as dusk approached and were able to enjoy the sun setting over the river as we went along. There are plenty of interesting towns and villages you might care to visit along the way - we found La Crosse to be much bigger than we'd anticipated, which worked out well as we were spoilt for choice when it came to finding somewhere to eat for the evening. This was a really memorable drive and one I'm unlikely to forget in a hurry.
2. Green Circle Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 182 reviews
A 24-mile bike trail.
Reviewed By BetsyH477 - Greenville, United States
Made up of multiple smaller trails that all interconnect between the campus and surrounding cities. Partially paved city streets, winding forest crushed granite trails, bridges and boardwalks, river views and nature trails for a little bit of everything you may be looking for. Take a walk, bike ride or cross country ski (in winter) the trails are well marked with esay to see signage. you can go a short distance or take the whole trail (26ish? miles). Whatever you choose you will not be diasppointed!
3. Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By DanandKay - Melrose, United States
This venue has a little bit for everyone....XC skiing, tubing, ice skating, snack bar. We loved the XC ski trails. Lots of starter runs for the family and enough more challenging trails for the better skiers. It was a little crowded near the chalet but once you escaped to any of the three major blue coded loops, it was great. This is a nice alternative to the Birkie Trail near Hayward. I’d highly recommend for those with youngsters or beginner skiers!
4. American Birkebeiner Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
50+ mile hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoe trail that runs between 2 small towns in northern Wisconsin
Reviewed By Pkcrowley - Williamsburg, United States
Since I have started cross country skiing, I have wanted to ski the famous Birkebeiner Trail . Especially since we have very little snow in Southeast Virginia. It wasn't so easy to get there- plane and rental car needed-but I not expecting such a wonderful time. Hayward- the town and people are great. Thank you especially to the Welcome center of the Birkie Trail. The employee on duty was MORE than helpful. Be sure to eat at the Norske Nook after you ski. The trail was beautifully groomed. I never felt lonely out there as a single skier-there were always occasional skiers. The warming huts are special places.
5. Mariners Trail & Rawley Point Bike Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By dennisbryant13 - Pulaski, United States
The ride on Rawley Point Bike Trail takes you on a hard pack trail through a heavily wooded beginning to an open area all the way to the Two River's Beach. The section through the wooded portion is hilly and curvy, lots of fun and something different than most trails. Once you reach the beach you follow the route for a short section of Two Rivers to the Mariners Trail. This paved trail runs right along Lake Michigan all the way to Manitowoc. The trail is lined with beautiful, well maintain gardens and takes you all the way into Manitowoc and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. On the ride be sure and stop and walk through the West of Lake Gardens, a stunning flower garden that is free to the public. Well worth the stop.
6. Bearskin State Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By CamperCJ - McHenry, United States
Trailhead starts in downtown Minocqua, with a long trestle over part of Lake Minocqua and then into wooded areas, past some small lakes, changing into more open areas later on the trail. There were also two small parking areas along the trail if you wanted to ride a section at a time. Total miles around 18 one way.
7. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Considered the birthplace of ecological restoration, the UW–Madison Arboretum is a teaching and research facility that conserves and restores land, advances science, offers public outreach, and benefits from community involvement. The 1,200-acre grounds are home to protected prairies, woodlands, wetlands, savannas, springs, shoreline, a notable horticultural collection, and Wisconsin native plant gardens. It also offers 20 miles of walking trails and 4 miles of biking road as well as hundreds of learning and volunteer opportunities. The Arboretum is located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway. The main entrance is at 1207 Seminole Highway. The Visitor Center is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Arboretum admission is free.
Reviewed By NEM1234 - Madison, United States
This arboretum is huge with lots of blue birds, wild turkeys and even deer! Every season is great with all the color and scents you expect. There are plenty of ponds, hiking trails and the visitor center is very helpful. Depending on the season you pick, you can spend hours here exploring. I especially enjoyed the board walk and the bird watching. Admission and parking is free, however it does get limited on the weekends sometimes. Bring your hiking shoes, your walking stick, your camera and enjoy the outdoors!
8. Henry Vilas Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,659 reviews
Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including African lions, South American alpacas and tortoises from the Galapagos Islands.
Reviewed By conniem912 - Warrington, United States
We went here with our son and our 2 year old granddaughter. They had been here before but it was our first time. It was a very nicely maintained zoo in a lovely park. It is fairly small which was perfect for the granddaughter- we could walk around and look at everything without her getting too tired or overwhelmed. It has a varied selection of animals, a merry-go-round and a train ride, a Children's Zoo with a VERY active group of goats which our granddaughter loved, a playground, gift shop and restaurants. You're also allowed to bring your own food and eat at one of the picnic tables. It is very popular with the locals so we got there shortly after it opened to avoid the crowds later in the day. Glad we went and looking forward to returning.
9. Milwaukee County Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
Reviewed By Darlenelovesfishing - Marshfield, United States
It was worth the entry fee. The zoo keepers and the volunteers were so knowledgeable and friendly. They had such a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles and aquatic life. The zoo is so clean and beautiful. Yes I would definitely go back and tell lots of people about it.
10. Granite Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By sherryo950
Our family has been visiting Granite Peak Skiing resort for the past 3 years now and can’t wait to go back. Just a 4 1/2 hour drive from Chicago it’s easy to to plan a last minute weekend outing. If you are looking for snow, it is the place to go all the way into April. The facility is clean with great staff and food. The rental equipment is top notch and the mountain is amazing. There are runs for all levels of skier. I would highly recommend this place for a fun family adventure.
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