11 Remarkable Destinations to Explore in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, situated along the shores of two Great Lakes, is an exceptional state for road trips and exploration. With its vast array of protected parks, stunning hiking trails, and vibrant cities ideal for weekend getaways, this state is undeniably a treasure worth discovering as you journey through the northern United States. That said, numerous remarkable places to visit in Wisconsin can be found throughout the state.

Consequently, identifying an efficient itinerary on what activities to engage in and where to go can pose a challenge.

To facilitate your exploration (allowing you to concentrate on the joy of discovery), I wish to share some top destinations in Wisconsin that I believe you will thoroughly enjoy.

Wishing you an incredible journey as you explore Wisconsin.

1.) Cave of the Mounds

Located near Blue Mounds, just a 30-minute drive from Madison, the Cave of the Mounds is often referred to as North America’s jewel box of caves, and justifiably so!

The cave is situated on the southern slope of Blue Mounds and is celebrated for its magnificent limestone formations that have developed over millions of years. Guided tours are available to demonstrate these spectacular features.

Interestingly, the discovery of Cave of the Mounds was entirely accidental. The excitement surrounding its contents led to its opening to the public within a year, making it a prime attraction in Wisconsin today. Visitors can explore the interiors, marveling at the limestone stalactites, which are indeed remarkable. Be sure not to overlook the nearby hiking trails in Blue Mounds State Park, a breathtaking area within Wisconsin.

2.) Madison

No visit to Wisconsin is deemed complete without exploring this city gem. Madison can be characterized as one of the finest cities to embark upon visiting the state, despite its smaller size in comparison to other U.S. cities.

While here, ensure to visit the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, a significant landmark within the city that is worth experiencing. Be certain to take a free tour inside—the interior is simply breathtaking and cannot be adequately captured through photographs!

The Capitol Building is also the tallest structure in Madison, a height preserved to ensure that no other building exceeds it. Keep an eye out for the statue of Athena holding Wisconsin’s state animal, the beaver.

For an evening, consider attending a performance at the Overture Center for the Arts, followed by a visit to The Old Fashioned for a refreshing local brew. Their beer selection is quite impressive.

3.) Lake Geneva

Geneva Lake represents one of the prime destinations in Wisconsin for a serene retreat. The ambiance here encourages a sense of timelessness as you appreciate the splendid countryside and shoreline.

Given that Lake Geneva is relatively expansive, it is advisable to select your preferred shoreline locations in advance. Nevertheless, it remains significantly smaller compared to the Great Lakes, making the designation of size subjective.

While visiting, take a leisurely walk along the Lake Geneva Shore Path and make a stop at the charming Riviera Beach. This route leads you through the backyards of various historic mansions.

4.) Devil’s Lake State Park

Recognized as Wisconsin’s largest state park, Devil’s Lake encompasses over 9,000 acres of remarkable scenery within the Baraboo Range.

This park not only boasts unparalleled beauty but also attracts millions of visitors annually, marking it as one of Wisconsin’s most frequented parks. However, do not let the crowd deter you—there is ample space for everyone, and it rarely feels congested.

Once you arrive, embark on one of the exceptional hiking trails that wind through the park. This exploration provides an excellent opportunity to discover the natural wildlife within this stunning region of Wisconsin.

5.) Superior

The port city of Superior, located along the edge of Lake Superior, may be small, but it stands as one of the finest locations in Wisconsin to explore and serves as a gateway to discovering much more in the area.

Positioned on the western edge of Lake Superior, visitors can find a plethora of activities, particularly within the nearby Pattison State Park, where the notable Big Manitou Falls can be found. This site is not only the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin but holds significant cultural value to the local Native American communities.

Once you’ve enjoyed the scenery, return to Superior and explore attractions such as Fairlawn Mansion (close to Barker’s Island), Thirsty’s, the Richard I. Bong Museum, and Shooters Saloon.

These locales provide excellent options for spending a delightful afternoon or evening.

6.) Egg Harbor

Though it may be small, Egg Harbor and its adjacent areas are absolutely stunning. Known as one of the most picturesque regions of Wisconsin, Door County has been dubbed the Cape Cod of the Midwest.

Egg Harbor is a must-visit spot within this charming region. Its beach is exceptionally beautiful, especially on a warm summer day. However, don’t forget your sunscreen, as the refreshing winds can be deceiving!

In addition to sunbathing, visitors can kayak or paddleboard in Egg Harbor, or stroll along the shoreline.

If hunger strikes, head over to Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse. Their prime rib sandwich is unparalleled!

7.) Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Located approximately a 90-minute drive from Superior, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a delightful destination to include in your Wisconsin exploration.

For adventure-seekers, camping on Madeline Island (which is absolutely beautiful) comes highly recommended before venturing to the intriguing sea caves along the banks.

Exploring these caves may require a considerable amount of time, so it’s advisable to set aside a full day for this activity and ensure you follow local guidance regarding conditions to ensure a safe experience.

When the weather is clear and the sun shines brightly, the turquoise waters of Lake Superior are stunningly beautiful. It’s an ideal location for kayaking, which can be easily arranged through Lost Creek Adventures, who provide excellent organized tours.

8.) Door County

As previously mentioned regarding Egg Harbor, Door County is an absolute haven, especially for enthusiasts of the outdoors.

This region houses delightful lighthouses and quaint villages, making it an ideal location for a scenic road trip.

Moreover, the stunning 300-mile shoreline can be easily explored at picturesque locations like Whitefish Dunes State Park and Toft Point.

In addition, do not forget to drop by the historic Cana Island Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s. It is certainly worth a visit.

As you venture further into Door County, consider stopping at Newport State Park Beach; this area tends to be relatively quiet during weekdays, and the beach is immaculate.

9.) Bayfield

Bayfield may defy conventional classification as a city due to its small size, yet it remains a quintessential location for a visit in Wisconsin.

While modest in population, housing a few hundred residents, it is rich in history.

Furthermore, Bayfield serves as the primary gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, making it convenient to include in a broader itinerary when traversing the remarkable destinations in Wisconsin.

In Bayfield, you will discover Manypenny Bistro (a casual dining establishment) renowned for its exceptional buffalo wings. Additionally, you can explore museums like the Bayfield Maritime Museum, which offers intriguing insights worth experiencing.

Despite this, the standout event is the delightful Apple Fest, celebrated annually in October.

10.) Milwaukee

Milwaukee figures among the best locations in Wisconsin for an urban getaway; it is a vibrant city that possesses a multitude of attractions.

Although it sometimes finds itself overshadowed by cities like Chicago, that should not dissuade you from considering a visit.

Upon arrival, be sure to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum. Not only is its collection remarkable, but the architecture of the building is also breathtaking. It could easily rank among my favorite structures in Wisconsin.

Afterward, make sure to check out the Harley-Davidson Museum, followed by a stop at Lakefront Brewery to sample their seasonal brews.

11.) Holy Hill Basilica

Located not far from Milwaukee, Holy Hill serves as a nearly century-old shrine. It stands as a remarkable site to witness and represents one of the most significant historical sites in Wisconsin.

The allure of Holy Hill extends both inside and out, making it deserving of thorough exploration. If desired, you may also partake in the Holy Hill Trail, especially captivating on a bright summer day.