‘WI’, ‘Wisconsin’, ‘44.433’, ‘-89.883’
The first European Explorer of the area that is now Wisconsin was a Frenchman named Jean Nicolet and he explored the land in 1634. The British took control of the land from the French in 1763. The French gave the land a name that came from an Indian word that had the meaning “the land where we live,” and the English adapted that name into their version, bringing us Wisconsin. It wasn’t until 1836 that the Wisconsin Territory was formed and it was admitted as the 30th state of the Union in 1848.
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Wisconsin is best known for its lead in the production of butter, milk, and cheese throughout the country. It”s nickname is even “America’s Dairyland.” The Green Bay area has the Packers NFL team and its fans even refer to themselves as “Cheeseheads!” The capital of Wisconsin is Madison, which is where you can find the popular University of Wisconsin. The largest city is Milwaukee and this is where so much manufacturing is done that helps Wisconsin lead in the manufacturing industry of the entire U.S. The state flower is the wood violet and the state tree is the sugar maple.
The best Wisconsin getaways include a wide variety of family-friendly things to do. But where you stay can make the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one. For those looking for unique, fun and inexpensive places to stay in Wisconsin, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking to wake up with the rustle of trees in your face or the sound of waves crashing on the shore, here are some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin:
Camping: With more than 300 properties rated “excellent” by travelers on TripAdvisor, Wisconsin campgrounds have everything from private fly fishing ponds to crystal clear swimming lakes. You’ll find tent camping sites, RV camping resorts, and even luxury camping cabins that sleep up to eight people—all offering fun activities like hiking, biking and fishing.
Lodges and Cottages: You may not think “lodge” when you think about places to stay in Wisconsin (more likely you’ll be thinking about a cabin or cottage), but lodges can actually offer some of the most unique accommodations around—and they’re often surprisingly affordable! Lodges range from small homes away from home to large complexes that can accommodate groups of all sizes.
Whatever your reason for wanting to take a trip to Wisconsin, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay once you get there. There are tons of amazing things to do in the state, especially if you know where to look. Here are just a few of the most exciting and spectacular attractions that Wisconsin has to offer.
1) Visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore consists of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shore along Lake Superior’s northern coast. The islands are a great place for hiking or boating, and feature some of the best sea caves in North America. You can also visit the historic lighthouses on Sand Island or Raspberry Island and climb the towers for breathtaking views of Lake Superior. If you want to see more than one island in one day, hop aboard an excursion boat for a guided tour.
2) Explore Cave Point County Park
This park is located near Sturgeon Bay in Door County and offers some stunning oceanic scenery. The area is surrounded by clear blue water, white limestone cliffs, and rugged shorelines that make it perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, or simply taking a walk along the beach.
Wisconsin is known for its dairy farms, football championships and beer. But there’s a lot more to the state than just milk, the Packers and Miller. From art museums to lakeshore beaches to boat tours of the Mississippi River, here are some things to do in Wisconsin that won’t cost you a dime.
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Museum of Wisconsin Art
- Milwaukee County Zoo
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- House on the Rock
- Wisconsin State Capitol
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve
