Wisconsin

Travel Guide
Photo provided by NC Tourism - Bill Russ
Wisconsin’s residents are proud of the state’s many charms, which include its cheese industry, scenic lakes, sports teams and architecturally innovative cities.

Discover the myriad appeals of Wisconsin, a state that combines stunning lake scenery with cultured, stylish cities. Marvel at eye-catching architecture and charming museums before escaping into the canyons, forests and rivers in Wisconsin’s numerous state parks.

Learn about the earliest history of Wisconsin at museums and historic sites dedicated to the state’s Native American population. Attractions such as the Forest County Potawatomi Museum and the Oneida Nation Museum help to preserve cultures and traditions that have existed here for thousands of years.

Take plenty of time to appreciate the numerous cultural attractions in Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s largest city hosts the Harley-Davidson Museum, several breweries and Discovery World, a family-friendly science museum. Don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum, a gorgeous modernist building designed by Santiago Calatrava. In the capital city, Madison, marvel at the State Capitol, one of the largest in the US, and browse the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Both Madison and Milwaukee feature architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Madison’s eye-catching Monona Terrace. The famous architect designed his own home in Taliesin East, which features a museum dedicated to his work.

Relax in tranquil Door County, which offers five state parks and trendy towns with art galleries and intimate music venues. Head south of the peninsula to Green Bay, where you can experience Wisconsin’s love of sports at Lambeau Field, home of the Packers football team. While here, visit the engaging National Railroad Museum, which charts the history of the railroad in America.

Plunge down the rides of multiple water parks in Wisconsin Dells, where you can also enjoy riverboat tours into the canyons and woods of the surrounding region.

Seek adventure in the natural beauty of Wisconsin. Land O’ Lakes has year-round activities including frozen-lake fishing, downhill skiing and kayaking. Paddle around the cliffs and islands of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which follows the shorelines of Lake Superior.

General Mitchell International Airport, near Milwaukee, is a convenient point of entry into the state. Winter in Wisconsin brings snow sports, fall comes with colorful foliage but summer and spring offer warm days and lively festivals in the cities.

Where to stay in Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Central business district with cultural, financial, and historical landmarks, Downtown Milwaukee offers shopping at The Shops of Grand Avenue, art galleries in the Historic Third Ward, high-end dining, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk, or hop on the free streetcar system.

Downtown Milwaukee
Madison showing a garden, a house and flowers

Downtown Madison

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Madison. A stop by Orpheum Theater or Overture Center for the Arts might round out your trip.

Downtown Madison
Milwaukee County Zoo which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Milwaukee County Zoo and Mayfair Mall while you're in town.

Wauwatosa
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

4.5/5(1,037 area reviews)

East Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park. See more of Milwaukee by jumping on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop.

East Town
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4.5/5(514 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Milwaukee Public Museum and Turner Hall and the Milwaukee Turners.

Westown
Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

Experience a historic warehouse district with a mix of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and enjoy year-round gourmet options at the Milwaukee Public Market, easily accessible via The Hop.

Historic Third Ward
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The price is $129 per night from May 23 to May 24
$129
$149 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,610 reviews)
"Convenient. Quality. Quiet. Secure."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort
3 out of 5
655 N. Frontage Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI
The price is $25 per night from May 23 to May 24
$25
$62 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly resort in Wisconsin Dells. Enjoy an outdoor pool, free water park access, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
6/10 (1,844 reviews)
"Was nice clean quiet place beds were a little on harder side! Short drive to water park"

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is $132 per night from May 27 to May 28
$132
$156 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,651 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Good location. Rooms big, clean. Staff were very pleasant and professional. Only negative was parking was expensive, and if you didn't valet, the parking is a difficult venture underground with narrow, tight spaces and not necessarily close."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,294 reviews)
"Good water park, great for the kids"

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Miss Liberty Lambeau
Miss Liberty Lambeau
Green Bay
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Green Bay. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lambeau Field and Resch Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Great house
"Grest property and easy to work with owner. Place was perfrect for our needs."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Miss Liberty Lambeau
Scandinavian Lodge
Scandinavian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57, Sister Bay, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,208 reviews)
"The room was great. Enjoyed both the outdoor and indoor pool. Staff were pleasant"

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Scandinavian Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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