Wisconsin is the heart of the Midwest and offers the best of the region, from the warm hospitality to the bounty of the land and lake. After several visits to Wisconsin, it offers a diverse landscape to explore from the college kid cool Madison to the urban oasis in Milwaukee to the summertime chill in Door County. And then there’s the Dells, the waterpark capital of the world. Here is the top super fun things to do in Wisconsin.
21 Super Fun Things to Do in Wisconsin
Hike through Peninsula State Park in Door County
Walk Bare Footed at Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County
See the Blue Waters at Cave Point County Park
Spot a Lake Michigan Lighthouse
Sample Wisconsin Cheese
Board an Original Wisconsin Ducks Tour in the Dells
Splash All Day Long at a Wisconsin Dells Waterpark
Go Goat Spotting at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant
Hike in Devil’s Lake State Park
Gaze at the Temple at Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Vist the Henry Vilas Zoo
Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison
Dine at a Midwest Supper Club
See the Wings Open at the Milwaukee Museum of Art
Hop a Hog at Milwaukee’s Harley Davidson Museum
Splash at Lakeshore Park
Head to Milwaukee’s Summerfest for Live Music
Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright House
Tour Lambeau Field in Green Bay
All Abroad at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay
Marvel at the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oskkosh
Why Visit Wisconsin
I live in a hot state, Texas, and the summers are just that hot. Some days I don’t want to go outside. As a break, each summer I venture to a cooler summer climate. Many times, I find myself in Wisconsin. With cool summer temperatures, it is a pleasure to explore the outdoors.
During my many visits, I enjoy the food, from the made-in-Wisconsin cheese to the German-inspired brats to the beer. In fact, one of my favorite summer beers is from Wisconsin: Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. Then there is are the cherries and the frozen custard.
There is lots to do during the summer, and I especially like the Wisconsin State Parks. Each I visited was well-outfitted and maintained. As an architecture fan, I enjoyed touring some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.
Hike through Peninsula State Park in Door County
Jutting out into Lake Michigan, the Door County Peninsula boasts ample park space. If you have time for one park, I recommend Peninsula State Park, with its 3,700 acres along the shores of Green Bay.
Peninsula State Park is the third largest state park in Wisconsin. Visitors will find 16 miles of bike trails and a rental shop next to the park. A ramp to the top of Peninsula State Park’s 60-foot-tall Eagle Tower makes it accessible.
Located at 9462 Shore Rd. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Daily admission is $13 per out-of-state vehicle.
Walk Bare Footed at Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County
Who says you need an ocean to sunbathe? For those yearning for a beach day, Whitefish Dunes State Park features a white sand beach.
With 867 acres, It is also known for its sand dunes. The park features 14 miles of hiking trails, and picnicking is popular when it’s warm.
Located at 3275 Clarks Lake Rd. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily admission is $11 per vehicle.
See the Blue Waters at Cave Point County Park
If the winds are calm, a day on the water can’t be beat. Lake Michigan’s water is blue-green near the shore and incredibly clear. recommend taking a guided kayak trip through Door County Kayak Tours. At Cave Point County Park, kayakers paddle near the limestone and dolomite rock ledges, and during the summer, swimmers jump into the water.
Cave Point County Park offers picnic areas, restrooms and a .5-mile hiking trail. It’s located at 5360 Schauer Rd and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Spot a Lake Michigan Lighthouse
Door County is surrounded by water and the waves can get rough in a storm. To aid mariners, Door County offers several lighthouses dotting the shoreline.
Cana Island Lighthouse was built in 1869 and is one of the more photographed lighthouses in Door County. The Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse is a unique birdcage design, and there’s even a lighthouse in Peninsula State Park.
Top 25 Things to Do in Door County
Go Goat Spotting at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant
A breakfast and lunch staple for decades, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik serves up Swedish pancakes with lignon berries and Swedish meatballs in a log-cabin-inspired restaurant. The pancakes are excellent.
However, it’s summertime, and goats are the stars. They spend their day on the restaurant’s grass roof, munching to the delight of everyone; there’s even a goat cam to catch the action at home.
Located at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sample Wisconsin Cheese
Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, so you sample some Wisconsin-made cheese. Freshly fried cheese curds are a Wisconsin staple.
To sample a wide variety of cheese, Renard’s Cheese in Sturgeon Bay. It offers many cheddar options; however, my favorite is the Cherry Cheddar and fresh cheese curds.
Located at 2189 County Rd. in Sturgeon Bay. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Board an Original Wisconsin Ducks Tour in the Dells
If this is your first time to Wisconsin Dells, the Original Wisconsin Ducks Tour is a must. College kids on summer break will maneuver the Midwest-made WWII amphibious vehicles, pointing out the landmarks, sharing some history and telling a bunch of Dad jokes.
The Original Wisconsin Duck Tours have been a tradition since 1946. And yes, it floats and makes a BIG splash.
Located at 1890 Wisconsin Parkway, Wisconsin Dells. Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from mid-June until Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-March to June and from September to November. Adult online admission (12+) is $38.43, and kids (4 – 11) are $19.22, with kids 3 and younger riding for free.
Splash All Day Long at a Wisconsin Dells Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. The city counted over 200 waterslides just to prove it. With indoor and outdoor waterparks, the weather isn’t an issue, and indoor waterparks are a popular destination on the coldest days of winter. Some even offer lodging.
Top Things to Do in The Dells
Hike in Devil’s Lake State Park
The most popular state park in Wisconsin is about 20 miles from the Wisconsin Dells. Devil’s Lake State Park features 29 miles of hiking trails and a 360-acre lake.
During my visit, I hiked up the 500-foot quartzite bluffs to see the lake below. Then, I rented a kayak to leave the lake. Wisconsin’s summertime weather is perfect for outdoor recreation.
Located at S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, about 45 miles from Madison. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. A day pass is required and costs $11 for vehicles with out-of-state license plates and $8 for WI plates.
Gaze at the Temple at Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers 16 acres of cultivated gardens, including the Bolz Conservatory, an indoor tropical garden with a waterfall and free-flying birds. This is a great place to let the kids run around while the adults check out the beautiful gardens.
During my visit, I was wowed by the Olbrich Thai Pavilion. The gold leaf-encrusted pavilion features a reflecting pool and tropical plantings around. It is the only one of its kind in the U.S.
Located at 3300 Atwood Avenue. Open April through September from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., October through March from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free to enter the outdoor gardens. For the conservatory, adult admission is $6, and kids (6 -12) enter for $3, with 5 and younger free.
Vist the Henry Vilas Zoo
Zoos are great, and free zoos are amazing. The Henry Vilas Zoo is one of 10 remaining free U.S. zoos. The Vilas Family donated the land in 1904, and the Zoo opened in 1911.
Visitors will find animals from five continents, from African lions to bison and camels; the kids’ area features a train. It is located at 702 S Randall Ave, Madison. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Top Things to Do in Madison
Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison
One of the top things to do in Madison is visiting the Wisconsin State Capital, a Neo-Classical building with 43 different types of stone. It opened in 1917, was rebuilt after a fire and features a dome made from Vermont granite.
It is the tallest building in Madison, and the free tour takes about an hour. On its grounds, visitors will find the Capital Square Madison Farmers Market.
Tours take less than an hour and start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m.,10:00 a.m.,11:00 a.m.,1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered during the summer from Monday through Friday (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The sixth-floor museum and observation deck are also open during the summer.
From mid-April to mid-November, the Wisconsin State Capitol hosts a Saturday Farmers Market. Located on Pinckney Street, Main St. Carroll St. and Mifflin St. It is open from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
Dine at a Midwest Supper Club
The Midwest Supper Club celebrates American food classics, many recipes from decades ago. I recommend starting with a Brandy Old Fashioned, a variation of the classic cocktail with muddled cherries and Brandy. Next up with be the relish tray.
The choices get harder; I recommend a Midwest steak or local fried whitefish. The best places for Supper Clubs in Wisconsin are in Madison and Door County.
Grab a Frozen Custard at the Original Culver’s in Sauk City
Wisconsin gave the rest of the U.S. butter burgers and frozen custard. Now a quick-service mainstay, travelers can visit the original Culver’s in nearby Sauk City.
The first location opened in 1984, and I recommend a cup of made-fresh frozen custard or the root beer float. If you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with its butter burgers. The original location is gone; however, the Sauk City location offers a sign.
Located at 716 Phillips Blvd., Sauk City. This location is open daily from 10 a.m. -to 10 p.m.
See the Wings Open at the Milwaukee Museum of Art
In the largest city in Wisconsin, this art museum is just as beautiful as the art it contains. Designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the building features wings that open and close several times a day.
The Burke Brise Soleil, or wings, open when the museum opens, close then open again at noon and close for the night as the museum closes. Its collection includes over 25,000 pieces of art.
Located at 700 N Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee. It is open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $27 and kids 12 and younger enter for free.
TopThings to Do in Indianapolis
Hop a Hog at Milwaukee’s Harley Davidson Museum
This iconic American Motorcycle brand was founded in 1903 by William Harley and Arthur Davidson. The Harley Davidson Museum isn’t just for bikers; it appeals to anyone who wants to know more about its motorcycles with two floors of exhibits, including many of the early models.
For those who want to get on one, the Harley Davidson Museums offers several new models for pics inside of the museum.
Splash at Lakeshore Park
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lakeshore Park is actually a Wisconsin urban state park, the only one in Wisconsin. During the summer, it offers a small beach for swimming. We recommend walking along its paved trails for some of the best views of the city and the lake.
It is located at 500 N Harbor Dr. It is free to enter and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to Milwaukee’s Summerfest for Live Music
With its roots in the summer of 1968, Summerfest is a music festival for three consecutive weekends in June and July. Located at Henry Maier Festival Park, its line-up offers all the major music genres with a wide selection of artists from up-and-coming bands to headliners from past and present. Since Summerfest is an all-day music festival so we recommend packing a hat and a wad of cash to keep your day fun.
Located at Henry Maier Festival Park at 200 N Harbor Dr. in Milwaukee. Summerfest is usually the last two weekends of June and the first weekend of July. General admission starts at $28.
Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright House
The famous architect was a native of Wisconsin and inspired by its prairies. Frank Lloyd Wright spent the summers working at his architecture school, Taliesin, in Spring Green. It is open for seasonal tours.
Milwaukee is another destination for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The Burnham Block houses several of Wright’s homes. Near Mirror Lake, the Seth Petersen Cottage is available for rent.
Tour Lambeau Field in Green Bay
Home to the Green Bay Packers, it is more than a stadium. The Green Bay fans are also more than fans.
It opened in 1957 and is the oldest continuously operating NFL stadium. It is also open-air, so hardy Packer fans layer up to cheer on their beloved team. You probably won’t get a ticket unless you know someone. Seriously, season tickets are passed down among generations. I recommend you take the tour instead and a summertime trolley tour is available.
Located at 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay.
All Abroad at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay
This is one of the oldest and largest railroad museums in the U.S. Its collection includes the famed Union Pacific #4017 “Big Boy” and the British A4 class locomotive “Dwight Eisenhower.”
There are themed train rides throughout the year, and a seasonal two-mile diesel train ride several times daily.
Located at 2285 S Broadway, Ashwaubenon. It is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $13 and kids (2 to 12) are $9.
Marvel at the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oskkosh
Experimental Aircraft Association is a group of nearly 250,000 individuals and aircraft owners. Each July, it hosts a weeklong convention known as the Oshkosh Fly-In, with over 500,000 attendees and 10,000 aircraft on its grounds.
Visitors will see vintage warbirds, modern military aircraft, home-builds and ultralights. Its daily airshows combine aerobatics, pyrotechnics and the latest in flying innovation.
Located at the Wittman Regional Airport Pioneer Airport at 1603 Goyke Ave, Oshkosh. Daily adult tickets start at $60, and kids 18 and younger are free.
