The long, warm days of summer are starting to appear on the horizon, which means now is the perfect time to plan one adventure after another all across the Midwest. The Midwest is home to some of the country’s most impressive cities, but the region offers far more than urban adventures and farmland. Pick just one state, and you’ll find so many impressive things to do. For example, there are myriad things to do in Wisconsin. From outdoor adventures to rich cultural experiences, states across the Midwest are brimming with creativity, diversity, fantastic food, and the down-to-earth hospitality they’ve become famous for.
Wisconsin has a big reputation for football, cheese, and beer—and while we love all of these things, there are so many more fantastic things to do in Wisconsin. From lush rolling dairy farms and expansive lakefront beaches to dense forests and dramatic limestone bluffs, you’ll find the state brimming with natural beauty. Wisconsin is a state rife with opportunities for outdoor adventure like hiking, biking, birdwatching, kayaking, boating, skiing, and more. It’s a year-round playground for those eager to embrace nature, but the allure of Wisconsin extends far beyond its beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure.
Wisconsin’s cities pulse with a dynamic blend of arts, history, and culinary excellence, inviting travelers to delve into its lively festivals, world-class museums, and palate-pleasing dining scenes. The state’s commitment to celebrating its heritage, alongside its forward-looking innovation, makes it a compelling destination for vacations. The state’s agricultural roots are proudly displayed in local markets and farm-to-table restaurants, and unique food and beverage trails make exploring this aspect of the state’s heritage easy.
From the thrills of its bustling cities to the quiet splendor of its natural retreats, you’ll never run out of things to do in Wisconsin. An enriching getaway is readily at your fingertips, too, when you partner with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. Our association of Inns, which spans the Midwest, includes some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin. From boutique hotels and urban Inns to charming rural farms, lakeside retreats, and isolated cabins, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in your upcoming getaways. These top-rated Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and hotels offer the perfect home base for exploring all the great things to do in Wisconsin.
Of course, these Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are just the beginning of great Midwest destinations. Check out our other incredible properties across the Midwest, including in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska – and then book your Midwest vacation today!
The Comprehensive Guide to the Best Things to Do in Wisconsin
The leading sector driving tourism to the state of Wisconsin over the last several years has been outdoor recreation. In a state with as many diverse landscapes as Wisconsin, it’s easy to see why. From legendary attractions like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to the vast network of Wisconsin State Parks, trails, rivers, and lakes, there’s truly no shortage of things to do in Wisconsin that involve at least one form of outdoor adventure.
But epic outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery are just one facet of Wisconsin worth exploring. Here, natural beauty, history, and culture combine in a way that few other states can offer, creating a rich set of experiences and pathways that every visitor can use to craft an unforgettable vacation.
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of cosmopolitan life, the tranquility of nature, or the charm of small-town America, Wisconsin offers something for everyone. Though our list is by no means comprehensive – there are way too many activities and attractions for that! – we have put together an outstanding guide to some of the best things to do in Wisconsin below.
- One of the most iconic things to do in Wisconsin is to visit and kayak around the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Located just off the coast of Bayfield in Northwest Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are a network of 21 islands in Lake Superior. They are best known for their dramatic cliffs, stunning sea caves, and protected habitats teaming with birds and other wildlife.
- Another northern Wisconsin gem is Door County. Like the Apostle Islands, Door County is a beautiful coastal paradise known for its cherry orchards and stunning scenery. Though it offers a year-round haven of things to do, Door County is an exceptional place to visit in the fall, as it puts on one of the most magnificent displays of fall colors in Wisconsin.
- If you’re looking for some of the most iconic scenery in the state, don’t miss top-rated Wisconsin State Parks. Top state parks include Devil’s Lake State Park and Peninsula State Park, but don’t forget about lesser-known parks like Governor Dodge State Park, Willow River State Park, and Wildcat Mountain State Park. Of course, these are just a few top state parks in the Midwest worth visiting!
- Wisconsin cheese is legendary, and for good reason. Getting a taste of our delicious cheeses is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin. Of course, you can find cheese at any grocery store, but why not make the adventure more exciting by exploring our cheeses directly from the source with a Wisconsin cheese tour?
- Pair your cheese tour with a stop or two at one of Wisconsin’s top wineries, and you have a trip dreams are made of. There are some pretty fantastic Wisconsin wineries found around the state. Some of the more notable wineries include Wollersheim Winery, Cedar Creek Winery, Door Peninsula Winery, Chateau St. Croix Winery, Baraboo Bluff Winery, and Branches Winery.
- Of course, wine isn’t the only way to wet your whistle in Wisconsin. The craft beer industry here is second to none, and visiting local craft breweries certainly ranks as one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin. From the exciting slate of Madison breweries to the staple of Milwaukee, beer lovers will find an incredible range of breweries and brewery tours to enjoy while on vacation in Wisconsin.
- Take a break from all the food, drink, and outdoor adventure, and carve out the time to visit one of the many incredible art museums in Wisconsin. From the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum to the Chazen Museum of Art in Madison or the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, you’ll find an incredible range of art across the state.
- Art isn’t the only great thing you’ll find in Wisconsin museums! There are plenty of unique museums to visit, including the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Old World Wisconsin, a living museum dedicated to telling the story of Wisconsin’s Pioneers, and the EAA Museum in Oshkosh.
- Embrace even more of Wisconsin’s vibrant culture at one of the many festivals held around the state. Wisconsin is well-known for its lively summer festivals, including Summerfest in Milwaukee. It’s one of the world’s largest music festivals – but it’s just the start of fun things to do in Wisconsin in the summer.
- Don’t forget about the water! There are endless ways to get out on the water and enjoy some quintessential summer fun in Wisconsin. Head to the beautiful sandy shores of Lake Michigan at parks like Kohler-Andrae State Park, enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Winnebago or the popular Chain O’Lakes Region, find the waterpark-packed action in the Wisconsin Dells, or canoe or kayak down the lower Wisconsin River. There are endless ways to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and more!
- Prefer to stick to dry land? You’ll find endless hiking trails in Wisconsin, too. Hiking is one of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin, as it offers a fantastic way to experience our breathtaking scenery up close. There are excellent hiking trails in Wisconsin, too, starting with the epic Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 1,200-mile trail traverses Wisconsin and takes you through some of our state’s most geologically fascinating aspects.
- Like hiking, there’s also a vast network of Wisconsin bike trails. One of the most famous is the Elroy-Sparta Trail, known as the first rails-to-trails conversions in the country. You’ll also find that our cities are perfect for bike enthusiasts. Madison, for example, has been rated one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country! It’s easy to see why exploring on two wheels is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin.
- Big cities aren’t the only places worth visiting in Wisconsin. In fact, getting out into the smaller towns is where you’ll get a true taste of authentic Wisconsin spirit. Head to historic neighborhoods of small towns like Cedarburg, Bayfield, or Baraboo, and you’ll get a wonderful glimpse of Wisconsin’s past and present.
- Embrace culture and history, and enjoy some of the top historical attractions in Wisconsin. From touring famous homes like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin or The House on the Rock to taking in a performance at the American Player’s Theater, there are plenty of great ways to learn more about the cultural forces that shaped our state.
- Speaking of culture, don’t miss one of the more iconic things to do in Wisconsin: Head to Green Bay and take a tour of Lambeau Field – and maybe even attend a Green Bay Packers game if you can. The energy is electric, and you won’t regret it!
- While you’re in northern Wisconsin, take the opportunity to chase waterfalls through Marinette County, the waterfall capital of Wisconsin. There are four different self-guided waterfall tours to choose from there alone, making this one of the best things to do in Wisconsin.
- On the western edge of Wisconsin are the Mighty Mississippi River and the Great River Road, home to some of the best birdwatching in the country. Head to towns like La Crosse, where you’ll encounter rolling hills, rugged bluffs, and pristine rivers and lakes—all hallmarks of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Region. Along the Mississippi River Flyway, you’ll find endless places to sit and enjoy the view, all the while admiring the habitats teeming with birds and other Wildlife.
- Another great riverway to explore is the St. Croix River, surrounded by the lush forests of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. This pristine area is ideal for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and more. Take a cruise on the river and enjoy the scenery in an entirely new way.
- If you’re looking for unique things to do in Wisconsin, consider heading underground. The most popular cave in Wisconsin is Cave of the Mounds, but others to consider are Crystal Cave, Eagle Cave, and the Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands.
- Of course, no list of things to do in Wisconsin is complete without at least mentioning winter activities. While many vacation destinations are seasonal, Wisconsin offers four exciting seasons of activities. Winters here are just as packed with adventure as summer, with activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting season!
The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin
This year, if you’re looking to make your moments matter, there’s no better place to travel than Wisconsin. Not only will you find plenty of extraordinary things to do in Wisconsin, but you’ll find some of the best places to stay in the Midwest. Wisconsin hospitality is legendary, but no one does it better than our thriving collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, boutique hotels, and cabins.
No matter where your travels take you in our beautiful state, we’ll be there to ensure your vacation is exactly what you’ve hoped for. After all, when it comes to unique and independent lodging properties that offer one-of-a-kind experiences and an authentic slice of Wisconsin, no one does it better. Each of our associated Inns is unique, but we all value a dedication to excellence that can’t be matched.
With everything from urban vacation rentals to working farmsteads, lake homes to historic estates, log cabins to eco-inns, and spacious Bed and Breakfasts perfect for destination weddings or solo business travel, we have no doubt you’ll find all of the best places to stay in Wisconsin among our network.
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, we hope you always take the time to experience the best of the Midwest. If you’re ready to experience all the best things to do in Wisconsin, it’s time to book your stay at one of our exceptional Bed and Breakfasts in Wisconsin.
