With huge farmlands and forests, the Midwestern U.S. state bordering Michigan and Iowa is probably not a vacationer hotspot, but it surely boasts a quiet, understated magnificence. Listed here are my favourite spots I’d like to share…
1. Apostle Islands
These untouched islands by no means fail to win me over! I believe they’re really breathtaking with untamed rugged surroundings, dotted with historic lighthouses and framed by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, that’s not forgetting the really magical sea caves! I additionally cherished how peaceable it was right here.
Situated in Lake Superior, off the northern tip of the state. They’re half of a bigger group referred to as the Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore, which incorporates 21 islands and a 12-mile stretch of mainland shoreline.
I took the Madeline Island Ferry from the town of Bayfield and stayed for 3 days on a really scenic campsite on Stockton Island and kayaked via the dramatic sea caves at Devils Island, mountain climbing the varied trails on Stockton Island, took guided excursions of the quaint historic lighthouses on Raspberry and Sand Islands, found distant seashores and picnicked on the sandy shores of Lake Superior.
- Location: Lake Superior, positioned off the northern coast of Wisconsin
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time (or between January and March to see the ice caves)
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a visit there in winter and seeing the magical ice caves – they had been full of intricate icicles, shimmering ice formations, and critically jaw-dropping frosty chambers.
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2. Holy Hill
I believe that is such a novel and contemplative place! It’s a Roman Catholic shrine positioned in Hubertus which sits atop one of many highest factors within the state. It’s a beautiful vacationer attraction as a result of the neo-Romanesque church may be very putting in addition to the expansive views of the encircling countryside. There are additionally a number of scenic strolling paths and a 178-step statement tower which gives excellent panoramic views.
It’s nestled within the city of Hubertus, about 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee within the southeastern a part of the state. It was constructed within the late Nineteenth century and is a delegated web site of pilgrimage, acknowledged for its religious significance and peaceable sanctuary.
I drove on to the devoted parking space on the hill throughout the fall and spent a few hours there. I climbed the 178 steps of the statement tower and noticed views of the encircling Kettle Moraine panorama, admired the structure of the beautiful neo-Romanesque Basilica, walked the Stations of the Cross set alongside serene forested paths and loved the colourful colours of autumn foliage.
- Location: 1525 Carmel Highway, Hubertus, WI 53033
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Climbing 178 steps to witness a few of the finest picturesque views.
3. Dells Mill
I’m an enormous fan of this picturesque and charming spot! It’s a historic and well-preserved gristmill which has an idyllic setting surrounded by a reflective pond, greenery and rustic appeal – to me it actually captured the essence of Nineteenth-century rural American life!
It’s tucked away in Augusta, within the western a part of the state (round 20 miles east of Eau Claire) and dates again to 1864. It’s residence to unique mill equipment, an adjoining pond, and water-powered wheel.
I drove right here and spent a few hours exploring the historic gristmill and museum and studying about its Nineteenth-century milling operations, photographed the picturesque setting with the mill pond and rustic buildings and soaked up the peaceable environment!
- Tackle: 16 County Highway V, Augusta, WI 54722
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Uncovering the historical past on the treasure that’s Dells Mill and Museum.
- Testing the out of doors actions positioned in Coon Fork Lake County Park.
4. Door County
I simply adore this very scenic peninsula! It’s residence to beautiful pure landscapes together with rocky shorelines, sandy seashores, historical forests, charming lighthouses, quaint villages, unspoilt state parks, cherry orchards, and a vibrant arts neighborhood all set towards the backdrop of the expansive waters of Lake Michigan and Inexperienced Bay.
Situated in northeastern Wisconsin, extending into Lake Michigan. It types a peninsula between Inexperienced Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. It has round 300 miles of shoreline, a wealthy maritime historical past and a thriving culinary scene.
I often spend per week right here at a time and discover the Peninsula State Park’s scenic trails and historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, benefit from the arts on the Peninsula Gamers Theatre, pattern native wines at Door Peninsula Vineyard, store and dine within the quaint waterfront city of Fish Creek, take ferry rides to Washington Island to see the attractive lavender fields and Stavkirke (a novel picket church) and calm down on the sandy shores of Nicolet Seashore.
- Location: a peninsula positioned the northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time and fall
My highlights…
- Happening a wine tour to style the scrumptious flavors of native grapes.
- Discovering Cana Island Lighthouse, positioned north of Baileys Harbor.
- Tasting home made cherry pie!
5. Wisconsin Dells
That is comparable to enjoyable and distinctive metropolis! It’s a really family-friendly place which is “Waterpark Capital of the World” but it surely’s is also full of pure magnificence – there’s the sandstone formations carved by the Wisconsin River, enticing wooded landscapes, and cascading waterfalls, all of which seamlessly blends with the man-made points of interest to make one thing actually fairly extraordinary!
It spans round 20 sq. miles throughout 4 counties: Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk (round 55 miles north of Madison) and positioned within the south-central a part of the state.
On my journey I spent an extended weekend right here and explored the spectacular sandstone formations on a Wisconsin River boat tour, get pleasure from thrilling rides at Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, hiked at Satan’s Lake State Park, visited the enjoyable science-focused Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, noticed a musical on the Palace Theater, and went for scenic picnics on the dreamy Mirror Lake State Park.
- Location: the middle of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Having enjoyable on the theme park on their adrenaline-pumping rides.
6. Mirror Lake
I head to this serene spot after I really feel in a reflective temper! It’s a stunner for positive, with calm, glass-like waters that completely mirror the encircling forests and sandstone bluffs, creating a very Insta-worthy image!
A part of Mirror Lake State Park, it’s positioned within the south-central a part of the state close to Wisconsin Dells, in Sauk County. It spans round 139 acres and has fantastic calm waters.
I come right here often for a few days at a time and camp on the well-equipped Mirror Lake State Park Foremost Campground. I’m going kayaking and paddleboarding on the no-wake waters and hike the picturesque Ishnala Path that takes me via forests and alongside sandstone bluffs.
- Tackle: Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Highway, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Exploring the historic Ishnala Supper Membership perched on the lake’s edge.
7. Pattison State Park
That is an usually neglected hidden gem! It’s full of dramatic pure options, together with the state’s tallest waterfall, Massive Manitou Falls, and the serene Little Manitou Falls, all set amid dense forests and tranquil trails – I really like coming right here and listening to the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls.
It’s tucked away within the northwestern a part of the state, simply south of Superior, close to the border with Minnesota. It spans round 1,436 acres and is residence to white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, bald eagles and fairly woodpeckers.
I got here right here for 2 days and camped in the primary campground and took within the sight of the towering Massive Manitou Falls, explored the enticing Massive Falls Path and Beaver Path, loved a swim from the sandy seashore at Interfalls Lake and went for a dreamy picnic at Massive Manitou Falls overlook.
My favourite highlights…
- Grabbing some scrumptious meals at Manitou Inn Bar and Grill.
8. Vilas County
That is picturesque area full of ample pure magnificence! I’m all the time captivated by the surroundings right here which incorporates over 1,300 lakes, (the best focus within the state!), thick forests, quaint small cities and a considerable amount of leisure alternatives.
It’s a part of the Northwoods area which borders the Higher Peninsula of Michigan within the northern a part of the state. It spans over 867,200 acres, with 240,000 acres of public land.
I keep right here for both lengthy weekends or week lengthy breaks and in summer time I’m going boating, kayaking, mountain climbing scenic trails just like the Coronary heart of Vilas County Path, swimming in pristine lakes, exploring charming cities like Eagle River. Within the winter, I really like how the area transforms right into a snowy wonderland the place I can go on enjoyable snowmobiling excursions (there are over 600 miles of trails), go cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cozying up in rustic log cabins!
- Location: northern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My highlights…
- Discovering all of the thrilling actions at Elmer’s Enjoyable Park.
- Hiring an ATV and trip via the thrilling trails.
- Watching the sundown over the tranquil lake.
9. Pewit’s Nest State Pure Space
This enchanting all the time wows me! It’s residence to a secluded sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek, surrounded by towering forests, moss-covered cliffs, and gushing waterfalls.
It’s positioned simply outdoors Baraboo in Sauk County, within the south-central a part of the state (round 40 miles northwest of Madison). It spans round 35 acres and its has trails are rustic trails which aren’t absolutely developed. It’s full of wildlife such because the white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and salamanders.
I visited on a day journey and hiked alongside Skillet Creek and admired the spectacular sandstone gorge and gazed on the moss-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Location: Pewit’s Nest State Pure Space, County Highway W, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favorite highlights…
- Discovering the hidden swimming gap and taking a dip on a scorching day.
10. Amnicon Falls
That is such a tranquil, zen-like magnificence spot! It’s full of luscious, emerald-green environment that body the cascading waters, making a serene and picturesque pure setting.
Amnicon Falls State Park is positioned within the northwestern a part of the state, close to the town of Superior and near the shores of Lake Superior. It’s spans 825 acres and is residence to 4 fascinating waterfalls. The Amnicon River forks round an island, with two waterfalls on either side.
I got here right here on a day journey and hiked alongside the well-maintained trails that had fantastic up-close views of the cascading waterfalls and picnicked close to the picturesque coated Horton Bridge earlier than taking a stroll throughout it.
My favourite highlights…
- Discovering the breathtaking waterfalls and being showered by the spray.
11. Driftless Space
I believe this place has a surreal type of magnificence! It’s a area full of rolling hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers which create a panorama that feels prefer it’s been untouched by time, providing a uncommon glimpse of unglaciated pure magnificence that’s not potential to seek out wherever else within the Midwest!
It spans round 24,000 sq. miles masking southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, with the most important portion positioned on this state. A haven for out of doors actions, it’s centered across the Mississippi River and it wasn’t flattened or reshaped by glaciers over the last Ice Age, not like a lot of the encircling Midwest!
I got here right here on a weekend journey and hiked the attractive trails in Satan’s Lake State Park and Wildcat Mountain State Park, kayaked alongside the calm Kickapoo River, explored the quaint cities of Viroqua and Spring Inexperienced, visited the geological surprise, the Cave of the Mounds and admired the limestone bluffs of the Mississippi River.
- Location: southwestern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
- Testing the farmers market which was full of distinctive and domestically produced gadgets.
- Mountain climbing to the 500-foot-high viewpoint of Pikes Peak.
12. Massive Bay State Park
This place has a wild and rugged look! It’s additionally beautiful, residence to a pristine Lake Superior shoreline with sandy seashores, putting sandstone cliffs, peaceable wooded trails and a way of untouched wilderness!
It’s tucked away on Madeline Island, the most important of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, within the northern a part of the state. it spans over 2,418 acres and has round 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. White-tailed deer, black bears, purple foxes, bald eagles, and a wide range of waterfowl and songbirds are the wildlife than will be noticed right here.
I caught the ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island and stayed for 2 days tenting underneath the celebrities at a dreamy Lake Superior shoreline campsite. I hiked the Bay View Path which had stunning views of Lake Superior, relaxed on the sandy seashores of Massive Bay Lagoon, explored the astonishing sandstone bluffs and caves alongside the shoreline, and kayaked the tranquil waters of the lagoon!
My persoal highlights…
- Packing a picnic and stopping for lunch surrounded by attractive surroundings.
13. Dave’s Falls
I really like this picturesque and secluded spot! It has a due to its cascading waters tumbling over rugged rock formations, surrounded by lush forests – I personally suppose it has a peaceable and zen-like vibe!
There’s really two predominant waterfalls (Higher and Decrease Falls) hidden away on the Pike River in Marinette County, within the northeastern a part of the state (close to the city of Amberg). It types a part of A part of the 10-acre county park Dave’s Falls County Park and wildlife thrive – white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, woodpeckers, songbirds, river otters and frogs can all be noticed right here.
I accessed the waterfalls through a brief well-marked path which begin close to the primary parking space of Dave’s Falls County Park and when there I spent a blissful few hours taking within the attractive falls, picnicking in designated areas, exploring the rugged rock formations alongside the riverbanks and wading in calmer sections of the river.
- Tackle: Amberg, WI 54102
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
- Happening a enjoyable whitewater rafting journey down the river!
- Happening a Cave Level kayak tour.
14. Marinette County
Situated within the northeastern a part of the state, this county isn’t referred to as the waterfall capital of Wisconsin for nothing. There are 14 beautiful waterfalls and a few of the most attractive surroundings you’ve ever seen.
It’s also possible to go tenting or mountain climbing there, however the clear speeding waters appeal to individuals probably the most. That is the right place to go to for anybody who loves mountain climbing, tenting, or having fun with nature at its most interesting.
- Tackle: northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Visiting the Forgotten Hearth Vineyard for a beautiful afternoon of wine tasting.
- Testing the tremendous cute Julie Huebner Pottery & Artwork Studio.
- Taking a visit to the tranquil Inexperienced Island, full of lush bushes.
15. Ice Age Nationwide Scenic Path
This path is implausible and runs all through many areas within the state. It’s 1,000 miles lengthy and the right footpath, and it’s by no means that removed from you, no matter the place you reside.
If viewing Wisconsin’s glacial landscapes is what you need to do, that is the path you need to be on.
Better of all, most of it’s snug to hike on even should you’re sporting tennis footwear, however should you’re a critical hiker, you may need to carry a cushty pair of mountain climbing boots as an alternative simply to be protected.
- Tackle: Eagle, WI 53119
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the e-biking trails, that are simply excellent right here!
- Being amazed by the breathtaking nature surrounding the paths.
16. Allen Centennial Gardens
Situated smack dab in the midst of the College of Wisconsin at Madison, this can be a educating backyard, however in my view, it’s value a memorable journey.
Constructed within the Nineteen Eighties round a Queen Anne-style residence, the gardens are beautiful and boast a few of the most stunning flora you’ve ever seen. They’re immaculate and well-maintained, and should you get pleasure from outdated houses and many lush, wholesome greenery, I counsel a go to!
Nonetheless a wonderful educating facility, this backyard is a vacationer attraction that in my view will depart a long-lasting impression.
- Tackle: Allen Centennial Gardens 620 Babcock Drive Madison, WI 53706
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring and summer time
My private highlights…
- Strolling via the attractive groomed and vibrant flowers, crops, and greenery.
- Studying about all the backyard’s historical past and plans.
