Wander Wisconsin: 10 Must-See Spots, Hidden Gems & Stays You Can’t Miss in America’s Dairyland

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Hook: Craving Cheese, Beer, and Epic Adventures? Wisconsin’s Calling, Babe.

Think Wisconsin’s just cheese curds and Packers fans? Oh, sweet thing — this Midwestern charmer is packed with lakeside gems, quirky museums, and nature spots that’ll leave you breathless. Whether you’re here to kayak the Apostle Islands, sip old fashioneds in Milwaukee, or chase waterfalls, Wisconsin serves it all with extra cheddar on top.

I’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do in Wisconsin, some under-the-radar hideaways, plus where to stay, how to get around, and a few flirty tips to make your Midwest getaway one for the books.

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Wisconsin

1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield)

Why You’ll Love It: Gorgeous sea caves, sandy beaches, and 21 postcard-worthy islands floating in Lake Superior.

Must-Do:

• Take a kayak tour through the sea caves
  
  

• Catch a sunset cruise (major date night vibes)
  
  

Book Adventures: Check epic tours here

Stay Nearby: Find lakeside cabins & hotels

Pro Tip: Renting a car? Snag a deal here

2. Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward

Why You’ll Love It: Artsy boutiques, craft breweries, and riverfront restaurants.

Must-Visit:

• Milwaukee Public Market
  
  

• Lakefront Brewery (get the cheese curds!)
  
  

• The rooftop at Café Benelux
  
  

Stay: Book a boutique hotel downtown

Bonus: Store your bags with Radical Storage while you wander.

3. Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)

Why You’ll Love It: Towering quartzite bluffs, turquoise water, and the Midwest’s best hiking trails.

Top Hikes:

• Balanced Rock Trail
  
  

• East Bluff Trail
  
  

Get There: Book a transfer or rent a car

Hidden Gem: Driftless Glen Distillery — chic eats and craft spirits nearby.

4. Door County

Why You’ll Love It: Quaint coastal villages, cherry blossoms, lighthouses, and fish boils (trust me, it’s a thing).

Can’t-Miss:

• Cave Point County Park for cliff jumping
  
  

• Washington Island lavender fields
  
  

• Sunset at Sister Bay Marina
  
  

Where to Stay: Book a B&B or lakeside lodge

5. Wisconsin Dells

Why You’ll Love It: The “Waterpark Capital of the World” — over-the-top resorts, boat tours, and scenic bluffs.

Must-Dos:

• Take the Original Duck Boat Tour
  
  

• Hit Noah’s Ark (largest waterpark in the U.S.)
  
  

• Cruise the Upper Dells boat tour
  
  

Book Tickets: Reserve waterpark & attraction passes

Bonus: Save big on flights with WayAway Plus

6. House on the Rock (Spring Green)

Why You’ll Love It: The weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful museum you’ve never heard of — a maze of rooms filled with bizarre collections and the world’s largest indoor carousel.

Hidden Gem: Check out the Infinity Room — a glass corridor suspended 156 feet above the valley floor.

Plan Ahead: Book your tickets online

7. Taliesin (Spring Green)

Why You’ll Love It: Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio, and architectural playground nestled in Wisconsin’s hills.

Book Tours: Get your tour passes here

Stay: Charming inns in Spring Green

8. Lake Geneva

Why You’ll Love It: Upscale lakeside resort town perfect for weekend escapes.

Top Spots:

• Geneva Lake Shore Path
  
  

• Black Point Estate & Gardens
  
  

• Grand Geneva Resort Spa
  
  

Hidden Gem: Summer boat-in movies at Riviera Beach.

Get There: Book a private transfer

9. Cave of the Mounds

Why You’ll Love It: Stunning underground caves with crystal formations.

Fun Fact: Discovered by accident in 1939!

Book Tickets: Grab yours here

10. Bay Beach Amusement Park (Green Bay)

Why You’ll Love It: Retro amusement park with vintage rides and Lake Michigan views.

Can’t-Miss: Ride the wooden Zippin Pippin coaster — Elvis’s favorite!

Hidden Gem: Stop at Titletown Brewing Co. after for craft beer.

Stay: Book Green Bay hotels here

Bonus Hidden Gems Worth the Detour

• Driftless Area: Rolling hills, caves, and wineries galore.
  
  

• Aztalan State Park: Ancient Native American earthworks.
  
  

• Eagle Bluff Lighthouse: Gorgeous Lake Michigan views and ghost stories.
  
  

Plan your detours: Rent a bike or car

How to Get Around Wisconsin

Forget public transport — this adventure needs wheels.

Top Transport Picks:

• Economy rentals
  
  

• LocalRent SUVs
  
  

• Private transfers
  
  

• Bike rentals
  
  

Fly In: Score budget flights here

Where to Stay in Wisconsin

Top Picks:

• Lakeside lodges in Door County
  
  

• Boutique stays in Milwaukee’s Third Ward
  
  

• Rustic cabins near Devil’s Lake
  
  

Compare the best deals

Travel Smarter

Must-Have Travel Tools:

• Skip roaming fees: Airalo eSIM
  
  

• Store luggage safely: Radical Storage
  
  

• Book all activities: WeGoTrip
  
  

Flight delay? Claim compensation here

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