Reviewed on Oct 14, 2018
Reviewed on Apr 5, 2021
The state of Wisconsin’s name has Native American origins and means ‘Meeting of the waters’. Although the region is known for its dairy heritage and breweries, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts too. You’ll find thousands of lakes and waterways here as well as beautiful scenery, state parks, beaches, and outdoor activities for the whole family. Whatever you want from your family vacation, it’s here waiting in Wisconsin.
Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, biking, lazing on soft white sandy beaches, or exploring cities like La Crosse or Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a great place for a vacation at any time of year. Wisconsin vacations can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you want, whether you spend your time exploring the boutiques of Milwaukee or head for the shores of Lake Geneva.
Milwaukee Art Museum – If you’re looking for trip ideas, why not start at this art museum in Downtown Milwaukee? With a collection of almost 25,000 pieces of art, this is one of the largest museums in North America.
Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells – When it comes to vacation ideas for the whole family to enjoy, you can’t beat a trip to Wisconsin Dells. Mount Olympus is an amusement park and water park packed with rides for all ages. If you still have some energy left over after all that fun then Noah’s Ark Water Park is well worth visiting too.
Peninsula State Park, Baileys Harbor – Bring the family here for hiking, camping, biking and fishing. There’s even an 18-hole golf course, and while you’re here check out the wineries and beaches of Baileys Harbor in Door County.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail – See the work of America’s greatest architect with 9 stops along this fascinating trail, which runs from I-94 to his former home in Southwest Wisconsin.
1. Milwaukee – Take a trip to the ‘Brew City’ on your Wisconsin vacation and check out some of Milwaukee’s craft breweries and brewpubs. If you’re into culture, stop off at Milwaukee Art Museum or the Harley-Davidson Museum downtown, or why not take the kids to the County Zoo?
2. Green Bay – This city near Lake Michigan is home to the National Railroad Museum as well as Bay Beach Amusement Park, with rides for kids of all ages. While you’re here, why not catch a Green Bay Packers game?
3. Lake Michigan – One of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is home to state parks, white sandy beaches, and sand dunes that are a haven for wildlife and sun worshippers alike. Head for Warren Dunes State Park, see the area’s lighthouses, or explore Lake Michigan’s history at the Michigan Maritime Museum.
4. Lake Geneva – This resort city is a popular spot with families. Here you can go swimming, hiking or kayaking at Big Foot Beach State Park, try your hand at water sports, zoom down a zip line, rent a boat, or relax at one of the area’s many spas.
The most popular time of year to visit Wisconsin is between May and September. Fall is a beautiful season, with temperatures in the 70s (°F) in September. Come here on a summer vacation and you’ll find it can be hot, with average July temperatures of around 82°F. If you’re coming to Wisconsin on a winter sports vacation, the best time for snow is mid-February.
Renting a car is the best way to see everything Wisconsin has to offer. You’ll find car rental available at most airports and in the major cities, as well as in some more rural locations. Wisconsin has five primary interstates and three auxiliary interstates. The primary interstates are the I-39 running from Beloit to Rothschild, the I-41 from Russell to Howard, I-43 from Beloit to Howard, the I-94 and the I-90.
