While Wisconsin is most often viewed as a state renowned for its dairy, it provides an ample list of exciting activities and attractions for varying interests. Boasting 800+ miles of access to the Great Lakes shoreline, including Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, Wisconsin remains a top destination for nature enthusiasts.
In larger cities like Madison and Milwaukee, visitors can delve into an array of museums, mouthwatering restaurants, and exciting attractions. Smaller towns and cities, like Wisconsin Dells, provide welcoming atmospheres with friendly locals, mom and pop dining options, and tucked away attractions. From untouched seascapes to charming small towns with a plethora of boutiques, this Midwestern state has much to offer visitors. The below guide explores a few of the many cool places to visit in Wisconsin.
Harley Davidson Museum
Whether you’re a fan of Harley Davidson motorcycles or simply want to experience a different type of attraction, you’ll want to visit the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. This museum uses interactive exhibits to explore the history of the company, offering insight into what makes the company legendary. Motorcycles and memorabilia span across two floors, providing a plethora of sights for visitors to explore. A restaurant and shop are also onsite for those who want to spend more time at the museum.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Nature lovers interested in visiting the top hiking trails in the Midwest will want to head to Devil’s Lake State Park. This park offers hikers of all abilities the opportunity to explore quartzite bluffs, a glittering lake, and pathways winding through lush forestry. Famous for the climbable 500-foot bluffs, this state park provides incredible views of the lake and surrounding park area from above. Whether you want to spend your time hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park, camping, swimming, or paddling, you’ll find plenty of things to occupy your time here.
Another must-visit attraction is Blue Mounds State Park, which provides ample hiking trails, a swimming pool, breathtaking views, and exciting activities year-round (like cross-country skiing).
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
One unique offering in Wisconsin is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a coastal park made up of 20+ individual islands. This coastal park offers visitors multiple methods of exploration, from hiking to paddling on the water between the islands. Those wishing to see the Apostle Islands can do so on their own or with various guided tours, each option with its own benefits.
On Madeline Island, you can stroll the sandy beach and enjoy activities like fishing. Raspberry Island features a historic lighthouse with available ranger-led tours in the warmer months. Each island offers a unique landscape, making this national lakeshore one of the top cool places to visit in Wisconsin.
Door County
Set on a peninsula in Lake Michigan, Door County, one of the top cool places to visit in Wisconsin, offers visitors a visually stunning, laidback destination with varying activities and multiple small towns to explore. Door County has multiple state parks, historic lighthouses, unique museums, lovely art galleries, and an array of activities for different interests. With breathtaking views and many hidden gems to explore, Door County is a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
Additional cities worth exploring in Wisconsin include Lake Geneva and Green Bay, each offering insight into Wisconsin’s history and culture.
Milwaukee Art Museum
One of the most visited museums in the state is the Milwaukee Art Museum, which boasts an impressive 30,000 works of art. This museum is meant to inspire and educate the public, doing so through exhibits, classes, tours, and other events for people of various ages. Beginning as Milwaukee’s first art gallery in the late 1800s, the Milwaukee Art Museum has become an important landmark for Wisconsinites. The museum’s architecture alone is worth a visit, as the three buildings it consists of were crafted by famous architects. As one of the cool places to visit in Wisconsin, visitors will enjoy exploring four floors filled with various art exhibits, ranging in style, creation date, and medium.
Situated on the eastern section of the Door County peninsula lies Whitefish Dunes State Park. This park consists of rare native plant species and impressive dunes, which inspired conservationists to push for the preservation of the park in the early 1900s. This push led to the area becoming a state park in the 60s, making it one of the top cool places to visit in Wisconsin. With activity options ranging from hiking to kayaking, surfing, biking, and relaxing on the beach, it has become a popular destination for Door County visitors. A must-see at this state park is the Australasia shipwreck, visible from certain vantage points on days when the weather is clear.
