With huge farmlands and forests, the Midwestern U.S. state bordering Michigan and Iowa will not be a vacationer hotspot, nevertheless it boasts a quiet, understated magnificence. Listed below are my favourite spots I’d like to share…
1. Apostle Islands
These untouched islands by no means fail to win me over! I feel they’re really breathtaking, with untamed, rugged surroundings dotted with historic lighthouses and framed by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior—to not point out the really magical sea caves! I additionally beloved how peaceable it felt right here.
Positioned in Lake Superior, off the northern tip of Wisconsin, they’re a part of the Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore – a surprising group of 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 tenting out at a really scenic campsite on Stockton Island. I spent blissful days kayaking via the dramatic sea caves at Devils Island, mountaineering the varied trails on Stockton Island, taking guided excursions of the quaint historic lighthouses on Raspberry and Sand Islands, discovering distant seashores and picnicking on the sandy shores of Lake Superior.
- Location: Lake Superior, situated 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 stuffed with intricate icicles, shimmering ice formations, and critically jaw-dropping frosty chambers.
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2. Holy Hill
I feel this can be a actually distinctive and contemplative place! It’s a Roman Catholic shrine situated in Hubertus which sits on prime of one of many highest factors within the state. It’s a beautiful vacationer attraction as a result of the neo-Romanesque church could be very placing in addition to the expansive views of the encircling countryside. I additionally discovered there have been a number of scenic strolling paths and a 178-step statement tower which presents very good 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 through the fall (which I feel is the perfect time to go to!) and spent a few hours there. I climbed to the highest of the statement tower and noticed gorgeous views, admired the structure of the gorgeous neo-Romanesque Basilica, walked the Stations of the Cross set alongside serene forested paths and loved the spectacular autumn foliage.
- Location: 1525 Carmel Street, Hubertus, WI 53033
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Climbing 178 steps of the statement tower and seeing panoramic views of stretch throughout the Kettle Moraine State Forest and seeing the gorgeous Insta-worthy present of fall leaves in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and yellow!
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 allure – 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 house to authentic mill equipment, an adjoining pond, and an attention-grabbing 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, photographing the picturesque setting and soaked up the peaceable countryside environment!
- Deal with: 16 County Street V, Augusta, WI 54722
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Studying all in regards to the place within the museum – it was nice to see the unique milling tools, instruments, and previous black and white images!
4. Door County
I simply adore this very scenic peninsula! It’s house to gorgeous pure landscapes together with rocky shorelines, sandy seashores, historic forests, charming lighthouses, quaint villages, unspoilt state parks, cherry orchards, and a vibrant arts neighborhood all set in opposition to the attractive backdrop of Lake Michigan and Inexperienced Bay.
Positioned within the northeastern a part of Wisconsin, this space extends into Lake Michigan, forming a picturesque peninsula between Inexperienced Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. It’s house to 300 miles of shoreline, a wealthy maritime historical past, and a thriving culinary scene.
I normally spend every week right here at a time and discover the Peninsula State Park’s picturesque trails and the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, benefit from the arts on the Peninsula Gamers Theatre, pattern native wines at Door Peninsula Vineyard. I additionally 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 chill out on the sandy shores of Nicolet Seaside.
- Location: a peninsula situated the northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time and fall
My highlights…
5. Wisconsin Dells
That is comparable to enjoyable and distinctive metropolis! It’s a really family-friendly vacation spot, famously referred to as the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World,’ nevertheless it additionally boasts unimaginable pure magnificence – with sandstone formations carved by the Wisconsin River, engaging wooded landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. The way in which these pure wonders mix seamlessly with the man-made sights I feel creates one thing really extraordinary!
Spanning roughly 20 sq. miles throughout 4 counties—Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk—this space is situated within the south-central a part of the state, round 55 miles north of Madison.
I spent a protracted weekend right here and explored the spectacular sandstone formations on a Wisconsin River boat tour, loved enjoyable 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…
- Happening the enjoyable lazy river at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park – I additionally beloved its distinctive Greek mythology theme!
6. Mirror Lake
I head to this serene spot once I really feel in a reflective temper! It’s a gem 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 situated 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 normally for a few days at a time and camp on the well-equipped Mirror Lake State Park Foremost Campground. When right here I’m going kayaking and paddle-boarding on the no-wake waters and hike the picturesque Ishnala Path that takes me via fairly forests and alongside placing sandstone bluffs.
- Deal with: Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Street, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Eating on the historic Ishnala Supper Membership – I beloved its scenic place perched on the lake’s edge, the rustic-chic decor, the normal relish trays they served and my divine Baked French Onion Soup which got here with very crusty croutons!
7. Pattison State Park
That is an usually ignored hidden gem! It’s stuffed with dramatic pure options, together with the state’s tallest waterfall, Huge 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 hidden 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 house to white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, bald eagles and fairly woodpeckers.
I got here right here for 2 days and camped in the principle campground and took within the awe-inspiring sight of the towering Huge Manitou Falls, explored the engaging Huge Falls Path and Beaver Path, loved a swim from the sandy seashore at Interfalls Lake and went for a dreamy picnic at Huge Manitou Falls overlook.
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing the unimaginable historic redwood groves on the Huge Falls Path – it was a very spectacular expertise to see among the tallest and oldest bushes on Earth!
8. Vilas County
That is picturesque area stuffed with plentiful pure magnificence! I’m at all times captivated by the surroundings right here which incorporates over 1,300 lakes, (the very best focus in the entire state!), thick forests, quaint small cities and plenty of leisure alternatives.
Located within the Northwoods area, bordering Michigan’s Higher Peninsula in northern Wisconsin, it spans over 867,200 acres, together with 240,000 acres of public land
I keep right here for both lengthy weekends or week lengthy breaks and through the summer time I’m going boating, kayaking, mountaineering scenic trails just like the Coronary heart of Vilas County Path, swimming in pristine lakes and exploring charming cities like Eagle River.
Within the winter, I really like how the area transforms right into a snowy wonderland and that is once I go on enjoyable snowmobiling excursions (there are over 600 miles of trails), 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…
- Staying at The Lodge at Manitowish Waters – I beloved the historic and nostalgic vibe, the onsite gourmand restaurant and the comfortable visitor room which got here with plush white bedding and a romantic fireplace place!
9. Pewit’s Nest State Pure Space
This enchanting gem at all times wows me! House to a hidden sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek, it’s surrounded by towering forests, moss-draped cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
It’s situated simply exterior 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 house to rustic trails which aren’t totally developed. It’s additionally stuffed with attention-grabbing wildlife such because the white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and salamanders.
I visited on a day journey, hiked alongside Skillet Creek, admired the spectacular sandstone gorge, and marveled on the moss-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Location: Pewit’s Nest State Pure Space, County Street W, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a dip in a small pure swimming gap within the decrease a part of the gorge – it was unimaginable to swim in a pure place whereas being surrounded by towering 40 toes excessive cliffs!
10. Amnicon Falls State Park 
I really like this zen-like magnificence spot! It’s house to serene waterfalls cascading over rugged sandstone formations, all surrounded by emerald inexperienced forests.
Positioned within the northwestern a part of the state close to the town of Superior and near Lake Superior’s shores, it spans 825 acres and options 4 fascinating waterfalls, the place the Amnicon River fantastically forks round an island with two waterfalls on all sides.
I got here right here on a day journey and hiked alongside the well-maintained trails and noticed fantastic up-close views of the cascading waterfalls and picnicked close to the picturesque coated Horton Bridge (earlier than taking a stroll throughout it in fact)!
My favourite highlights…
- Climbing the 1.5 mile Amnicon Falls Path and feeling the spray and mist on my face when getting near the gushing waterfalls!
11. Driftless Space
I feel this place has a surreal type of magnificence! It’s a area of rolling hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers, making a timeless panorama of unglaciated pure magnificence that’s uniquely unmatched anyplace else within the Midwest!
It spans round 24,000 sq. miles masking southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, with the biggest portion situated 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 marvel, the Cave of the Mounds and admired the imposing 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…
- Staying on the attractive Justin Trails Resort – I completely beloved staying within the Stargazer Yurt which had a skylight the place I might gaze on the stars!
12. Huge Bay State Park
I really like how this place is simply so wild and rugged! It’s additionally gorgeous, house to a pristine Lake Superior shoreline with sandy seashores, placing sandstone cliffs, peaceable wooded trails and a vibe of untouched wilderness!
Nestled on Madeline Island (which is the very largest of the Apostle Islands) in Lake Superior within the northern a part of the state, it spans over 2,418 acres with round 4 miles of shoreline, and is house to wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, pink foxes, bald eagles, and plenty of several types of waterfowl.
I caught the ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island and stayed for 2 days tenting below 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 Huge Bay Lagoon, explored the astonishing sandstone bluffs and hidden caves alongside the shoreline, and kayaked the tranquil waters of the attractive lagoon!
My private highlights…
- Going for a ultra-scenic picnic at Level Space – it was nice to take a seat on the picnic tables and benefit from the calming views of views of Lake Superior on the similar time!
13. Dave’s Falls
I really like this picturesque and secluded spot! It’s house to cascading waters tumbling over rugged rock formations, surrounded by lush forests and a beautiful zen-like vibe!
There are two fundamental waterfalls, Higher and Decrease Falls, tucked alongside the Pike River in Marinette County within the northeastern a part of the (close to Amberg), forming a part of the 10-acre Dave’s Falls County Park, the place wildlife like white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, woodpeckers, songbirds, river otters, and frogs thrive on this protected haven.
I accessed the waterfalls by way of a brief, well-marked path beginning close to the principle parking space of Dave’s Falls County Park, and spent a blissful few hours admiring the attractive falls, picnicking in designated areas, exploring the rugged rock formations alongside the riverbanks, and wading within the calmer sections of the river.
- Deal with: Amberg, WI 54102
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
- Consuming a picnic within the Decrease Falls space – I sat on a picket desk and gazed and listened to the speeding waterfall as I ate (there have been even useful restrooms right here as effectively – bonus)!
14. Marinette County
This area is full of (and is understood for!) its pure magnificence! Usually referred to as the “Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin,” it’s house to at least fourteen waterfalls in addition to over 200 lakes and countless stretches of lush forests! I like it’s rustic allure and it’s sluggish tempo – I come right here once I desire a tranquil escape from the on a regular basis hustle and bustle of life!
Spanning the state from west to east, the path begins at Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border and ends at Potawatomi State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, taking as much as 12 weeks to hike in full, however providing a variety of entry factors for brief day hikes or long-distance trekking with tenting, shelters, and extra formal lodging alongside the best way.
I normally come right here on lengthy weekends and discover gorgeous waterfalls (Dave’s Falls and Lengthy Slide Falls are my favorites!), get pleasure from boating on Lake Noquebay, hike the gorgeous trails in Governor Thompson State Park, uncover native historical past on the Marinette County Historic Museum and discover the quaint cities of Marinette which has historic buildings and a beautiful riverside setting, and Peshtigo which has picturesque landscapes!
- Deal with: northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Staying on the boutique Lauerman Home Inn Mattress & Breakfast – I beloved the quirky, distinctive decor, the Menominee River and the restored historic house it was housed in, particularly the attractive stained glass home windows and library!
15. Ice Age Nationwide Scenic Path
I’m an enormous fan of this long-distance mountaineering path! It’s stretches round 1,200 miles, and the surroundings right here is simply jaw-dropping! The path weaves it’s method via a tapestry of historic forests, engaging prairies, and vastly dramatic glacial landscapes ( together with options like kettles and drumlins). I personally assume the views listed below are really breathtaking!
It spans throughout the state from west to east, beginning in Interstate State Park on the border with Minnesota within the west and finally ending at ends at Potawatomi State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan within the east. It takes as much as 12 weeks to finish however there are a variety of entry factors alongside the path – so it’s doable to do each brief day hikes and long-distance trekking with tenting, shelter and extra formal lodging choices alongside the best way.
I opted for a two day journey and I began on the Greenbush Trailhead, hiked 8-10 miles on the Greenbush Loop Trails, marveling at distinctive geological options like kettles, kames, and eskers alongside forested areas, and spent the night time tenting on the Greenbush Group Campsite
The following day, I hiked seven miles from Greenbush to Parnell Tower, the place I climbed the tower and noticed unimaginable panoramic views of the forest and glacial landscapes, after which organized a pick-up on the Parnell Tower trailhead!
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing a sea of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows from Parnell Tower throughout fall!
16. Allen Centennial Gardens
I feel this can be a actually uplifting place! It’s a family-friendly vacationer attraction which is house to immaculately designed landscapes and a stunning array of colourful flowers and crops.
It’s really situated throughout the College of Wisconsin-Madison campus within the metropolis of Madison, within the southern a part of the state, it spans round 2.5 acres. It was constructed round a historic Queen Anne-style house and options 20 particular person themed gardens, together with a rock backyard and a water backyard. I really like that it serves as each an outside classroom and a public botanical backyard on the similar time!
The admission was free to get in and I spent a few hours exploring the themed gardens together with the elegant Italianate Backyard, the enchanting French Formal Rose Backyard, and the distinctive Japanese Backyard. I additionally admired the intricate design of the Rock Backyard, relaxed by the picturesque pond within the Water Backyard, and found distinctive plant species within the fantastic Sustainable Backyard!
My private highlights…
- Seeing the unimaginable cherry blossoms throughout spring within the zen-like Japanese Backyard (I additionally beloved the water basin, and picket bridge)!
