While you may know the state as a mass producer of cheese, that is far from everything “America’s Dairyland” has to offer. Wisconsin’s citizens love to enjoy life, so they offer many excellent luxuries, most notably their food and beverages. Let’s look at some of the state’s most alluring attractions by exploring this Wisconsin bucket list.
10. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Caves
(image via Flickr)
Bayfield
With 21 islands and 12 miles of shoreline, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a kayaker’s dream. The clear water allows you to see sunken ships and underwater rock formations. The main attractions are the sea caves, which are covered in gorgeous icicles during the colder months.
9. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron
(image via Flickr)
Sumpter
Constructed from a variety of materials, Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world. Built in the 1980s, this work of art exemplifies the aesthetic of steampunk culture. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron seems to incorporate both the past and future into a piece like no other.
8. Milwaukee Art Museum
With more than 30,000 individual pieces, the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the largest collections in the nation. The museum is home to pieces by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and everyone in between. It is a wonderful place to bone up on history and keep the arts alive.
7. Olbrich Botanical Garden
(image via Flickr)
Madison
Founded in 1952, Olbrich Botanical Garden is devoted to preserving a wide variety of plant life. In the Rose Garden, there are more than 700 different types of flowers to enjoy. Olbrich is a great place to walk around and take in all the beauty of nature. Open daily, admission is only $2.
6. Miller Brewery Tour
Milwaukee
Since 1855, Miller has been one of the biggest names in American beer. On the tour, you will learn about the company’s 156-year history and see how their beverages are brewed. After the tour, you can relax with a cold one in the outdoor beer garden on the grounds.
5. Summerfest
(image via Flickr)
Milwaukee
Earning the title of “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest offers performances by more than 800 artists over the course of 11 days. Since it’s in Milwaukee, it also hosts a wide variety of beer. The best part? It’s also one of the cheapest music festivals of the summer.
4. Leon’s Frozen Custard
(image via Flickr)
Milwaukee
Taking a trip to Leon’s Frozen Custard, which claims to be the “Home of the World’s Finest Frozen Custard,” is like stepping into a time machine. The drive-in was first opened in 1942, and little has changed since then. While you are there, be sure to try the butter pecan custard.
3. Attend a game at Lambeau Field
(image via Flickr)
Green Bay
Sports fans all over the world are intense, but you would have a hard time finding people who are more serious about a team than Green Bay Packers fans. No matter when the game starts, tailgaters will have booths set up starting early in the morning. If you really want to see people go crazy, head to Lambeau when the Chicago Bears are in town.
2. Fried Cheese Curds
No Wisconsin bucket list is complete without this next experience. In a state known for its dairy manufacturing, you would expect there to be many interesting cheese dishes. Arguably the most famous are the fried cheese curds, string cheese that has been battered and fried. For the state’s tastiest cheese curds, head over to Craftsman Table & Tap in Madison.
1. Taliesin Estate
(image via Flickr)
Spring Green
Completed in 1911, Taliesin was Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio and home after he left his wife for his mistress, Mamah Borthwick. The estate was named for Taliesin, a mythological Welsh priest and poet. Today, you can tour the grounds while admiring the architecture and hearing interesting stories about Wright’s personal life.
