""Forward" Looking State That Honors Its Past" Top 5 Page for this destination Wisconsin by deecat

Wisconsin Travel Guide: 2,342 reviews and 3,886 photos

Wisconsin's Last Covered Bridge - Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a Friendly "Neighbor"

As an Illinois native, I view Wisconsin as a "friendly neighbor", whom I enjoy visiting frequently. I live about fifteen minutes from the Wisconsin border so it is an easy drive.

Since 1851, Wisconsin's motto has been "forward". The state is always striving to move forward in its manufacturing, its quality education, and in its tourist industry. Once known as "America's Dairyland State" because of the large number of dairy farms in the state; however, in recent years, more and more dairy farmers have quit the business.

People from Wisconsin are affectionately known as cheeseheads" because of the enormous amounts of delicious cheeses that are made in the state. Additionally, the Green Bay Packer Fans have worn their "cheesehead" hats on National Television; thus, the "cheesehead" name has stuck.

People who live in the Chicago area frequently take their summer vacations to the state of Wisconsin. My husband Allan's family always vacationed for two weeks each summer in northern Wisconsin. Allan and I, for many years, would go to either Door County or to the Eagle River area on vacation. If you love to go fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, snowmobiling, or skiing, you will also love Wisconsin.

I've always thought that Wisconsin was one of the cleanest states with a great love and concern for Nature. There are many wild flowers such as the State flower, the "wood violet",many birds such as the state bird, the robin, many fish such as the state fish, the "Muskie", many gorgeous trees such as the "Sugar Maple", and many animals such as the State animals the "Badger" and the "White-tailed deer".

There is a large German heritage throughout the entire state; thus, the Polka is the state dance.

Milwaukee is perhaps the biggest city, but Madison is the State Capital. Because Milwaukee is only an hour from us, we visit it most often. Right on Lake Michigan, it boasts of a lovely location. Some of its best features are its managable size, its beautiful Art Museum, its many Theatres, its wonderful Zoo, and its many great restaurants.

Obviously Wisconsin is a state worth visiting!

Beastie Beat/Public Art in Milwaukee

Beastie Beat Art in Milwaukee

Just as Chicago had its Cows/Public Art Displays a few years ago, Milwaukee touts its Beastie Beat/Public Art.

The photos show Allan pretending to eat the hot pepper of one such beast. The lower photo shows Jill pretending to pull the tail off the "sunflower" beastie beat.

It's fun to see all the different beasts in and around Milwaukee which were created by local artists.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Natural Beauty, Clean, Friendly, and Beautiful
Cons:Home of the Green Bay Packers
In a nutshell:One of the best states in the Heartland of America

Last visit to Wisconsin: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Jul 14, 2008
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Reviews (49)

Allan Checking Menu at Ristorante Brissago - Wisconsin

Outstanding Italian Restaurants (11)

While staying at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa at the Orange Lake Condos in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, we ate at... more travel advice

Allan Walking Toward Orange Lake Condos - Wisconsin

A Time Share in Lake Geneva Hotels (9)

Since my husband and I own a Time Share, we frequently trade in that time share for other places to stay. In addition,... more travel advice

Information Center/Chamber of Commerce - Wisconsin

Platteville, Wisconsin Tourist... Off The Beaten Path (3)

When Jill and I decided on "the-spur-of-the moment" to take a day trip to Platteville, Wisconsin from our Time Share in... more travel advice

Jill's "Wrap" at the Timbers - Wisconsin

Old Fashioned Supper Club Restaurants (11)

This first portion is written by my travel partner, Jill Martin While in Platteville, Wilsconsin searching for quilt... more travel advice

Shopping (4)
See All A "Hidden Gem" in Platteville, Wisconsin
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Transportation (3)
See All Forbes calls Mitchell Airport...
Things to Do (8)
See All Rolling Hills, Lovely Lake of Quaint ...

Favorites (6)
See All Maxwell Street Days in Cedarburg
Nightlife (2)
See All Popular Spy-Theme Restaurant & Night...
Warnings and Dangers (1)
Warning: Cedarburg is Romantic.......
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Comments (60)

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misterrabbit Mar 22, 2011 at 10:55 AM

Impressive restaurant and hotel tips. It's all about family and friends and the adventures that you have shared, and I love it. Expansive, enthusiastic, and even handed. Excellent pages.
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Faiza-Ifrah Feb 13, 2011 at 4:32 PM

as usual i liked your tips. visited MAM in 2002, but never had time to build a tip. i am in planning mode these days. since i am having a siblings get-together in Chicago in July, a trip to few destinations in Wisconsin is very likely.
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jillzi Apr 21, 2010 at 12:02 PM

Terrific tips with personal touches. I like that this is a combination of different time periods and different areas of Wisconsin which makes for a comprehensive presentation.
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balhannah Apr 13, 2010 at 12:30 AM

Golly there is a lot to see and do here, I think I would need a week to see it all! Love the covered bridges, the Hotels look incredible, and hot choc fudge & homemade choc's sound rather yummy!
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Trekki Jan 9, 2010 at 2:10 AM

Oh lovely to see and read how much family significance Wisconsin has to you, Dee :-)) I love the old photos of your honeymoon :-)) And quilts again :-) Love the restaurants too, and even a Swedish one! Morning smiles from snowland :-)
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Nemorino Dec 17, 2008 at 7:52 AM

Hi Dee, I've just read your detailed and enthusiastic new restaurant and hotel tips. As a child I once went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and my next VT project when I find the time will be to make a page on the other Geneva, the one in Switzerland.
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Pawtuxet Dec 15, 2008 at 4:40 PM

Guess you had quite a nice getaway. Your Italian dinner sounds great. Some day you must try Providence's Federal Hill for good southern Italian food. Many consider our restaurants superior.
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scottishvisitor Nov 26, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Nice to see how Allan celebrated his recent Birthday I'm sure he enjoyed the lovely timeshare and your excellent Italian meal!! Ha ha I did love your warning!!
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Dabs Nov 23, 2008 at 8:33 PM

I hope Allan had a fabulous birthday, sure sounds like it so far!
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kyoub Nov 23, 2008 at 5:06 PM

Happy belated b'day to Allen. It looks like a beautiful resort where you celebrated. The food looked yummm also.