With huge farmlands and forests, the Midwestern U.S. state bordering Michigan and Iowa might not be a vacationer hotspot, but it surely boasts a quiet, understated magnificence. Listed here 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 actually breathtaking, with untamed, rugged surroundings dotted with historic lighthouses and framed by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior—to not point out the actually magical sea caves! I additionally liked how peaceable it felt right here.
Situated 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 town of Bayfield and stayed for 3 days tenting out at a really scenic campsite on Stockton Island. I spent blissful days kayaking by means of the dramatic sea caves at Devils Island, mountain climbing 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, positioned off the northern coast of Wisconsin
- Location Map
- Finest 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 significantly jaw-dropping frosty chambers.
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2. Holy Hill
I feel it is a actually distinctive and contemplative place! It’s a Roman Catholic shrine positioned in Hubertus which sits on prime of one of many highest factors within the state. It’s a stunning vacationer attraction as a result of the neo-Romanesque church may be very hanging in addition to the expansive views of the encompassing countryside. I additionally discovered there have been a number of scenic strolling paths and a 178-step remark tower which presents excellent 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 website of pilgrimage, acknowledged for its non secular significance and peaceable sanctuary.
I drove on to the devoted parking space on the hill throughout the fall (which I feel is the most effective time to go to!) and spent a few hours there. I climbed to the highest of the remark 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
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Climbing 178 steps of the remark 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 crimson, orange, and yellow!
3. Dells Mill
I’m a giant 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 attraction – 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 fascinating 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!
- Handle: 16 County Street V, Augusta, WI 54722
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Studying all concerning 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.
Situated 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 per 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 wood church) and calm down on the sandy shores of Nicolet Seashore.
- Location: a peninsula positioned the northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer time and fall
My highlights…
5. Wisconsin Dells
That is corresponding to enjoyable and distinctive metropolis! It’s a really family-friendly vacation spot, famously often known as the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World,’ but it surely 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 actually extraordinary!
Spanning roughly 20 sq. miles throughout 4 counties—Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk—this space is positioned within the south-central a part of the state, round 55 miles north of Madison.
I spent an extended 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
- Finest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Taking place the enjoyable lazy river at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park – I additionally liked its distinctive Greek mythology theme!
6. Mirror Lake
I head to this serene spot after I really feel in a reflective temper! It’s a gem for positive, with calm, glass-like waters that completely replicate the encompassing forests and sandstone bluffs, creating a really Insta-worthy image!
A part of Mirror Lake State Park, it’s positioned 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 Primary 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 by means of fairly forests and alongside hanging sandstone bluffs.
- Handle: Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Street, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Eating on the historic Ishnala Supper Membership – I liked 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 missed hidden gem! It’s stuffed with dramatic pure options, together with the state’s tallest waterfall, Massive 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 Massive Manitou Falls, explored the engaging Massive Falls Path and Beaver Path, loved a swim from the sandy seaside at Interfalls Lake and went for a dreamy picnic at Massive Manitou Falls overlook.
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing the unimaginable historic redwood groves on the Massive Falls Path – it was a really spectacular expertise to see a number of the tallest and oldest bushes on Earth!
8. Vilas County
That is picturesque area stuffed with considerable 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 many 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 throughout the summer time I’m going boating, kayaking, mountain climbing 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 after 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
- Finest time to go to: summer time
My highlights…
- Staying at The Lodge at Manitowish Waters – I liked the historic and nostalgic vibe, the onsite gourmand restaurant and the comfy visitor room which got here with plush white bedding and a romantic hearth place!
9. Pewit’s Nest State Pure Space
This enchanting gem at all times wows me! Dwelling to a hidden sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek, it’s surrounded by towering forests, moss-draped cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
It’s positioned 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 absolutely developed. It’s additionally stuffed with fascinating 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
- Finest 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 ft 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.
Situated within the northwestern a part of the state close to 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 either side.
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 lined Horton Bridge (earlier than taking a stroll throughout it after all)!
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 wherever else within the Midwest!
It spans round 24,000 sq. miles protecting southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, with the biggest portion positioned 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 past Ice Age, not like a lot of the encompassing Midwest!
My highlights…
- Staying on the attractive Justin Trails Resort – I completely liked staying within the Stargazer Yurt which had a skylight the place I might gaze on the stars!
12. Massive 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, hanging 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, crimson foxes, bald eagles, and many various kinds of waterfowl.
I caught the ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island and stayed for 2 days tenting beneath 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 Massive 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 sit down on the picnic tables and benefit from the calming views of views of Lake Superior on the identical 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.
- Handle: Amberg, WI 54102
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
- Consuming a picnic within the Decrease Falls space – I sat on a wood desk and gazed and listened to the dashing waterfall as I ate (there have been even helpful restrooms right here as effectively – bonus)!
14. Marinette County
This area is full of (and is thought 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 infinite stretches of lush forests! I adore it’s rustic attraction and it’s sluggish tempo – I come right here after 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 various 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 stunning riverside setting, and Peshtigo which has picturesque landscapes!
- Handle: northeastern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Staying on the boutique Lauerman Home Inn Mattress & Breakfast – I liked 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 mountain climbing path! It’s stretches round 1,200 miles, and the surroundings right here is simply jaw-dropping! The path weaves it’s means by means of a tapestry of historic forests, engaging prairies, and vastly dramatic glacial landscapes ( together with options like kettles and drumlins). I personally suppose the views listed below are actually 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 selection of entry factors alongside the path – so it’s doable to do each quick 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 it is 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 positioned inside 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 out of doors classroom and a public botanical backyard on the identical 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 liked the water basin, and wood bridge)!