Sponsored by: Travel Sherlock
It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 49th to visit is none other than Wisconsin, abbreviated WI. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Badger State is truly spectacular.
Visit state # 49
| State Motto | Forward |
| State Flower | Wood violet |
| State Bird | Robin |
| State Mineral | Galena |
| State Capital | Madison |
| Famous Foods | Bratwurst, cream puffs, brandy old fashioned, Roesti, Limburger sandwich, Swedish pancakes, maple syrup, Danish Kringle, beer-cheese soup, fried cheese curds, Colby cheese, Friday night fish fry, artisanal cheese plate, fish boil, frozen custard, cream pies and tortes, Hmong egg rolls, Morel mushrooms, morning buns, Norwegian meatballs, Cornish pasties, butter burgers, smoked fish chowder, wild rice, chicken booyah, and more. |
Wisconsin is an East North Central state situated in the north-central part of the US mainland. The state borders Lake Superior and Michigan to its north, Lake Michigan to the east, and Illinois to the south. The Mississippi River forms part of the state’s borders with Iowa and Minnesota to the west. Wisconsin was part of the original territory of the U.S., part of land ceded by four states and designated in 1787 as the “territory Northwest of the River Ohio.” Its was organized in 1836 from part of Michigan Territory. Wisconsin was admitted to the Union in 1848 as the 30th state, generally possessing the same boundary as the present-day state.
America’s Dairyland, another popular nickname of the state, highlights its leading role as one of America’s largest producers of dairy products. By World War I, Wisconsin ranked first in U.S. dairy production. The state remained a main leader of the industry throughout the 1900s. The legislature, proud of its dairy heritage and reputation, placed the slogan, ‘America’s Dairyland,’ on car license plates beginning in 1940. Today, Wisconsin remains a top producer of milk, cheese, and butter in the country. Thus, foodies are attracted to the state to sample dairy-rich culinary delights and to tour the state’s premier cheese shops. Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin and located on Lake Michigan’s southwestern shore, features the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, a specialty market in operation since 1938 and featuring the world’s largest selection of Wisconsin cheese.
Wisconsin boasts amazing parks and preserves and has 66 state parks which are the ideal place to hike, camp, or relax in nature. There are also two national parks and two national scenic trails. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is open year-round and offers activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, scenic cruise boat rides, and more. Located on the northern tip of the state, the national lakeshore includes 12 miles of shoreline on the mainland plus 21 islands, together making up over 150 miles of stunning coastline. Apostle Island Cruises offer a variety of nonstop sightseeing excursions and island shuttles featuring stops at several islands. Guided kayaking and commercial charters are also available. Camping offers seclusion in nature on 18 of the 21 islands, plus on the mainland. Should visitors choose to see the island in their own self-contained vessel, public docks are available on 12 of the islands in the national lakeshore. On the islands, there is much to explore, including cliffs, sea caves, trails, beaches, marinas, lighthouses, and an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, falcons and black bears.
Museum lovers will enjoy some of the finest venues in America, including Milwaukee Art Museum, an iconic landmark located near the lakefront, Harley-Davidson Museum, a specialty museum sharing the story and evolution of the famed motorcycle company along with displays of impressive motorcycles, the Grohmann Museum, home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evaluation of human work, and more. Round out your visit to Wisconsin by visiting some beautiful botanical gardens, including Mitchell Park Domes featuring a conservatory containing a variety of flora, Boerner Botanical Gardens, showcasing a variety of specialty gardens, and Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, an urban oasis and living tree museum featuring a loop-trail. With so much to see and do, Wisconsin should top your list of visit-worthy states.
