Wisconsin holidays

Rabid sports fans, cultish beer halls and some of the best restaurants and art museums in the state — see why Wisconsin’s biggest city is the darling of the Midwest.

A legendary football town, Wisconsin’s oldest European settlement also packs a punch with its cheesemaking, wine tasting and Native American history.

From spectacular bluffs and speedway racing to eclectic festivals and riverboat rides on the Mississippi, this fun-loving city deserves a place on your Wisconsin itinerary.

Wealthy society people flocked to the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Admire their estates from the Geneva Lake Shore Path. Or take a US Mailboat cruise. Nimble postal workers have lunged between dock and boat for more than a century, sometimes with disastrous results. From summer evening kayaking to fishing for your supper, these lakes are the heart and soul of Wisconsin.

World-class drives await in the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The Lake Superior Scenic Byway showcases some of the best things to see in Wisconsin, from quaint fishing villages to historic lighthouses. On the Great River Road, snake alongside the Upper Mississippi River while keeping an eye out for bald eagles. In autumn, the route comes alive with brilliant seasonal colours.

America’s ‘Dairyland’ produces more cheese than any other state. Milk a cow at a dairy farm, then watch the experts in action on a factory tour. From there, head to a cheese and wine tasting at one of Door County’s vineyards. Here in September? Don’t miss the Art of Cheese Festival in Madison, where highlights include a ‘cheese crawl’ and ‘cheese ball’.

The Great Lakes offer up some of the best beaches in Wisconsin. On Lake Michigan, Schoolhouse Beach is famed for its picturesque pebbled coastline. Deep water makes these shores ideal for diving, and the Door County Peninsula is dotted with sunken schooners. Surfers should head for the dunes of Sheboygan on Lake Superior, known as the ‘Malibu of the Midwest’ thanks to its consistent swell.

The Apostle Islands are situated on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The archipelago offers the most unique scenery in Wisconsin. Explore red sandstone sea caves and secret beaches by kayak during warmer months, packing a slice of Danish ‘kringle’ cake for picnic time. In winter, hike across Lake Superior’s frozen surface in search of arches dripping with icicles.

Every local ‘cheesehead’ knows that the best cheese curds squeak, owing to their rubbery texture. For the best of the best, switch restaurants in Wisconsin for cosy supper clubs and bars. Other dairy country highlights include butter burgers, beer cheese soup and gooey mac ’n’ cheese. Save some space for cherry pie, fresh from the orchards of Door County.

Learn about one of America’s most iconic brands at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum. Highlights include the original 1903 model and motorcycles owned by Elvis and Evel Knievel. For more offbeat museums in Wisconsin, try the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame or the History Museum at the Castle, which pays homage to legendary stunt performer Harry Houdini.

In spring, tour Door County’s cherry blossoms, wineries and orchards via a themed trolleybus. Wisconsin summers revolve around the Great Lakes, best enjoyed on a sunset cocktail cruise. In autumn, the state is ablaze with colourful foliage. Winter is the best time to visit Wisconsin for budget accommodation. Stay warm by sampling Milwaukee’s finest beer.

Keep holidays in Wisconsin cheap by visiting during the colder months, when skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are all popular outdoor activities. In the larger cities, you can usually find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 15 US dollars ($) and chase it down with a domestic beer for about $5. A short taxi ride should cost around $7.