Visit Wisconsin
Known as the “Badger State,” Wisconsin’s famous for its cheese, beer, and bratwurst, but there’s so much more to explore beyond its culinary delights. From charming small towns to natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, Wisconsin offers an abundance of experiences for its visitors.
Wisconsin became part of the United States in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, and it became a territory in 1836. Wisconsin was admitted to the Union in 1848 as the 30th state.
Wisconsin offers a variety of attractions, from its bustling cities to its rural countryside. The city of Milwaukee, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, is a vibrant cultural center with world-class museums, breweries, and restaurants. Wisconsin also boasts stunning natural landscapes that are a must-see for any nature lover.
Regarding the climate, summers in Wisconsin are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with beautiful foliage and seasonal festivals.
Wisconsin National Parks
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Located on the shores of Lake Superior, this national park is actually a stunning archipelago of 22 islands and a mainland unit. The park stretches over 12 miles of shoreline and visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, hike scenic trails, kayak through sea caves, or take a scenic boat tour to see lighthouses and wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, and wolves.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail: The Ice Age National Scenic Trail stretches for over 1,200 miles through Wisconsin, tracing the path of the last Ice Age’s glaciers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience Wisconsin’s glacial landscapes, from rugged terrain and pristine lakes to rolling hills and dense forests. Visitors can enjoy in outdoor activities such as Hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
North Country National Scenic Trail: One of the longest trails in the United States, the North Country National Scenic Trail stretches over 4600 miles, from New York to North Dakota. A section of the trail (220 miles) runs through northern Wisconsin, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing as the most popular activities along the trail, which is divided into several segments.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway: This protected waterway stretches for over 200 miles along the Saint Croix River, which forms the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The riverway offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Midwest’s scenic rivers, with crystal-clear water, towering bluffs, and abundant wildlife. The riverway is also home to several historic sites, including the restored log cabins of early settlers and Native American burial mounds. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping.
Wisconsin State Parks
Devil’s Lake State Park: Located in the southern part of the state, Devil’s Lake State Park is the most popular state park in Wisconsin. It’s known for its stunning bluffs, clean swimming beaches and miles of hiking trails. Visitors can also go rock climbing, kayaking and camping in the park. For those who love to hike, the Balanced Rock Trail offers a steep and rocky climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the lake and the fantastic Balanced Rock formation.
High Cliff State Park: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago in eastern Wisconsin, High Cliff State Park is known for its high limestone cliffs, views of Lake Winnebago and abundant wildlife. The most popular tourist attraction is the 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird standing on a huge granite rock overlooking the lake. The limestone cliffs in this area were considered sacred in Native American culture. Visitors can enjoy numerous activities such as hiking, biking, fishing or camping in the park.
Copper Falls State Park: Located in northern Wisconsin, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Copper Falls State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, rugged terrain and ancient lava flows. Most popular attractions are three large waterfalls named Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and Red Granite Falls that cascade over ancient gorges formed by lava millions of years ago. Visitors can hike to the waterfalls along well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and over rugged terrain.
Peninsula State Park: Located on Door Peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin, this state park offers countless ways to enjoy the rocky cliffs and sandy beaches of Lake Michigan’s coastline. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan, scenic shoreline and towering bluffs. Eagle Trail, while only two miles long, offers a fantastic opportunity to see exciting rock formations and the 60-foot-tall Eagle Observation Tower, which provides panoramic views of the lake.
Wisconsin Campgrounds
Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday campground: Located in the popular tourist destination of Wisconsin Dells, known for its waterparks and other family-friendly attractions, this campground offers a variety of amenities, including full hookups for RVs, tent sites, cabins, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a game room and a camp store. The campground also has activities for all ages, including movie nights, hayrides and a jumping pillow.
Fox Hill RV Park & Campground: Located in Baraboo, this campground offers full hookup RV sites, tent sites and cabins. The campground is situated on a wooded hillside with scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, a playground, a game room and a camp store. The campground also offers planned activities and events throughout the camping season.
Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park: Located in Kieler, this campground is close to all the activities of the tri-state area of Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The campground is set on 100 acres of rolling hills and offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Amenities include full hookups for RVs, a swimming pool, a fishing pond, a game room, and a camp store. The campground also offers hayrides, bonfires and other activities throughout the season.
Hidden Valley RV Resort/Milton KOA: Located in Milton, the campground offers full hookup RV sites, tent sites and cabins. The campground is set on 80 acres of wooded land and offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a playground, a game room and a camp store. The campground also offers planned activities for all ages, including pancake breakfasts, movie nights and hayrides.
Things to do while you’re in your RV Rental in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers many great experiences and attractions for RV travelers. During your RV vacation, don’t forget to visit some of them.
Popular Destinations in Wisconsin
Milwaukee: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. Milwaukee is also known for its breweries, with a long history of beer production. Popular attractions in Milwaukee include the Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, Pabst Mansion, and the Milwaukee Public Market.
Bayfield: This charming town is located on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. It is the gateway to the Apostle Islands and is known for its scenic beauty, historic architecture, and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and sailing. Bayfield is also known for its local produce, particularly apples and berries, and is home to several orchards and wineries.
The Apostle Islands: This group of 22 islands is located in Lake Superior. The islands are known for their rugged beauty, historic lighthouses, and opportunities for camping, hiking, kayaking, and boating. Visitors can take a ferry to the islands and explore the natural beauty and historic sites such as the Raspberry Island Lighthouse.
Madison: Located in the south-central part of the state, Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin. It is a vibrant college town, home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has a thriving arts and culture scene. Popular attractions in Madison include the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Chazen Museum of Art, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the Henry Vilas Zoo. Madison is also known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and boating on the nearby lakes.
Top Attractions and Activities in Wisconsin
The Harley-Davidson Museum: Located in Milwaukee, this museum is a must-visit destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. It celebrates the rich history of the iconic American motorcycle brand, with exhibits showcasing the company’s history, engineering, and cultural impact. The museum has a vast collection of motorcycles, including rare and one-of-a-kind models.
Wisconsin Dells: Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” this town features numerous indoor and outdoor waterparks, amusement parks, and other family-friendly attractions. The Dells also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as several golf courses and spa zones.
Oshkosh: Located in the Fox Valley region, this city is best known for hosting the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest aviation event. The event features airshows, exhibits, and aircraft displays. Oshkosh is also home to several museums, including the Oshkosh Public Museum and the Paine Art Center and Gardens.
Taliesin: This historic site is located in Spring Green and it was the home and studio of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is now a museum and offers tours of Wright’s home and studio, as well as the surrounding gardens and landscapes. Visitors can learn about Wright’s life and work and see many of his famous designs, including the Unity Temple, Robie House, and Fallingwater.
RV Dump Stations in Wisconsin
Pike Lake State Park: The site offers free use of dump station for registered guests, while others have to pay a $3 fee. Water is also available at the site.
Country View Campground: The dump station is free to use for registered guests, while other have to pay a small fee. Rinse (non-potable) water is also available for users.
Circle R Campground: Located in Oshkosh, the campground offers a dump station only for registered guests. Also, potable and rinse water are available at the site.
Recreational Vehicle Sanitary Disposal Station: Located in Green Bay, the facility offers a dump station for the price of 50 cents per three minutes of pumping. The site is open 24 hours a day during the season.
Storage RV Rentals Wisconsin
Square One Storage of Bellevue: Located in Green Bay, this new facility offers impeccable grounds and sturdy, well-built buildings. The site has a security gate, a fence, bright lighting, and surveillance cameras. If you need help, there’s always a manager on-site.
Darboy Storage: The facility offers indoor RV storage in Green Bay. The site is easy to access and can accommodate units up to 11×32 feet.
XLStorage: Located near Eau Claire, this facility boasts the biggest storage units in the area. All units are enclosed, they even have climate-controlled rental options. If you’re a big rig owner, this is the site for you.
Kenosha Storage: Located in Kenosha, the facility offers indoor and outdoor RV parking. Outdoor parking spaces are up to 40 feet, while indoor units are up to 12 by 50 feet. Users have 24/7 access to their vehicle and the facility is tightly secured.
Conclusion
Discovering Wisconsin in an RV is a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty and charm of this great state. Whether you’re exploring the Great Lakes, hiking through the rolling hills, or discovering the local food and culture, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. The freedom and flexibility of traveling in an RV allow you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique character of each destination, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
