Wisconsin

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Kayaker exploring sea caves of Devils Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, USA

Kayaker exploring sea caves of Devils Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, USA

Overview

Wisconsin is cheesy and proud of it. The state pumps out 2.5 billion pounds of cheddar, Gouda and other smelly goodness – a quarter of America's hunks – from its cow-speckled farmland per year. Local license plates read 'The Dairy State' with udder dignity. Folks here even refer to themselves as 'cheeseheads' and emphasize it by wearing novelty foam rubber cheese-wedge hats for special occasions (most notably during Green Bay Packers football games).

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Wisconsin? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
from $4,940

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

    FROM $3,795

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

A buzzing college town and the state’s political capital, Madison, Wisconsin is also a hub for arts, culture and all things outdoors.

Read full article

Best Places to Visit

Wisconsin is jam-packed with delightful destinations, from outdoor festivals and family-friendly resorts to fall foliage and foodie weekend getaway towns.

Read full article

Best Road Trips

Whether you’re looking for cities and nightlife or remote beaches and hiking, a road trip through Wisconsin will take you there and show you a great time.

Read full article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin and beyond

View all