Visiting the United States? There are 50 states in all.
Wisconsin, a Midwestern state in the Great Lakes region, has a diverse landscape of forests, farms and lakefront beaches. Outdoor recreation is popular here, from fishing and boating in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Dairy farms and breweries are plentiful in Wisconsin, so be sure to sample award-winning local cheeses and craft beers. Wisconsin’s two largest cities — Milwaukee and the state capital, Madison — have upscale shopping and dining, along with cultural amenities.
Also, Milwaukee hosts Summerfest each year, featuring live music. And for international flavor, check out Milwaukee’s annual events, like Polish Fest, Bastille Days, Greek Fest, African World Festival, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Irish Fest, Arab World Fest and Mexican Fiesta.
Taking flight
Each July, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — a weeklong gathering of aviators sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association — draws 500,000 visitors to the town of Oshkosh. Some 10,000 aircraft take to the skies. You can watch daredevil aerobatic stunts and flybys from vintage and contemporary military planes.
Designed by a legend
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959), a Wisconsin native, became world-famous for designing “organic” buildings that harmonize with their environment. One of Wright’s most spectacular designs was his home, Taliesin East, in Spring Green. Take guided tours of the residence and surrounding buildings.
Born to be wild
Fans of the open road should stop by the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, a top tourist destination that celebrates the history of the eponymous motorcycles. See more than 450 classic motorcycles, including one that belonged to Elvis Presley.
Artfully modern
The Milwaukee Art Museum, a lakefront architectural landmark, is a must-see. Enjoy 35,000 artworks dating from antiquity to the present, housed in a futuristic structure whose mechanical “wings” fold and unfold twice a day.
In bloom
Madison is home to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, with 6.4 hectares of outdoor display gardens and an indoor tropical observatory with free-flying birds and a waterfall. The gardens’ Thai Pavilion, donated by the government of Thailand, is the only structure of its kind within the continental United States.
Weird and wonderful
The Wisconsin Concrete Park, in the town of Phillips, has more than 200 folk-art sculptures built with concrete and decorated with found objects. Created by self-taught artist Fred Smith, the sculptures feature a variety of people and animals.
Learn more about Wisconsin and the other 49 states. If you need a visa to visit, here’s how to get one.
