Top Bucket List Experiences to Have in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers an almost endless variety of fun experiences, but some activities are so iconic they can’t be missed. From world-class festivals to thrilling sporting events to natural and manmade wonders, start planning for legendary adventures today!

Attend a World-Famous Festival

One of the best things about Wisconsin is all the lively festivals there are to be a part of. And no matter when you visit, each season offers its own iconic celebrations.

Come in summer for the world's largest gathering of recreational pilots and aviation enthusiasts at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where you and your group can watch dazzling displays of world-class aerobatics and take hands-on workshops together. Warm weather is also the season of Wisconsin’s legendary music festivals, from Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, to Appleton’s Mile of Music to Country Thunder in Twin Lakes.

Get your fill of fall at iconic fests like Warrens Cranberry Festival and Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse. When winter arrives, be dazzled by the larger-than-life snow sculptures at Lake Geneva Winterfest. Join in the fun at one or all of these events to cross this Wisconsin experience off your bucket list.

Visit the Cape Cod of the Midwest: Door County

A trip to scenic Door County is a must for any Wisconsin bucket list. With over 300 miles of freshwater shoreline on the peninsula and plenty of local traditions to take part in, this experience is not to be missed.

Spend a night camping and stargazing at Newport State Park, one of the only International Dark Sky Parks in the Midwest. See a show at Northern Sky Theater and Peninsula Players Theatre, which offer outdoor performances and cozy bonfires.

Explore historic lighthouses, savor a classic fish boil and visit the famous goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. Take the ferry to Washington Island and bike the backroads through fields of lavender or skip rocks and lounge on the amazing limestone Schoolhouse Beach. Don’t forget to bring home some delicious Door County cherries to share!

Take Part in an Iconic Wisconsin Tailgate

Taste the One-of-a-Kind Flavors of Wisconsin

You simply can’t visit Wisconsin without diving into the delicious tastes of the state. Obviously cheese is at the top of the list, and whether you grab some fresh (and squeaky!) curds at the Dane County Farmers’ Market–the largest producer’s-only farmers’ market in North America–or take a tour of an award-winning cheese factory, you’ll be blown away by the flavors and care that go into every bite.

A Friday fish fry is another must and pairs perfectly with a Brandy Old Fashioned. You can cross both off your list by visiting a classic Wisconsin supper club–another tradition that’s not to be missed. These restaurants and taverns can be found across the state and are famous for their warm hospitality, delicious recipes passed down for generations and cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

With over 200 nationally renowned and local breweries throughout the state, you and your group have to tour at least one and see how the magic is made. New Glarus Brewing Co. is a local favorite, with brews exclusively sold in Wisconsin that have gained a cult-like following. New Glarus’ flagship beer, Spotted Cow, accounts for around 40% of the brewery’s annual production at 45,000 barrels. The crisp, farmhouse ale with subtle fruit notes is made using only water, barley, hops and yeast and has been recognized by Bon Appétit as Best Drink in Wisconsin and celebrated on national beer charts.

The Wisconsin State Fair features many different flavors, but none are as iconic as the cream puff. With over 400,000 served up each year, this beloved delicacy has become a symbol of the fair and a celebration of Wisconsin’s dairy industry. The sweet treats are only available during the two weeks of the fair, so plan accordingly!

Soak Up Wisconsin’s Natural Beauty

A true Wisconsin bucket list isn’t complete without mentioning some of the many awe-inspiring experiences found in our great outdoors. And with landscapes that range from freshwater coasts and towering bluffs to national forests and pristine islands, you’ll have to come back again and again to make it through this list.

Visiting the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a must, and there are many guide services that can help you navigate the area and get the most out of your expedition. Kayak through cavernous sea caves, camp on peaceful islands, visit picturesque lighthouses and more for a trip you’ll never forget.

For a self-guided adventure, hop on the Great River Road that runs parallel to the Mississippi River through Wisconsin’s picturesque Driftless Region, with plenty of charming small towns to stop in along the way.

Up north, stay in a cabin in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to explore thriving ecosystems such as boreal bogs, pine savannas, old-growth hardwoods and glacial lakes. Hike a portion of the Ice Age Trail or go backpacking in Porcupine Lake Wilderness Area for a special remote retreat.

A trip to Wisconsin’s most visited and largest state park, Devil’s Lake, is another classic Wisconsin experience to add to the list. The striking quartzite bluffs here are believed to be one of the most ancient surface rock areas in North America and visitors come from around the world to enjoy the pristine water.

And don’t forget to seek out at least one of our over 100 impressive waterfalls! Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is the largest in Wisconsin and just two feet shorter than Niagara Falls.

Other Musts for Your Wisconsin Bucket List

The list of memorable experiences in Wisconsin goes on and on!

Visit the Waterpark Capital of the World to fly down waterslides and cruise through natural sandstone bluffs. Noah’s Ark is America’s largest outdoor waterpark with over 50 exciting slides, relaxing lazy rivers and two wave pools. Named Best Outdoor Waterpark by Newsweek's Readers’ Choice Awards, this is a must-add to your list.
Stroll with friends and family on the Milwaukee Riverwalk and get a photo with the iconic Bronze Fonz statue from Happy Days.
Golf like a pro at the world-famous Whistling Straits course in Kohler.
Visit Taliesin, the home of America’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Learn about Wisconsin’s first residents by exploring Native American history at cultural sites and museums throughout the state.