20 Things You May Not Have Known About Wisconsin

How well do you know Wisconsin? You may be surprised by these fascinating facts. Read on to test your knowledge and find suggestions for where to learn more about the unique state.

1. The first-ever kindergarten classes in the U.S. were held in Watertown in 1856 at the home of a German couple. Plan your visit to this unique building and step back in time.

2. The first-ever ice cream sundae was served in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 1881. Stop in at the birthplace of this sweet treat at The Washington House & Two Rivers Historical Museum.

3. During the summer, the population of Door County reaches ten times the number of year-round residents (28,000 vs. 250,000). Visit yourself to enjoy the ocean-like views of Lake Michigan, sample your way through wineries with friends and enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms in bloom.

4. The first Wisconsin cheesehead was actually worn at a Milwaukee Brewers game! What started as a couch cushion with holes burned in the foam and painted yellow quickly became the iconic symbol known today. Learn more and find an (official) cheesehead of your own at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

   

5. With its hilly terrain left over from the ice age, Wisconsin ranks third for the most ski hills in the whole country! Visit popular spots like Granite Peak, Cascade Mountain and Christie Mountain to enjoy the snowy season with friends and family.

6. Marathon County produces nearly all of the ginseng grown in the U.S. and about 10 percent of the world’s supply. Take a tour of Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises in Wausau to learn more about the herb’s impressive history.

7. Barbie hails from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin. For the collector and doll aficionado, a day at the Fennimore Doll & Toy Museum may be in order.

8. Soviet satellite Sputnik IV fell out of orbit in 1962, and while most of it burned up on re-entry, a 20-pound piece of debris crashed to the ground in the city of Manitowoc. The original piece of Sputnik was returned to the Soviets, but the Rahr-West Art Museum has a replica on display, and Manitowoc celebrates the anniversary with Sputnikfest each September.

9. Although Warrens only has 400 residents, it draws 100,000 visitors each September for the world’s largest cranberry festival. Wisconsin produces 60 percent of the nation’s cranberries! 

   

10. Wisconsin’s state symbol, the badger, doesn’t refer to the animal but instead to the 1820s lead miners who traveled for work and dug tunnels to sleep in and keep warm, much like a badger. Celebrate the name on gameday with the UW-Madison Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

11. Famous names that hail from Wisconsin include the magician Harry Houdini (visit The History Museum at the Castle to learn more), architect Frank Lloyd Wright, actor Chris Farley, artist Georgia O’Keeffe, actor Orson Welles, author Laura Ingalls Wilder (there’s a museum devoted to her life here!), performer Liberace, actor Mark Ruffalo and guitarist Les Paul.

12. Wisconsin banned the sale and use of margarine from 1895 to 1967, and while the ban was lifted, some restrictions on margarine remain today. It’s still illegal for a restaurant to serve margarine as a butter substitute unless the customer specifically requests it. Swing by Nordic Creamery in Westby to pick up some handcrafted butter flavored with local ingredients like maple syrup and basil.

13. Wisconsin’s name comes from the Wisconsin River, which was called Meskousing by Algonquian-speaking Tribes. The name was recorded in 1673 by French explorer Jacques Marquette. Over time, the word was Anglicized into Ouisconsin, Wiskonsan and finally into its current spelling and pronunciation.

14. The Onion, arguably the most famous news satire organization, was started by two University of Wisconsin-Madison students, Tim Keck and Christopher Johnson, in 1988.

15. Thirty percent of the state’s population lives in the five-county metropolitan area around Milwaukee. Visit the city to explore awe-inspiring art museums, scenic lakeshore paths and unique restaurants perfect for nights out with friends.

16. The most snowfall ever recorded in one season in Wisconsin happened between 1996 and 1997, when the town of Hurley received over 295 inches—almost 25 feet! No wonder the Northwoods are so ideal for snowmobiling.

17. The largest woolly mammoth ever excavated was found in Kenosha County, and you can see its skeleton at the Milwaukee Public Museum!

18. Freshwater surfers know Sheboygan as the “Malibu of the Midwest”, and travelers come from all around the world to try their hand at the sport and to watch the pros in action. Visit during peak surf season between September and March to see the amazing athletes hang ten for yourself.

19. The first-ever Flag Day was celebrated in Ozaukee County. Visit the area to explore attractions like the Cedarburg Art Museum and Harrington Beach State Park.

20. “On, Wisconsin,” the fight song of the Wisconsin Badgers, was first said by Arthur MacArthur, Jr. in the Battle of Chattanooga at Missionary Ridge during the Civil War. Learn more about this time period and Wisconsin’s role in it at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha.

Discover more fascinating facts about Wisconsin at the state’s heritage sites.