Wisconsin

Travel Guide

Milwaukee Art Museum
Photo provided by NC Tourism - Bill Russ
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring art and modern architecture
Discovery World which includes modern architecture
Photo provided by NC Tourism - Bill Russ

Wisconsin’s residents are proud of the state’s many charms, which include its cheese industry, scenic lakes, sports teams and architecturally innovative cities.

Discover the myriad appeals of Wisconsin, a state that combines stunning lake scenery with cultured, stylish cities. Marvel at eye-catching architecture and charming museums before escaping into the canyons, forests and rivers in Wisconsin’s numerous state parks.

Learn about the earliest history of Wisconsin at museums and historic sites dedicated to the state’s Native American population. Attractions such as the Forest County Potawatomi Museum and the Oneida Nation Museum help to preserve cultures and traditions that have existed here for thousands of years.

Take plenty of time to appreciate the numerous cultural attractions in Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s largest city hosts the Harley-Davidson Museum, several breweries and Discovery World, a family-friendly science museum. Don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum, a gorgeous modernist building designed by Santiago Calatrava. In the capital city, Madison, marvel at the State Capitol, one of the largest in the US, and browse the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Both Madison and Milwaukee feature architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Madison’s eye-catching Monona Terrace. The famous architect designed his own home in Taliesin East, which features a museum dedicated to his work.

Relax in tranquil Door County, which offers five state parks and trendy towns with art galleries and intimate music venues. Head south of the peninsula to Green Bay, where you can experience Wisconsin’s love of sports at Lambeau Field, home of the Packers football team. While here, visit the engaging National Railroad Museum, which charts the history of the railroad in America.

Plunge down the rides of multiple water parks in Wisconsin Dells, where you can also enjoy riverboat tours into the canyons and woods of the surrounding region.

Seek adventure in the natural beauty of Wisconsin. Land O’ Lakes has year-round activities including frozen-lake fishing, downhill skiing and kayaking. Paddle around the cliffs and islands of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which follows the shorelines of Lake Superior.

General Mitchell International Airport, near Milwaukee, is a convenient point of entry into the state. Winter in Wisconsin brings snow sports, fall comes with colorful foliage but summer and spring offer warm days and lively festivals in the cities.

Where to stay in Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Central business district with cultural, financial, and historical landmarks, Downtown Milwaukee offers shopping at The Shops of Grand Avenue, art galleries in the Historic Third Ward, high-end dining, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk, or hop on the free streetcar system.

Downtown Milwaukee
Madison showing a garden, a house and flowers

Downtown Madison

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Madison. A stop by Orpheum Theater or Overture Center for the Arts might round out your trip.

Downtown Madison
Milwaukee County Zoo which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Mayfair Mall and The Mayfair Collection while you're in town.

Wauwatosa
Making use of the weather and big buildings in Chicago.

West Allis

West Allis is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Milwaukee Mile Speedway and Wisconsin State Fair Park.

West Allis
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4.5/5(514 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena.

Westown
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

4.5/5(1,037 area reviews)

East Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park. See more of Milwaukee by jumping on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop.

East Town
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St Madison WI
The price is $161 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$161 total
per night
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,381 reviews)
Staff was super helpful with me navigating the snowstorm. Thank you!!

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is $199 total per night from Dec 24 to Dec 25
$199 total
per night
Dec 24 - Dec 25
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,812 reviews)
Ive stayed here many times, never disappointed.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva WI
The price is $216 total per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$216 total
per night
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,053 reviews)
Our room was clean and we were able to get checked in early! The staff are always friendly.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva WI
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,053 reviews)
Our room was clean and we were able to get checked in early! The staff are always friendly.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Scandinavian Lodge

Scandinavian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57 Sister Bay WI
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,555 reviews)
Clean room and facilities . Staff helpful

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Scandinavian Lodge
The Dylin by Mint House

The Dylin by Mint House

4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St Madison WI
Stay at this aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
Super convenient, onsite parking was super easy to use (for a fee)

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

The Dylin by Mint House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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