Upper Midwest · Lake Superior to the Driftless · Statehood 1848
Wisconsin
State
Field Guide
Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes, a peninsula that points into Lake Michigan, and 21 islands in Lake Superior with sea caves you can paddle into. It is a state for water and bluffs. These are three classics and one quiet corner worth a detour.
Updated October 2026 · Written by artist Nick Scacco
Classic Experiences
01.
Door Peninsula · Door County
DriveDoor CountyPeninsula
Door County is the peninsula that separates Green Bay from Lake Michigan, with about 300 miles of shoreline and five state parks. Peninsula State Park has bluffs, a lighthouse and trails, and Cave Point County Park near Whitefish Dunes has limestone cliffs and sea caves along Lake Michigan. Fish boils, cherry orchards and small harbor towns fill out a trip. Summer weekends and fall color are busy, so book lodging early.
02.
Lake Superior · Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Paddle theApostle Islands
The Apostle Islands are 21 islands off the Bayfield Peninsula at the northern tip of Wisconsin, protected as a national lakeshore since 1970. Sea kayakers paddle into carved sandstone sea caves along the mainland shore near Meyers Beach, and boat tours and ferries reach historic lighthouses on the islands. Lake Superior is cold and can change quickly, so check conditions and go with an outfitter if you are new to paddling. In winter, ice caves sometimes form when the lake freezes.
03.
Baraboo Range · Devil's Lake State Park
HikeDevil's LakeBluffs
Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's largest and most visited state park, set in a gorge in the Baraboo Range where quartzite bluffs rise about 500 feet above a spring-fed lake. Trails climb to the East and West Bluffs for views over the water and the surrounding farmland, and the lake has swimming beaches. The park is about 40 miles northwest of Madison. Summer weekends fill the lots early, so arrive in the morning or visit in fall.
Little-Known Gem
Wyalusing State Park: theMeeting of Two Rivers
Wyalusing State Park · Driftless Area · Bagley
Most visitors skip southwestern Wisconsin. Wyalusing State Park sits on bluffs above the point where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi, in the Driftless Area that glaciers never covered. Overlooks reach about 500 feet above the rivers, and trails pass Native American effigy mounds and rock formations. In fall the bluffs show strong color, and bald eagles can be seen along the river.
Wisconsin Travel Questions
What are the best places to visit in Wisconsin outside Milwaukee?
Three classics are Door County, the Apostle Islands, and Devil's Lake State Park. A lesser-known stop is Wyalusing State Park in the Driftless Area. Door County and the Apostle Islands each need a weekend, while Devil's Lake works as a day trip from Madison.
When is the best time to visit Door County?
Summer and early fall are the busiest and most open season, with fish boils, cherries and fall color through October. Spring is quieter, and many shops and restaurants close or reduce hours in winter.
Can you kayak the Apostle Islands sea caves?
Yes, in calm summer weather. Guided tours leave from Meyers Beach and are the safest option because Lake Superior can turn rough quickly. Check the National Park Service for conditions and permits before you go.