Wisconsin is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the Midwest. Chicagoans go up north on a regular basis to enjoy small-town living and big-time outdoor activity. For Midwesterners, weekends in Wisconsin are a way of life, with plenty of boating, rock climbing, eccentric roadside attractions, and great cheese to keep you going back year after year. These are our top choices for a weekend getaways in Wisconsin to help you plan your next vacation.
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Island National Lakeshore, at the extreme northern point of Wisconsin, is made up of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland. Hiking, sailing, paddling, seeing lighthouses, and learning about the area's unique history are all great things to do here. The ice caves, which are located at the western end of the Mainland Unit of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Bayfield County, are one of the park's most intriguing features.
The state park's Facebook page is an excellent source of information about the ice cave's current status. You may travel to the islands via kayak or boat, taking an excursion boat, or taking a vehicle ferry to Madeline Island. Camping is offered on 19 of the 21 islands, as well as at the mainland campground.
Door County
Door County, Wisconsin, is a popular weekend getaway destination situated on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. 300 miles of coastline, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, five state parks, and 11 historic lighthouses may all be found here. This area is made up of 19 distinct villages, each of which has something unique to offer visitors.
Come here for a weekend of culture, with art galleries and excellent food. Local activities such as seafood boil and jazz concerts are also popular. Popular attractions include the Northern Sky Theater, Cave Point County Park, Door County Creamery, and Schoolhouse Beach.
Amnicon Falls State Park
Amnicon Falls State Park is located approximately seven miles from Superior and is open all year. Hiking paths and footbridges provide spectacular views of the river's cascades and rapids. You may also stay in one of the 36 campsites on the property. The campsite does not have power connections, but it does provide vault toilets and drinking water.
On a hot day, take a swim in the water and explore the 1.8 miles of trails for beautiful vistas. Although there are no designated beaches, swimming and wading are permitted. There is a 1.5-mile authorized snowshoe path in the winter.
The Geneva Lake
Lake Geneva is a popular destination for weddings and boating lovers. It's also a great place to spend a weekend. There are many entertainment performances, shops to explore, spas to relax in, and restaurants to sample in this resort city.
The town becomes festive with lights and special activities throughout the winter holiday season, and the beautiful autumn foliage is wonderful to behold. The Tristan Crist Magic Theater, strolling along the Geneva Lake Shore Path, and visiting Big Foot Beach State Park are among the top things to do here.
Eagle River
Because of the many lakes in the region, Eagle River is a popular vacation and retirement resort. Weekend visitors flock to the area for boat excursions. The Northwoods Children's Museum is a must-see for families with children. For day excursions, Conover, Land O' Lakes, Phelps, St. Germain, and Three Lakes are all nearby. In the winter, this is a great location to go snowmobiling.
Madison
Madison is a fun place to visit in Wisconsin since it's a college town with a lot of activities and events going on all year. Popular attractions such as the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, make it simple to get your arts and culture fix. For craft beer enthusiasts, there are many breweries in town, including One Barrel Brewing Company and Vintage Brewing Company.
Devil's Lake State Park
Every year, rock climbers and hikers visit Devil's Lake State Park in search of outdoor excitement. This is the finest and closest location to do outdoor climbing near Chicago, and there are a number of excellent local guide companies that can teach you how to climb. Every year, about three million individuals visit this park. On the north side of the lake, there are three public camping sites and approximately 29 miles of hiking paths of varying complexity.
Bayfield
Bayfield is renowned for being the entrance to the Apostle Islands, but there is much to do in town as well. This tiny village is a great location to visit for a weekend getaway. The Madeline Island School of Arts provides courses to help you discover your inner artist, as well as local theatrical performances. Stone's Throw is a good art museum, and the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a delightful theatre.
Wausau
You may also visit Wausau for a weekend vacation to see the sights, visit a casino, visit an art gallery, or attend a theatrical play. The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is worth a visit on a weekend, and the Granite Peak skiing area is close by. The Bull Falls Brewery, the hot air balloon festival, and Sylvan Tubing Hill are among local favorites.
Chippewa Valley
Weekend trips to the Chippewa Valley are popular among craft beer and wine enthusiasts. The Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, and the River Bend Vineyard & Winery are all situated here. To go outside and be active in this area, ride the Chippewa River Trail or visit Irvine Park.
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