There’s one U.S. state trending among travelers this summer, and it’s not a place you might expect.

Where is it? The state of Wisconsin is currently breaking all-time tourism records, and this summer is the perfect time to go.

I’ll be honest: before I went to Wisconsin myself, I had only the vaguest idea of the state. I knew it was famous for its cheese production and its really cold winters, and that’s about it.

Well, I’m happy to say there’s much more to Wisconsin than that. In fact, it might be one of the most underrated hidden gems in the United States!

This Midwestern state packs a surprisingly large punch when it comes to things to do. Now, I have only scratched the surface of Wisconsin (visiting the little city of Green Bay), but I’m eagerly planning a trip back after researching all the best spots in the state.

People eating cheese and drinking wine at rooftop restaurant at sunset time. Restaurant table served with cheese plate, bread and white vine full of visitors.

Here’s why Wisconsin should be on your bucket list this summer.

A Cool Capital City

First up, let’s talk about Wisconsin’s capital city, Madison. Maybe it’s not the first place you would think to rush to on a vacation, but this underrated capital city is shockingly cool.

It was actually named one of the best unexpected U.S. cities for a summer getaway by Men’s Journal.

This beautiful city really comes alive during the summer. It’s nestled right between five lakes, so you can always stroll along the waterfront and take in scenic views as you explore the city.

Madison Wisconsin capital building at sunset

During the summer, some of the top things to do in Madison include visiting the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and getting out on one of the lakes to kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

If you’re visiting over the weekend, be sure to stop by Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the United States. Here you can buy all kinds of delicious local food, including Wisconsin’s famous cheeses!

An Even Cooler Largest City

Although Madison is Wisconsin’s capital, it’s not the state’s largest city.

That title goes to Milwaukee, a large metropolis about an hour and 15 minutes east of Madison, situated on the idyllic shores of Lake Michigan.

Tram in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is another must-visit destination in Wisconsin. There’s a reason this vibrant city is one of the most-booked summer destinations on Airbnb.

There’s SO much to do in Milwaukee, and this city just seems like it was made for summertime.

Think catching a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at American Family Field in the afternoon followed by lakefront brewery-hopping in the evening.

And while the city might be best known for its beer, Milwaukee is also known as the frozen custard capital of the world, which sounds right up my alley — yum!

Milwaukee Skyline

The Cape Cod Of The Midwest

Nicknamed the Cape Cod of the Midwest because of its charming coastal towns and beautiful scenery, Door County is at the top of my list when it comes to Wisconsin destinations.

This is the best place to go in the state during the summer, and yet most Americans don’t even know that this picturesque peninsula exists!

The famous Cana Island lighthouse located next to lake Michigan in Door County Wisconsin with a drone

Door County juts out between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, meaning you’re surrounded by water. And the water is some of the prettiest and clearest you’ll see anywhere in the United States!

With such clear aqua-turquoise waters, you might find it hard to believe you’re still in Wisconsin.

What else makes Door County special? The food! While Wisconsin might be famous for its cheeses (and you’ll find plenty of that here too!), Door County is known for its cherries. You can’t come here without trying a delicious slice of cherry pie from Bea’s Ho-Made Products or Schartner’s Farm Market.

Group in Door Country Wisconsin on an eBike Tour
Our Press & Marketing Manager Liz recently visited Door County and had a blast! Check out her experience here.

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