Wisconsin

Information and Tourism

With one foot in the Midwest and another in the Great Lakes region, you would expect Wisconsin to have topographical attractions aplenty, from green forests to rugged cliffs and caves. It certainly doesn't disappoint. The state's natural treasures include the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along Lake Superior, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Ice Age Trail. Hiking is big in Wisconsin - so too are water sports. Boaters head in their droves to Door County's harbors and bays.

The state's real claim to fame, though, isn't its scenery. It is best known for being a major cheese producer. Today, mile upon mile of verdant pastures are dedicated to churning out dairy produce, with Wisconsin's cows producing roughly a quarter of America's cheese.

Known throughout the US as 'America's Dairyland', locals are generally proud of their cheese-making prowess. The term 'cheeseheads' might seem rather derogatory to some, but to others it is better to be called that than just an ordinary Wisconsinite. Of course, all that cheese can be washed down by some fine Wisconsin beer. The Miller beer brand is based in the state's biggest city, Milwaukee. Famous names from the brewing past include both Schlitz and Pabst.

Wisconsin's capital, Madison, isn't too dissimilar from the state as a whole. It is a quirky place that has earned itself a reputation for being welcoming, liberal and very environmentally friendly. Of interest, Madison is the home of the offbeat online newspaper 'The Onion'.

Wisconsin is the festival-capital of America. More country music festivals are hosted here than anywhere else in the US. Country Fest - held each year in Cadott, Wisconsin, and Summerfest - also known as 'The Big Gig' and staged on the lakefront of Milwaukee's Henry Maier Festival Park, are top of the list.

Wisconsin Information and Fast Facts

• Country: USA
• Population: approximately 5.8 million
• Capital city: Madison
• Biggest city: Milwaukee
• Biggest urban area: Milwaukee Metropolitan Area
• Language: American English
• Area: 65,500 square miles / 169,645 square kilometers
• Number of Wisconsin cheese varieties: 600

	WORLD GUIDES TO WISCONSIN
	World Guide to Madison, WI, USA Founded towards the end of the 1830s and always deemed to become the capital of Wisconsin, the city of Madison is quite unique in its layout, since it is sandwiched between Lake Mendota and Late Monona, rather like a giant bridge.
	World Guide to Milwaukee, WI, USA Milwaukee is known for its thriving arts community and stunning modern art museum. With many attractions close to the scenic Lake Michigan, Milwaukee features a number of popular summer festivals and a strong German heritage.

Map of Wisconsin