About Wisconsin

Famous for cheese wedge-shaped hats, microbreweries and football, Wisconsin is a haven for exploring and experiencing America's favorite pastimes. Visit Wisconsin's urban side in the cities in the southern part of the state or get a taste of the state's wild side farther north, where vast expanses of untouched land still remain.

Wisconsin's largest cities are:

• Milwaukee
• Madison
• Appleton
• Green Bay
• Racine

Tourism is one of Wisconsin's biggest industries, with huge numbers of visitors drawn to the metropolitan cities, beautiful state parks and small towns that appeal directly to tourists, such as Wisconsin Dells. Bordering both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, Wisconsin also holds thousands of lakes that provide easy access for boating, fishing and family fun. On the eastern side of the state, Door County sits on the peninsula that reaches into Lake Michigan and it is one of the top summer destinations in Wisconsin.

In Green Bay, the Packers NFL team holds the spotlight, drawing massive crowds to Lambeau Field any time there is a home game. With the MLB's Milwaukee Brewers playing in Miller Park and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks competing at the Bradley Center, sports are a key part of any good Wisconsinite's life.

Wisconsin's distinctive cuisine is another fun highlight of the state. Cheese curds are a local delicacy thanks to the prominent dairy industry, which has also given the state the nickname of "America's Dairyland. " Thanks to a large population of Germans who occupied the area early on, dishes native to this European country are another favorite, especially bratwurst. Microbreweries and brewpubs thrive in Milwaukee and throughout the state. Make sure to sample some of Wisconsin's local brews while visiting, either at the brewery or just at the bar.

Fun Facts About Wisconsin

• The biggest waterpark in America, Noah's Ark, is located in Wisconsin Dells.
• Wisconsin's dairy farms produce more milk than any other state.
• Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center. Today places like Wausau boast a number of Wright's designs.
• The Green Bay Packers are actually owned by the city of Green Bay and have a massive waitlist for season tickets.
• Wisconsin is nicknamed the "Badger State", but this refers not to the state animal but to its early miners who often lived like badgers, beneath ground.