Why Wisconsin Should Be Your Family’s Next Vacation Destination

My seven-year-old son skipped ahead of my husband and me, running and laughing, and we had to maintain a quick pace to keep up with him as we walked along the boardwalk. Sweeping dunes with tall grasses brushed up against the blue waves, and, at times, the view called to mind what I imagine the vistas of some islands in the Caribbean might look like. But we were in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, visiting Kohler-Andrae State Park, a wonder of Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, you'll learn to expect the unexpected. The state is home to unmatched natural beauty, historic sites, and unique architecture, where families can experience the great outdoors, fascinating culture, and out-of-this-world views. So, whether your family is up early, ready to hit the hiking trails, more of the "picnic and paddle in the park" persuasion, or interested in learning about history, art, and astronomy, there's something in Wisconsin to delight everyone.

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo

With more than 9,000 breathtaking acres to explore, Devil's Lake State Park offers a perfect playground for outdoorsy families, with everything from hiking and kayaking to rock climbing and scuba diving. Located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the most spectacular views can be found atop the 500-foot quartzite bluffs, which overlook the 360-acre lake. Camping, swimming, and picnicking options abound, and in winter, families can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, too.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield

For history, hiking, and lighthouses, there's no better place to explore than the 21 islands that make up the Apostle Islands. Kayak through caverns with your middle schoolers, scuba dive to shipwrecks with your high schoolers, and hike 12 miles along Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake (by surface area) in the world, with your grade schoolers. Though summer is the most popular time to visit, this area also becomes a wonderland in winter when kayaking through caverns becomes a trip through what seems like a magical ice castle. Families can also go ice fishing, snowshoeing, or dog sledding (they need to be at least five years old to mush, but it's a thrilling experience for older kids).

Witches Gulch, Wisconsin Dells

Sometimes this rock cavern seems a bit mysterious, especially on foggy days. If your pre-teen or teen enjoys scary stories, then this will spark their imagination: The gulch was named by historic photographer H.H. Bennett, who found it quite spooky. Only accessible by boat, moss-covered sandstone cliffs envelop you as you walk through the slot canyon. The passage winds around, with stunning vistas at nearly every turn. It's a hushed, hidden gem of natural beauty, just a boat ride away from the bustling Dells — perfect for families who want an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

The Boardwalk at Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan

The sweeping sand dunes make the boardwalk at Kohler-Andrae State Park seem almost otherworldly, especially as they contrast against the crashing waves of Lake Michigan. Hike, bike, or ride horseback through the park to take in the lake views. It's a popular place for families to fish, swim, and even surf, which is actually a year-round sport, as the most die-hard surfers (like my brother-in-law and his boys) prefer the rougher waves of winter. (If winter surfing gives you the chills, there's cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, too.) There's also a family-friendly campground with plenty of modern amenities, including an accessible cabin, and it's a perfect place to enjoy hot chocolate around a campfire any time of year.

Eagle Tower, Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek

Door County is home to many spectacular views and sunsets, but perhaps the best place to catch a golden vista is at the top of Eagle Tower. In 2021, this tremendous tower/scenic overlook was renovated to offer access for families of all abilities. An 850-foot, wheelchair-accessible ramp transports visitors to the tippy top of the trees, where they can feast their eyes on the overlook of Green Bay. With a gentle, five percent slope upwards, this is an experience that all generations can walk comfortably, your five-year-old alongside her grandmother, with plenty of benches and stops along the way for families to enjoy the journey upwards together.

Willow Falls, Willow River State Park, Hudson

At this stunning waterfall, water spills and splashes over three shelves for a combined 45-foot drop. The thundering cascades are easily reached by hiking one of several trails in Willow River State Park, and create the perfect backdrop for teens or other family members who love to take selfies. (Just make sure to be careful!) The scenic trails meander through pleasant prairies, with several picnicking options for after you've had your fill of the waterfall. While there, you can also camp at the onsite campground or fish, swim, or kayak together on Little Falls Lake.

Granddad Bluff, La Crosse

In the autumn, the view from Granddad Bluff turns into a sea of colors that stretches out all the way from Wisconsin into Iowa and Minnesota. This scenic overlook, 600 feet above the mighty Mississippi River, also grants visitors the best view of the unique Driftless region — one of the only areas in the world that the glaciers missed, meaning the landscape is rugged and hilly. The bluff features five miles of family-friendly hiking trails, with great places to stop and picnic and play games. While there are plenty of events held at the bluffs, perhaps the most special is the Skyrockers New Year's Eve Fireworks Show, which dazzles and delights families each year.

Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee

Though it houses endless art inside, the architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum (designed by Santiago Calatrava) is a masterpiece just by itself. It boasts white wings (formally known as the Burke Brise Soleil) that open and close every day when the museum opens at 10 a.m., again at noon, and again when the museum closes at night. (Kids of all ages will marvel at this action!) Though the wings are a wonder, so, too, is the 30,000-piece art collection, which includes pieces from antiquity to contemporary times. Especially fun for families is the museum's Drop-In Art Making, where kids can create their own masterpieces to display on your refrigerator when you return home.

Taliesin, Spring Green

Even the most screen-centric kiddo's jaws will drop here: The 800-acre estate of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright comprises his home, studio, and school, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revel in the way Wright's architecture is designed to harmonize with the beauty of nature surrounding it. The best way for a family to enjoy his unusual vision is to take a tour: If you're traveling with children under age 10, the Driftless Landscape Tour is best, as it's outdoors and kids under age six are free. For those whose families are a little older, try a one, two, or four-hour estate tour based on their attention span. If you have a budding architect, the estate tours take visitors through every corner of the property, including rarely-seen work and living spaces. Visitors are encouraged to drop by the shop on the way out to pick up an artisan-crafted gift or enjoy a meal made with locally-produced ingredients at the Riverview Terrace Café.

Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay

If you have any children who are interested in becoming astronauts or astronomers, then there's no better place to visit than the Yerkes Observatory. The observatory first opened to stargazers way back in 1897, and has had a history of astronomical discoveries ever since. It was here that the very first photograph of Pluto was taken, and astronomers at Yerkes discovered the Milky Way's clouds and photographed the first evidence of the expansion of the universe. Yerkes is also home to the world's largest refracting telescope. Closer to Earth, visitors to Yerkes can take a tour to admire the Beaux Arts and Romanesque architecture designed by Frederick Law Olmsted's firm. Every summer, the observatory also features "Exploring the Night Sky" tours, which feature viewings of the cosmos.

Are you ready to discover the unexpected and make life-long memories in Wisconsin? Start planning your trip today.