10 Reasons Wisconsin Has the Best Summers in the Country

Summers in Wisconsin are the perfect time to enjoy outdoor recreation. Enjoy the state’s ideal weather by exploring its scenic bluffs or forested hiking trails. As the temperature starts rising, residents and visitors head out to Wisconsin’s ancient caves, charming waterfalls, rivers, and crystal-clear lakes. However, summer also brings festivals, live entertainment, farmers’ markets, and much more. Here are 10 reasons Wisconsin has the best summers in the country.

1. Beaches, Lakes, and Rivers

Wisconsin is home to numerous lakes, beaches, and rivers, and many people take advantage of their refreshing waters in the state’s hot and humid summer climate. Some of the more popular spots include:

Beaches In Wisconsin

There are several beaches along Lake Michigan and other lakes across the state, but some favorites include:

• Kohler-Andrae State Park Beach — Sheboygan
• Bradford Beach — Milwaukee
• Simmons Island Beach — Kenosha
• Devil’s Lake State Park Beach — Baraboo
• North Beach — Racine

Lakes In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 15,000 lakes, so if you are in the state during summer, you have no excuse not to visit one of these stunning lakes. Here are some of the best in Wisconsin:

• Lake Mendota — Dane County
• Lake Winnebago — Winnebago, Calumet, and Fond du Lac Counties
• Lake Onalaska — La Crosse County
• Lake Michigan — eastern Wisconsin
• Lake Waubesa — Dane County
• Lake Superior — Douglas County

Rivers in Wisconsin

 Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of rivers! Some only run through the state, while others span over several states. Residents and visitors can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and swimming in these many of these rivers, and some of the best include:

• Mississippi River
• Wolf River
• Flambeau River
• Menominee River
• Chippewa River

2. Outdoor Recreation

Wisconsin is definitely not lacking when it comes to outdoor fun in the summer. The state offers ample opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts, all of which have stunning views and plenty of fresh air.

Hiking

Take in every bit of nature Wisconsin has to offer by hiking on its numerous trails. For example, the Ice Age Trail is 1,200 miles long and weaves between diverse terrain and landscapes. Another popular hike is the Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail. This fantastic trail offers rocky climbs, incredible views, and a stunning beach.

Enjoy the Waterfalls

There are many breathtaking waterfalls in Wisconsin. The highest is Big Manitou, which is 165 feet tall. In addition, it is the fourth-highest water east of the Rockies. This waterfall is located in Pattison State Park, along with another waterfall, Little Manitou, which is much smaller, only 31 feet fall. Furthermore, the park offers nine miles of trails, so you can get lost in nature between the two falls. The best time to visit is early summer, when the snow has melted, causing impressive cascades.

Cycle Through the Pines in Vilas County

There are more than 45 miles of paved trails in Vilas County that wind through magnificent scenery, bubbling streams, glassy lakes, and towering pines. One of the best paths is the Crystal Lake Trail, which runs from Boulder Junction south to the Crystal Lake campground. It’s an 11-mile trail with a sandy beach, the perfect spot to rest before making your way back.

Paddle

Rent a kayak and paddle through the sea caves of the Apostle Islands. The mightly Lake Superior has chipped away at the island’s sandstone shores, creating narrow caves and passageways in the reddish rock. The caves sit on the northwest side of the Bayfield peninsula and Sand and Devels islands. It’s best to explore these caves with a tour company that offers crash courses for beginners.

3. Pleasant Weather

The average temperature during summer in Wisconsin is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures often range from 80 to 90 degrees. It can get quite humid in the state over the summer, so it actually feels warmer. As a result, most public buildings have air-conditioning. It’s also important to keep hydrated while visiting the state during the summer. Wisconsin receives a few thunderstorms during the summer and occasionally tornadoes.

4. Vibrant Festivals and Events

Wisconsin has several summer festivals worth mentioning, including:

• The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival, Little Chute, from June 2^nd to June 4^th.
• The Iola Car Show, Iola, from July 6^th to July 8^th.
• The 44^th Annual Pulaski Polk Days, Pulaski, from July 20^th to July 23^rd.
• Czech-Slovak Festival, Phillips, from June 16^th to June 17^th.
• EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, from July 24^th to July 30^th
• Mile of Music, Appleton, from August 3^rd to August 6^th.
• Big Bull Falls Blues Fes, Wausau, from August 18^th to August 19^th.
• Musky Jamboree, Boulder Junction, from August 11^th to August 13^th.

5. Natural Wonders

Wisconsin is home to some magnificent natural wonders, from sea caves to large marshes; the state has a little bit of everything. Designed by Mother Nature and ready to be explored, these sensational spots are the perfect backdrop for lasting memories.

Cave of the Mounds

Every drop of water entering these million-year-old caves forms calvity crystals on the walls, ceiling, and floor. However, one cubic inch of these crystal formations takes over 150 years to form. Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered in 1939, when workers at a limestone quarry blasted into rock, unveiling an amazing underground cavern with galleries, rooms, nooks, and crannies.

Eagle River Chain of Lakes

Just reveling in the beauty of one of Wisconsin’s lakes is satisfying; imagine 28 interconnected lakes. Found in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes is the largest inland chain of lakes on the planet. Visitors spend their summers wakeboarding, water-skiing, canoeing, pontoon cruising, fishing, and kayaking on these lakes.

Horicon Marsh

The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, Horicon Marsh, is located in southeast Wisconsin. It is notorious as a migratory stop for Canadian geese, but they aren’t the only birds who visit. In fact, over 300 species of birds have been spotted at this marsh, including a large population of nesting redhead ducks. Guests might also spot a few Great blue herons.

6. Culinary Delights

Wisconsin has some mouthwatering culinary delights, so if you are ever in the state, you need to try the following:

• Cheese curds
• Beer cheese soup
• Summer sausage
• Morel mushrooms
• Venison back-straps
• Beer brats
• Butter burgers
• Kringle
• Blue Moon ice cream
• Frozen custard

7. Family-Friendly Activities

If you are ever in Wisconsin during the summer with your family, the state offers various family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained, including:

• Lambeau Field and Packers Hall of Fame – Green Bay
• Jurustic Park – Marshfield
• The Mining Museum – Rollo Jamison Museum – Platteville
• Northwoods Children’s Museum – Eagle River
• Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin – Milwaukee
• Circus World – Baraboo
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Madison
• Cady Cheese Factory – Wilson

8. Cultural Heritage

Most Americans associate Wisconsin residents with being some of the nicest people in the country. The state also has a large German and Polish population thanks to Wisconsin’s affordable farmland offered in the second half of the 19^th century.

9. Scenic Drives and Road Trips

When traveling through Wisconsin, avoid the interstate. Instead, take a scenic drive through the state’s diverse landscape, and take in everything the scenery has to offer. Some amazing routes include:

• Rustic Road 83 in Barron County.
• Door County’s Coastal Byway
• Drive from Wilton to Viroqua 
• Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
• Highway 77 between Minong and Hayward

10. Welcoming Atmosphere

Most Wisconsin residents are very down-to-earth and welcome visitors with open arms. Outdoor recreation plays a major role in residents’ lives, and they are genuinely interested in locally made products, which they take immense pride in.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gottography/Shutterstock.com