12 Surprisingly Beautiful Places in Wisconsin You Didn’t Know Existed
When you think of Wisconsin, you might envision cheese curds or the Green Bay Packers for sports fans out there. But did you know this state has epic sea caves along Lake Superior that turn into ice caves in the winter and rolling bluffs next to charming small towns?
If you remember the TV series Fargo, visiting the film scenes in Duluth inspired me to drive through this northern state in the middle of winter at -20F. I also wanted to see the ice caves, which I was too early for.
However, I fat-biked through a forest of icicles and hiked to frozen waterfalls along the way. Here are 12 surprisingly beautiful places in Wisconsin you didn’t know existed.
1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a collection of 21 islands scattered across Lake Superior. Come for the sea caves, the pristine beaches, and the isles dotted with lighthouses.
Kayaking through the sea caves is a must-do, especially when the water is calm enough to let you glide right into them. During some winters, when the conditions are just right, ice caves are a natural phenomenon in this area. Shuffle right on the icy lake to get to them.
Bayfield is a charming little town at the northern tip of Wisconsin that serves as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo
Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most popular state park. The centerpiece of the park is, of course, Devil’s Lake itself, a deep, clear body of water surrounded by tall quartzite cliffs.
The hiking trails here offer some of the best views in the state, especially the challenging climb up to the East Bluff to see the Devil’s Doorway rock formation.
3. Door County, Fish Creek
Door County is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This area is a popular summer destination known for its small towns, cherry orchards, and over 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan.
One of the highlights of Door County is Peninsula State Park, a 3,776-acre park with miles of hiking and biking trails and home to the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Here, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping against the shore at one of the best campsites in Wisconsin.
4. Copper Falls State Park, Mellen
Copper Falls State Park is a hidden gem of waterfalls and ancient lava flows in northern Wisconsin.
The park’s namesake, Copper Falls, is a main attraction that rushes over rocky ledges. Nearby, Brownstone Falls has its own powerful flow. Hiking the Doughboys’ Trail gives you great views of both falls and the deep gorges carved by the Bad River.
5. Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but there’s more to this area than just wave pools and lazy rivers.
The Dells are named for the rock formations that line the Wisconsin River, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Best seen on a boat tour through the Upper Dells, you will glide past rocky cliffs and narrow gorges.
Beyond the waterparks, you can explore numerous hiking trails, visit the quieter Mirror Lake State Park, or zip line through the treetops. The downtown area has quirky shops, restaurants, and attractions, giving the Dells a fun, carnival-like atmosphere.
6. Taliesin, Spring Green
Taliesin is the home and studio of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and it’s a masterpiece of design nestled in the rolling hills of Wisconsin.
Visiting Taliesin is like stepping into Wright’s mind. Every detail reflects his philosophy of organic architecture. The buildings blend seamlessly with the landscape, using natural materials and forms that complement their surroundings.
A guided tour takes you through Wright’s living quarters, his drafting studio, and the expansive grounds, including the gardens, a school, and even a theater.
This is not to be confused with Taliesin West in Arizona, which was Wright’s winter home and studio and was also amazing to see.
7. Holy Hill, Hubertus
Holy Hill is a basilica that stands proudly atop one of the highest points in southeastern Wisconsin. The basilica is an inspired example of Gothic Revival architecture, with twin spires reaching the sky and detailed stained-glass windows.
Climb the 178 steps to the top of one of the towers for an even more impressive view of the countryside. The area around Holy Hill is just as beautiful, especially in the fall foliage when the leaves are ablaze with color.
8. Dells Mill, Augusta
Dells Mill is one of the most photographed spots in Wisconsin. It is a beautifully preserved gristmill that has been grinding grain since the 1860s. The mill has a red exterior and spinning waterwheel with its original machinery is still in place inside.
If you want to learn more, the nearby Dells Mill Museum has exhibits on the mill’s operation and the people who worked there.
9. Cave Point County Park, Sturgeon Bay
Cave Point County Park is a smaller park on the shores of Lake Michigan that often flies under the radar. The waves here have carved out caves in the limestone, and on a windy day, you can hear the water booming inside them. Aside from beautiful cliffsides, there are underwater caves.
It’s a popular spot for kayaking, with paddlers often venturing into the caves for a closer look. On land, hiking trails wind along the shoreline, and the cliffs become encrusted with ice in winter.
10. Baraboo
Baraboo is a small town that serves as the gateway to some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas, including Devil’s Lake State Park, Mirror Lake, and Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area.
True to its name, Mirror Lake offers calm, reflective waters great for boating. Just a short drive away, Pewit’s Nest is a hidden oasis of small waterfalls and pools in a narrow gorge.
11. Big Manitou Falls, Superior
At 165 feet tall, Big Manitou Falls is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Located in Pattison State Park near Superior, it crashes down into the Black River below.
The park is also home to Little Manitou Falls, which, while smaller, is just as beautiful and worth the short hike. The falls are especially striking in the spring when the water flow is at its peak and in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.
12. Driftless Area, Southwestern Wisconsin
The Driftless Area is a unique region of Wisconsin that was untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age, resulting in a landscape unlike anywhere else in the state. Instead of flat plains, you’ll find rolling hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers.
The area is a great for those who love the outdoors. You can hike and kayak in its many parks and nature reserves. Small towns dot the region as you road trip through the region.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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