Explore Wisconsin United States

Explore Wisconsin United States

What is the best time to travel to Wisconsin

The best time to travel to Wisconsin largely depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Wisconsin:

Summer (June-August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Wisconsin, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and water sports. Summer is also when many festivals and events take place, such as the Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest in Milwaukee, and the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Wisconsin for its stunning fall foliage, particularly in northern and central parts of the state. The weather is cooler and less humid, making it a comfortable time to explore the outdoors. Fall is also when many apple orchards and pumpkin patches open, and Oktoberfest celebrations take place.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Wisconsin is cold and snowy, but also offers opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Winter is also when many holiday events and festivals take place, such as the German Christkindlmarkt in Milwaukee and the Christmas Fantasy in Lights in Madison.

Spring (March-May): Spring in Wisconsin is characterized by cooler temperatures, but also the blooming of flowers and trees. Spring is a great time to visit Wisconsin’s state parks and nature reserves, as well as explore the state’s many charming small towns and historic sites.

Overall, the best time to visit Wisconsin depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit. For fall foliage and harvest season activities, fall is the best time. For winter sports and holiday festivities, winter is the best time. And for nature walks and exploring small towns, spring is the best time.

How to get to Wisconsin

There are several ways to get to Wisconsin, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options:

By plane: Wisconsin has several airports, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Dane County Regional Airport in Madison (MSN), and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee (MKE), that offer domestic and international flights.

By car: Wisconsin is easily accessible by car from neighboring states and the rest of the United States. Several major interstate highways, including I-90, I-94, and I-43, pass through the state, making it easy to drive to major cities and tourist destinations.

By bus: As mentioned earlier, there are several regional and national bus services that provide transportation to and within Wisconsin.

By train: Amtrak operates several passenger trains in Wisconsin, including the Empire Builder, which runs from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, stopping in several Wisconsin cities.

Once you are in Wisconsin, there are several transportation options available to explore the state, including buses, trains, rental cars, and taxis.

How to get around Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a variety of transportation options for getting around the state:

Car: The easiest way to get around Wisconsin is by car. The state has an extensive network of highways and scenic byways, and rental cars are available at major airports and in cities throughout the state.

Bus: Wisconsin is served by several bus companies, including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Badger Bus. These companies provide intercity service between major cities in Wisconsin, as well as connections to other cities throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Train: Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service and Empire Builder routes provide train service to several cities in Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, La Crosse, and the Twin Cities. These trains also connect to other major cities throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Air: Wisconsin is served by several airports, including Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and Madison’s Dane County Regional Airport. These airports offer domestic and international flights, as well as connections to other cities throughout the country.

Bike: Wisconsin has an extensive network of bike trails, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Biking is a great way to explore the state’s scenic countryside and small towns.

Ferry: The Lake Express Ferry provides passenger and vehicle ferry service across Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan, from May to October.

Overall, the best transportation option for getting around Wisconsin largely depends on your destination and preferences. If you’re exploring a particular city or region, a car or public transportation may be the best option. If you’re interested in scenic routes or outdoor activities, biking or driving may be the way to go.

National Airports

Wisconsin has several airports that serve both domestic and international flights. Some of the major national airports in Wisconsin are:

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE): Located in Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport is the largest airport in Wisconsin, serving both domestic and international flights.

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN): Located in Madison, Dane County Regional Airport serves several domestic airlines and is the second-busiest airport in Wisconsin.

Appleton International Airport (ATW): Located in Appleton, Appleton International Airport serves several domestic airlines and is a convenient airport for travelers visiting the northeastern part of Wisconsin.

Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB): Located in Green Bay, Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport serves several domestic airlines and is the third-busiest airport in Wisconsin.

Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA): Located in Mosinee, Central Wisconsin Airport serves several domestic airlines and is a convenient airport for travelers visiting the central and northern parts of Wisconsin.

These airports provide a convenient entry point for travelers visiting Wisconsin, with several transportation options available to travel to different parts of the state.

Trains in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has several passenger train services that provide transportation options for travelers within the state and to neighboring states. Some of the train services available in Wisconsin are:

Amtrak: Amtrak operates several passenger trains in Wisconsin, including the Hiawatha Service, which connects Milwaukee with Chicago, and the Empire Builder, which runs from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, stopping in several Wisconsin cities such as Milwaukee, Columbus, and La Crosse.

Metra: Metra is a commuter rail service that provides transportation between the Chicago metropolitan area and several Wisconsin cities such as Kenosha and Racine.

Wisconsin and Southern Railroad: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is a freight railroad that also provides passenger services between Madison and several cities in southern Wisconsin such as Janesville, Evansville, and Monroe.

Traveling by train can be a scenic and comfortable way to explore Wisconsin, with several routes offering views of the state’s natural beauty and historic sites.

Buses in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has several bus services that provide transportation options for travelers within the state and to neighboring states. Some of the bus services available in Wisconsin are:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a nationwide bus service that provides transportation between several cities in Wisconsin and other cities in the United States and Canada.

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines is a regional bus service that provides transportation between several cities in Wisconsin and neighboring states such as Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota.

Badger Bus: Badger Bus is a regional bus service that provides transportation between several cities in southern Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee, and Janesville.

Lamers Bus Lines: Lamers Bus Lines is a regional bus service that provides transportation between several cities in eastern Wisconsin, including Green Bay, Appleton, and Milwaukee.

Traveling by bus can be an affordable and convenient way to explore Wisconsin, with several routes offering frequent and reliable service to major cities and tourist destinations.

Accommodations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular options include:

Hotels and Motels: There are plenty of hotels and motels in Wisconsin, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Popular chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Best Western have multiple locations throughout the state.

Bed and Breakfasts: Wisconsin is known for its charming bed and breakfasts, particularly in the state’s smaller towns and rural areas. These often offer a more personal touch than hotels, with home-cooked breakfasts and personalized service.

Cabins and Cottages: Wisconsin has an abundance of cabins and cottages for rent, particularly in the northern part of the state. These are a great option for those looking for a rustic, outdoor experience.

Campgrounds: Wisconsin has many campgrounds, including both public and private options. These are a great choice for those looking to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Resorts: Wisconsin has several resorts, particularly around the state’s many lakes. These often offer a range of amenities, including golf courses, spas, and water sports.

Vacation Rentals: Wisconsin has many vacation rental options, particularly through websites like Airbnb and VRBO. These offer a home away from home experience, with the added bonus of being able to live like a local.

Overall, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Wisconsin, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, travel style, and destination.