What Is Wisconsin Known For Other Than Cheese?
When you think of Wisconsin, what comes to mind? Cheese? Green Bay Packers?
I’ve got a secret for you—it’s not just about the cheese. So, what is Wisconsin known for? As Wisconsin natives, we know that it is steeped in history, filled with fun, and famous for many things.
We are excited to share with you what Wisconsin is known for from a local point of view. Not only did we spend almost our entire lives in Wisconsin, but before setting out full-time to travel, looking for romantic getaways in the U.S. to share with you, we spent more than a year traveling around Wisconsin, searching for all those hidden gems we know Wisconsin is home to.
Some of the top things on our list are very obvious, but some may surprise you. Without giving too much away, the following made our top 25 list.

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What Is Wisconsin Known For
You will find everything from dairy farms and Packer fanatics to underground caves and amazing tourist destinations on our list. Let’s check it out together.
1 Dairy

The first thing on the list should be obvious: Wisconsin is known as the Dairy State and is one of the nation’s leading dairy producers. Wisconsin is the second largest milk producer in the U.S., producing 14% of all milk. California may claim they have happy cows, but Wisconsin says its cows are happier.
In addition to being the second largest milk producer, Wisconsin, aka “America’s Dairyland,” is the first largest in cheese production. More than two and a half billion pounds of cheese are produced in Wisconsin. California comes in second.
Wisconsin cheese and dairy products are enjoyed all over the United States.
State fairs across the U.S. proudly serve one of Wisconsin’s signature foods: cheese curds, deep fried to an escalated yumminess. Wisconsin cheese curds are also commonly listed on menus in popular restaurants like Culver’s and Cheddar’s.
While traveling throughout Wisconsin, it’s common to encounter local cheese factories and find the parking lot full. Shoppers who stopped for ice cream leave with bags and boxes of various flavors of cheese produced on-site.
Have you ever had taco, dill, cranberry, or chocolate cheese? These are just some of the fun varieties you can find at a Wisconsin Dairy Store. Many local dairy stores have viewing windows where you can watch cheese curds or other products being made.
Cheese, milk, and butter are not the only dairy products made in Wisconsin. Their ice cream is amazing—rich and creamy varieties made from farm-fresh and cream-rich milk. Wisconsin Ice Cream is enjoyable all year long.
2 Beer
Before Wisconsin was the “Dairy State,” it could have been known as the “Beer State.” Breweries, beer, and bars have played a huge part in Wisconsin’s history. The earliest Wisconsin brewery dates back to the 1830s.
Due to the huge German population settling in Wisconsin and bringing with them their knowledge, skills, and a desire to maintain their cultural identity, by 1860, nearly every community throughout Wisconsin had at least one brewery.
Of the 300+ breweries operating in Wisconsin in the late 1800s, over 40 were located in Milwaukee. Towns like Milwaukee seem to have formed and grown around the breweries’ locations.
Although prohibition brought about the demise of many of the smaller breweries across the U.S., many others used their creativity and found ways to produce other products or continue producing beer and smuggling it out.
Milwaukee still has hidden tunnels where beer was smuggled out under the city. After prohibition, many breweries continued to produce beer in Wisconsin.
Breweries such as Pabst, Miller, Schlitz, and Blatz all still have a strong presence in Wisconsin. They have weathered the prohibition storm.
When visiting Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you can tour Captain Pabst’s home and hear the Pabst family’s history. You can also tour the Best Place, which was once the Pabst factory and office building. Efforts are underway to preserve that piece of history.
Fast-forward to today and Wisconsin is home to over 200 well-known and local breweries—many of which you can tour, stop in, and try a flight.
3 Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson is a name that even non-motorcycle enthusiasts will recognize. Many do not know the amazing story behind Harley-Davidson and its humble connection to Wisconsin.
Harley-Davidson started in a small 11 x 15 wooden shed in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin backyard. This American story started with two young men who had a dream.
At 15, a young man named William Harley became intrigued by a new form of transportation called a bicycle. I believe that intrigue started it all.
As intrigued as Harley was by the bicycle, he had a dream and a vision of it being something more. In 1901, he drew an engine designed to fit the bicycle. After sharing the drawing with his long-time friend Arthur Davidson, they spent many hours trying to develop a prototype.
That attempted proto-type never materialized, but that did not stop Harley. More ideas were already on paper. And two additional Davidson brothers were added to what became known as the “Harley-Davidson dream team.”
This team worked together, and in 1907, the Wisconsin-born “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” was incorporated. To encourage sales of their motorized bicycle, Harley and Davidson offered dealers one free bike for every three that they purchased.
In that first year, Harley-Davidson Motor Company was able to produce 100 motorized bicycles.
Harley-Davidson started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and to this day is still there. Harley and the Davidson Brothers believed in Harley-Davidson and their dream and spent all their life working there.
At the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, visitors can learn more about these young men’s dreams and see one of the very first motorcycles off the assembly line.
4 The Wisconsin Dells
Growing up in Wisconsin, I knew the Wisconsin Dells was the place to go in summer. End-of-the-year school trips often included a day at Fort Dells, which involved water fun, cowboys, and impromptu plays throughout the day.
Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” today. Families and couples flock to the Wisconsin Dells for all-day water fun. Even in the winter, Wisconsin Dells does not disappoint. Many of the hotels and resorts have huge indoor waterparks that are open year-round.
Wisconsin Dells is home to six major indoor waterparks that are open year-round.
In addition to the waterpark fun, Wisconsin Dells is a destination for plenty of go-karting, mini-golfing, arcade fun, shopping, duck rides, and amazing food. Wisconsin Dells is the ideal place for a romantic road trip.
When thinking about what Wisconsin is known for, Wisconsin Dells is not a secret that Wisconsin has kept to itself. When you are known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the word gets out.
5 Cranberries

Come fall, cranberry bogs filled with red berries can be seen when driving through several counties in central and northern Wisconsin. It’s also not uncommon for many small towns to hold festivals honoring this tiny little red fruit. You may overhear girls excitedly referring to themselves as a Cranberry Princess.
Why is this one little fruit so well-known in Wisconsin? The little red berry that has been a staple since the very first Thanksgiving, the cranberry, is a native fruit to Wisconsin. It is also Wisconsin’s state fruit and Wisconsin’s leading fruit crop.
The sand and peat marshes on over 250 farms in 20 counties throughout Wisconsin create the perfect conditions for growing cranberries. Wisconsin produces over half of the world’s crop of cranberries.
Several fall festivals are held each year to celebrate this tiny fruit and a successful harvest. Warrens Cranberry Festival, Warrens, Wisconsin, Cranberry Blossom Festival, Wisconsin Rapids, Stone Lake Cranberry Festival, Stone Lake, and Eagle River Cranberry Festival, Eagle River are several festivals where Wisconsinites flock for food, fun, parades, and numerous cranberry activities. Many of the local cranberry bogs also offer tours during the festivals.
It would be a good guess if I said your cranberry juice or cranberries on your Thanksgiving table originated in Wisconsin.
To see more of this amazing little red fruit, check out this video from Wisconsin Cranberry Growers.
6 Paper
Paper was one of Wisconsin’s biggest commodities. Much of Wisconsin’s economy is tied to the paper industry. Cities were formed around paper factory locations, and many families depended on the paper industry for jobs.
Green Bay is known for several things, one of which is that several local companies produce toilet paper. One company, Northern Paper Mill, started producing toilet paper as far back as 1901 and is now known as Northern Tissue.
Rolled toilet paper first became common in 1907. Although Wisconsin was not the first producer of toilet paper, it produced the first splinter-free toilet paper.
Green Bay companies soon became the largest producers of toilet paper, which is why Green Bay is sometimes called the “Toilet Paper Capital of the World.” This revolutionary product helped the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, through the Great Depression.
As you travel through Wisconsin, many cities have murals painted on some of their downtown buildings depicting the history of papermaking in Wisconsin. Although you won’t see murals showing the presence of toilet paper manufacturing, you will see the history of paper making, starting with the Wisconsin lumberjacks.
Towns that sprung up due to logging honor lumberjacks with local festivals and even life-size statues of famous lumberjacks such as Paul Bunyan.
When visiting Wisconsin Dells or Minocqua, be sure to make a stop at Paul Bunyan Cook Shanty for an unforgettable lunch experience. While you are there, try to grab a selfie of you with Paul and Babe the Big Blue Ox if you can get it all in the picture.
7 Door County

Door County is a destination that vacationers from all over the world mention. It is not uncommon for us to run into someone and start talking with them, and when they find out we are originally from Wisconsin, they mention having visited Door County.
Why does Door County draw visitors from all over? It is a popular getaway for a romantic couple’s weekend or a family adventure, and it also makes for a perfect girls’ weekend or guys’ fishing getaway.
Door County is the peninsula between the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It is often referred to as the thumb of Wisconsin. Some of the best fishing takes place off the shores of Door County.
Although Door County is filled with charming bed and breakfasts, quaint cottages, breathtaking views, and local boutiques that sell Door County delicacies and Wisconsin products, that’s not what makes Door County so inviting.
Door County is rich in history, starting with the earliest settlers who knew the rich soil was perfect for growing what other areas would not. Fields of cherry trees, grape vines, apple orchards, and lavender fields greet Door County visitors.
Local fruits are sold right off the tree—that is, the fruits that don’t get sent right to the local winemaker. Several wineries offer tastings of their wines. If you are looking for a new favorite wine, you may find it in Door County.
No trip to Door County is complete without experiencing a Door County Fish Boil. Although Wisconsin is known for its Friday Night Fish Fry, Door County does it differently. You can experience a Door County Fish Boil almost any night of the week.
When we say experience a fish boil, that is exactly what we mean. Yes, the food is good, but the entertainment makes it amazing. Many restaurants use freshly caught fish from the boat for their nightly fish boil.
Boil Masters becomes your chef and storyteller for the evening. Being a Boil Master is an art, and often, the talents and title of boil master are passed down throughout generations.
I would try to condense the fish boil experience into a couple of paragraphs, but it would not do it justice.
8 Frank Lloyd Wright – Taliesin
Frank Lloyd Wright, a very well-known American architect, made Wisconsin his lifelong home. He left much of his life work in Wisconsin for us to enjoy. You can see Frank Lloyd Wright’s building style in several locations throughout Wisconsin.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a visionary and teacher known to have been the influence behind hundreds of famous buildings worldwide. Wright’s most notable building was crafted in Spring Green, Wisconsin, known as Taliesin, and it was also Wright’s personal home.
As intriguing as Taliesin is, and as well known as the name Frank Lloyd Wright is, there are things many don’t know about Wright’s most famous home.
Wright built Taliesin as a refuge after a romantic scandal. After having an affair with his neighbor and then abandoning their families, Wright and his new wife moved to Spring Green and built Taliesin.
A murder and a fire claimed the lives of Wright’s wife and two children when a servant at Taliesin set fire to the private living quarters and killed Cheney (Wright’s wife) and two children with an axe. The home was totaled, but Wright rebuilt it.
A second fire, this time caused by faulty electrical wiring, destroyed the second Taliesin, which Wright rebuilt again. The Taliesin we can tour today is the third Taliesin in the same place, built by Wright.
It is said that when Wright died, Taliesin was not finished. Over 200 documented changes were made to Taliesin, and many more, I’m sure, were planned.
To see Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous work, you can tour Taliesin when you are in Wisconsin.
9 House On The Rock

House on the Rock is located in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This attraction has often been mistaken for one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, but it is not. A man named Alex Jordan built this unique attraction. The speculation behind House on the Rock is that Alex Jordan built it to spite Frank Lloyd Wright.
House on the Rock has been a Wisconsin attraction since almost day one. While it was being built, neighbors were so curious that Alex Jordan opened his home for visitors to tour. In 1960, Alex Jordan made $5000 by opening his home.
What makes House on the Rock so unique? It begins with the fact it is built on top of what is known as Chimney Rock. The Home portion is dark, gloomy, intriguing, and yet quaint and surprising. House on the Rock seems to go on forever, taking twists, turns, and unexpected ins and outs.
Almost every area of House on the Rock contains some of Alex Jordans’ numerous collections, filling almost every nook and cranny with almost anything thinkable. A lifesize whale and a colossal squid doing battle, and the World’s Largest Carousel are just two very unusual things you will find at House on the Rock.
If you are looking for insane and over-the-top, it’s at House on the Rock. It’s no wonder Wisconsin is known for being home to House on the Rock.
10 Sandstone Cliffs
On a recent trip to the Wisconsin Dells, we saw first-hand the beauty and magnitude of Wisconsin’s Sandstone Cliffs.
By taking one of the Dells Boat Tours, you can see the tall sandstone cliff formations that rise high above the water. According to our boat tour guide, the sandstone in the Wisconsin Dells has the ideal gritty texture for an exfoliant. What a treat it would be to get a spa treatment at one of the local spas that use sandstone.
The consistency of the Wisconsin sandstone is soft, as can be seen by the many trees that have grown right through it. This is also evident along the Great Lakes, where sea caves have been carved out of the sandstone cliffs.
The unique sandstone found in Wisconsin is only found in three other places: New York, Switzerland, and Germany.
11 Milwaukee

Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and has many personalities. It offers many opportunities for romantic adventures. It is the most well-known of all Wisconsin Cities. It is also home to Wisconsin’s largest airport.
Milwaukee has a lot of history, including being the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. It is a port city and very diverse. You can experience the unique and Historic Third Ward, tour the Pabst Mansion, enjoy the numerous museums, stroll the Milwaukee Zoo, or visit a local dinner theater. It is a city filled with thriving restaurants and historic hotels.
Milwaukee can almost guarantee a new adventure around every corner. You can explore for weeks and still never see all that it offers. But please stay a while, and when you do, you will want to stay at the Historic Pfister Hotel and immerse yourself in its history, luxury, and architecture—a hotel that movie stars and presidents have stayed at.
During your stay at the Pfister, be sure to book an Afternoon Tea experience. Afternoon Tea is served in the lounge on the 23rd floor. This is the only room where you can treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon of tea while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee has made Wisconsin famous for a few other things. The most well-known is the TV show Happy Days, which was filmed in Milwaukee. Fans can relive the show by visiting Milwaukee and seeing many of the city landmarks in the show.
A bronze statue of “The Fonz” can be found in downtown Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward—a great place to stop and take a selfie.
The spin-off to Happy Days, Lavern and Shirley, was also set in Milwaukee but was not filmed there.
Milwaukee is also home to the World’s Largest Music Festival, Summer Fest. It takes place starting in June, lasts nine days, and welcomes over 900,000 fans over three weekends. It hosts over 800 bands on 11 different stages.
Bravo, Milwaukee! You must visit to appreciate all that Milwaukee has to offer.
12 EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association
Wisconsin is known as being home to the EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and home of the annual EAA AirVenture, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. It is where Wisconsin celebrates the past, present, and future in the world of flight. All of this takes place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, each summer.
During this week-long event, over 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from over 80 countries make their way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. More than 10,000 aircraft that week will fly into Wittman Reginal Airport and arrive at what will become the busiest airport in the world for that one week.
No matter your level of aviation enthusiasm, EAA AirVenture will have something to interest you. Visitors will be entertained, educated, and thrilled by all of the activities that revolve around the spirit of aviation.
Every type of aircraft will be displayed: vintage, homebuilts, Ultralights, and Warbirds. You will see normal aircraft and some that are so unique that they are one-of-a-kind. You name it, and there will likely be an example of it at EAA AirVenture.
Crowd-pleasing night air shows, daytime aerobatics, and airshows, Fly-In theaters with feature films, workshops, demonstrations, and so much more occur during the week.
What started as a small event in 1953 has become a grand, week-long Wisconsin gathering known as the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
13 The Great Outdoors

The great outdoors is Wisconsin’s playground. Outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, camping, snowmobiling, and much more.
Hunters flock to Wisconsin dressed in orange, looking to hunt deer, black bear, and turkey.
Lake Superior and Lake Michigan offer fishermen opportunities to get out on the water and bring home a good catch. Both commercial and novice fishermen will be seen on the waters all summer long. Wisconsin waters are home to whitefish, muskie, walleye, bass, and several others.
It is not uncommon for local fishermen to supply Wisconsin restaurants with fish right off the boats.
Fishing is not the only fun activity Wisconsin waters offer. The state also has some beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy.
One of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets is that it is home to more than 100 beautiful waterfalls. Most are located in northern Wisconsin. The tallest one is Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park, at 165 feet, located in northwestern Wisconsin.
Hiking in the great outdoors of Wisconsin to see one of the waterfalls is a wonderful weekend adventure enjoyed by many. Some waterfalls are located in Wisconsin State and County Parks or National Forests, where camping is also available. Many Illinois residents head to the Wisconsin North Woods to enjoy the great outdoors.
We have had the pleasure of taking two different road trips and visiting several Wisconsin waterfalls. Visiting Wisconsin’s northeastern waterfalls are an ideal way to spend a weekend.
In winter, the great outdoors in Wisconsin can be enjoyed while ice fishing, snowmobiling the 25,000 miles of pristine snowmobiling trails throughout the state, or skiing the downhill slopes located in Wisconsin Dells.
14 The Great Lakes
Wisconsin is known for being bordered by two of the five Great Lakes. Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. 48 lighthouses keep watch over the coastlines, keeping boaters safe.
The Great Lakes bring outdoor recreation lovers from all over Wisconsin to enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
With over 800 miles of coastline, Wisconsin has some beautiful beaches and a coastline that provides an excellent habitat for wildlife.
15 The 45 x 90 Geographical Marker

You may be asking yourself what the 45 x 90 geographical marker is and how Wisconsin is known for this.
You may not know this, but Wisconsin is known for one of four geographical markers in the world located in it.
What is a geographical marker? This is where the 45th Parallel of Lattitude intersects the 90th Meridian of Longitude. The earth has four of these points.
These four points are called the 45 x 90 geographical markers. Two of them are on land, and two are in the ocean.
The two points in the ocean are not reachable. One of the land points is very difficult to reach in a mountainous region of China, and the last 45 X 90 point is located in central Wisconsin in the middle of a cornfield.
You can visit this one-of-a-kind spot. Years ago, efforts were made to set this spot aside and mark it so it couldn’t be missed and was accessible.
16 Green Bay Packers
In Wisconsin, football is a way of life. Wisconsin takes ownership and pride in its team, the Green Bay Packers. If you are in Wisconsin on a day when a home game is played, you will find die-hard Packer fans wearing nothing but green and gold. Fans can be seen tailgating at games while wearing none other than foam hats that look like cheese.
The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919, are the oldest team in the National Football League and the only publicly owned professional sports team.
Lambeau Field is home to the first Hall of Fame, honoring a single football team. Today the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame includes more than 150 inductees, Super Bowl rings that belong to Bartt Starr and Aaron Rodgers, the original Packer uniform, the four Lombardi trophies won by the Packers, and a replica of Coach Lombardi’s office.
The very first Super Bowl took place in 1967. At the time, the Green Packers were under the leadership of Vince Lombardi, who was known as always playing to win. Lombardi made a winning team out of the Green Bay Packers.
Under the guidance of Vince Lombardi, the Green Bay Packers won the very first two consecutive Super Bowls. Shortly after the second Super Bowl, Lombardi retired and soon after passed away quickly after losing a battle with cancer.
In 1970, the Super Bowl Trophy was renamed the Vince Lombardi Trophy to honor Lombardi, the benchmark for all the NFL stands for in coaching. The Vince Lombardi Trophy is the most sought-after trophy by all NFL football teams. Wisconsin currently holds 4.
Wisconsin is known for its winning football teams. Many great players and coaches have contributed to the state’s love for football.
17 The Brandy Old Fashioned

Is Wisconsin known for being the center of the Brandy Belt? Many Wisconsin residents are of German heritage, and what do Germans like even better than beer and brats? Good Brandy!
So it’s unsurprising that the State Drink of Wisconsin is the Brandy Old Fashioned. Supper Clubs and bars have served the Brandy Old Fashioned to locals for as long as anyone can remember.
To say that Wisconsin is partial to this favorite drink is an understatement. According to Korbel Brandy, Wisconsinites consume more than half of the world’s brandy. Korbel, the main brandy producer, states that on average, 275,000 cases of brandy are sold worldwide, over 150,000 of which are sold in Wisconsin.
What is a Wisconsin Style Brandy Old Fashioned
2 oz Korbel Brandy
Maraschino Cherries
2 Orange Slice
1 Sugar Cube
3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
7up
Add cherries, orange slices, bitters, and your sugar cube to an old-fashioned glass.
Muddle to crush the sugar cube and extract the juices from the fruit.
Add Brandy and ice to your glass.
And top with 7up.
Garnish your drink with additional cherries and an orange slice on a cocktail pick.
For a very interesting read about the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned, you must check out the Alcohol Professors, The True Origin of the Brandy Obsession.
18 Ginseng Capital Of The World
Wisconsin is known as the Ginseng Capitol of the World. American ginseng is native to Wisconsin. Three brothers started the first ginseng farm in 1904. It did not take long for other farmers to jump on the bandwagon.
Again, it’s all about the soil. Wisconsin has the perfect soil to give the ginseng the desired bitter taste. Wisconsin produces 95 percent of the very sought-after American ginseng.
Wisconsin produces the highest-quality ginseng roots, which are found in retail shops in Chinatowns throughout North America and are requested by consumers worldwide.
Wisconsin is known for growing the best quality ginseng and the highly desirable bittersweet ginseng root, which can only be grown in Wisconsin soil.
19 The Wisconsin Fish Fry

In Wisconsin, Friday nights are about socializing. Supper clubs are a tradition in Wisconsin, and on Friday night, it’s all about the fish fry.
On Fridays, Wisconsinites ask where we are going for fish tonight. It’s also very common to overhear a conversation about where the best Friday Fish Fry can be found.
Most Wisconsinites can tell you about all the local fish fries and lead you to the best choice. A fish fry is ranked on location, the restaurant or bar atmosphere, the type of fish, the kind of breading, the seasoning, the side dishes, and the tarter sauce.
Why is Wisconsin known for its fish fry tradition? The Wisconsin Fish Fry became a tradition thanks to three things: Prohibition, the state’s proximity to freshwater fish, and the Catholic Church.
Most Wisconsin settlers were of German or Polish descent and Catholic. The Catholic leaders asked their parishioners to abstain from red meat on Fridays. When these German Catholics settled in Wisconsin, they brought this practice with them.
During Prohibition, taverns around Wisconsin needed a way to stay afloat financially. With the freshwater around Wisconsin being plentiful with walleye, bluegill, and perch, it was a cheap way for taverns to make money by selling a plate of fish.
Even though, in the 1960s, the Catholic church changed the requirement to abstain from meat on Fridays to just requiring parishioners to abstain from red meat on Fridays during lent, by the 1960s, the Friday Fish Fry had become a Wisconsin tradition.
Wisconsin does take its Fish Fry serious, and going out for Friday Fish has become a part of Wisconsin life.
20 Supper Clubs
Supper Clubs are a Wisconsin tradition. In Wisconsin, meals become events when they are enjoyed at a supper club. You don’t visit a supper club and expect to eat and run. Be prepared to linger and make a night of it.
Wisconsin Supper Clubs started in the early 1900s as prohibition roadhouses. In most Wisconsin supper clubs, the owner is front and center. You may find them behind the bar serving drinks or in the kitchen cooking and even serving. They know their customers by name. It’s much like visiting a friend for the evening.
Supper Clubs are known for having great food. Supper club menus will vary. Since they are independently owned, many of the specialties are family recipes. One thing we find they have in common is Friday nights are for the fish fry, and Saturday nights are known for prime rib.
Many supper clubs have some connection to gangsters. They were the ideal places for gangsters to hide out.
21 Its Native American Culture

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home to Indian Summer Festival, the largest Native American Festival in the country. The three-day event features markets with traditional food and art, exhibits of live music, sporting events, and an enormous powwow.
The festival is a chance for Native Americans to celebrate their culture and educate non-natives about it and the differences between the tribes that were native to Wisconsin.
The original inhabitants of Wisconsin include the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), Menominee, Potawatomi, and the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. The presence of American Indian people in Wisconsin dates back to before Wisconsin became a state.
They lived in villages throughout what is now known as Wisconsin, planting gardens, farming, hunting, and living off the land while maintaining cultural traditions within their tribes.
Wisconsin has a rich American Indian culture that has been passed down for generations. American Indians continue to maintain a strong presence in Wisconsin.
You can learn more about Native Americans in Wisconsin by visiting the:
- Oneida Nation Museum – the largest exhibit of Oneida history
- Waswagoning Indian Bowl Living Arts and Culture Center to watch powwows, singers, and dancers
- Chippewa Valley Museum to learn about the Ojibwe people and their way of life
- Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park to see authentic recreations of Ojibwe trading posts.
22 Betty Boop And Disney
Yes ~ you read that right. If you grew up in Wisconsin, you would have heard the stories of there being a connection between Wisconsin and Betty Boop, Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and even Popeye.
To this day, Betty Boop somehow makes an appearance in Wisconsin Rapids’ festivals.
The connection is a Wisconsin Rapids native, Myron “Grim” Natwick, who is known as one of the pioneers of early animation.
Natwick was born in 1860 at a time when animation was not widely known or used. Upon graduation, Natwick attended the Art Institute of Chicago. He soon went right to work, and although he worked for various studios, he is most known for his work with Fleischer Studios.
At Fleischer Studios, under Max Fleischer’s direction, Natwick created Betty Boop, an animated character said to have been inspired by Helen Krane.
After leaving Fleischer Studios, Natwick continued his animation career at Disney. As the lead animator, he is known for creating Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, among other works.
Throughout his career, Natwick had his hand in over 100 animated films and TV shows.
This Wisconsin-born animator and early animation pioneer had his hand in several of the characters we love and enjoy today.
The next time you snuggle down together and watch an old Disney flick, you will know that it all started with a Wisconsin-born native.
If you ever find yourself in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and want to know more about Natwick, make a stop at the Historical Society. They have several of his original drawings and would love to show them to you.
23 The Apostle Islands

Wisconsin is known for the group of 22 islands located in northern Wisconsin on Lake Superior, which make up the Apostle Islands. These islands are referred to as the National Lakeshore.
With 12 miles of shoreline, visitors head to the Apostle Islands to enjoy the pristine and beautiful beaches. They spend their days hiking, sailing, paddling, or even enjoying a cruise on Lake Superior.
Thanks to the clear water, scuba diving is a very popular activity. Divers find amazing opportunities to explore underwater rock formations and fascinating shipwrecks.
With nine historic lighthouses, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other National Park.
Camping is available on the mainland and on 19 of the 21 islands. Another favorite pastime in the National Park is the hiking opportunities it offers. There are more than 50 miles of maintained trails in the park.
The hiking trails overlook the sea caves and provide access to lighthouses, old farm sites, historic fishing camps, beaches, and scenic overlooks.
The Apostle Islands are another great place where visitors can see Wisconsin’s sandstone cliffs.
Summer or Winter, the Apostle Islands are an outdoor enthusiast paradise.
24 Ice Caves
The Apostle Islands are known for having amazing ice caves (a cave that ice forms in) during the winter. Lake Superior freezes over during winter, causing sea caves that visitors enjoy exploring.
To visit the Ice Caves, you need to be prepared for a two-mile hike, one mile out, and one mile back on Lake Superior. The ice is monitored carefully, and everything has to be just right for the Caves to be accessible. The weather plays a huge part in visitors’ ability to visit the Ice Caves.
A trip to see the beautiful Wisconsin Ice Caves at Apostle Islands has quite a reputation as a Wisconsin winter “bucket list” activity. The lake floor is covered with ice during winter. Daring visitors will get a once-in-a-lifetime rare chance to stare down at the lake’s bottom.
If you are up for the thrill, you can crawl beneath these sandstone rock formations that resemble caves filled with ice.
25 Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road is 250 miles of roads that follow the Mississippi River. This National Scenic Byway is considered a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Its national significance led to it being designated an “All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration.
The Wisconsin Great River Road is a small part of the big picture. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. To fully enjoy this Wisconsin gem, you need to take a road trip and immerse yourself in Wisconsin’s history.
26 Cave Of The Mounds

Wisconsin is known for being home to the Cave of the Mounds. In 1939, limestone workers accidentally blasted and discovered this amazing underground cave.
Rumors spread quickly, and curiosity seekers came in droves to see what all the excitement was. The area had to be roped off to preserve this amazing find.
Wooden walkways and lights were installed in the cave, and in 1940, the Cave of the Mounds opened to the public.
In 1988, Cave of the Mounds earned the National Natural Landmark recognition. Although Cave of the Mounds is privately owned, a public-private partnership with the National Park Service ensures that the Cave will be managed & protected for future generations.
Visitors come from all over to tour the Cave of the Mounds. It’s a fun place for couples and families.
The Wrap-Up ~ What Is Wisconsin Known For Other Than Cheese?
This extensive list of things that Wisconsin is known for just touches the surface of what you will find waiting for you in Wisconsin. It was hard to narrow down the top 25 because there are so many wonderful things about Wisconsin.
We also discovered several Romantic Places to Stay in Wisconsin while on our road trips.
Wisconsin is most notably known for its huge number of family dairy farms and its dairy production. Thanks to the rich farmland, it is also known for its ginseng and cranberry production.
Wisconsin is also known for its cold winters, its Packer fanatics, and some of the most beautiful nature in the Midwest.
Thanks to destinations like Wisconsin Dells, Cave of the Mounds, House on the Rock, and Door County, tourism is one of Wisconsin’s major resources.
We know that Wisconsin is home to some breathtaking and fun destinations. Wisconsin contains a rich blend of culture, history, and architecture. Its history dates back centuries, and Wisconsin takes pride in its history.
If a trip to Wisconsin is not on your travel bucket list, It Should Be!
