A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
From lakes and trails to charming small towns and unique festivals, summer in Wisconsin is nothing short of magic. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Wisconsinite or just looking for a new state to explore, here’s a 2025 summer bucket list to make the most of this sunny season!
Hit the Water!
With more than 15,000 lakes and two Great Lakes, Wisconsin offers countless opportunities to cool off. Spend a day kayaking the Apostle Islands sea caves near Bayfield, or go tubing down the Wolf River, a 225-mile tributary of the Fox River in Northeastern Wisconsin. Don’t forget to visit Lake Geneva for its beautiful shoreline, which spans just over 20 miles. Take an iconic mailboat tour while you’re there, too!
Hike and Bike Scenic Trails
The Ice Age Trail is a must for hikers, winding over 1,000 miles through some of Wisconsin’s most stunning glacial landscapes. For bikers, check out the Elroy-Sparta Trail! This is America’s first rail-to-trail conversion, and offers a scenic, family-friendly ride through old railroad tunnels and peaceful countryside.
Explore Small-Town Gems
Summer is prime time to discover Wisconsin’s hidden gems, and lucky for you, there are plenty of small towns to do that in! Take a stroll through Mineral Point’s artist community, indulge in pie in Stockholm along the Great River Road, or spend a weekend in New Glarus, where Swiss heritage and outdoor beer gardens await.
Calling All Foodies!
Summer in Wisconsin is all about flavor! With the Wisconsin State Fair and County Fairs throughout the summer, there is no shortage of Wisconsin bites. Hit up local farmers markets for fresh cheese curds and berries, or plan a foodie road trip. Don’t miss the Friday night fish fries, supper clubs, and classic drive-ins like The Kiltie in Oconomowoc, or Ardy & Ed’s in Oshkosh. And of course, custard is a can’t-miss!
Camp Under the Stars
Get off the grid and reconnect with nature in one of Wisconsin’s 50 state parks or 15 state forests. Reserve a site at Peninsula State Park for sunsets over Door County, or try backpacking in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Want something offbeat? Book a stay in a yurt, treehouse, or vintage Airstream via local glamping sites. Another great area to discover is up north in Bayfield and Ashland counties!
There is so much to do this summer in Wisconsin, so be sure to tag us in all of your summer adventures @discoverwisconsin!
Megan Christian hosts the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
