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.
For many Wisconsinites, s’mores aren’t just a dessert. They’re simply an accessory to any type of campfire gathering. While National S’mores Day officially lands on August 10th, here in Wisconsin, we stretch that celebration across the entire summer season.
Campfire Culture
With thousands of campsites, cabins, and backyard fire pits scattered across the state, there’s no shortage of places to gather around a fire. Campgrounds like Devil’s Lake, Peninsula State Park, and Wyalusing are classic spots where generations have gathered to roast marshmallows.
Some more hidden, yet still beautiful campsites include:
- Rock Island State Park (Door County): A remote, car-free island reachable only by ferry. Perfect for peaceful hikes, lighthouse views, and unplugged camping near Lake Michigan’s edge.
- Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (Vilas, Oneida, and Iron Counties): Sprawling forestland with lakes, scenic drives, and quiet, wooded campsites ideal for paddlers, anglers, and solitude seekers.
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve (Vernon County): Peaceful, rustic campsites surrounded by bluffs and winding rivers. It’s a haven for hiking, canoeing, and stargazing in the Driftless Region.
- Perrot State Park (Trempealeau County): Towering bluffs and sweeping views of the Mississippi River make this park a favorite for both scenic hikes and laid-back riverside camping.
- Dells of Eau Claire County Park (Marathon County): Dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and wooded trails create a hidden gem for day hikes and overnight stays just east of Wausau.
- Brunet Island State Park (Chippewa County): Camp on forested islands surrounded by quiet backwaters. Ideal for kayaking, wildlife watching, and relaxed evenings by the fire.
- Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County): Just an hour north of Milwaukee, this Lake Michigan gem offers lakeshore camping, sandy beaches, and peaceful coastal trails.
But it’s not just the parks – s’mores are just as likely to make an appearance at a Friday night bonfire behind the garage or a lakeside gathering.
S’mores, But Make It Wisconsin
Of course, we like to put our own spin on things. Some swear by swapping classic chocolate bars for peanut butter cups or crispy rice chocolate bars. A fun Wisconsin twist is adding local chocolate, making the treat even sweeter.
Some beloved Wisconsin chocolate shops include:
- Vande Walle’s (Appleton)
- Driftless Chocolates (Belleville)
- Seroogy’s (Ashwaubenon and De Pere)
- Hughes (Oshkosh)
- Fishy’s Bakery and Candyman on Pioneer (Fond du Lac)
- CocoVaa Chocolatier (Madison)
- Tabal Chocolate (Wauwatosa)
You can find delicious local chocolates in almost every corner of the state.
Feeling adventurous? Try substituting graham crackers with kringle slices from Wisconsin’s iconic O&H Danish Bakery. Or go even bolder and add cheese curds or pretzels. It’s not guaranteed to be good, just interesting.
There are also strong opinions about the perfect roast. Are you a golden-brown slow-rotator, or do you light that marshmallow up like a torch and call it a day? Ask around any Wisconsin campfire and you’ll find both groups passionately represented.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a weeklong road trip, Wisconsin’s campfire scene is the kind of memory-maker that lingers long after summer ends. Whether you’re six or sixty, there’s a kind of magic to that sticky, gooey first bite. Here in Wisconsin, we don’t just celebrate National S’mores Day; we live it, all summer long.
Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
