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.
Planning the ultimate summer getaway? Wisconsin should absolutely be at the top of your list! From outdoor adventure and scenic beauty to local flavor and small-town charm, this state has so many places that make summer unforgettable. And these seven spots from Season 39 of Discover Wisconsin are well worth adding to your travel plans!
Rhinelander
First up is Rhinelander, a true Northwoods gem! Summer comes with a little bit of legend, thanks to the Hodag. This town has a little of everything: natural beauty, arts and history, and lots of outdoor fun!
Spend the day exploring the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom, teeing off at Northwood Golf Club, or taking a Hodag Tour around town. And for the full Northwoods experience, book a lakeside stay at Rhinelander Resorts. Watch the episode here.
Princeton
Next up is Princeton, Southern Wisconsin’s new favorite getaway! Set along the Fox River, this charming town offers outdoor recreation, arts and culture, shopping, amazing food, and so much more. If you’re looking to get outside, White River Marsh is a great place to start.
For water fun, head to The Ice Bowl for river tubing, then finish with ice cream and live music.
Princeton also holds the state’s largest weekly market!
Hungry? BeerBellys is a go-to! Watch the episode here.
Waushara County
Planning a family vacation, girls’ getaway, guys’ weekend, or couples’ escape? Waushara County is the place for you! For families, lake days and farm fun are endless, and pair perfectly with a sweet treat from Milty Wilty. There’s yoga, shopping, and Pine River Winery for the girls, and golfing, fly fishing, and classic cars for the guys.
And for couples, it’s really hard to beat a weekend filled with fun in the sun, plus dinner and dessert at Christiano’s. Watch the episode here.
Mineral Point
To Mineral Point, we go! It brings together history, creativity, and local flavors in a truly unique way. You can easily spend a full day wandering through the farmers’ market, sampling award-winning cheeses at Hook’s, and checking out winemaking at the American Wine Project. And downtown is full of its own character, with galleries, shops, and so many creative spaces, such as the Shake Rag Alley Arts Center. Watch the episode here.
Ports
Wisconsin may not be the first place you think of when you hear the word “coastal,” but its ports tell a pretty incredible story! From Green Bay and Superior to Marinette and Milwaukee, these ports shape commerce, culture, and community across the entire state. And what makes these stops so interesting is that it’s not just about shipping and trade. These ports have real character and real history, and they play a huge role in connecting Wisconsin to the rest of the world. Watch the episode here.
Wisconsin Dells
A summer classic? Wisconsin Dells!
Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just want a fun summer escape, the Dells always delivers. We highly recommend checking out Natura Park & Resorts—a hub of incredible resorts!
To note, at Land of Natura, you’ll find eco-friendly fun, water adventures, and even treehouses. And downtown, many unique attractions await, including the one-and-only Wizard Quest and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Watch the episode here.
Northwest Wisconsin
Rounding out the list is Northwest Wisconsin, where road trips and small-town traditions go hand in hand! There’s no doubt that the local events and hometown festivals make this trip extra memorable, so be sure to plan your visit around Oulu Fest, ABC Raceway, and the Northern Aged Iron Tractor & Threshing Show. Whether it’s your first time through or a tradition you look forward to every year, a trip to Northwest Wisconsin can make this summer the best one yet! Watch the episode here.
These seven spots show exactly why Wisconsin is such a great summer destination! Whether you’re drawn to lakes, history, food, art, festivals, or family fun, Season 39 of Discover Wisconsin is here to give you vacation inspiration for a truly unforgettable trip.
Hailey Marien, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for 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).
