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.
July is National Picnic Month, and in Wisconsin, that means the perfect excuse to pack a basket, grab a blanket, and head outdoors. From shoreline escapes to bluff-top views, the state is full of incredible picnic spots, and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them.
Read on to find your new favorite for summertime!
Packing the Essentials
Wondering what to pack?
Start with the essentials—cheese, of course. Crystal Farms, celebrating 100 years, is an easy go-to! Their options are readily available at your local grocery store, easy to toss in a cooler, and perfect for building your own picnic spread. Add crackers, fresh fruit, and a sweet treat, and you’re all set!
Finding the Perfect Spot
Now comes the fun part: picking your spot.
As we said before, you really can’t go wrong. From north to south and east to west, Wisconsin has a great picnic spot in every county.
Ashland County
Start up north by hopping aboard the Madeline Island Ferry and heading to Ashland County’s crown jewel—Madeline Island. As the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands, it’s a must-visit destination.
While you’re there, check out Big Bay State Park, a 2,350-acre park with miles of beach, campsites, and more than seven miles of hiking and nature trails. If you want to get on the water, Big Bay Town Park is another great option for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, or paddleboarding.
Either way, it’s a dreamy setting to spread out and picnic by the shores of Lake Superior.
Door County
Next, head east to Door County, home to Newport State Park—Wisconsin’s only official wilderness state park and its first International Dark Sky Park.
With forests, wetlands, meadows, and shoreline views, it’s just the place for hiking, wildlife watching, and, of course, a peaceful picnic stop.
Racine County
Down south, Racine County has lots of picnic options to choose from, but North Beach is a true classic, with sand, sun, lots of space to spread out, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Bringing the whole family? North Beach is the laid-back beach-day picnic you’ve been dreaming of. Get a glimpse here.
Grant & Sauk Counties
Out west, Grant and Sauk counties offer some of the most scenic picnic backdrops in the entire state! In Grant County, Wyalusing State Park sits high above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, offering bluff-top views, trails, and lots of space to enjoy the outdoors. Nearby, Nelson Dewey State Park also overlooks the Mississippi from a beautiful bluff.
Then over in Sauk County, Devil’s Lake State Park offers some of the most iconic views in Wisconsin, with stunning bluffs and a tucked-away lake that make it a fan favorite for good reason. Watch what awaits here.
The best picnics don’t have to be complicated. So pack something simple, pick a spot, and give yourself time to slow down and enjoy the view. In Wisconsin, National Picnic Month is a great reminder that some of the best summer memories happen outside.
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).
