Four Amazing Must-See Summer Vacation Destinations in Wisconsin

Jul 9, 2024

Maybe we can’t beat the summer heat, but we sure can beat boredom with a whole lot of fun at these cool destinations. Today we’re sharing four fantastic must-see summer vacation destinations in Wisconsin. Make some memories to last a whole lifetime with these unforgettable experiences like a trip to the Northwoods, an excursion to the Kickapoo River Valley, an amazing road trip through 30 towns on the Great River Road, and a tsunami of fun in the water parks of the Wisconsin Dells.

Plan a trip to The Northwoods

Spend a summer up north in Wisconsin and you’ll not soon forget it! The Northwoods are located in north-central Wisconsin, near Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This half million acres of forest land and 2,300 lakes and streams and rivers make a vast natural playground for you to adventure and explore. Anglers will rejoice in the plethora of impressive catches including musky, walleye, trout, panfish, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, as well as plenty of aquatic real estate to go boating, kayaking, and canoeing. With nearly a dozen different trailheads to explore, this area is also a hiker and nature photographer’s paradise! Take a trek through the woods by foot, on a mountain bike, or even on horseback (check each marked trail for designated permissible options). There are campsites a plenty for those who want to sleep under the stars and get 24/7 fresh air.

Take some time to visit Kickapoo River Valley Reserve and Driftless Region

This 8500+ acre reserve is nestled between LaFarge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin. It’s a true paradise of picturesque scenery, sprawling hardwood forests, abundant local plants and animals, and peaceful water and shoreline featuring immense stone formations and rocky cliffs, a trademark of the Driftless Region. The Kickapoo River offers 125 miles of water to enjoy row boating, canoeing, and kayaking, and plenty of chances to fish. There are numerous options for hiking by foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike/trail bike. Locals recommend a hike along the West Ridge Trail through Hanson Hollow to check out the views from Hanson Rock! Hay Valley Woods provide beautiful respite from busy cities and suburbs, and offer a gorgeous look at the local hardwoods and lots of opportunity for wildlife watching! Book a rustic local log cabin for a taste of the outdoors, or get reconnected with nature with the campsite options in the area.

Visit 30 unique Wisconsin sites along a Road Trip down the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

The Wisconsin Great River Road is the perfect summer road trip drive, featuring incredible blossoms and wildflowers like purple loosestrife and cardinal flower, numerous events and festivals in the 30+ river towns, and plenty of outdoorsy activities along the way. Enjoy a tour of eight wineries along the way on the Great River Road Wine Trail. Book an experience on the La Cross Queen paddle Wheeler boat on a sight-seeing cruise! Make a stop at the unique Great Alma Fishing Float for some good fishing and great food. Visit historic sites like the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum, the Villa Louis Mansion, Fort Crawford Museum, Riverside Museum, or the Stonefield State Agricultural and Historical Site. Get to know the local wildlife at the Great River Road Visitor Center or the Wings Over Alma Nature Center. Enjoy some hiking at Perrot State Park or Wyalusing State Park.

Splash around in the Wisconsin Dells

This area is home to 20 waterparks and splash pad areas, both indoors and outdoors, making it the ultimate summer vacation destination for travelers of all ages, but especially for families. Favorites in the area include Chula Vista Resort Waterparks, Land of Natura, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, Kalahari Theme Resort, Wilderness Resort Waterpark, and Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Book a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks boats for a unique look at the area that you’ll remember for a lifetime, as you embark on an adventure from the land straight to the water! When you’re done with the aquatic activities, we recommend checking out the Fawn Creek Winery to relax and recharge, or a magical visit to the AL. Ringling Mansion and historic tour, or a night watching the stars under the stars at the Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater. Then it’s back out for a day of activities and adventure with the Dells Zipline Adventure Tours, a trip through the Wisconsin Deer Park, or perhaps a stroll along the Scenic River Walk. Try your hand at a new skill like horseback riding with Canyon Creek Riding Stables or Woodside Ranch Riding Stables.