Wisconsin Regions

Copyright: National Park Service Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The northwest area contains many lakes, forests and waterfalls. A highlight of the region is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which lies near the southern shore of Lake Superior. The Chequamegon National Forest encompasses nearly 850,000 acres of land in this region. Other attractions include two long-distance trails: Ice Age National and Tuscobia State Trail.

Northeastern Wisconsin is riddled with lakes due to glacier activity. It also exudes the legacy of logging and mining industries in the character of its northern towns. The Nicolet National Forest lands contribute to this legacy as it is a 'working forest.' This region includes the Door Peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, which supports several state parks with water access.

The southeastern portion of the state is contained by Lake Michigan on the east. Within the region lies the largest lake in the state, Lake Winnebago. Numerous other lakes complete the landscape in this region and provide ample opportunity for water-oriented activities. Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and Kettle Moraine are the largest natural areas open to the public in this region.

Southwestern Wisconsin is well known for the Norwegian descendants that farm the region and maintain many Scandinavian traditions. The Mississippi River forms the western border of southern Wisconsin. In this region is the Great River Road that leads along the river and provides access to it and the interesting culture surrounding it. Like the rest of the state many lakes, large and small, dot the landscape of southwestern Wisconsin. The Black River State Forest as well as smaller state parks, provide facilities for enjoying the outdoors.

Attractions - With the geographic variety in Wisconsin, from low plateau plains to forested ridges, sandstone bluffs, glaciated depressions, and two great lake shorelines, recreation opportunities in the state are endless. Water-related activities are very popular year-round. Summer brings out the boaters, backpackers, hikers, and bicyclists. Winter ushers in the cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and predominately the snowmobilers. Each season of the year offers opportunities for the skilled angler while the saddle seasons entice hunters. Unique sports such as rock climbing and scuba diving can be found in the state.

Wisconsin has nine year-round tourist information facilities; seven located within the state and one in Chicago, one in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Additionally, four seasonal tourist information centers are open April through October.

Recreation - Recreations enjoyed throughout Wisconsin include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, backpacking, ATV riding, rock climbing, scuba diving, hunting, waterksiing, and an array of winter sports.

Climate - Wisconsin experiences four distinct seasons with the average annual temperature varying from 39 degrees F in the northwest to 50 degrees F in the southeast. Great Lakes Michigan and Superior tend to make summers cooler and winters milder close to shore. Average January temperatures range from 12 to 16 degrees F (-11 to -9 degrees C) in the northwest to 22 degrees F (-6 degrees C) in the southeast. Average July temperatures in the northwest range from 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 26 degrees C). However during the past several decades, average temperatures have risen in Wisconsin changing the imagery of the state. The winter economy has slowed considerable due to the lack of consistent snow, and where maples and aspens set the fall foliage a blaze, now duller elms, oak, ash and pine dominate the woodlands.

Location - Wisconsin is comprised of four travel regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast.