A man in a red plaid jacket stands by a wooden railing, holding a camera, with a scenic landscape in the background.

Ben Jones

Ben Jones is a Wisconsin-based writer, photographer, and adventurer who spent years as a correspondent for USA Today before founding Boldland Creative, a destination content agency. He has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states, bringing the rigor of a former journalist and the eye of an award-winning visual storyteller to his work for Only In Your State. Ben covers Wisconsin's lakes, forests, and hidden destinations with a depth of experience few travel writers can match.

Nature

The Forked Aster Hiking Trail Perimeter Loop Is A Wisconsin Cliff Hike Hidden In the City

by Ben Jones
on Aug 26
A serene view of a calm lake with a clear blue sky and green vegetation along the shoreline.
Experiences
Attractions
Arts & Entertainment

I Explored A Beautiful Wisconsin Theater That Did Service During World War II

by Ben Jones
on Aug 17
Exterior of the 3 Lakes Center for the Arts building, featuring a marquee and colorful signage.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

The Enormous School Days Antique Mall In Wisconsin Will Bump Your Thrifting Game To 11

by Ben Jones
on Aug 14
Brick building with large windows, decorated with colorful letters and hearts in the windows spelling "LOVE."
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

This Secret Nature Spring in Wisconsin Is a Hidden Paradise

by Ben Jones
on Mar 5
A rustic wooden shed with a slanted roof is surrounded by green summer foliage.
Food

I Found the State’s Best Burger Hiding at Pickles in the Wisconsin Northwoods

Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst, WI boasts the best burger in Wisconsin. It's worth making a trip to this Northwoods establishment.

by Ben Jones
on Aug 12
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Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Paddled Into A World Of Wild Islands At Wisconsin’s Willow Flowage

by Ben Jones
on Aug 7
A large rock partially submerged in calm water, reflecting the surrounding trees and cloudy sky.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

The Best View Of Madison, Wisconsin Is Found At This Tiny Park

by Ben Jones
on Aug 4
Night view of a city skyline featuring a prominent dome, illuminated buildings, and a calm water foreground.
Experiences
Attractions

The Tallest Waterslide In America Just Opened In Wisconsin And It’s The Perfect Summer Adventure

by Ben Jones
on Aug 2
Aerial view of a water park featuring colorful slides, a tall water tower, and a large crowd enjoying the attractions.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

I’m Hooked On Scottie’s Bait And Tackle Of Wisconsin, The World’s Best Cheese And Bait Shop

by Ben Jones
on Aug 1
Exterior of Scottie's Bait & Tackle shop, featuring a large fish sign, open banner, and colorful advertisements.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

I Relaxed On A Gorgeous Little Northwoods Lake At Morgan Park in Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on Jul 30
A serene lakeside view with sandy beach, trees, and fluffy clouds reflecting in the calm water.
Experiences
Attractions
Arts & Entertainment

I Got A Beach-Side Seat For the Crivitz Ski Cats, One Of Wisconsin’s Best Waterski Shows

by Ben Jones
on Jul 25
A water skier performs a mid-air trick, soaring above the water with skis and a tow rope against a cloudy sky.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Natural Water Park In Wisconsin Is A Summer Dream Come True

by Ben Jones
on Jul 25
A sandy beach with people swimming in a lake, inflatable toys, and a lifeguard on duty under a partly cloudy sky.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Soaked Up The Sun And The Good Life At Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beach In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on Jul 22
A busy beach scene with people sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing on the sand near the water.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The Best Small Town Getaway In Illinois: Best Things To Do In Galena

by Ben Jones
on Jul 22
A charming street lined with historic brick buildings, shops, and trees under a clear blue sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Completely Free Attraction Hiding In A Wisconsin Park Is A Must-Visit

by Ben Jones
on Jul 19
A viewpoint with a landmark locator sign and a telescope overlooking a scenic landscape under a cloudy sky.
Experiences
Attractions
Arts & Entertainment

This Retro Bowling Alley In Wisconsin Is The Perfect Place For A Dose Of Nostalgia

by Ben Jones
on Jul 17
A bowling alley with green ball return, wooden lanes, and white bowling pins set up at the end.
Food

Enjoy A Breakfast Of Champions At This Delicious Farm To Table Restaurant In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on Jul 15
Sign for "field to fort" above a storefront with a striped awning, surrounded by a tree and cloudy sky.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Refreshing Lazy River in Wisconsin Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

It might just be impossible to have a bad day when you're floating down Wisconsin's most beautiful river.

by Ben Jones
on Aug 5
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Nature
Parks & Gardens

Spend A Perfect Afternoon At Zeidler Union Square, The Oldest City Park In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on Jul 11
A sunny park with green grass, picnic tables, and a gazebo in the background. Trees line the area.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Mound Trail Is A Hidden River Path In Wisconsin Worthy Of A Day Hike

by Ben Jones
on Jul 8
A serene river flows through a grassy landscape, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

With a Castle Playground and Fishing Pier, This Family-Friendly Park in Wisconsin Is the Best Summer Day Trip

Pack the sunscreen and get ready for fun. Here’s what’s waiting for you at Winnebago Park in Tomah, Wisconsin.

by Ben Jones
on Aug 5
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Stays
Hotels & Resorts

I Stayed at the Historic Lake Lawn Resort and Savored Wisconsin Lake Life

by Ben Jones
on Jun 30
Aerial view of a lakeside community with green trees, buildings, and a parking area along the water's edge.
Food

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Wisconsin Will Transport You To Another World

by Ben Jones
on Jun 26
Aerial view of a farm event with people sitting on the grass, tents, and greenhouses in a lush landscape.
Nature
Hiking

I Wandered Through the Yards of the Rich and Famous on Lake Geneva’s Lake Shore Path in Wisconsin

One of the best walks in Wisconsin passes some very, very nice homes. The Lake Geneva Lake Shore Path traces the edge of Geneva Lake.

by Ben Jones
on Mar 1
A large white mansion with a grand entrance, multiple columns, and lush greenery in front under a clear blue sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

Take a Hike to a Wisconsin Natural Area That’s Like the Atlantic Seashore

Discover a Wisconsin natural area with coastal vibes, sandy dunes, and Lake Michigan views that feel like the Atlantic seashore.

by Ben Jones
on Apr 8
Walkers hike the Cordwalk-Boardwalk at Kohler Dunes State Natural Area in Wisconsin.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Wisconsin Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Summer Day Trip

by Ben Jones
on Jun 19
A field of pink coneflowers in bloom, with a house and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Hiking

I Discovered Gorgeous Trails At This Hidden Wisconsin Monastery

by Ben Jones
on Jun 18
A modern building with large windows surrounded by tall green grass and wildflowers under a cloudy sky.
Food

Flapjacks Are Flying Through the Air This Summer At Wisconsin’s Uncle Pancakes

by Ben Jones
on Jun 13
A young woman in an apron serves pancakes to three smiling men at a community event in a large indoor space.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

I Found The Secret Spot In Wisconsin Where Elvis Broke Up A Street Fight

by Ben Jones
on Jun 13
A row of parked cars beside a landscaped area with flowers and greenery.
Food

The Outdoor Cafe In Wisconsin That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

by Ben Jones
on Jun 11
Outdoor dining area with yellow and blue umbrellas, tables, and a view of the water on a sunny day.
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Winery In Wisconsin That Features Magnificent Door County Lakefront Views

by Ben Jones
on Jun 7
Exterior of Lake Fire Winery, featuring a blue facade, large windows, and decorative barrels with flowers in front.
Nature
Waterfalls

You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Wisconsin Trail

by Ben Jones
on Jun 6
A serene river flows through a forested area, with gentle waterfalls and autumn foliage surrounding the scene.
Food

I’ve Lived In Wisconsin My Entire Life And I’ve Never Had A Door County Fish Boil

by Ben Jones
on Jun 4
A woman in a polka dot dress stands near a fire, observing the flames and smoke in a park setting.
Food

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on May 31
A scenic view of a marina with boats, green umbrellas, and blue chairs on a sunny day.
Trips & Routes

I Traveled Along A Beautiful Rolling Backroad Into The Heart Of Wisconsin’s Amish Country

by Ben Jones
on May 29
Aerial view of a rural landscape featuring farms, fields, and colorful autumn trees under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Hiking
Wildlife & Farms

Hidden Nature Park in Wisconsin With Boardwalk Trails Near Madison

Discover a hidden nature park in Wisconsin featuring scenic boardwalk trails, a peaceful pond, and prairie views at Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

by Ben Jones
on Jun 9
Close up of an adult sandhill crane with two babies at Aldo Leopold Nature Center near Madison, Wisconsin.
Experiences

The Incredible Bathhouse In Wisconsin That Has Been Left In Ruins 

by Ben Jones
on May 23
Colorful graffiti art featuring the word "SAYEL" in bold orange and purple letters against a vibrant background.
Food

I Visited America’s Last Limburger Cheese Factory in Wisconsin

Tour Wisconsin's Chalet Cheese Cooperative, the last Limburger cheese factory in America, and discover a unique piece of dairy history.

by Ben Jones
on Jun 2
A worker at Chalet Cheese holds a tray of limburger cheese, surrounded by shelves and a misty environment in Monroe, Wisconsin.
Nature
Waterfalls

I Explored More Than 14 Waterfalls In Less Than Three Days All Within This Wisconsin County

by Ben Jones
on May 22
Aerial view of a waterfall cascading into a dark river, surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Gorgeous, Little-Known Lake Is One of the Most Underrated Fishing Spots in Wisconsin

Discover Lake Eau Claire, a hidden fishing spot in Wisconsin with abundant walleye, scenic views, and peaceful waters near Eau Claire.

by Ben Jones
on Apr 7
Smiling boy fisherman in a canoe holds up a stringer with nice walleyes, Lake Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Nature
Waterfalls

I Discovered An Incredibly Unique Waterfall Hike In Wisconsin Near Washburn

by Ben Jones
on May 17
Two people stand by a serene, wooded area with rock formations and a small pond. Sunlight filters through the trees.
Experiences
Tours

This Evening River Float Into the Wisconsin Dells Sunset Belongs On Your Wisconsin Bucket List

by Ben Jones
on May 16
A serene sunset over calm waters, with a flag gently waving on a boat in the foreground.
Stays
Camping

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on May 13
A serene lakeside view with gentle waves, sparkling sunlight, and trees along the shore under a cloudy sky.
Food

A Seriously Slanted Floor Led Me To The Best Wisconsin Grilled Cheese At The Suisse Haus

by Ben Jones
on May 10
Exterior of Suisse Haus Food & Spirits, a two-story building with a brown and white facade and flower boxes.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

You’ll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Sunday Dough In Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on May 8
A modern two-story building with red and beige siding, a pink door, and a green roof. Steps lead to the entrance.
Food

Hungry Crowds Are Chasing This Fish And Chips Truck That’s Rolling Through Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on May 7
A bright blue and yellow food truck named "On the Hook" serves fish and chips, with customers ordering at the window.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Pick Buckets of Fresh Berries All Summer at This Charming Wisconsin Farm

Blue Skies Farm is known for its amazingly plump raspberries.

by Ben Jones
on Apr 21
Closeup of person picking raspberries straight off the vine in Wisconsin
Food

I Feasted On Fried Cheese And Accordion Music In An Underground Wisconsin Ratskeller

by Ben Jones
on May 2
Exterior view of Turner Hall, a large building with a sloped roof, featuring flags and a bowling sign under a blue sky.
Food
Breweries & Wineries

I Love To Spend A Summer Night At The Best Concert Venue in Wisconsin

by Ben Jones
on Apr 29
An old, rusty truck in front of a rustic barn with a cloudy sky in the background.
Food

With Its Own Private Playground, This Incredible Cafe In Wisconsin Is Perfect For Families

by Ben Jones
on Apr 24
Exterior view of The Homie Hub entrance, featuring a welcoming sign and festive decorations.