The 10 Best Things To Do In Wisconsin In August, 2024

Pros of Visiting Wisconsin In August

Summer in Wisconsin is an absolute blast and we love it for the scenic beauty, vibrant festivals, outdoor adventures in Door County, and exploring the Great Lakes. It's too early to start thinking about winter, so Wisconsinites get out and have fun!

Cons of Visiting Wisconsin In August

Some may want to avoid Wisconsin in August due to the potential for hot and humid weather, high tourist crowds, and limited accommodation availability. If you don't like crowds and are from out of state, you might want to visit during other seasons for a more comfortable experience.

Wisconsin Weather in August

In August, Wisconsin experiences warm and humid weather. Average temperatures range from 65°F in the mornings to 85°F in the afternoons. Thunderstorms are common, and it's a great time for outdoor activities, exploring lakes, and attending summer festivals.

At Not Your Average Bucket List travel podcast by OnlyInYourState, we aim to find the best things for readers to discover in the United States. In addition to that, now we are going to help you find the best things to do in your state each month.

We are going to explore the top 10 best things to do in Wisconsin in August, but if we missed something good...let us know! You can call or text 805-298-1420 and tell us what we need to know (or reach out to us via email at [email protected]).

Ready for a month of fun in Wisconsin? Check out our podcast episode on Spotify:

Or you can watch our hosts break down the August fun in Wisconsin on our YouTube channel:

Top Wisconsin Attractions In August

1. Wisconsin Deer Park (Wisconsin Dells)

There are so many incredible events happening during summer in Wisconsin, but we had to mention one attraction that we think everyone should see: The Wisconsin Deer Park. This 40-acre, family-friendly petting zoo provides a unique opportunity to see deer, elk, and bison up close. You can even feed the deer their favorite snacks! It's a unique outing your family won't forget.

Top Wisconsin Events In August

2. The Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis) - Aug. 1-11

In 2024, the Wisconsin State Fair will celebrate 173 years of tradition with an 11-day event that is fun for Wisconsinites and travelers of all ages! You can expect fair food, live music, agriculture events, and more -- it's a blast and one of the top things to do in August in WI.

3. Jewish Food Festival (Mequon) - Aug. 18-19

The Jewish Food Festival is an annual event that gives the local community a chance to both learn about other cultures and also try piles of delicious food! The event takes place at Rotary Park in Mequon, WI. The goal of what we see as one of the tastiest things to do this summer in WI is to bring people together to celebrate Jewish culture and cuisine. At the festival, you can try an assortment of traditional Jewish foods, including matzo ball soup, knishes, hot dogs, and classic pastrami sandwiches.

4. US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship (Eau Claire) - Aug. 2-4

There's always something cool happening in Eau Claire, and the US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship is no exception! Taking place at the Wisconsin Logging Museum in Carson Park, you'll find artists competing to make the best sculptures out of wood. It's truly mesmerizing to watch as these artists make something so beautiful in front of your eyes. We think this is one of the most unique things to do in August in WI.

5. Paint the Point (Mineral Point) - Aug. 7-10

When you arrive for this event, you'll notice that there are artists set up all over historic Mineral Point, Dodgeville, and the surrounding countryside. That's because at Paint the Point, the artists are tasked with the job of capturing the beauty of this area on canvas, creating artwork that event attendees can purchase later on. We love that every work sold is 100% unique to the artist, day, and year it was created. Hence, this is a lovely way to spend time during summer in Wisconsin.

6. Waupun Truck ‘n Show - Aug. 9-10

A "truck show" might not be an event that was on your radar, but we thought the Waupun Truck ‘n Show was such a unique event for adults and kids alike that we had to mention it on this list of things to do this summer in WI. The family-friendly event showcases hundreds of beautifully detailed trucks from all over the United States and Canada and - during the show - winners are even announced for the best displays. The contestants also host demos and tours, as well as participate in a beautiful light parade!

7. The Bloody Mary Festival (Milwaukee) - Aug. 10

Even though we love a good Bloody Mary, this fun festival is so much more than a celebration of the classic brunch cocktail. You'll find tastes from local food & beverage companies, plenty of photo ops, and even a dancing tomato. It's too much fun to say "no" to when you're looking for something different to do during summer in Wisconsin.

8. Badgerland Waterski Shows - select Tuesdays and Thursdays through August

Haven't been to a waterski show in Wisconsin yet? Well, we think it's time you take advantage of all of our lakes and give it a try! The Badgerland Waterski athletes put on shows at a few different spots around the state, but you can find them at Fowler Park as well as Okauchee Lake. So, you should head here when looking for

things to do in August in WI.

9. Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw - (Prairie du Sac) Aug. 30-31

This quirky festival has been around since 1975. Each year, visitors cheer participants eager to throw their chips the farthest. If you're in Prairie du Sac, see why this is one of the most unique things to do this summer in WI.

10. Moonlight Paddle series - Check back for 2024 dates

Silent Wake, LLC offers an incredible annual event with its moonlight paddle series. You can kayak at night under the light of a full moon and it's an experience unlike any other you'll have. The company plans the route in a safe paddle environment – meaning there is either no (or very little) boat traffic. We can't think of a more memorable way to enjoy summer in Wisconsin!

Now that you know what it's like in Wisconsin in August, what are you waiting for? Since some of these adventures might require travel time, we recommend reviewing our ultimate road trip packing list for ideas of what to bring on your epic outings. And, if you're looking for more outdoor experiences, check out AllTrails for the best summer hikes in Wisconsin.