Wisconsin’s 6 Most Underrated Tourist Spots, According to Locals

If there's anything I've noticed is true about Wisconsinites over and over again, it's this: We're a friendly bunch, and we love to share all our favorite things - be they food, drink, or hidden gems - with anyone who asks. We are proud of where we live and love it when folks come to see for themselves just how amazing it is. As a Redditor since 2013, I've noticed that even there, folks are friendly and happy to talk about all the best spots and must-dos - the gatekeeping is minimal. Living in Wisconsin is an honor - and visiting is almost as great.

Of course, there's no substitute for getting out and exploring the world of Wisconsin. Hidden gems you find on your own are so much more rewarding than those can find online. Use these as a few jumping-off point ideas, and go from there - exploring Wisconsin is incredible, and you'll run into surprises everywhere you go!

1. Rawley Point Lighthouse

If you didn't think there'd be such a thing as lighthouses in Wisconsin, it must have slipped your mind that we're right on the Great Lakes. The historic, photogenic Rawley Point Lighthouse is absolutely magnificent, and part of this little area is designated as an official National Historic Landmark. Towering more than 100 feet over the beach with incredible, ocean-like views of Lake Michigan, you can't possibly go wrong with r/Wisconsin's favorite lighthouse.

2. Washington Island

Washington Island is special - very special. It's one of my favorite places to run away to. It's a tiny town on its own island in Door County, home to under 1,000 full-time residents. Redditors repeatedly bring it up, and I'm strongly inclined to agree. It's outrageously beautiful, and if you love scenic drives, you'll be in paradise here. I very much recommend visiting in spring and summer - the water is just fine!

3. Door County

Speaking of Door County, you might as well explore the whole region while you're here. Door County is known for its beauty, small towns, and overall charm; it's one of my favorite places in the entire state, and you'll see why right away. It's intensely photogenic, and it's home to more miles of shoreline than any other county in the United States! Pretty cool, right? You'll love it, and so does Reddit. And me!

4. Madeline Island

Madeline Island is an incredibly beautiful island (another one!) with a flair for the dramatic. It's home to La Pointe, a small town that offers both peace and quiet as well as adventure and excitement. Only accessible by boat, plane, or ice road (which is only open in the winter), this remote little place is a must-do for anyone living in or visiting Wisconsin. It's fun to visit year-round, and there's always something going on, from boating competitions to dogsledding and more. Be sure to check out Tom's Burned Down Cafe while you're there!

5. Wyalusing State Park

Wisconsin Redditors recommend a visit (or ten) to Wyalusing State Park, a breathtaking little slice of paradise above the Mississippi River, over and over again. With 500-foot-high bluffs and 2,600 incredible acres of woodland and river landscape to explore, you'll never get bored. The incredible views from various overlooks are to die for, and camping is a popular activity around these parts. While open year-round, my favorite time to visit this one is during the fall, when the entire area is ablaze with intense color.

6. The International Crane Foundation - Baraboo

The International Crane Foundation (open seasonally from May to October) is a hidden gem the locals love; amazingly, here you can see 15 species of cranes at home in their habitats. With nature trails where you can blaze your own adventure and lots of things to learn along the way, this one is great for families. Observe whooping cranes in real life - it's thought that there are fewer than 700 of them left in the world. Watching them go about their daily lives is incredible - they are stunning.

So, there you have them - six incredible tourist attractions strongly recommended by my friends at Reddit. Of course, as I said before, these are merely a jumping-off point; nothing compares to going out and finding all your own special spots! Should you need a place to hang your hat while you're exploring, use our Travel Planner to find an incredible Wisconsin vacation rental!