The 6 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Wisconsin

Wisconsin rewards the observant traveler. Shaped by eons of geology and the willpower of eccentric builders, the Badger State is packed with deliberate color. If you're looking for destinations that are visually stunning, the most colorful places in Wisconsin will not disappoint. From the southern border up to Lake Superior, there are many colorful places to visit in Wisconsin. Here are half a dozen of our favorites.

1. Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo

Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo is a masterpiece of geology. Five-hundred-foot quartzite bluffs in hues of pink and purple tower over a clear lake. The rocks reflect on the water's surface, creating a contrast against the green forest that surrounds it. Hike the Balanced Rock or East Bluff trails for sweeping panoramas that show off the shifting tones throughout the day. The scale of the bluffs provides an excellent backdrop for photos, especially as the sun begins to set and the natural colors of the landscape deepen. Autumn, of course, makes the park's palette even richer.

2. The House on the Rock - Spring Green

The House on the Rock in Spring Green is a marvel of bizarre architecture and eclectic collections. The complex is a sprawling display of texture and light perched atop a Driftless Area bluff. Inside, the rooms are filled with illuminated displays, stained glass, and a massive indoor carousel. The carousel glows with thousands of lights, illuminating the varied tones of the carved animals. Plan ahead so you have plenty of time to wander through the twisting hallways, as the sheer volume of the items in the place demands close inspection, as do the design and shifting atmosphere of each room.

3. Cave of the Mounds - Blue Mounds

Beneath the surface near Blue Mounds, the Cave of the Mounds is a subterranean jewel box. The cavern features mineral formations that have been recognized as some of the most significant in the Upper Midwest. Iron oxide deposits tint the limestone with ribbons of red and brown, while manganese adds streaks of black and blue. Walk through the illuminated passageways to see the stalactites and stalagmites up close. The constant moisture gives the rock walls a subtle shine, highlighting the natural pigmentation created by thousands of years of slow water drips.

4. Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Madison

Back above ground, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison provide a blooming canvas. The grounds are split among outdoor gardens, the glass-pyramid Bolz Conservatory, and the Thai Pavilion with its polychromatic, almost kaleidoscopic, ceiling. The outdoor spaces feature a rotation of seasonal flora, ensuring a constant splash of color for visitors to enjoy. Inside the conservatory, orchids and tropical plants offer splashes of pink, yellow, and red against a backdrop of green foliage. Stroll along the paths and take in the careful landscaping, which organizes the vegetation to create striking visual contrasts throughout the entire year.

5. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Bayfield

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, on the Bayfield Peninsula, puts the breadth of nature's palette on full display. The park is home to dramatic islands, red sandstone sea caves, and multi-hued blue waters. Lake Superior's battering waves have carved intricate arches and chambers into the cliffs, exposing bands of rust-colored rock. When the water is calm, the reflection of the caves creates a symmetrical display of natural geometry and color. You can explore the lakeshore and its islands from the water or by hiking along the mainland trails to look down on the striking contrast between the red stone and the expansive lake.

6. Dickeyville Grotto - Dickeyville

The Dickeyville Grotto, in the eponymous town, delivers a delirious dose of colorful folk-art architecture. The numerous shrines were erected by a priest who encrusted them with colored glass, Hawaiian coral, petrified wood, blue azurite, and rose quartz. The embedded materials catch the sunlight, creating a mosaic of reflection and shadow across the stone structures. The main grotto, shrines, and surrounding gardens sit quietly in the small town, offering a sharp contrast to the typical Wisconsin landscape. Visit with intention: the volume of placed stones and gems demands close inspection to appreciate the complex design.

Whether you are exploring sea caves or admiring whimsical passion projects, you'll find the Badger State is anything but monochrome. Hit the road, explore the landscape, and discover even more colorful destinations in Wisconsin. When you are ready to map out your travel plan, head over to Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to build your route.