Wisconsin Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you'll find wonderful places and wonderful people. The state's great natural beauty - from the woods and waters of the north to the hidden valleys and rolling countryside of the south - has attracted visitors for years. Wisconsin is also packed with exciting attractions and recreational opportunities. From world-class museums and historic sites to top bike trails and parks, Wisconsin has it all.

Experience the state's scenery through a leisure trail, or get a whirlwind view on a roller coaster challenge through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Wisconsin is also home to some of the largest water parks in the world offering water recreation fun for everyone. Don't forget the thousands of events blanketing the state with culture, history and people each year.

And with more than 30 snowboard-friendly destinations throughout the state, Wisconsin is quickly becoming known as one of the best snowboarding destinations in the country!

From fun-filled water playgrounds to relaxing spas to intriguing museums, Wisconsin has plenty of indoor attractions that guarantee a getaway free from any worries about the weather.

Indoor Waterparks - Home to the largest collection of indoor waterparks in the country, Wisconsin thrills even when the temperature chills. The best part is that it just keeps getting better. With new facilities and features opening every year, the daring water slides, elaborate pools, interactive water activities and inventive rides make waves with every visit. Two new ones that opened this year include Sheboygan's Blue Harbor Resort , which brings 40,000 square feet of indoor waterpark excitement to the shores of Lake Michigan, and Wausau's Lodge at Cedar Creek , which at 50,000-square-feet is one of northern Wisconsin's largest. Known as the birthplace of the indoor waterpark trend, Wisconsin Dells continues to offer the largest and most impressive collection of indoor water wonderlands in the country.

Spas - As the darkness and chill of winter settle in, Wisconsin's spas offer refuge for individuals to restore peace, balance and beauty to their minds, bodies and spirits. A number of world-class spas are located throughout the state and offer a variety of services and treatments that pamper both body and spirit. Spend several days immersing yourself in a destination spa experience like the renowned new Sundara Spa . Or take advantage of spa services at many of the world-class resorts located throughout the state such as The American Club, Grand Geneva, Abbey Resort, Kalahari Resort or Great Wolf Lodge.

Brewery Tours - With names like Miller, Huber and Leinenkugel's carrying on the traditions of Pabst and Schlitz, Wisconsin continues to be a place where the brewing industry thrives. Not limited to big name breweries, Wisconsin's extensive lineup of microbreweries keeps the proud heritage of the home-grown brewers alive and well. Several small breweries and industry giants across the state offer tours where visitors can view first hand the process that creates Wisconsin's rich variety of fine beers.

Cheese Factory Tours - No trip to Wisconsin would be complete without a visit to a cheese factory. We lead the nation in cheesemaking and many small, family-owned and operated factories specialize in award-winning varieties. Visitors are welcome to take tours, view the process through observation windows and, of course, take home some cheese as souvenir.

Casino and Gaming Facilities - Wisconsin's 11 Indian tribes offer exciting casino gambling and bingo throughout the state. Visitors can find high stakes bingo, video poker, slot machines and blackjack tables grouped in modern, spacious surroundings. Many of these casinos are coupled with restaurants, lounges and hotels in a single complex.

Performing Arts - From Wisconsin's northernmost county to its southern border cities, performing arts ensembles are entertaining audiences in record numbers - and it isn't hard to understand why. The state offers an incredible variety of nationally and internationally acclaimed performing arts, including original musical theater, touring Broadway productions, opera, symphony, Shakespeare and African dance.

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Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

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