An old-fashioned experience
The backroads of Wisconsin lead to more than 300 supper clubs, some with roots that go back as far as Prohibition. The dim lights today tell diners to take it easy and stay awhile, and by all means order an Old Fashioned before dinner.
So many Wisconsin traditions converge at iconic supper clubs: the Friday night fish fry, foxtrotting to Sinatra, generous portions of prime rib, relish trays that could feed a family and brandy old-fashioneds (hand muddled, of course) served in swanky knotty-pine lounges. Here’s a sampler to get started.
Little Bohemia Lodge, Manitowish Waters
John Dillinger’s gang got into a shoot-out here with the FBI in 1934. See bullet holes from the epic battle, then work on an epic steak.
Jim & Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club, Malone After a day on the water, head to Jim & Linda’s for shrimp cocktails on ice at their lakefront supper club.
Buckhorn Supper Club, Milton
Located on the shore of Lake Koshkonong, the monthly lobster boils during summer turn the supper club into a garden party.
The Butterfly Club, Beloit
Dating back to 1924, the supper club experience here includes the ultimate throwback: a dance floor.
HobNob Restaurant, Racine
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, HobNob serves up supper club favorites such as Oysters Rockefeller and ice cream cocktails.
McGregor’s Blink Bonnie, St. Germain
The flickering neon sign out front promises a vintage experience. The generous steaks served on sizzling platters pay it off.
Indianhead Supper Club, Balsam Lake
The knotty-pine interior harks back to the lodge’s 1939 origins, while the decadent Steak Whitecloud gives surf and turf a modern touch.
Blue Heron Restaurant, Eagle River
Fish fans come here for Walleye Wednesday and the Friday Night Fish Fry.
Fish stories
Fishing trips to Wisconsin are a tradition among families who want to chill at the lake, among buddies who fancy a legendary mancation and among serious anglers who want to go down in history. At the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, climb inside a four-and-a-half-story fiberglass musky and peek outside its gaping mouth. The world’s largest fishing museum and official keeper of freshwater fish world records, this quirky destination houses hundreds of mounted fish and thousands of artifacts, including antique fishing motors and lures.
That looks fun!
Locals like to have a good time. And they like to make new friends. Around here, if you are happy we are happy. What better way to immerse yourself in local color than at annual events that draw a festive crowd? Milwaukee and Madison are at the heart of the action year-round, with parties such as the Wisconsin State Fair and the World’s Largest Brat Fest (think sausage, not unruly kids). Venture out to any of our smaller towns as well and expect to find welcoming locals who are glad to have you join the fun.
Steps through time
Wisconsin is home to 11 sovereign tribal nations, whose rich cultural heritages have shaped the state. Whether you’re at Milwaukee’s Indian Summer Festival—the largest American Indian festival in the country—or touring one of the many American Indian cultural centers or museums, there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn about the unique and fascinating cultures of the state’s native tribes.
Reservations occupy more than 650,000 acres, most of which are open to visitors. Frog Bay Tribal National Park, opened in 2012 on the Red Cliff Reservation near Bayfield, is the country’s first national park on native land. The Oneida Nation just outside of Green Bay welcomes visitors to tour the Oneida Nation Museum and attend one of the largest powwows in the nation. In Lac du Flambeau, join a walking tour of a re-created Ojibwe village at the Waswagoning Indian Village, which reflects life in the 17th century.
Rev it up
Home to more than 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails, Wisconsin is bucket-list material for winter sports enthusiasts.
Outfitters set up shop close to popular trails to make it easy to take the ride of a lifetime. Pick a trailside resort as home base to warm your bones between rides.
If you’re looking for some trails to get you started or take your hobby to the next level, head to the Snowmobile Capital of the World—Eagle River.
You’ll find some of the best-maintained trails and signage the state has to offer. Each January, more than 1,000 racers compete here in the World Championship Snowmobile Derby.
Meet you up north
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family getaway or a rustic cabin to hang your hat during a fishing trip, the classic cabin trip is part of the Wisconsin experience that visitors have enjoyed for generations. Rhinelander, St. Germain, Fish Creek, Minocqua, La Pointe, Spooner…each destination promises carefree days spent boating and swimming followed by evenings spent around a campfire under the stars.
Make a splash
More than 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks with more than 200 waterslides make Wisconsin Dells the undisputed Waterpark Capital of the World. Summer crowds swell here, and the family fun continues year-round. When it’s chilly outside, visitors can still lounge poolside, shoot down water slides and float along lazy rivers. Choose from some of the largest and most impressive water parks in the country. America’s largest water park resort, Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort, offers four indoor and four outdoor water parks for unlimited aquatic awesomeness.