100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Wisconsin (WI) sits in the American Midwest and stands out for its significant production of milk and cheese. The state’s economy relies most on agriculture and food processing, complemented by manufacturing and tourism. Wisconsin’s capital is Madison, while most people live in Milwaukee. In 1910, Emil Seidel was elected mayor of Milwaukee, becoming the first socialist mayor of a major American city.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Wisconsin Abbreviation WI Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee (Population: 561 385) Current time 17:52 Time zone CST (UTC-6), the state observes daylight saving time CDT (UTC-5) Population 5,893,713 (#20 most populous US state) Area 65,498 sqmi (#23 largest US state) Admitted to the Union May 29, 1848 (#30 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Wisconsin
The capital of Wisconsin is Madison. Its history began in 1829 when former federal judge James Duane Doty purchased 2 sqmi of swamps and forests in the valley between lakes Mendota and Monona. Judge Doty founded a new city here and later named it after the fourth president of the United States, James Madison, who died on June 28, 1836. In 1838, Madison first became the capital of the Wisconsin Territory, then the capital of the state after Wisconsin joined the Union in 1848.
🏙️ Largest City in Wisconsin
The largest city in Wisconsin is Milwaukee, home to 561,385 people in 2023. Second is the capital, Madison, with a population of 280,305, and third is Green Bay with 105,744 residents.
🕒 Time in Wisconsin
The current time in Wisconsin is 17:52. The state follows Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6), with daylight saving time observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Wisconsin
According to 2023 data, Wisconsin had 5,893,713 residents, ranking 20th among the most populous U.S. states.
📍 Area of Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s total area is 65,498 sqmi, of which 54,153 sqmi is land and 11,345 sqmi is water. Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About Wisconsin
🧩 Which States Border Wisconsin
Wisconsin borders four U.S. states. To the west is Minnesota, to the north Michigan, to the south Illinois, and to the southeast Iowa. The state’s eastern border follows the Lake Michigan shoreline, and part of the northern border runs along Lake Superior.
📅 Date of Wisconsin Statehood
Wisconsin was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848, as the 30th state. Its predecessor was the Wisconsin Territory.
📛 Wisconsin State Nickname
Wisconsin is nicknamed the Badger State, though not because the state is overrun with badgers. The nickname dates to the 19th century, when the local economy was driven by mining that drew newcomers from across the United States and Europe. Some miners survived in holes dug into the ground like badgers, which led to this originally unflattering moniker.
The second nickname, America’s Dairyland, points to Wisconsin’s strong dairy industry. The Dairyland of America produces about 25 percent of the total milk and cheese output in the USA.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Wisconsin
The highest point in Wisconsin is Timms Hill at 1,951 ft, topped by a wooden observation tower open to the public.
🏞️ Rivers in Wisconsin
The longest river touching Wisconsin is the Mississippi River, with a total length across all U.S. states of 2,318 mi. Next are the Wisconsin River (429 mi), Rock River (299 mi), Wolf River (225 mi), and Oconto River (209 mi).
🎓 Universities in Wisconsin
Public universities in Wisconsin are managed within a single integrated system that includes about 161,000 students across thirteen universities.
The largest is the University of Wisconsin–Madison, founded in 1848 and now enrolling around 50,000 students.
The second largest is the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with 23,000 students, established in 1956. Rounding out the top three is the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, founded in 1871 and attended by more than 16,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses ZIP code ranges 530xx–532xx, 534xx–535xx, and 537xx–549xx. You can look them up by address on the USPS website. For more information, see ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in Wisconsin
The best times to visit Wisconsin are spring and fall when temperatures are milder than in summer and the parks are less crowded.
Spring in Wisconsin brings changeable weather and rising temperatures. While March often sits around 28 °F to 41 °F, May can reach 64 °F. Cold spells can bring snow showers that gradually turn to rain.
Summer in Wisconsin is typically warm and humid, with temperatures usually around 72 °F to 81 °F. July and August are the rainiest months and the peak tourist season.
Fall is cooler, with temperatures gradually dropping to 41 °F to 50 °F. Rainfall decreases, which makes travel easier.
Winter in Wisconsin is usually cold, with temperatures often below freezing and dipping to 14 °F. Snow is common, and strong snowstorms are not unusual.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Wisconsin
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What to See in Wisconsin
1️⃣ Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The protected Apostle Islands shoreline covers 21 islands in northern Wisconsin, wrapped in wild nature. Most visitors get around by kayak, which lets you explore striking sea caves.
Popular activities include camping and boat tours, and in winter you can discover breathtaking ice caves. The islands are also known for their many lighthouses.
2️⃣ Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Noah’s Ark is the largest outdoor waterpark in the USA, located in Wisconsin Dells northwest of Milwaukee. Visitors can choose from roughly 50 slides, pools, flumes, and other water attractions.
The biggest draw is one of the longest water coasters in America, Black Anaconda, where riders use inflatable rafts. The park offers plenty for small kids too and is open only from May through September.
3️⃣ Cave of the Mounds
The protected Cave of the Mounds is called the Jewel Box of the Midwest and sits in the southern part of the state west of Milwaukee. Guided tours run regularly, showcasing stalactites and other formations, including thin soda straws and helictites. The caves are open year-round and are suitable for kids.
4️⃣ Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee is a must for motorcycle fans. The museum displays more than 450 motorcycles, engines, fuel tanks, and other artifacts from the brand’s long history. Interactive exhibits trace the evolution of the bikes and the culture around Harley-Davidson.
5️⃣ Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake is Wisconsin’s largest state park, with 29.0 mi of hiking trails that deliver sweeping lake and cliff views. The park is also popular for rock climbing, swimming, and picnicking, with several campgrounds for overnight stays. It’s a great pick for families and groups of friends who want an active getaway.
6️⃣ National Railroad Museum
The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, on Wisconsin’s east side, is a top attraction for American train enthusiasts. The museum showcases historic locomotives and cars. Highlights include President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1937 train and one of the world’s largest steam locomotives, the Big Boy, which served Union Pacific.
The museum also offers interactive exhibits and rides on a historic train around the grounds.
7️⃣ Wisconsin State Capitol
The capitol in Madison houses Wisconsin’s state government. This imposing four-winged building with a grand dome dominates the city skyline. It was constructed from 1906 to 1917 to designs by George Browne Post in the French Beaux-Arts style.
Visitors can take a free guided tour to admire the ornate interiors and art on display. The observation deck beneath the dome delivers a terrific view of the city and surrounding lakes.
8️⃣ EAA Aviation Museum
The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, on the shore of Lake Winnebago, is a haven for aviation lovers. The collection includes more than 200 historic and experimental aircraft and over 20,000 aviation-related artifacts.
Visitors can try an interactive flight simulator, tour the exhibits, and learn more about aviation history. Every July, one of the world’s largest air shows takes place here.
9️⃣ Bay Beach Amusement Park
This amusement park in Bay Beach offers classic rides with a light retro vibe. A Ferris wheel, swing carousel, and bumper cars sit alongside the wooden coaster Zippin Pippin. Entry is free, and you pay per ride.
Compared with massive parks like Six Flags or Busch Gardens, Bay Beach offers less but at a much lower price. It’s a solid choice for families looking to enjoy a summer day.
🔟 Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s building is a work of art in itself. Its glass-and-steel structure evokes a bird with opening wings that actually move. It was completed in 2001, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
The museum holds a collection of more than 25,000 works from antiquity to today, and as a bonus, visitors can enjoy views of Lake Michigan.
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Largest Cities in Wisconsin
The table lists the ten largest cities in Wisconsin in 2023. The source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the national census.
City County Population 1 Milwaukee Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha 561,385 Map of Milwaukee 2 Madison Dane 280,305 Map of Madison 3 Green Bay Brown 105,744 Map of Green Bay 4 Kenosha Kenosha 98,211 Map of Kenosha 5 Racine Racine 76,602 Map of Racine 6 Appleton Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago 74,719 Map of Appleton 7 Eau Claire Eau Claire, Chippewa 70,542 Map of Eau Claire 8 Waukesha Waukesha 70,446 Map of Waukesha 9 Oshkosh Winnebago 66,184 Map of Oshkosh 10 Janesville Rock 66,102 Map of Janesville -
Sports Teams in Wisconsin
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Wisconsin has no team in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Wisconsin’s only NFL team since the 1921 season is the Green Bay Packers, part of the NFC North Division. The team’s home stadium is Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and the club colors are dark green, gold, and white.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Wisconsin’s sole representative in the NBA since the 1968 season is the Milwaukee Bucks, placed in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The club colors are green, cream, blue, black, and white. Home games are played at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Wisconsin is represented in Major League Baseball by the Milwaukee Brewers of the Central Division. They were part of the American League from 1969, then moved to the National League in the 1998 season. The team plays home games at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Club colors are navy blue, yellow, and royal blue.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no Wisconsin team in MLS.
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Wisconsin State Symbols
Lawmakers in Wisconsin have approved a wide range of state symbols, and some of them are listed here.
Flag of Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s first state flag was adopted in 1863 and has gone through several updates, the most recent in 1981. The design follows a traditional template for U.S. state flags, featuring the state seal centered on a dark blue field. It is accompanied by the word Wisconsin in white and the year 1848, marking the state’s admission to the Union.
Seal of Wisconsin
The Wisconsin state seal was adopted in 1848, with minor modifications in 1851 and 1881. The seal authenticates documents issued by the governor and features several symbols that represent the state.
At the top is the state motto and a badger, the state animal. In the middle are a plow symbolizing agriculture, a pickaxe and shovel for mining, and an arm with a hammer representing manufacturing. The anchor at the lower right stands for maritime history. The U.S. coat of arms reflects unity with the nation, and 13 lead ingots reference the original thirteen colonies.
State Animal
The state animal since 1957 is the American badger (Taxidea taxus), which also gave Wisconsin its nickname. In the 19th century, miners in Wisconsin were called badgers because they lived in holes in the ground.
State Fruit
In 2003, a law designated the cranberry as the official state fruit. Fifth-grade students at an elementary school in Kenosha County helped champion the change. Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of cranberries.
State Bird
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) was chosen as the state bird in 1949. It is common across the state and traditionally signals the arrival of spring.
State Mineral
Galena is a metallic, lustrous mineral whose 19th-century mining once powered Wisconsin’s economy. It became the state mineral in 1971.
State Fish
The list of symbols grew in 1955 with the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), a prized sport fish in Wisconsin. It can reach weights of up to 71 lb and is found mainly in clean lakes and rivers in the north.
State Tree
The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) was selected in 1949. It grows throughout the state and is valued not only for its wood but also for sap used to make maple syrup.
State Flower
The common blue violet (Viola sororia) became the state flower in 1909. It blooms across Wisconsin in spring. Interestingly, its flowers and leaves are edible and used to garnish some dishes.
State Dance
Polka was recognized as Wisconsin’s state dance in 1993. The dance originated in the first half of the 19th century in Bohemia. Polka remains a tradition in Wisconsin thanks to a large Central European immigrant community. Several annual festivals in the state celebrate polka and folk culture.
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