Wisconsin
WI · Data from 2022–2023 government sources
Wisconsin, America's Dairyland, is a Great Lakes state known for cheese, beer, the Green Bay Packers, and a deep connection to its natural resources. From the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior to the rolling farmland and forests of the interior, Wisconsin embodies Midwestern warmth with a distinctly German, Scandinavian, and Polish cultural influence.
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Play GeoProwlHistory
Wisconsin was home to the Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, and other Native American peoples. French fur traders were the first Europeans in the region in the 17th century. Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. The state was a leader in the Progressive Era — Governor Robert La Follette's reforms in the early 1900s (direct primaries, railroad regulation, workers' compensation) became a national model. German and Scandinavian immigrants shaped the state's culture, including its famous brewing tradition.
Economy
Wisconsin's economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. The state leads the nation in cheese production (over 3 billion pounds annually) and is the second-largest dairy state. Manufacturing — particularly paper products, machinery, and medical devices — remains strong. Major employers include Epic Systems (healthcare IT), Harley-Davidson, SC Johnson, and Kohl's. Tourism generates over $22 billion annually.
Geography & Landmarks
Wisconsin covers 65,496 square miles bordered by Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The Northern Highlands feature dense forests and thousands of lakes. The Driftless Area in the southwest was unglaciated, creating dramatically different terrain with steep bluffs and river valleys. Door County, a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, is Wisconsin's Cape Cod — a summer resort area with cherry orchards, lighthouses, and fish boils. The Apostle Islands in Lake Superior include sea caves and pristine wilderness. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore encompasses 21 islands and features dramatic sea caves carved into sandstone cliffs that become spectacular ice caves in winter. Door County has 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, and more than 10 historic lighthouses.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — NPS Photo / M. Carlson
Source: NPS API
Culture & Traditions
Wisconsin's cultural identity is inseparable from cheese, beer, and the Green Bay Packers. The state produces more cheese than any other (over 3 billion pounds annually) and is home to master cheesemakers producing award-winning artisan varieties — Wisconsin is the only state that offers a Master Cheesemaker certification. The Packers, the only community-owned franchise in major American professional sports, have sold out every game at Lambeau Field since 1960, and tailgating in the parking lot is a cherished ritual involving bratwurst, cheese curds, and Spotted Cow beer from New Glarus Brewing. Milwaukee's Summerfest, held along the Lake Michigan lakefront, is the world's largest music festival by number of acts, hosting over 800 performances across 12 stages over 11 days. The Milwaukee Art Museum, with its Santiago Calatrava-designed Burke Brise Soleil (movable wings that open and close daily), is an architectural landmark, and the state's Friday night fish fry — beer-battered cod with coleslaw, rye bread, and a brandy Old Fashioned — is a weekly ritual that has endured since the 1800s.
Notable Cities
Madison
CapitalThe state capital, built on an isthmus between two lakes. Home to the University of Wisconsin and consistently ranked among the best places to live in America.
268,516
Population
$74,895
Median income
$326,600
Home value
$1,291
Median rent
31.6
Median age
2.6%
Unemployment
47.0%
Homeownership
56,211
Bachelor's+
Milwaukee
Wisconsin's largest city, the Beer City, and home to the Bucks, Brewers, Harley-Davidson Museum, and Summerfest — the world's largest music festival.
Green Bay
Home of the Packers, the only community-owned team in major professional sports. Lambeau Field, the 'Frozen Tundra,' is a pilgrimage site for football fans.
Door County
A scenic peninsula with 300 miles of shoreline, charming villages, cherry orchards, and traditional Scandinavian fish boils. Wisconsin's top vacation destination.
La Crosse
A Mississippi River city surrounded by bluffs, known for Oktoberfest, outdoor recreation, and the scenic Great River Road.
Capital city data: Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)
Intel File · Fun Facts
Wisconsin produces over 3 billion pounds of cheese annually — more than any other state and roughly 25% of all U.S. cheese.
The Green Bay Packers are the only community-owned franchise in American professional sports — over 360,000 shareholders own the team.
The first ice cream sundae was created in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 1881.
Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes, though Minnesota (Land of 10,000 Lakes) gets more attention.
The typewriter was invented in Milwaukee by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868.
Data & Statistics
Demographics
- Population
- 5,882,128
- Median income
- $72,458
- Median age
- 39.9
- Median home value
- $231,400
- Below poverty line
- 611,661
- Bachelor's degree+
- 852,632
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2022)
Agriculture
- Total farms
- 58,521
- Cropland
- 9,572,098 acres
- Market value
- $16,699M
Source: USDA NASS, Census of Agriculture (2022)
Public Health
- Obesity rate
- 35.9%
- Diabetes rate
- 11.2%
- Smoking rate
- 12.0%
- High blood pressure
- 33.1%
- Uninsured
- 6.1%
Source: CDC BRFSS Prevalence Data (2023, 2022 fallback)
National Parks & Sites
- National parks
- 0
- Total NPS sites
- 4
- Sites
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, North Country National Scenic Trail, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Source: National Park Service API
Climate
- Avg temperature
- 44.8°F
- Avg high
- 54.7°F
- Avg low
- 34.5°F
- Annual precipitation
- 33.2 in
- Annual snowfall
- 44.7 in
Source: NOAA Climate Normals (2010)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Wisconsin?▾
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin. It is uniquely situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Why is Wisconsin called America's Dairyland?▾
Wisconsin has been a leading dairy state since the mid-1800s, when immigrants from dairy-farming regions of Europe settled on the state's fertile land. Today, Wisconsin has about 6,000 dairy farms and produces more cheese and butter than any other state.
What is a Wisconsin fish boil?▾
A fish boil is a Door County tradition where whitefish, potatoes, and onions are boiled in a large kettle over a wood fire. The dramatic finale — a 'boilover' caused by throwing kerosene on the fire — sends flames shooting into the air and purges the oils from the pot.
Can anyone buy stock in the Green Bay Packers?▾
The Packers have conducted five stock sales since 1923, most recently in 2021. The stock does not appreciate in value, cannot be resold on the open market, and pays no dividends — owners buy it purely out of love for the team. The structure prevents the team from being moved or sold to a private owner.
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau · USDA NASS · CDC BRFSS · National Park Service · NOAA CDO
This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau. This product uses the NASS API but is not endorsed or certified by NASS.
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