Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
•
ONE WEEK:
SpendtwodaysinMilwaukee,threedaysinDoorCounty,withone
day to cover the Fox River Valley, and another for Madison.
•
TWO WEEKS:
Circumnavigatetheperimeterofthestate,addingtheGreatRiver
Road, Driftless Region, the Apostle Islands, and Indianhead Country. Finish in
Madison and relax with a jaunt to the Wisconsin Dells.
When to Go
This is a
four-season
kind of place. There is something for everyone no matter if it is
winter, spring, summer, or fall. That said, most visitors do come
between Memorial Day
and Labor Day.
All accommodations, restaurants, and attractions will be open during this
time; prices will also rise precipitously in more popular spots (and many lodgings will re-
quire a two- or three-night minimum stay). Another peak season is from
late September
through late October,
when throngs arrive to witness fall's splendorous colors. (Between
Labor Day and late September, you can often get great rates and, if cold weather comes
early, great colors.) Winter in general sees fewer visitors except for snowmobilers and ski-
ers, and areas popular with those types will not have lower rates. Other places may shut
down entirely from November to April. Few people come here from March through early
April, as these months are grim, gray, muddy, and windy. Then again, it's dirt, dirt cheap to
visit during this time.
Before You Go
You can buy most anything you need in the state, even in the village outposts of the Great
North Woods (though this does not include spare parts for your laptop), but one thing you
don't want to be caught without is
mosquito repellent.
Trust me. A face net for blackflies
and skeeters wouldn't be a bad idea if you plan on delving into the woods (or camping).
Wisconsin is a place where most consider L. L. Bean dress-up clothing. Heels, ties, and
fancy skirts are fine for clubbing in Milwaukee or Madison, but you'll be absolutely con-
spicuous in all but the most chichi restaurants anywhere else (hey, Badger sweatshirts are
perfectly fine in even the most famous supper clubs).
Weather
is often the deciding factor. Dress appropriately for the weather at all
times—thatincludeswearingahat.DonotcometoWisconsininwinterwithoutagoodpair
of
gloves or mittens.
Inuit-worthy mittens are something you'll be ever so grateful for on
