Whether you favor adventures of the outdoorsy or foodie variety, seek urban or rural destinations, or prefer warm- or cold-weather activities, you'll find Wisconsin is a fantastic pet friendly destination. With spectacular scenery and a booming arts scene, dynamic cities and picturesque small towns, water for boating and snow for Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, this unassuming state draws visitors from around the globe. Of course, with a nickname like "The Dairy State" and a reputation for making great beer, you'll also want to visit Wisconsin's cheese factories, beer gardens, and wide variety of microbreweries. From stunning national parks to farm-to-table eateries, Wisconsin is sure to moooo-ve you.
Best Time To Visit
Wisconsin sees the majority of its tourists between late June and the end of August, though the state rarely feels crowded. Summer's warm days are perfect for enjoying water sports on the Mississippi River or Lake Michigan when highs in the upper 80s and plenty of sunshine are common. While summer is lovely, the best time of year for a pet friendly trip to Wisconsin is between September and early November. With temperatures gradually dropping from the 70s to the upper 50s, the fall foliage reaches its peak around the middle of October, and the show along the river bluffs and across the north woods is truly spectacular. If you're into cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, winter brings plenty of snow to the state. And the best deals on lodging can be found in late April or May when the trees and flowers bloom but the weather can be fickle.
Things Not To Miss
Grab the binoculars for a visit to Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge on the Mississippi River near LaCrosse. It's estimated that 40% of all waterfowl and shorebirds in North America pass this way on their annual migrations!
Snap a picture of your pet with the statue of Vince Lombardi outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Explore southwestern Wisconsin's rugged Driftless Region while visiting nine stops on the self-guided Frank Lloyd Wright architectural tour.
Hike the trails, enjoy the magnificent rock formations, and splash in one of three pet swim areas at Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo.
Pick up the Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee's East Side neighborhood and continue to the 3rd Ward for a fantastic urban hike. Running for 115 miles on paved paths and city streets, nearly a quarter of this trail hugs the shores of Lake Michigan.
Take a pet friendly road trip on the Great River Road! Enjoy the simple pleasures as you follow the mighty Mississippi through quiet river towns and picturesque landscapes.
Catch the sunrise and sunset over the water in Door County. With 300 miles of shoreline, thousands of acres of orchards, art galleries, famous cherry pie, local wines and brews, 11 historic lighthouses, and 19 unique communities, you and your pet will have a ball!
