Wisconsin in 7 Words

We’re the un-planners, the un-assumers, the un-expecters.

And when you visit many tourist-y spots, as we do, those titles can be hard to maintain. We’re up on travel news and many travel blogs such that there are few places in the world that seem unchartered, few stories remain untold.

But with Wisconsin, avoiding knowledge on the state was easy. It is not heavily touted as a must-see tourist destination, and in fact, many were perplexed at our decision to visit for an extended period of time. Truth be told, we were attracted to only one aspect of it: the cozy log cabin in the woods with which to relax, decompress, and get some work done (it could have been in any state or province or country, for all we really cared). After being all-Europe’d-out and then spending a couple of months bouncing between family and friends beds, that was all we cared about. A tranquil, comfortable, snuggly space.

Our house-sit in the woods absolutely delivered. And along the way, when we could stand to get out of our jammies and drag ourselves into town, we learned a thing or two or seven about Wisconsin

 

It’s Wild

As in, wildlife roaming in the wilderness, and wild colours worn by the hunters who chase them! We have never before in our lives been exposed to such a strong hunting culture. Signs for a countless number of hunting lodges speckle the side of highways in an otherwise sparsely populated region. Our routine drives to Hayward always included at least one animal sighting. Hunter’s orange is all the fashion rage, and Pete was once scolded for walking outdoors without it (apparently, if you are shot while outside and you’re not wearing the appropriate brightly coloured clothing, the shooter is not at fault).

HuntersOrange

We tried it. I’m not sure that orange is our colour.

 

Friendly

These Midwesterners are an affable bunch. Our neighbours fed us, new friends ensured that we got a good taste of what Wisconsin has to offer, and a random hairdresser even doled out hugs after a half-hour session of bonding over clipping. We felt completely welcome and well taken care of during our time there.

 

Quiet

Aside from the frequent gun-shots during hunting season (see “Wild” above), we reveled in the startling quiet of our wooded retreat. It was the kind of silence that rings in your ears and takes some serious getting used to. But, because it was accompanied with matching tranquil scenery, we made do. 🙂

Bayfield Wisconsin Sunset

 

Confused

It was quite interesting to be in the US for last November’s election. Despite the computer generated phone calls five times daily from the likes of Bill Clinton and Clint Eastwood urging us to vote, we were happy to entertain questions from people we met about the health care system in Canada and our thoughts on American politics. It was even more interesting to see that the first ever gay senator was elected from Wisconsin last November. And then, on the other side, there is a Republican governor who somehow managed to survive a recall after a heavy corruption scandal. Wisconsin is a political puzzle.

 

Wet

There are over 15,000 documented lakes in Wisconsin, not to mention the shores of Lake Superior in the north, and the route of the Mississippi through the state. Fancy an endless number of places to swim, fish or kayak? Then you can find it in Wisco.

 

Cultured

Wisconsin is home to several famous artists – Spencer Tracy, Orson Welles, Georgie O’Keefe, to name a few – but that is not what I’m talking about here. I’m referring to the bacterial variety – that which makes all of the delicious cheese the state is so notorious for. We are sure that we ate our weight in dairy products, and then some!

Wisconsin Cheese

 

And Wacky!

There is just so much weirdness. We discovered the giant fiberglass fish and the combination of pubs/wildlife museums, but there is still so much more. Like weird laws: at one time, margarine was illegal, and it is prohibited to serve apple pie in a restaurant without cheese. There is a whole section in the Huffington Post about weird Wisconsin news, and it includes such article headings as: “Paranomal Experts Say Ghost Probably Didn’t Punch Woman” and, “The Only Clown vs. Cop Brawl Video You’ll Ever Need”.

 

Oh Wisconsin, we will miss you.

 

18 Comments... Read them below or add one of your own
  • January 23 2013

    Now that sounds like a state I’d like to visit. Just not during the winter.
    Carmel recently posted..Christmas Dinner & a Farewell (for now)

    • January 29 2013

      But it is so pretty with the snow! Still worth your visit!

  • January 23 2013

    I had no idea that hunting was *that* big in WI. Kinda crazy. But other than the gun shots (yikes!) I love that you did have a lot of tranquil moments (love that sunset/sunrise photo!). Seems harder and harder to find.
    Kim Olson recently posted..Fun Skiing in Colorado at Aspen/Snowmass & Beaver Creek

    • January 29 2013

      We had no idea either! Until we saw people in orange walking up and down the highways with rifles – ha! 🙂

  • January 24 2013

    Sounds like exactly what you guys needed after your hecKtic travel schedule! I was surprised at how beautiful Wisconsin appears in your photos. I had never given it much thought before.
    Laurel recently posted..Travel Blogger’s Top Travel Destinations of 2013

    • January 29 2013

      Us neither! But it really does have it’s own charm. It was just what we needed.

  • January 24 2013

    I have wanted to visit Wisconsin for a long time, and your description makes me want to go even more! Even it Winter, it looks beautiful, and I always seek places where the people are friendly and real. Thanks for sharing, and for the inspiration to plan a trip.

    • January 29 2013

      I hope you make it there soon Kiki, in any season. We were two weeks late for the beautiful fall colors, and will have to go back to see that some time too.

  • January 27 2013

    Sounds like the wacky Wisconsin news could just be the Onion. However, when I was in Madison, I did see a cow fight a DC Comic superhero. (Mind you, it was Halloween.)

    The one thing I’ll always remember about Wisconsin is witnessing surfers take on the wind swells at Whitefish Bay.
    Noah @ Somewhere Or Bust recently posted..The Sleeper Bus in Laos

    • January 29 2013

      The Wisconsin Onion. Except that it’s true! Love it. 🙂

      I’ve seen pics of the surfers, I’d love to see that in real life!

  • January 28 2013

    Definitely not a state I ever felt compelled to visit. I’ll admit that your time there has left me slightly intrigued.
    Jennifer recently posted..Ducks and Dolphins at Carnevale di Viareggio

  • January 28 2013

    I love the landscape shot with the pink sky, beautiful. I like the weird news bit … glad that ghost never punched anybody. 😀

    • January 29 2013

      Ha! I nearly spit out my coffee when I read that one. Nasty little ghost.

      • January 29 2013

        I once watched an episode of the Sally Jessie Raphael talkshow (totally aging myself here) and there was a woman who told stories of how she was sexually assaulted by a ghost when she went to bed one night.

        As a child, this scared me and my mom had to go to some lengths to settle me down. Now that I think about it, my mom prob should have skipped her viewing of the show that day. 😀

        • January 30 2013

          Ha! Holy crap! That would be terrifying as a child. I think for most of age 7 to 8 I slept on the floor beside my parents bed because my older cousin had let me watch Creep Show. Not very fun times.

  • January 28 2013

    I love this! I admit to not having thought much in my life about Wisconsin until I started reading your posts on it! 🙂

    • January 29 2013

      Then our job here is done! 🙂

  • Ali
    January 31 2013

    I’m glad you guys enjoyed your time in Wisconsin, it sounds like it was just what you needed. I always have heard (and experienced a little in Minnesota) that the people in the midwest are incredibly friendly. Looks like a gorgeous place too!
    Ali recently posted..Is “What If” Stopping You From Traveling?

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