Welcome to Wisconsin

The cheese. With over 600 varieties, Wisconsin produces three million pounds of cheese every year. It’s no surprise that its the only state to have a licensed Master Cheesemaker program like those in Europe. Cheese curds are a standard at nearly every Wisconsin restaurant, and they don’t disappoint!

Fresh farm-to-table food. Wisconsin eateries bring a new meaning to the idea of homegrown, farm-fresh food. Farm-to-table restaurants are sprouting up all over the state, setting up camp in both big cities and small towns. Whether it’s fresh dairy, fish, beef, or pork, Wisconsin is a foodie’s treasure trove.

Affordability. With housing costs well below the national average, Wisconsin is an incredibly affordable place to live. Larger cities, such as Madison and Milwaukee, drive the average cost of living up. However, it’s 20% cheaper to live in many Wisconsin communities than it is anywhere else in the country.

Summertime festivals. Despite the harsh winters, summertime in Wisconsin is a never-ending party where hundreds of big-label music acts serve as entertainment. From Milwaukee’s Summerfest to Oshkosh’s five-day Country USA, major music festivals abound in America’s Dairyland.

Waterpark capital. Wisconsin seems to subscribe to the mindset that we’re all still kids on the inside. With indoor and outdoor waterparks designed for the entire family, the state has been dubbed as “The Waterpark Capital of the World.” Mainly it’s The Dells that won this particular title, but you can be sure there will be no shortage of waterpark fun when visiting Wisconsin.

Madison. Few cities are coveted as much as the state capital, Madison. This city consistently makes “best places to live” lists and is considered one of the best college towns in the U.S. Surrounded by numerous state parks and two lakes; Madison is easy on the eyes, as well.

The love of sports. For Wisconsinites, “tailgating season” doesn’t exist—it’s always a good time to tailgate! On the flip side, the streets turn hauntingly desolate when a Packers away-game is on TV. The bottom line is that Wisconsin loves its sports and the Greenbay Packers are at the top of most cheeseheads' list. Mainly, to live in Wisconsin, you must be comfortable wearing a hat that looks like cheese.

Outdoor adventures. What greets you on the other side of a bitter Wisconsin winter is a multitude of outdoor adventures. Comfortable summertime nights create the perfect atmosphere for sleeping under the stars or gathering around a warm fire to drink a cold brew. Plus, with 47 state parks and 15,000 lakes, the fun you can have in the sun is a fair trade-off for the bleak Wisconsin winters.

Freshwater fun. Wisconsin leads the way in freshwater technology, supplying 21% of the world’s freshwater. Many graduate school programs are dedicated to the study of freshwater. With over 150 water-related companies, Wisconsin takes its freshwater serious. But it’s not all business; you can surf in Sheboygan and never have to wash any salt off of your skin.

Architecture. Whether you’re admiring Santiago Calatrava’s “wings” on the Milwaukee Art Museum or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, Wisconsin doesn’t fail in delivering stunning architecture. Wright grew up in Wisconsin, so it’s not uncommon to see his handiwork peppered across the state. Aside from Wright, many opera houses and churches offer turn-of-the-century ornate interiors, as well.