© Getty Images

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore -

A popular winter destination, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the northern tip of Wisconsin encompasses numerous islands and sandstone cliffs set on the edge of Lake Superior. The lake freezes over as the temperature plummets, affording visitors an extraordinary  opportunity to walk a shoreline normally lapped by water.

© Shutterstock 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore -

During the bitter winter months, the collection of sandstone caves set along the lakeshore at Cornucopia are turned into sparkling grottoes, frosted with ice due to sub-zero temperatures.

© Shutterstock 

Madison -

Madison, Wisconsin's state capital, is surrounded by four lakes and actually sits on the Lake Manona and Lake Mendota shorelines. The city is named for American Founding Father and President James Madison (1751–1836).

© Shutterstock 

Wisconsin State Capitol -

Exploration of Madison should begin by visiting Wisconsin State Capitol. Completed in 1917, the building is noted for its magnificent dome, the dimensions of which nearly match those of Washington's state capitol.

© Shutterstock 

Wisconsin State Capitol interior -

To appreciate the interior, join the free hour-long tour of the building. The walk-through takes in the exquisite marble work and huge murals that distinguish the rotunda. There's also an engaging museum located on the sixth floor that chronicles the building's history.

© Shutterstock 

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art -

The permanent collection housed at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art includes works by Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Mapplethorpe. The museum is located adjacent to the Overture Center for the Arts, a major performing arts venue that's hosted the likes of Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, and Bob Dylan.

© Shutterstock 

Monona Terrace -

Officially called the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, this building in Madison was designed by Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959), one of the world's most influential architects. Set on the shores of Lake Manona, the center's roof affords stunning views of the vicinity.

© Shutterstock 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh -

If you're visiting Wisconsin during the last week of July, head over to the small town of Oshkosh on Lake Winnebago for the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show. The event attracts aviators from all over the world, including celebrity pilots, among them Harrison Ford.

© Getty Images 

EAA AirVenture Museum -

Enjoying a day out at the air show will inevitably mean browsing the excellent EAA AirVenture Museum and its eye-popping display of nearly 200 vintage aircraft.

© Getty Images 

Milwaukee -

Milwaukee is Wisconsin's most populous city and deserves several days of your time. It's actually the second largest city on Lake Michigan's shore after Chicago.

© Shutterstock 

Harley-Davidson Museum -

Mention Milwaukee to a motorbike enthusiast and they'll reference just one name. Well, two in fact: Harley-Davidson. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer has its global headquarters in the city, and it's where the world-famous Harley-Davidson Museum is located. An estimated 300,000 "hog" fans visit the museum annually, making it one of the state's most popular tourist attractions.

© Shutterstock 

Milwaukee Art Museum -

Wisconsin's premier art gallery, the Milwaukee Art Museum is housed in one of the city's most striking buildings, the Quadracci Pavilion, which contains a movable, wing-like brise soleil. The museum holds one of the largest collections of works by Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keeffe. The collections also feature 15th- to 20th-century European and 17th- to 20th-century American art.

© Shutterstock 

Discovery World -

Milwaukee's state-of-the-art science and technology center is known as Discovery World. Come here and immerse yourself in a fun and educational experience through some truly amazing interactive exhibits.

© Getty Images 

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church -

The aforementioned Frank Lloyd Wright is responsible for one of Milwaukee's most revered examples of modern architecture, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. It was one of his last works, in fact completed after his death. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

© Getty Images 

Taliesin East -

Admirers of Frank Lloyd Wright can also make a pilgrimage to the architect's summer home known as Taliesin East in Spring Green, a beautiful property set in rolling countryside that is open to the public for guided tours. The walk also takes in his studio and gallery, a theater, and school.

© Shutterstock 

House on the Rock -

Not far from Taliesin East is another well-known residence, House on the Rock. Perched on Deer Shelter Rock in Spring Green, it was built in 1959 and designed to mimic the Frank Lloyd Wright premises. Now part of a resort complex, the House on the Rock features the amazing Infinity Room (pictured), which seems to disappear into the distance when you stand in it.

© Shutterstock 

Circus World Museum -

If you're exploring the state with kids, don't miss the colorful and quirky Circus World Museum in Baraboo. Devoted to circus-related history, the museum is in fact a series of houses and buildings displaying, among other items, antique circus wagons (pictured) and all sorts of vintage props and equipment. The Hippodrome, meanwhile, is a permanent big-top that houses the museum's daily circus and magic show performances.

© Getty Images 

Dells of the Wisconsin River -

Wisconsin's natural wonders extend to the Dells of the Wisconsin River, a spectacular gorge on the state's largest river. Boasting many unique geological features, the Dells can only really be appreciated by boat. Regular sightseeing voyages take passengers to places like the Witches Gulch, a mesmerizing slot canyon only accessible by the Upper Dells boat tour.

© Shutterstock 

Door County -

Door County is one of the top leisure destinations in the United States. Set on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the county is famed for its outstanding natural beauty. Cana Island, seen here brushed with winter snow, is connected to the mainland by a causeway when water levels are low. It's landmarked by the late 19th-century Cana Island Light, which is open to visitors.

© Shutterstock 

Sturgeon Bay -

The region is known for its lighthouses. Pictured is Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse, constructed in 1903.

© Shutterstock 

Ephraim -

If you intend to linger in Door County, consider a stay in Ephraim. This picturesque village on the tranquil shores of Eagle Harbor was settled in 1853 by Norwegian immigrants. Its rich heritage has been carefully preserved in more than 30 historical sites found throughout the destination.

© Shutterstock 

Lambeau Field -

Green Bay is the location of Lambeau Field, the home field of the Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957, it's the longest continuously-occupied stadium in the NFL. The Packers have won the most championships, 13 in total, of any NFL team. Try and catch a game during your visit. Alternatively, sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

© Getty Images 

Land O' Lakes -

Wisconsin's northern reaches are sunk with more than 200 lakes of various sizes, and the region is aptly named Land O' Lakes. A mecca for watersports enthusiasts, the area is also noted for its wealth of flora and fauna, with bird-watching a favorite outdoor pastime.

© Shutterstock 

Copper Falls State Park -

If exploring the great outdoors is your thing, organize a hike through Copper Falls State Park. Trails pass several famous waterfalls including Copper Falls itself (pictured), for which the park is named.

© Shutterstock 

Mellen -

The small town of Mellen is where to base yourself if planning to trek the park over a few days. A total of nearly 28 km (17 mi) of hiking trails are waiting to be trodden, one of which passes over Bad River, incidentally an excellent trout fishing waterway.

© Shutterstock 

Janesville -

Elsewhere, Janesville in Rock County, southern Wisconsin, is equally celebrated as a gateway to some incredible hikes. But don't set off before getting to know this attractive and historic city, which is noted for its 19th-century architecture.

© Shutterstock 

Ice Age Trail -

The daunting Ice Age Trail passes through Rock County as part of its epic 1,609-km (1,000-m) route from from Potawatomi State Park to St. Croix Dalles. The section pictured here shows Devil's Lake State Park, in the Baraboo area.

© Shutterstock 

Geneva Lake -

For those who prefer a more gentle amble, why not follow the Geneva Lake Shore Path in Walworth County? It's a mostly flat and meandering 33-km (21-mi) walking trail that passes a number of wonderfully serene country estates.

© Shutterstock 

Orson Welles' birthplace -

Did you know that Orson Welles was a native of Wisconsin? The influential filmmaker was born in Kenosha, where the house he spent part of his childhood in still stands. Now a private residence, the premises can only be admired from the outside.

© Shutterstock 

Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail -

Wisconsin is known as the "Badger State," a moniker that dates back to the 1800s and which pays homage to the miners that dug deep enough into the hills they were working on to make temporary homes for themselves. But the state is also called "America's Dairyland," a reference to the award-winning cheeses Wisconsin is famous for. Don't leave before following the Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail, a loop out of Madison that passes 14 different locations where you can sample, purchase, and learn more about this delicious dairy product.

Sources: (Architectural Digest) (Britannica) (Biography)

See also: These 18 cheeses are made in America

© Getty Images