5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Wisconsin

So, you're thinking about visiting Wisconsin? That's fantastic! They've got cheese curds that squeak like happy mice and more breweries than you can shake a giant pretzel at, but before you pack the car and head North, here are some important things Wisconsin residents think you need to know.

Things I Love About Wisconsin

As an Illinois resident that spends the majority of my free weekend and vacation times in Wisconsin, I'm here to tell you it's a fun place to visit.

Here are just three of my favorite things about Wisconsin:

1. It's close to home, but far enough away that it feel like you're getting away.
2. There are hundreds of beautiful lakes to visit and enjoy.
3. There are a ton of great dive bars to visit that offer cheap drinks and good food.

If you live in Illinois and have never spent a vacation in Wisconsin before, there are two very important things you need to remember when you're up north:

1. Drive the speed limit at all times! Having Illinois plates on your vehicle is like having a bright neon sign that says "PULL ME OVER" to Wisconsin cops. (Seriously. I have been pulled over for several ridiculous things in Wisconsin).
2. Try to hide your Illinois pride. I am usually never one to condone hiding your hometown pride, BUT, wearing a Chicago Bears shirt into a Wisconsin bar is just setting yourself up for relentless ridicule and a ton of "FIBS" comments.

Now that an Illinois resident has shared a few things you must know before visiting Wisconsin, let's get to some things Wisconsinites want you to know too.

5 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Wisconsin

The other day Only in Wisconsin asked this question on Facebook, and I was a bit surprised by the comments they received...

As promised, there were several responses regarding "FIBS" (Look the term up if you don't know what it stands for), but there were some funny ones too like; "We aren't all alcoholics." and "We have great dairy air in Wisconsin." (just think about that one for a second. LOL).

Here are some more comments I thought were pretty helpful for first-time visitors of Wisconsin;

"That the term cheesehead is offensive to a few of us."

"I wish people knew our friendliness is genuine and coming from a place of caring."

"Most beautiful Lake Michigan beach is in Racine."

"The diversity in terrain. Flat, hilly, bluffs, very small “mountain”, waterfalls, rivers and lakes."

"The bluffs in Lacrosse and the Dells are so amazing and beautiful."

So, I think it's safe to say that Wisconsin is a beautiful place to visit, but what places should you and experience when you go there? These ideas should help...