14 Fun Facts About Wisconsin
There is more to Wisconsin than beer and cheese. From its thrilling water parks, to the biggest bratwurst festivals on the planet, to being the dairy capital of the world, Wisconsinites have plenty to be proud of! Here are 14 fun and interesting facts about the state.
1.The population of Wisconsin is 5.758 million
That is almost 33 million less than California and almost two million more than that of Utah. Our most populated cities include: Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.
2.The Water Park Capital of the World
You heard that right, Wisconsin is the Water Park Capital of the World. Located in Wisconsin Dells—about an hour north of Madison. Some waterparks are open year-round but the best time to enjoy the Dells would be to come during our summer season. Try different resorts, roller coasters, pools, rides, hotels, dinner options, and great shopping.
3.Wisconsin is home of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect, interior designer, and writer. He grew up in Richland Center Wisconsin and the state is bursting with his building designs—many in which are still standing today.
4.Summerfest is the world’s largest music festival
Throughout the month of June and July some of the biggest names in music come together and perform at this Milwaukee festival. Local beer is served as well as a variety of lip-smacking food choices.
5.Muscoda is the morel mushroom capital in Wisconsin
Morel mushrooms are a rarity and can only be picked for a certain amount of time during the spring. People will go to great lengths to purchase these tasty mushrooms in the little town of Muscoda, Wisconsin, about 15 minutes south of Richland Center.
6.The famous magician Harry Houdini was raised in Appleton
Houdini prided himself on his great handcuffed escape. His famous acts would draw spectators from hundreds of miles.
7.Madison wasn’t always the capitol of Wisconsin
Belmont, which is a little over an hour away from Madison, used to be the original capitol of the territory of Wisconsin. When Wisconsin finally became a state in 1836 the capitol moved to a more central location.
8.World’s Largest Brat Fest
Over Memorial Day Weekend, Madison hosts four jam-packed days of drinks, music, and bratwurst—3.6 million brats sold to be exact. This isn’t your normal festival weekend but rather a necessity for Wisconsinites.
9.Bridesmaids
Milwaukee was featured in the hit 2011 movie, “Bridesmaids.” Not only does main character Annie and Lilian chat about Milwaukee, there were scenes filmed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Outside of Annie’s apartment was filmed in Milwaukee along with the Cholodecki’s Jewelry Store that Annie worked at. And, you can’t forget the exterior of the bar that Annie and Rhodes go to.
10.The Milwaukee Art Museum was featured in “Transformers Dark of the Moon”
The movie shows lead actors Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley exiting the museum and hoping into LaBeouf’s yellow car (presumed sidekick Bumblebee).
11.Badger State
Back in the 1800s miners dug holes/caves looking for lead and live in them during the winter months to stay warm, this reminded locals of a badger. The name lived on and it became the mascot of the University of Wisconsin.
12.Mount Horeb is the Troll Capital of the World
All around this tiny town just outside of Verona are welcoming trolls. Troll sculptures, flags, and art work hang around town to add to its already charming character.
13.Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the world
Home to many long tenured farming families, Wisconsin has made a name for itself all across the nation as being the top in the fair department.
14.The state bird of Wisconsin is the robin
Children are taught at a young age that the robin migrates south for the winter, but when they start to see robins in Wisconsin again, that winter is over and spring is coming.
