TRAVELRAGS

Wisconsin

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CitiesDoor County3Madison3Sturgeon Bay3Wisconsin Dells2Appleton1Baileys Harbor1Baraboo1Devil's Lake State Park1
Digest

See. Bray Road Visit this unassuming stretch of concrete in Elkhorn, home to the most famous werewolf in the United States. Pilot Island Explore this small island in Door County, home to an 1858 lighthouse and a wildlife refuge. Gates of Heaven Synagogue See this Romanesque Revival structure in Madison, rolled through streets to its current lakefront home. Driftless Area Discover the hilly landscape, river valleys, and limestone outcroppings of southwestern Wisconsin.

Eat. Prince of Pierogi Enjoy hand-pinched pierogi at this restaurant in Sturgeon Bay, a hit in Door County.

Stay. The Living History Museum of Camping Stay in a century-spanning collection of camping exhibits, from Prohibition-era tents to a 1965 Airstream.

Condé Nast TravelerSep 2, 2026

Planning a Fall Foliage Trip? Book These Amtrak Routes

Each journey offers scenic and convenient access to premier leaf peeping destinations in the US and Canada.

20 things in this story
  • California ZephyrPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Emeryville, CA
  • Millennium ParkParkGrand Rapids, United States1,500-acre park with 18 miles of treelined trails
  • Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural AreaNature reserveWisconsin Dells, United StatesArea with trees, cliffs, canyons, and rock formations
  • AmtrakPlaceWashington DC, United StatesRail service with routes across US and Canada
  • Smoky MountainsMotelGatlinburg, United StatesArea with a fall foliage map for predictions
  • Farmer’s AlmanacPlaceNew York, United StatesSee probable peak fall color dates for every US state, from early October through early November, plus top leaf-peeping…
  • VermonterPlaceWashington DC, United StatesAmtrak train route from Washington DC to St. Albans, VT
  • Fort Dummer State ParkTrailBattleboro, United StatesPark with hiking trails and overlooks near Battleboro
  • Pere MarquettePlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI
  • Blanford Nature CenterTrailGrand Rapids, United StatesNature center with walking trails through old-growth forest
  • Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native GardensTrailGrand Rapids, United StatesPreserve with scenic trails through forests and wetlands
  • Robinette’s Apple Haus and WineryRestaurantGrand Rapids, United StatesOrchard for apple picking and winery
  • The Leonard at Logan HouseHotelGrand Rapids, United StatesHistoric bed and breakfast built in 1914
  • Empire BuilderPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Seattle
  • River WalkTrailWisconsin Dells, United StatesScenic walk along the water in Wisconsin Dells
  • Sundara Inn & SpaHotelWisconsin Dells, United StatesDestination spa in the Midwest with various treatments
  • Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesRegion with colorful foliage and outdoor activities
  • Hyatt Regency Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesResort and spa on Lake Tahoe
  • DowneasterPlaceBoston, United StatesAmtrak train route from Boston to Brunswick, ME
  • Peaks IslandNeighborhoodPortland, United StatesIsland in Casco Bay accessible by ferry
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

OutsideAug 31

The Amtrak Empire Builder Route Makes an Incredible Cross-Country Hiking Trip

From prairie grasslands in the Midwest to mountain peaks in Glacier National Park, the Empire Builder Route strings together hiking trails across the northern U.S.

24 things in this story
  • Going-to-the-Sun RoadTrailWest Glacier, United StatesFamous road with multiple roadside trailhead stops.
  • The Outerbelt TrailTrailChicago, United States210-mile backpacking route connecting Chicago's urban greenway.
  • Camp Bullfrog LakeHotelChicago, United StatesLakeside campground for hikers on The Outerbelt Trail.
  • Camp Shabbona WoodsHotelChicago, United StatesTree-engulfed campground for hikers on The Outerbelt Trail.
  • Union StationSightChicago, United StatesAmtrak's departure station in Chicago.
  • Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural AreaNature reserveWisconsin Dells, United StatesThe Dells of the Wisconsin River encompasses over five miles of the Wisconsin River corridor with a spectacular gorge,…
  • Chapel Gorge TrailTrailWisconsin Dells, United StatesHike to the river's edge through quiet pine forest.
  • Witches GulchAttractionWisconsin Dells, United StatesShort, stunning hidden slot canyon trail.
  • Devil's Lake State ParkNature reserveBaraboo, United StatesWisconsin's most-visited state park with quartzite bluffs.
  • East Bluff TrailTrailBaraboo, United StatesTrail atop quartzite bluffs with scenic views.
  • Ice Age TrailTrailBaraboo, United StatesLong-distance trail for a more rugged adventure.
  • Perrot State ParkNature reserveTrempealeau, United StatesPark with wildflower hiking season between March and May.
  • Perrot Ridge to Brady's Bluff LoopTrailTrempealeau, United States3.5-mile loop bagging two park summits with overlooks.
  • Great River Bluffs State ParkParkWinona, United StatesPark with blufftop perch 500 feet above the river.
  • King's Bluff TrailTrailWinona, United States2.5-mile out-and-back trail to a blufftop perch.
  • Little Missouri State ParkSightBillings County, United StatesPark with rugged badlands terrain and 45 miles of trails.
  • Little Missouri LoopTrailBillings County, United States6.9-mile loop through grasslands and sculpted rock formations.
  • Two MedicineNeighborhoodWest Glacier, United StatesQuieter southeast corner of Glacier National Park.
  • Scenic Point TrailTrailWest Glacier, United States7.4-mile round-trip trail to see where plains crash into Rockies.
  • Running Eagle Falls TrailTrailWest Glacier, United StatesFlat half-mile trail to a waterfall from a hidden cave.
  • Glacier Park LodgeHotelWest Glacier, United StatesOffers shuttle service to Two Medicine Lake and St. Mary Village.
  • Dawson-Pitamakan LoopTrailWest Glacier, United States18-mile loop overlapping the Continental Divide Trail.
  • Pend d’Oreille Bay TrailTrailSandpoint, United StatesThree-mile out-and-back lakeshore path with mountain views.
  • Sandpoint TrailTrailSandpoint, United StatesTrailhead on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.
Read the full piece at Outside →

Lonely PlanetAug 20

Best places to see fall colors in the USA

Fall leaf-peeping requires a curious mix of science and intuition. Get our tips on where and when to catch the fiery colors at their brightest.

22 things in this story
  • YellowstoneSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesGets in the spirit, too.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National ParkPlaceGatlinburg, United StatesDig deep into the beauty of southern Appalachia.
  • Green MountainsSightStowe, United StatesHighest points in Vermont's photogenic Green Mountains.
  • Skyline DriveSightShenandoah National Park, United StatesRoad-trip for breathtaking autumnal vistas.
  • Virginia Department of ForestryPlaceRichmond, United StatesOffers fall foliage reports.
  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic AreaSightHood River, United StatesExplosions of gold and orange.
  • Emerald Pools TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesImmersive journeys through Zion's autumnal wonders.
  • Pisgah National ForestSightAsheville, United StatesIt is administered by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture.
  • Cherokee National ForestNature reserveCleveland, United Statesstates of Tennessee and North Carolina that was created on June 14, 1920.
  • Potomac HighlandsSightPetersburg, United StatesColors collide with waterfalls and craggy peaks.
  • New RiverSightGauley Bridge, United StatesViews of crimson and tangerine treetops.
  • Hatfield-McCoy MountainsSightWilliamson, United StatesHike into the multihued hollows.
  • West Virginia tourism boardPlaceCharleston, United StatesManages a live leaf map.
  • TetonsPlace of worshipJackson, United States– Current Mass Schedule – Monday – Saturday – Morning Mass: 8:00am Thursday – Mass: 5:30pm – Adoration: 8:30am – 5:15pm…
  • Snake RiverSightJackson, United StatesAbout 1,080 miles (1,740 km) long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, which is the largest North…
  • Lamoille CanyonSightWinnemucca, United StatesSee golden treetops wrap around rocky peaks.
  • Ruby Crest TrailTrailWinnemucca, United StatesImmerse yourself in nature.
  • Ozark Highlands TrailTrailOzark, United StatesCrosses the Boston Mountain Range.
  • Buffalo National RiverSightHarrison, United StatesCountry's first national river.
  • Chequamegon-Nicolet National ForestSightRhinelander, United StatesTake a scenic drive through the forest.
  • Travel WisconsinPlaceMadison, United StatesFall color reports for live updates.
  • Door CountySightSturgeon Bay, United StatesSpectacular fall foliage destination.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraAug 13

The Atlas Obscura Guide to Halloween Travel

There is a version of Halloween tourism that involves a man in a rubber mask jumping out from behind a plywood wall. It has its pleasures. It is not this. The places below are real. The things that happened in them are documented — in court records, in coroners' reports, in parish registers, in the diaries of people who were there. Some have ghost stories attached. The ghost stories are almost…

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 12

20 Best A-Frame Cabins Across the US and Canada

These adorable rentals are the perfect weekend escape.

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 31

24 Most Beautiful Towns in America for Postcard-Perfect Vacations

In these towns, the slower pace of life—and refreshing lack of crowds—make for the relaxing respite you’re looking for.

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Atlas ObscuraJul 31

Bray Road in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Bray Road looks like just another unassuming stretch of concrete surrounded by farmland in rural Wisconsin, and to some people, it is. To others, it’s home to the most famous werewolf in the United States. The beast is described as having shaggy, black or greyish-brown fur with pointed ears, sharp claws, and a sloping weakness to its back legs. Witnesses report seeing it walk upright on two leg…

2 things in this story
  • Bray RoadSightstretch of concrete surrounded by farmland, home to a famous werewolf
  • The WeekPlacenewspaper where reporter Linda S. Godfrey first shared stories
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetJul 30

The USA's Top 10 Shoulder Season Destinations

Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season an ideal time to explore these 10 fantastic locations in the United States.

25 things in this story
  • Needles HighwayTrailCuster State Park, United Statesfamed for its granite spires and narrow tunnels
  • Saguaro National ParkTrailTucson, United Statesfeatures cactus-studded trails like the Valley View Trail
  • Mount RushmoreSightRapid City, United Statesmarked its 100th anniversary in 2025
  • Wildlife LoopAirportCuster State Park, United Statesdrive for bison, pronghorn and wild burros
  • Badlands National ParkSightRapid City, United Statesoffers dramatic landscapes all along the 39-mile Loop Road
  • Main StreetNeighborhoodRapid City, United Statesstroll for life-size bronze statues of past presidents
  • Art AlleyNeighborhoodRapid City, United Stateswander for graffiti-style murals
  • Dinosaur ParkParkRapid City, United Statesseven super-size concrete dinos watched over the city
  • Firehouse Brewing CompanyPubRapid City, United Statesoldest brewery in South Dakota
  • Dane County Farmers’ MarketMarketMadison, United Statesoffering local produce, farm-fresh eggs, cheese curds
  • Wisconsin State CapitolSightMadison, United Statesarchitecturally stunning, features a 360-degree observation deck
  • Olbrich Botanical GardensGardenMadison, United Statesinvites peaceful strolls, enhanced by outdoor art exhibit
  • GLEAMPlaceMadison, United Statesoutdoor art exhibit featuring large-scale light installations
  • Capital City State TrailTrailMadison, United Statescycle for scenic farmland and lakeside views
  • TaliesinNature reserveSpring Green, United StatesFrank Lloyd Wright's home, an important stop on his trail
  • Frank Lloyd Wright TrailTrailMadison, United Statesincludes Taliesin and Madison's Monona Terrace
  • Monona TerraceSightMadison, United Statespart of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
  • Tornado Steak HouseRestaurantMadison, United Statessupper club vibes and hearty chops
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumZooTucson, United States98-acre zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum
  • Valley View TrailTrailSaguaro National Park, United Stateswinds through saguaros, prickly pear and teddy bear cholla
  • Pima Air & Space MuseumMuseumTucson, United Statesget close to historic aircraft
  • San Xavier Del Bac MissionSightTucson, United Statesbeautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission
  • Tucson Bike ToursPlaceTucson, United Statesbook for taco tour, sample Sonoran hot dog
  • Burns Basin OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States
  • Pinnacles OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraJul 29

Pilot Island in Washington, Wisconsin

A string of small islands stretch from the northern tip of Door County, where the warm waters of Green Bay meet the icy waves of Lake Michigan. The shoals surrounding these islands, combined with the unpredictable currents and weather patterns, have given this infamous passage the title of Death’s Door. While the origin of the title is shrouded in folklore and fish tales, the seriousness of the…

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Atlas ObscuraJul 28

The Living History Museum of Camping in Phelps, Wisconsin

In Wisconsin's Northwoods, nobody ever went "to the cabin" — they went to the camp , whether that meant a canvas tent, a camper, or the family cottage on the lake. A resort on North Twin Lake has turned that whole tradition into America's first living history museum of camping — a museum where the exhibits have beds, and guests are encouraged to sleep in them. The collection spans a century, on…

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Atlas ObscuraJul 23

Gates of Heaven Synagogue in Madison, Wisconsin

Built in 1863 by a small group of German-speaking Jewish families, this Romanesque Revival structure has served many roles over the decades, including a sanctuary, a dentist's office, and a campaign headquarters. When threatened with demolition in 1971, the community rallied to save it, famously rolling the 200-ton building through the streets to its current lakefront home in James Madison Park…

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 23

12 Best Family Beach Vacations in the US to Visit Before Summer Ends

Searching closer to home for a coastal family getaway this year? From Puerto Rico to Wisconsin, Americans can get creative in their quest for sun and sand.

14 things in this story
  • Beach Plum FarmPlaceCape May, United StatesTour the 62-acre grounds, feed chickens, and pick up provisions.
  • Henderson Beach State ParkParkDestin, United StatesAdjacent park offering complimentary day passes for resort guests.
  • Congress HallHotelCape May, United StatesAmerica's oldest seaside resort, welcoming guests for over 200 years.
  • Sanderling ResortHotelOuter Banks, United StatesHas private beaches and pools, plus kayaking and surfing.
  • Lodge at Gulf State ParkHotelGulf State Park, United StatesBeachfront hotel in a 6,200-acre eco-preserve on the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Interpretive CenterMuseumGulf State Park, United StatesInteractive exhibits on the park’s nine ecosystems.
  • Gulf State Park trailsTrailGulf State Park, United StatesBike or walk some of the 28 miles of trails.
  • Aulani Resort & SpaHotelOahu, United StatesThis $800-million, family-friendly Disney beach resort opened in 2011 on the leeward side of Oahu.
  • Mo'olelo Fire Pit StorytellingPlaceOahu, United StatesEvening storytelling that illustrates Disney's unparalleled entertainment.
  • HuttopiaHotelSanford, United StatesGlamping resort on 40 wooded acres with a heated outdoor pool.
  • Timber Cove ResortHotelJenner, United StatesModern-bohemian enclave on bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
  • Timber Cove hiking trailsTrailJenner, United StatesOn-site hiking trails showcase this stretch of California coast.
  • HendersonParkDestin, United StatesBeachfront resort with ways to test the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village' moniker.
  • Timpoochee TrailTrailSouth Walton, United StatesBike to beachfront towns on this 18-mile trail.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Lonely PlanetJul 17

11 perfect day trips from Chicago

Explore beyond the endless delights of The Windy City with these 11 excellent day trips from Chicago.

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OutsideJun 10

After a Fatal Fall in Wisconsin, Climbers Debate the Need for Safety Tethers

The midwest climbing community is mourning the tragic loss of Audrie Pelosi, who died while guiding at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin

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Atlas ObscuraJan 6

Plywood Palace in Moquah, Wisconsin

Three hours northeast of Minneapolis, the Moquah Bar gained the affectionate nickname "Plywood Palace" as a result of its less-than-sturdy construction. After a fire took the original bar down, lovable owner "Bud" assembled the bar with little more than scrap wood. Inside, you'll find dollar bills (and underwear) taped to the ceiling, inscriptions on the walls from just about every drunken pass…

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 4, 2025

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the US

“America the Beautiful,” indeed.

5 things in this story
  • Grand Prismatic SpringSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesLargest hot spring in the US, a rainbow ring of colors.
  • Highway 1HotelBig Sur, United StatesIconic American road trip route along the coast.
  • Cades CoveSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesVerdant valley with wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Angel OakSightCharleston, United StatesOne of the most beautiful places in America.
  • Clay Head PreserveSightBlock Island, United States190-acre nature conservancy with walking paths.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 6, 2025

11 Midcentury-Modern Airbnbs for Design Lovers

Open floor plans, gigantic glass windows, and minimalist furniture define these historic Airbnbs across the country.

18 things in this story
  • Zilker ParkParkAustin, United StatesZilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in south Austin, Texas, at the juncture of Barton Creek and the…
  • The WavePlaceLambertville, United StatesSerpentine property built by Jules Gregory in 1960.
  • Joshua Tree National ParkSightPalm Springs, United StatesOne-hour drive from Palm Springs villa.
  • Manitowoc RiverSightManitowoc, United StatesIt flows into Lake Michigan at the city of Manitowoc.
  • Borah ParkParkBoise, United StatesPark with a public pool near Boise home.
  • San Francisco BaySightEl Cerrito, United StatesBay views from floating home.
  • Washington SquareNeighborhoodBeaverton, United StatesFive-minute drive from Beaverton home.
  • Indiana Dunes National ParkNature reserveMichigan City, United States20-minute drive from A-shaped home.
  • North Carolina Botanical Garden FoundationPlaceDurham, United StatesSupports foundation that stewards Villa Pinea.
  • Barton SpringsSightAustin, United StatesThe largest spring, Main Barton Spring, supplies water to Barton Springs Pool, a popular recreational destination…
  • Glass HouseMuseumNew Canaan, United StatesFamous midcentury-modern home by Philip Johnson.
  • Eames HouseMuseumPacific Palisades, United StatesDesigned by Charles and Ray Eames.
  • Stahl HouseSightHollywood, United StatesDesigned by Pierre Koenig.
  • Farnsworth HouseSightPlano, United StatesDesigned by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
  • Twin Palms EstatePlacePalm Springs, United StatesFrank Sinatra's home designed by E. Stewart Williams.
  • Dia BeaconMuseumWappinger Falls, United States
  • Storm KingSightWappinger Falls, United States
  • Austin City Limits FestivalFestivalAustin, United States
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

AfarAug 20, 2025

State Parks, Cherry Orchards, Dark Skies: Door County Is One of the Midwest’s Best-Kept Secrets

Growing up in Poland, Krzysztof Krol loved pierogi. But he had no idea that the dumplings would be such a hit in Door County, in northeast Wisconsin. “There are 10 Polish speakers in the whole region, ...

21 things in this story
  • Prince of PierogiRestaurantEphraim, United StatesFood stand in Ephraim, now a restaurant in Sturgeon Bay.
  • Peninsula State ParkNature reserveEphraim, United StatesPark on a promontory with a clifftop lookout, Eagle Tower.
  • Eagle TowerSightEphraim, United StatesClifftop lookout with a recent rebuild and canopy walk.
  • Anatolia Cuisine DCRestaurantEphraim, United StatesOffers falafel and kofta dishes.
  • Rusty Dusty Vintage & RecordsPlaceEphraim, United StatesSells eclectic wares, T-shirts, vinyl, and VHS tapes.
  • CulturedRestaurantFish Creek, United StatesSourdough bakery with bagels and focaccia.
  • InlandRestaurantBaileys Harbor, United StatesPizza shop opened in September 2024.
  • Zeke's Village MarketMarketSister Bay, United StatesSells funky Wisconsin-themed apparel.
  • Anchored RootsRestaurantSister Bay, United StatesWinery opened in 2022 with a tasting room.
  • The Ridges SanctuaryNature reserveBaileys Harbor, United StatesNature reserve protecting Door County's sensitive ecosystem.
  • Hotel WashingtonHotelWashington Island, United StatesEight-bedroom hotel with a farm-to-table restaurant.
  • Gathering GroundPlaceWashington Island, United StatesNonprofit promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • Folk Tree FarmPlaceWashington Island, United StatesManages an apple orchard for a mainland cidery.
  • Earl's Sister Bay BowlRestaurantSister Bay, United StatesBar with six bowling alleys, serves fried perch.
  • NewportSightEphraim, United StatesSecond Dark Sky Park designated in the Midwest.
  • DrömhusRestaurantSturgeon Bay, United StatesEatery and wine bar converted from a 19th-century chapel.
  • Dörr hotelHotelSister Bay, United StatesHotel with Scandinavian-minimalist interiors.
  • Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream ParlorRestaurantEphraim, United StatesAdvertises fountain service.
  • Open Door PrideFestivalSturgeon Bay, United StatesRuns year-round events and a Pride Festival in June.
  • Death's DoorSightWashington Island, United StatesNavigational passage where many ships wrecked.
  • Seaquist OrchardsSightSister Bay, United StatesOrchard with blooms.
Read the full piece at Afar →
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