National Wisconsin Day
Wisconsin Day celebrates the history of the Badger State, its people, and its traditions. It is like a grand tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and hearty Midwestern spirit that come together in a vibrant celebration.
Celebrate Wisconsin's heritage and local pride through cheese, craft, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences—perfect for driving foot traffic to regional attractions, breweries, and artisan retailers.
- Wisconsin Cheese & Beer Pairing Guide: Taste Your Way Through the Badger State
- Hidden Gems: 5 Must-Visit Wisconsin Parks & Outdoor Spots This February
- Support Local: Spotlight on Wisconsin Craft Makers & Farmers' Markets
- Game Day Energy: Gear Up in Green & Gold for Wisconsin Sports Season
Wisconsin was the 30th country to be accepted into the US Union, but long before it was a state, Wisconsin was home to Native American tribes. They were the first to enjoy Wisconsin’s forests and rivers, and their rich traditions are still an important part of the state today.
The next chapter began when European explorers arrived, looking for fur to trade. The French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to set foot on this state in his mission to find the Northwest passage to China.
They were the first of many newcomers to love this land. These explorers helped put Wisconsin on the map, and on May 29, 1848, it became the 30th state.
As time passed, people from Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland came to Wisconsin, bringing their own special ways of cooking, celebrating, and living. This mix of different backgrounds turned Wisconsin into the friendly and diverse place we know.
Naitonal Wisconsin Day was started more recently, in 2017, to recognize the fascinating history and heritage of this state, as well as honoring its current contributions to the nation and the world!
Taste the Local Flavor
Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, so why not start with a cheese-tasting adventure? Try the classic cheddar, or be bold with a slice of Limburger. Pair it with some locally brewed beer for a true Wisconsin experience.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Wisconsin’s landscapes are breathtaking. Go for a hike in one of its many state parks, like the popular Devil’s Lake, or take a boat tour to see the impressive rock formations at the Wisconsin Dells.
Attend a Festival
There’s always a local festival, whether a music fest in Milwaukee or a county fair in the countryside. These events are filled with music, games, and food – all the essentials for a good time.
Learn Something New
Visit a museum or historic site to learn about Wisconsin’s rich history. There’s plenty to discover, from the story of the first ice cream sundae to the tales of the early fur traders.
Enjoy the Arts
Check out a performance at a local theater or browse an art gallery to see works by Wisconsin artists. The state has a vibrant arts scene that’s worth exploring.
Shop Local
Wisconsin has a thriving craft scene. Visit a farmers’ market or a local craft fair to find handmade goods, from knitted scarves to artisanal jams.
Support the Sports Teams
Wisconsinites are passionate about their sports. You can support some of the local teams and enjoy the atmosphere — and even don a Cheese Head in honor of this event.
Relax and Reflect
Take a moment to sit by one of the state’s many lakes, watch the sunset, and reflect on the beauty and camaraderie that Wisconsin Day represents. With each activity, you’ll feel more connected to the Badger State and its jubilant celebration of culture, community, and history. National Wisconsin Day Timelinec. 10,000 BCE–1000 CEAncient Peoples and Effigy Mound BuildersSuccessive Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Woodland cultures inhabit what is now Wisconsin, with Woodland peoples building thousands of earthen effigy mounds in animal and spirit shapes across the landscape.[1]1634Jean Nicolet Reaches WisconsinFrench explorer Jean Nicolet arrived near present-day Green Bay while seeking a Northwest Passage, becoming the first documented European to set foot in the Wisconsin region and opening it to the French fur trade.[1]July 3, 1836Creation of Wisconsin TerritoryThe U.S. Congress organizes the Wisconsin Territory, separating it from the Michigan Territory, with Belmont briefly as the capital, a key step toward eventual statehood and organized American settlement.[1]May 29, 1848Wisconsin Becomes the 30th StatePresident James K. Polk signs the statehood bill admitting Wisconsin as the 30th state in the Union, following approval of a second state constitution and years of territorial growth and political debate.[1]Late 19th–Early 20th CenturyRise of Wisconsin’s Dairy IdentityAs wheat farming declines, Wisconsin farmers increasingly turn to dairy, creating creameries and cheese factories that transform the state into a leading dairy producer and the future “America’s Dairyland.”[1]
Ancient Peoples and Effigy Mound Builders
Successive Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Woodland cultures inhabit what is now Wisconsin, with Woodland peoples building thousands of earthen effigy mounds in animal and spirit shapes across the landscape. [1]
Jean Nicolet Reaches Wisconsin
French explorer Jean Nicolet arrived near present-day Green Bay while seeking a Northwest Passage, becoming the first documented European to set foot in the Wisconsin region and opening it to the French fur trade. [1]
Creation of Wisconsin Territory
The U.S. Congress organizes the Wisconsin Territory, separating it from the Michigan Territory, with Belmont briefly as the capital, a key step toward eventual statehood and organized American settlement. [1]
Wisconsin Becomes the 30th State
President James K. Polk signs the statehood bill admitting Wisconsin as the 30th state in the Union, following approval of a second state constitution and years of territorial growth and political debate. [1]
Rise of Wisconsin’s Dairy Identity
As wheat farming declines, Wisconsin farmers increasingly turn to dairy, creating creameries and cheese factories that transform the state into a leading dairy producer and the future “America’s Dairyland.” [1]