Wisconsin is truly lucky to have one of the largest lakes in the world right in our backyard, so how could we pass up discovering the best of Lake Michigan? We’re diving deep below for some sunken history, reeling in some trophy fish, and hanging ten—that’s right you can surf on Lake Michigan! Plus we’ll travel the whole coast to explore the amazing harbor towns along the way with the finest beaches, trails, lighthouses, and so much more!

Thinking about the Northwoods, most people most likely relate to snowmobiling and Eagle River. But, as you may or may not know, found nestled into the most northern parts of those Northwoods, and just North Eagle River, is the town of Phelps, Wisconsin – “The Wonders of the Northwoods’. Why is Phelps a Northwoods ‘Wonder’? Because it’s a hidden gem in Wisconsin, where people can go to create family memories and traditions that will live on for a lifetime.

All summer long Wisconsinites head to their local communities for festivals and celebrations. In this episode we’re highlighting some of the unique festivals that celebrate our dairy heritage! Come and join in the fun!

Check one, two, three…The lights are hung, the stage is set, and we’re ready to dance all weekend long! Home to the world’s largest music festival, Wisconsin definitely knows how to put on a show. From rock, country, pop, Christian, jazz and everything in between, you can find great music festivals throughout the summer in every corner of the state. We’re turning it up, and discovering the best of Wisconsin’s music festivals!

As the Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds its way across over 1,000 miles of Wisconsin’s landscapes, it also passes through and near many great communities. These communities take advantage of the recreational opportunities the trail provides as well. We travel from Baraboo and a gem along the trail in Devil’s Lake State Park, past the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters on our way to Verona. We then make the turn at the southernmost point of the trail in Janesville as we end up in Whitewater. So much to see and do, let’s get trekking.

From the first spring thaw through the lush greens of summer and even past the beautiful autumn colors, motorcyclists are out riding through scenic Wisconsin. But it’s not just the serene views along the road that make this state an amazing ride; it’s also about the great places to stop along the way! So hold on tight while we take you on a virtual tour of what you might see while “Riding Wisconsin” through four of our favorite destinations.

From the shores of Lake Wisconsin to the banks of Spring Creek, an oasis awaits you in Lodi. We’ll check out the view from the Ice Age Trail and Gibraltar Rock, drive aboard the only free car ferry in the state, the Merrimac Ferry, and head out onto the lake for some boating and fishing. You can also head into town for some shopping or curling, plus help celebrate the town’s mascot at Susie the Duck Day and experience a true tradition, the Lodi Agricultural Fair.

A Northwoods tradition, St. Germain is known for their excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors will also find tons of shopping, dining, events and activities year-round, including a 4.5 star, championship 18-hole golf course, numerous lakes and trails, and the paved St. Germain Bike & Hike Trail which connects to 32 miles of biking on the Heart of Vilas County Trail.

Where you grew up is always a special place no matter how old you get. In this episode, Emmy takes us around to the places she visited when she was growing up in Racine County – and she may also discover a couple new things along the way as well. From the shores of Lake Michigan on North Beach to the Barn Quilts that dot the rural countryside, Racine County welcomes visitors to their home and will treat you just the same.

ATVing and UTVing are increasing in popularity with outdoor recreationalist. Many have found the thrill of traveling through wooded trails and routes on four wheels. With that, more and more destinations throughout Wisconsin are catering to these enthusiasts.

There are hundreds of bird species in Wisconsin and we’re traveling all over the state to find them! Grab your binoculars, we’re heading to the Mississippi Flyway in Alma, some resorted wetlands in the Oneida Nation, several parks and the Peshtigo River in Marinette County and the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo—the only place in the world where you can see all 15 crane species.

Over the past few decades there’s been an increase in demand for artisan cheese. Much of it due in part to the ever-changing palates of American consumers, but much of it because the cheese simply tastes so scrumptious! Follow along as we highlight some of the Wisconsin cheesemakers who are creating the exciting new cheeses we all love to eat.

Named appropriately, the city of Portage served as the portage area between the Wisconsin and the Fox Rivers. Steeped rich in history, visitors can explore seven historical sites and take a walking tour of the historic downtown, which also features a shopping, dining and events. Recreational opportunities include golfing at several courses, the hiking the Ice Age Trail, and winter activities at Cascade Mountain.

Camping in the great outdoors of Wisconsin has been a family tradition for many, but have you ever been Camping for the Fun of It? You’re in for a treat as we explore eight campgrounds all designed with families, kids and tons of fun in mind. They feature jumping pillows, dunk tanks, mini golf, swimming pools, bicycles, water wars, theme weekends, giant shopping cart rides, and so much more!

We're discovering the many ways to experience Sheboygan. Obviously there's plenty of water recreation on Lake Michigan, including surfing (yes, surfing!). But, did you know Sheboygan's connection to the Summer Olympics? Sheboygan is also the Brat Capital of the World. So, we'll meat (pun intended) some makers and join a celebration.

No matter how many times you visit Wisconsin Dells, there’s always something new to do. The Wilderness Territory invites you to Explore More as you venture through America’s Largest Waterpark Resort. From indoor and outdoor waterparks with spine tingling water thrill slides to the numerous dry attractions like a canyon zipline, mini-golf, and go-carts; one trip isn’t enough to take everything in. Add to that, numerous restaurants, a championship golf course and a world class spa; and it’s easy to see what makes the Wilderness so special.

Americans enjoy approximately 100 acres of pizza each day – that’s about 350 pizza slices per second! With that in mind we decided to explore the anatomy of pizza and why it’s America’s favorite food choice among young and old alike!

Just minutes from your favorite Milwaukee attractions, Glendale offers beautiful scenery and amazing attractions of its own. Home to Sprecher Brewing Company, visitors can tour the brewery for a behind-the-scenes look at how their delicious sodas and beers are made, with some sampling afterwards of course! Explore Bayshore Town Center, for a wide range of shopping, delectable dining, plus great events and entertainment--all in one spot. The sound of music and the smell of delicious food are in the air all summer long in Glendale. Enjoy great events like Glendale Days at Kletzsch Park, Music in the Glen and Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Inn. And don’t forget to stop by Solly’s Grille for an original butter burger, and Kopp’s Frozen Custard for a scoop of their flavor of the day! Join us as we explore the gorgeous city of Glendale on this episode of Discover Wisconsin.

Emmy will take you on a journey from livestock farms all the way to the dinner table, exploring each interesting chapter of the specialty meat story. She dons her meat crafting whites and dives into a hands-on discovery of butchering meat cuts, making brats, summer sausage, award-winning ham and bacon. Keeping all her fingers despite some close calls, she even gets cooking advice from the experts before finally serving a specialty meat banquet to guests. This show reveals insider secrets of blending age-old tradition with today’s science in crafting specialty meats with genuine Wisconsin flavor.

Calumet, Kewaunee and Winnebago counties all offer a great way to see East Central Wisconsin, by traveling the lakes. Do some spear fishing on Lake Winnebago, head out on Lake Michigan on a charter boat for some world-class fishing or dock your boat on the Fox River for the Waterfest concert series. Experience the taste of the lakes by sampling some delicious ethnic food at Sawdust Days, pure artisan honey from Wisconsin Natural Acres and fresh-smoked fish at Bearcats. Get outside and discover the beautiful scenery at the Waukau Nature Preserve and along the Ahnapee Trail, then climb to the top of the tower at High Cliff State Park for the best view of Lake Winnebago. Unique your tour and head underground for some cave exploration at Ledgeview Nature Center, take a stroll through a winter wonderland at the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights, and visit the scenic countryside on the Barn Quilt tour. Join us as we visit East Central Wisconsin on this episode of Discover Wisconsin.