Wisconsin, U.S. state in the Great Lakes region, United States
Wisconsin lies between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, spanning a region that includes more than 15,000 lakes and 72 counties. The landscape shifts from sandy shores and rolling forests in the north to flat plains and river valleys in the south.
French explorers first reached the area in the 17th century and traded with native tribes before British and American settlers arrived. The state joined the Union in 1848 after immigrants from Europe began establishing farms and villages.
Residents gather at local taverns and community festivals to share food rooted in German and Scandinavian traditions brought by earlier immigrants. Travelers encounter this heritage through dishes like bratwurst, cheese curds, and Danish kringle pastries, which families still prepare using recipes passed down through generations.
Visitors find 47 state parks and 41 marked trails that remain most accessible during spring, summer, and fall. Campgrounds and recreation areas spread throughout the region offer access to forests, shorelines, and open water.
The state produces 40 percent of specialty cheese in the nation and remains the only one requiring cheese makers to hold a license. This requirement grew from a long tradition of handcrafted cheese production that still shapes local dairies today.
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