8 Underrated Destinations In Wisconsin To Avoid Summer Crowds

Wisconsin is the naturally rich Badger State, with many unexplored corners for avid adventurers and easy access for family trips alike. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a haven for dramatic scenery, is one of the least-developed scenic areas in the Midwest, offering pristine nature at its finest. These 250 miles of roadway along the mighty Mississippi are one of 80 national scenic byways and the first in Wisconsin, steeped in natural resources, history, and cultural opportunities. Explore pure Wisconsin through its small towns—the real soul and heart of the state—with many outlets into the great outdoors all around for countless recreational opportunities. Set up camp in town or choose a state park to save money, like Newport, one of the only designated Dark Sky Parks in the Midwest, to enjoy by night and explore the lush summertime landscape during the day at a fantastic backdrop for hiking, biking, fishing, picnics, and photoshoots.

Great River Road

While the iconic Great River Road is not underrated, it is a vast and scenic drive that disperses passengers along its many wonderful stops. Follow the crowds past La Crosse to the northern stretches if you wish, or take the less-traveled stretch farther south, near Cassville and Potosi, for lower traffic and even more privacy. "America’s Prettiest Drive," according to the Huffington Post, comprises a great adventure with a road-tripping feel through the scenery with your special group of peeps in any weather. Pitch a tent with plentiful camping options on a bluff at Nelson Dewey State Park, with access to the water views down below and primed for hikes along the Mississippi River.

Visit the town of Stonefield just across the park, home to Wisconsin’s first governor, or drive some 18 miles southeast to Potosi Brewery, a restaurant with a small beer garden outdoors. The greatest part about this destination is the choice of adventure for every taste and experience, like the National Brewery Museum and the Whispering Bluffs Winery across the street in Potosi. Find more trails at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, or paddle along the sloughs at Wyalusing State Park. Prairie du Chien calls for a filling meal, while the classic Jones’ Black Angus offers sophisticated fare in an atmospherically dark interior.

Hudson

This charming town on the banks of the St. Croix River is a wonderful little escape into the pure heart of Wisconsin. Hudson screams of feel-good pursuits, from antique shopping and specialty stores along the heartline of Second Street to shows and art galleries at the Phipps Center for the Arts. Choose the historic 1884 Phipps Inn and B&B, steps away from the downtown scene, and take a pleasant waterfront stroll you've been dreaming about to unwind in a small town atmosphere.

Enjoy nature from the doorstep through Lakefront Park right downtown or at the wonderful Willow River State Park with a multi-tiered waterfall just northeast of Hudson for easy hiking and lounging in the misty views with a photoshoot. Complete your perfect weekend escape over a riverside patio dinner at Pier 500 on First Street overlooking the St. Croix or German fare at Winzer Stube. Head to Bricks for pizza and the hottest rooftop bar at Mallory's for cocktails with a view.

Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Grafton

The local hidden gem of Lion’s Den Gorge within a beautiful nature preserve is a dog-friendly environment with nature trails through woods, marshland, and bluffs. Take the hilltop trail for the stunning views of Lake Michigan, gradually descending to the gorge, where you can rim it on a hike or spread a picnic with the views. From here, take the long staircase, a fantastic overlook and backdrop for photo ops, and spot your scenic place along the rock beach behind.

The scenic beach offers great privacy for lounging and memorable strolls where the kids can skip rocks in the water. Enjoy the tranquil setting to the sound of crashing waves until the colorful bursts of the sunset strike the sparkling blue lake underneath for an unforgettable atmosphere. Call the lovely beach town of Grafton your home for the weekend for peaceful days spent under last summer's sun rays, with mornings being the least busy times along the sands.

Menomonie

The tiny town with a charming name is viciously overlooked as a hub for recreation among locals in Dunn County. Seek boundless outdoor adventures right in the heart of Northwestern Wisconsin, along the beautiful Red Cedar River banks, with Lake Menomin at your side. With countless parks and over 40 miles of trails, mountain biking through the groomed Menomin Park, sports courses, and local farm visits, you can expect low crowds on a perfect weekend getaway from the city. The historic downtown is filled with vintage sights and modern culture like the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts and plentiful independent shops, first-class restaurants, cafes, and breweries.

Menomonie is made for making memories, in the heart of the Red Cedar Valley, with an atmosphere that wins the hearts of first-time visitors. The end of summer calls for relaxing orchard strolls to sip and relax with a view, or a family day of picking berries and later apples. Revel in solitary time spent with family and friends with activities like canoeing or kayaking down the cooling Red Cedar River on a hot summer's day, and return to the quaint riverside town with a year-round buzzing downtown scene to browse any season. There are also nature strolls to the waterfalls of the Devil’s Punchbowl, Hoffman Hills with a colorful panorama atop, and local fishing at Lake Menomonie.

New Glarus

New Glarus is an unmissable Wisconsin town with a Swiss-German flair that makes for a perfect Eurotrip without the costs of border crossings or long flights. Choose the thematic Chalet Landhaus or the Swiss Aire Motel and start your perfect day with java at Fat Cat Coffee Works or authentic cuisine for lunch at Glarner Stube. You can pitch a tent at New Glarus Woods State Park, with its unique nature in this part of the state, for a budget stay at the end of summer or spend it at browseable shops around the town.

Seek heritage at Swiss Historical Village & Museum and modern-day culture at the iconic New Glarus Brewing for "Spotted Cow" straight from the source at the beautiful hilltop and Saturday tours. The little Switzerland of Wisconsin calls for relaxing strolls or bike rides to unwind in the small-town atmosphere. Veer onto the 14-mile Sugar River State Trail and cross the river with its 14 scenic trestle bridges. From there, the trail intersects the 40-mile Badger State Trail, south of Monticello, through the 1,200-foot tunnel between Belleville and Monticello.

Newport State Park, Ellison Bay

While most other Door County State Parks stay closed during the summertime, Newport, one of the only designated Dark Sky Parks in the Midwest, is far less populated during the season. Take the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature on a getaway from it all with stargazing along Newport’s beach—an unforgettable experience for any group. There are plentiful hikes along nature trails for unobscured views of the wildlife, including Newport’s many wildflower-laden trails.

Enjoy easy access from Parking Lot 3 via the paved path down to the unmissable beach in Newport State Park. Its gradual, sandy slope descent is perfect for kiddy paddles, with calm waters for swims, along with the most spectacular sunset right here during the lowest crowds in the evening. Forego the main beach with thin crowds for complete solitude at the wonderful pebbly beaches along the shores for lounging, water fun, and views, or as a serene hideout setting, perfect for couples.

Rock Island State Park

End the summer with a bang after a most worthwhile journey to Rock Island State Park. This must-visit destination when in Wisconsin offers the most memorable family trip to remember for years after. Drive to Washington Island, board the ferry, and bring your provisions along for the last passenger-only boat to Rock Island. The breezy adventure will delight a family, any group of friends, or a couple seeking seclusion in a place where most others don't make the trip.

The uncrowded 2,000 feet of sandy beach feels paradisic, along with the remote island feel to explore. Venture to the southern side for the most idyllic beaches and mesmerizing nature and views. As a cherry on top, you get Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse and a Nordic-style boathouse when you make the venture to Rock Island. Enjoy beach strolls and lounging with picnics while the kids build sandcastles, frolic in the waters, or search for Icelandic rock carvings near the beach all together.

Simmons Island Beach, Kenosha

Despite its convenient location right in the city, this beach is a real triple threat when it comes to topping underrated hotspots in Wisconsin to get away from the summertime crowds. Immerse yourself in the secluded island atmosphere over boundless explorations and enjoy post-hike cooling dips in the water, with the most fantastic evening gatherings at sunset along the beach. You will feel far away from the city along the wide and well-groomed sandy beach spread that will have you strolling for hours with its adjacent boardwalk to the North Pier Lighthouse.

Enjoy scenic picnicking and photoshoots in a special atmosphere under the watchful eye of the lighthouse, and venture to Simmons Island's second lighthouse, Southport Lighthouse. The trail along the sculpture takes you around the harbor, with downtown Kenosha just a quick bike ride away. There are also great fishing spots around the island to cook your own catch over an evening beach fire or have the nearby Boat House Pub & Eatery smoke it for you. 

From the supply of hearty islands to beaches and state parks, these eight destinations are hidden national treasures, like awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and accessible sea caves. Explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which is strewn with historic lighthouses, farms, orchards, and tranquil private beaches.

Choose a quiet waterside town with shoreside access for scenic strolls and dips along the beaches. From Victorian buildings, historic sites, and antique shops galore within to all types of lodging, dining, and attractions in a revered small-town atmosphere, you are guaranteed a peaceful state of mind and scenic relaxation in the last month of summer.