Your J-1 guide to
Wisconsin
The Badger State
Green Bay Packers football is close to a shared religion in Wisconsin, and fans wearing foam cheese-shaped hats turn the state’s love of dairy into something worn on the head. The state’s nickname, “Badger,” has nothing to do with the animal. It comes from 1820s lead miners who dug shelters into hillsides to survive winter, a story residents enjoy sharing.
Fresh cheese curds, bratwurst grilled at backyard gatherings, and the Friday Fish Fry—a weekly tradition at restaurants statewide—reflect deep German and Scandinavian roots. Milwaukee blends that heritage with a long history of factory work, while Madison carries a livelier, college-town energy.
Door County offers coastal scenery and small-town charm, and Wisconsin Dells is known for rock formations carved by ancient glaciers.
Quick Facts
Population
5.9 million
2023 estimate
Capital
Seat of state government
Largest City
Approx. 561,000 residents
Highest Point
Timms Hill
595 meters
Became a state in
1848
30th State
Learn more about Wisconsin
Visit the USA: Wisconsin
Destinations from the experts at Brand USA
Wisconsin Travel Guide
The official visitor guide and travel tips
Things to do in Wisconsin
Attractions, events, and local festivals
Wisconsin Sports
Pro, college, and recreational leagues
Iconic Wisconsin Foods
Signature dishes and food festivals
