February 15 - National Wisconsin Day

Happy National Wisconsin Day! Today we observe the 30th state to join the union back on May 29, 1848. 

This midwestern U.S. state with coastlines on two Great Lakes (Michigan and Superior) and an interior of forests and farms. 

Milwaukee, the largest city, is known for the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its numerous re-created international villages, and the Harley-Davidson Museum, displaying classic motorcycles. Several beer companies are based in Milwaukee, and many offer brewery tours. 

  

Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China. 

A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname regarding a certain bucktoothed rodent. 

According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. 

The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people. 

Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese. This later led the state to also be nicknamed America's Dairyland. 

Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of the state.  

As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933. 

From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. 

There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities. 

For a complete list of Wisconsin State and National Parks and historic sites, please visit the websites below:

https://www.dnr.wi.gov 

https://www.nps.gov 

Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Madison 

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway – Saint Croix Falls 

Big Foot Beach State Park – Lake Geneva 

Copper Falls State Park – Mellen 

High Cliff State Park – Sherwood 

Natural Bridge State Park – North Freedom 

Whitefish Dunes State Park – Sturgeon Bay 

Peshtigo State Forest – Crivitz 

Friendship State Trail – Hilbert 

Stonefield – Cassville 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Wisconsin Dells 

Yerkes Observatory – Williams Bay
Jelly Belly Center – Pleasant Prairie  

  

Be sure to check out a few of the featured sites around the state below as well.

MUSEUMS

Circus World Museum – Baraboo 

Wisconsin Maritime Museum– Manitowoc 

Wisconsin Historical Museum– Madison 

Madeline Island Museum – La Pointe 

Wisconsin Automotive Museum – Hartford 

National Railroad Museum – Green Bay 

Door County Maritime Museum – Sturgeon Bay 

Milwaukee Art Museum – Milwaukee

HOW TO OBSERVE 

“Discover a taste of Wisconsin. Join National Day Calendar® as they explore the state's history, people, and culture. Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!” 

Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media.

Hidden Treasures

Mustard Museum – Middleton 

Shaker’s Cigar Bar – Milwaukee 

Stewart Tunnel Ice Formations– Belleville 

Chatty Belle – Neillsville 

  

We also observe these famous figures born in Wisconsin of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Frank Lloyd Wright, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Arthur Davidson, William S. Harley, Georgia O'Keefe, Thornton Wilder, Earl Louis "Curly" Lambeau, Mildred Harnack, Orson Welles, Les Paul, Gaylord Nelson and Joyce E. Hill [Westerman]. 

  

Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Wisconsin  

  

Here's to The Badger State! 

  

#NationalWisconsinDay 

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