====== Wisconsin ====== {{:state:wisconsin.jpg?500|Wisconsin}} **Wisconsin** is a state in the north-central United States, located in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Bordered by [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] to the north and [[geography:lake_michigan|Lake Michigan]] to the east, Wisconsin shares borders with [[state:michigan|Michigan]], [[state:minnesota|Minnesota]], [[state:iowa|Iowa]], and [[state:illinois|Illinois]]. Wisconsin is known for its agriculture, manufacturing, forests, freshwater resources, dairy industry, and outdoor recreation. The state plays a significant role in the economy and transportation network of the Great Lakes region. The capital of Wisconsin is [[places:madison|Madison]], while its largest city is [[places:milwaukee|Milwaukee]]. --- ===== Quick Facts ===== ^ Attribute ^ Information ^ | Statehood | May 29, 1848 | | Capital | [[places:madison|Madison]] | | Largest City | [[places:milwaukee|Milwaukee]] | | Population (2025 Estimate) | Approximately 6 million | | Area | 65,496 sq mi | | Nickname | The Badger State | | Region | Upper Midwest | | Highest Point | [[geography:timms_hill|Timms Hill]] | | Largest Lake | [[geography:lake_michigan|Lake Michigan]] shoreline | | Time Zone | Central Time | --- ===== Geography ===== Wisconsin occupies a strategic location between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin. The state borders: * [[state:michigan|Michigan]] * [[state:minnesota|Minnesota]] * [[state:iowa|Iowa]] * [[state:illinois|Illinois]] * [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] * [[geography:lake_michigan|Lake Michigan]] Major geographic regions include: * Northern Highlands * Central Plain * Western Uplands * Eastern Ridges and Lowlands * Great Lakes shoreline Wisconsin contains more than 15,000 inland lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams. --- ===== History ===== For thousands of years, Wisconsin was inhabited by Native American peoples, including: * [[organization:ojibwe|Ojibwe]] * [[organization:menominee|Menominee]] * [[organization:ho_chunk|Ho-Chunk]] * [[organization:potawatomi|Potawatomi]] French explorers and fur traders arrived during the seventeenth century, establishing trading networks throughout the region. Major historical developments include: * Fur trade era * French and British colonial influence * Lead mining * Lumber industry expansion * Agricultural settlement * Industrial development Wisconsin became the 30th state admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848. --- ===== Economy ===== Wisconsin maintains a diverse economy. Major industries include: * Manufacturing * Agriculture * Healthcare * Technology * Tourism * Forestry * Education * Food processing The state is internationally recognized for: * Dairy production * Cheese manufacturing * Paper products * Brewing * Agricultural exports Wisconsin consistently ranks among America's leading agricultural producers. --- ===== Agriculture ===== Agriculture remains one of Wisconsin's most important industries. Major products include: * Milk * Cheese * Corn * Soybeans * Cranberries * Potatoes * Livestock Wisconsin is often referred to as **"America's Dairyland"** because of its longstanding dairy industry. --- ===== Major Cities ===== Wisconsin's largest cities include: * [[places:milwaukee|Milwaukee]] * [[places:madison|Madison]] * [[places:green_bay|Green Bay]] * [[places:kenosha|Kenosha]] * [[places:racine|Racine]] * [[places:appleton|Appleton]] * [[places:eau_claire|Eau Claire]] * [[places:oshkosh|Oshkosh]] Milwaukee serves as Wisconsin's largest metropolitan and economic center. --- ===== Education ===== Major educational institutions include: * [[education:university_of_wisconsin_madison|University of Wisconsin–Madison]] * [[education:marquette_university|Marquette University]] * [[education:university_of_wisconsin_milwaukee|University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee]] * [[education:university_of_wisconsin_green_bay|University of Wisconsin–Green Bay]] The University of Wisconsin System is one of the largest public higher education networks in the United States. --- ===== Transportation ===== Wisconsin serves as a major transportation hub in the Midwest. Important transportation routes include: * [[transportation:interstate_90|Interstate 90]] * [[transportation:interstate_94|Interstate 94]] * [[transportation:interstate_43|Interstate 43]] * [[transportation:us_highway_41|U.S. Highway 41]] Major transportation facilities include: * [[transportation:port_of_milwaukee|Port of Milwaukee]] * [[transportation:port_of_green_bay|Port of Green Bay]] * [[transportation:dane_county_regional_airport|Dane County Regional Airport]] * [[transportation:general_mitchell_international_airport|Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport]] Wisconsin plays an important role in Great Lakes shipping and interstate commerce. --- ===== Wisconsin and Michigan ===== Wisconsin shares extensive historical and economic ties with [[state:michigan|Michigan]]. Connections include: * Great Lakes shipping * Mining history * Forestry industries * Interstate commerce * Tourism * Transportation infrastructure The two states are connected through the Upper Peninsula and numerous Great Lakes transportation routes. --- ===== Recreation ===== Wisconsin is a major destination for outdoor recreation. Popular activities include: * Fishing * Hunting * Boating * Camping * Hiking * Snowmobiling * Skiing * Wildlife observation Millions of visitors travel to Wisconsin each year to enjoy its lakes, forests, and parks. --- ===== Parks & Protected Areas ===== Major protected areas include: * [[landmarks:apostle_islands_national_lakeshore|Apostle Islands National Lakeshore]] * [[landmarks:devils_lake_state_park|Devil's Lake State Park]] * [[landmarks:peninsula_state_park|Peninsula State Park]] * [[landmarks:copper_falls_state_park|Copper Falls State Park]] * [[landmarks:kettle_moraine_state_forest|Kettle Moraine State Forest]] These areas preserve some of the Midwest's most significant natural landscapes. --- ===== Culture ===== Wisconsin is known for: * Dairy farming * Brewing traditions * Outdoor recreation * German heritage * Scandinavian heritage * Sports culture The state has been shaped by immigration from Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, Ireland, and other European nations. --- ===== Notable Landmarks ===== * [[places:milwaukee|Milwaukee]] * [[places:madison|Madison]] * [[landmarks:apostle_islands_national_lakeshore|Apostle Islands National Lakeshore]] * [[landmarks:devils_lake_state_park|Devil's Lake State Park]] * [[geography:timms_hill|Timms Hill]] * [[places:green_bay|Green Bay]] --- ===== See Also ===== * [[state:michigan|Michigan]] * [[state:minnesota|Minnesota]] * [[country:canada|Canada]] * [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] * [[geography:lake_michigan|Lake Michigan]] * [[regions:great_lakes_region|Great Lakes Region]] --- ===== References ===== * Wisconsin Historical Society * State of Wisconsin * United States Census Bureau * National Park Service * University of Wisconsin System * Wisconsin Department of Tourism {{tag>state wisconsin badger_state great_lakes midwest lake_michigan lake_superior upper_midwest}}