Wisconsin's Wonderful Lakeshore – Beaches, Arts & Charm

Calumet Visitor Center – Learn about the mining history of the Porcupine Mountains area through two levels of interactive exhibits at this visitor center. This center is free and open most days, except for major holidays.

Carnegie Museum, Copper Range Historical Museum, & Coppertown Mining Museum – These are a few of the museums within the park worth researching further. They each offer insight into the region and its history through different media.

Quincy Mine – One of the three mines you can tour at the park, the Quincy Mine tour includes a walk through the old mines, a museum visit, and aboveground attractions such as an old shaft house. During this 2-hour tour, you'll learn what mining life looked like in the early 1900s. (Bring a jacket for the underground section, as the mine's temperature is a constant 43°).

Escarpment Trail – A favorite hiking trail for many, the Escarpment Trail traverses many different landscapes. Along the route, you'll see rocky cliffs, walk through lush forests, and see Lake of the Clouds. In total, this challenging route is 8.6 miles, but many people choose to focus on the portion with great views of the lake.

Presque Isle River Trail –This moderately challenging hike is just under two miles long, with views of several waterfalls. It’s a great option through forest and shoreline and is less crowded.

St. Ignace, Munising, and Rapid River Ranger Districts – Each district has a visitor’s center which provides information about Hiawatha National Forest. Start at the nearest visitor center to get a map and ask any questions you may have. Visitor centers are open Monday through Friday only.

Whitefish Scenic Byway – Running along the shores of Lake Superior, offering shoreline views on a paved two-way street. Historical sites, such as the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, are found on the route along with multiple waysides, providing plenty of opportunities to take a break from the car and stretch your legs.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse – One of the six lighthouses you can view in the forest via a self-guided tour. This lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. It is named after a battle which took place in 1662. During the summer, you can visit the onsite museum and bookstore and climb the 65-foot tower. Interpretive programs are offered in the summer, providing information on the lighthouse’s history.

Grand Island National Recreation Area – An island reachable by ferry or private watercraft, offering additional recreational opportunities in the park. Sandy beaches, panoramic overlooks, cultural sites, hiking/biking trails, and more are available on the island. There is a daily fee of $5 for visiting the island. Camping is also available for an $8-$10 fee per single campsite per night.

Bay Furnace Historic Site and Interpretive Trail – This easy 1/8-mile trail leads to historic ruins of a blast furnace that once made "pig iron" (i.e., crude iron used to make wrought iron and steel). This quick hike also offers views of Lake Superior and Grand Island and is an ideal option for those with younger kids due to the short length of the trail.

Au Train Songbird Trail – This is another easy trail that takes you on a two-mile loop. It’s a great hiking option for viewing differing landscapes such as bogs, lakeshores, forests, fields, and more. In the morning, you can hear many species of birds singing, hence the trail’s name. At the observation deck on the trail, you can take a break and birdwatch.

Historic Lighthouses – Door County has 11 lighthouses scattered along its 300 miles of shoreline. See one or see them all!

Peninsula State Park – This wonderful state park is ideal for travelers who plan on camping in Door County as well as those who simply want to enjoy its beauty and recreational opportunities. It is the third largest state park in Wisconsin, with just over 3,700 acres. Activities include biking, hiking, beaches, swimming, and golfing. The public golf course with wonderful water views has an 18-hole course, a 6-hole par 3, a driving range, lessons, a club house, and food

State Parks – In addition to Peninsula State Park near Ephriam, enjoy Potowatomi State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Newport State Park, and Rock Island State Park. Only Peninsula and Potowatomi State Parks have RV-friendly camping.

Ephraim Historical Foundation – Learn about the history of Ephraim by visiting several museums in preserved historic buildings. Most of the museums are free to the public and have rotating exhibits. The foundation also offers tram tours to learn about the city's history.

Sanderling Nature Center – Set in the northern part of the park overlooking Lake Michigan, this nature center offers information about the history, wildlife, flora, and fauna spread throughout the park. You can learn more about the park through interactive exhibits and kiosks at this nature center.

Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking – These popular activities are great choices given the park’s location on Lake Michigan.

The Black River Trail, Dunes Cordwalk, and Woodland Dunes Nature Trail – There are a few trails worth exploring in the park. All three trails are under two miles and considered easy. Each offers different landscape views, from meadows to forests, dunes, and more.

Visit Sheboygan – Nearby Sheboygan is a hidden gem. It has a vibrant art scene, museums, lighthouses, a lakefront boardwalk, and much more. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a wonderful mix of great performing arts, education, and museum.

Milwaukee Art Museum – You can’t miss this wonderful, lake-front museum. Many think its dramatic and modern architecture resembles the famed Sidney Opera House. Packed with 25,000 pieces, the museum is a popular stop, with various media, from paintings to photographs, on display. This museum attracts over 400,000 annual visitors. There are dining options as well.

Historic Third Ward – Considered Milwaukee's trendy, creative neighborhood. The Historic Third Ward is packed with theaters and popular restaurants to explore. Additionally, you'll find the Milwaukee Public Market here, filled with local vendors and seasonal foods.

Riverwalk – This 20-block long path “winds through the heart of the city, tying together three distinct riverfront neighborhoods" — the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B.

Pabst Theater – Built in the early 1900s and named after a famous beer company, this theater is considered an architectural masterpiece in Milwaukee and the centerpiece of the Milwaukee theater district. Its beautiful Baroque-style exterior resembles historic opera houses in Europe. Check out one of the many musical performances.

Professional Sports – Milwaukee is serious about sports, with its four professional sports teams. Catch a professional hockey game (Admirals), basketball (Bucks), soccer, (Wave), or baseball game (Brewers) to cheer on some of the local teams. And don’t forget the beer!

Art Institute of Chicago – This storied museum has been named the world's best museum by TripAdvisor. The Art Institute has hundreds of thousands of amazing pieces in its collections. You will find permanent and rotating art exhibits throughout the museum, with an array of styles, including impressionist and contemporary.

Museums – One of the greatest things about Chicago is its large collection of world class museums. Kids will love the Field Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry, Adler Planetarium, and The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Check out this guide to Chicago museums.

Professional Sports – Chicago has six major pro sports teams: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Fire FC.

Millennium Park – This is the location of the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, known by locals as "The Bean." People visit here solely to see and photograph this charming art piece. Millennium Park is a smaller section of Grant Park, which sits alongside Michigan Avenue (the famous “Miracle Mile,” known for its high-end department stores and shops). The park also has the Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain.

Navy Pier – A top attraction with Chicago visitors and locals. Navy Pier was initially built in the early 1900s. Now, this amusement area features indoor and outdoor rides, shows, rooftop restaurants, shops, and more. It’s a family-friendly location with year-round activities right on the edge of Lake Michigan.

Wrigley Field – Chicagoans take their sports seriously, especially baseball. Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, the second oldest Major League Baseball stadium in America. Tours of the stadium are also available.