Wisconsin - America's Dairyland
Capital: Madison | Abbreviation: WI | Region: Midwest | Population: 5.9 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 5,893,718 |
| Area | 65,496 sq mi (169,635 km²) |
| Population Rank | 20th |
| Area Rank | 23rd |
| Capital | Madison |
| Largest City | Milwaukee (577K) |
| Statehood | May 29, 1848 (30th state) |
| Time Zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5) |
| Nickname | America's Dairyland |
Interactive Map
🔴 Madison (Capital)
About Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a Midwestern state with a population of 5.9 million, making it the twentieth-most populous state. The state capital is Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin and known for its isthmus location between two lakes. Milwaukee is the largest city with 577,000 residents and a metropolitan area of 1.6 million. Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. The state's name comes from the Wisconsin River, derived from a Miami Indian word meaning "red stone place."
Wisconsin is bordered by two Great Lakes - Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east - giving it over 800 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. The state has over 15,000 inland lakes, more than 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, making it a paradise for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Door County peninsula, jutting into Lake Michigan, is known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" with charming towns, cherry orchards, and stunning coastline.
Wisconsin is famous as "America's Dairyland," producing more cheese than any other state and leading the nation in dairy production. The state is also known for the Green Bay Packers (NFL's only community-owned team), beer brewing heritage (Milwaukee was once home to Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and Blatz breweries), and harsh winters that produce hearty, friendly residents. Major industries include manufacturing (especially machinery and paper products), agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.
Geography & Climate
Wisconsin features diverse geography with extensive water resources:
- Lake Superior: Northern border, largest freshwater lake by surface area
- Lake Michigan: Eastern border, 381 miles of shoreline
- 15,000+ Lakes: Inland lakes for recreation, fishing, tourism
- Driftless Area: Southwest region never glaciated, unique topography
- Northwoods: Forests, lakes, vacation destinations in north
- Climate: Humid continental, cold snowy winters, warm summers, lake effect snow
Major Cities
Milwaukee
Population: 577,222
Metro: 1.6M
Known For: Brewing heritage, Harley-Davidson, festivals, Lake Michigan, Bucks
Madison
Population: 269,840
Metro: 680K
Known For: State capital, UW-Madison, isthmus, progressive politics, quality of life
Green Bay
Population: 105,207
Metro: 320K
Known For: Packers, Lambeau Field, paper industry, Lake Michigan port
Kenosha
Population: 99,986
Known For: Lake Michigan, industrial heritage, between Milwaukee & Chicago
Racine
Population: 77,816
Known For: Lake Michigan port, Danish kringle pastries, SC Johnson headquarters
Appleton
Population: 75,644
Known For: Fox Cities, paper industry, Harry Houdini Museum
Dairy Industry & Cheese
Wisconsin is America's undisputed cheese capital:
- Leading Cheese Producer: Wisconsin produces over 3.4 billion pounds of cheese annually, more than any state
- 600+ Cheese Varieties: State produces more cheese varieties than anywhere else in America
- Cheeseheads: Packers fans proudly wear foam cheese hats, "Cheesehead" is term of endearment
- Master Cheesemakers: Wisconsin is only state with Master Cheesemaker program, rigorous certification
- Dairy Farms: Over 6,500 dairy farms, dairy contributes $45+ billion to state economy
- Cheese Curds: Fresh cheese curds (squeaky cheese) are Wisconsin delicacy, often deep-fried
- Dairy Products: Also leads in butter production and is major milk producer
Green Bay Packers & Sports
Wisconsin has passionate sports culture, especially football:
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are the NFL's only publicly-owned, community-supported team with over 360,000 stockholders. Founded in 1919, they've won 13 league championships including 4 Super Bowls. Lambeau Field (opened 1957) is legendary for freezing playoff games. The "Lambeau Leap" into the stands is iconic. The team creates intense loyalty across Wisconsin.
Other Sports Teams
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) - 2021 champions
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) - Miller Park
- Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten)
- Marquette Golden Eagles (Basketball)
- Milwaukee Admirals (Hockey)
Economy & Industry
Wisconsin has a diverse manufacturing and agriculture-based economy:
- Manufacturing: Machinery, paper products, food processing, engines - strong industrial tradition
- Dairy & Agriculture: Cheese, milk, cranberries, ginseng, corn, soybeans - $104 billion agriculture economy
- Paper Industry: Wisconsin Valley major paper production region, tissue, packaging
- Brewing: MillerCoors, craft breweries, beer heritage dating to German immigrants
- Healthcare: Major health systems, medical research, insurance
- Tourism: Lakes, Door County, Wisconsin Dells (waterpark capital), outdoor recreation
- Technology: Growing tech sector in Madison and Milwaukee, startups, Epic Systems (healthcare software)
Cultural Heritage
Wisconsin has rich cultural traditions influenced by immigrant heritage:
- German Heritage: Largest ancestry group, influenced beer, bratwurst, festivals
- Scandinavian: Norwegian, Swedish influences in traditions, food
- Polish: Strong Polish community, especially in Milwaukee
- Fish Fry: Friday night fish fry tradition, especially during Lent
- Supper Clubs: Unique Wisconsin dining tradition, Old Fashioned cocktails
- Beer & Bratwurst: Cultural staples from German heritage
- Polka Music: Popular traditional music at festivals
- Wisconsin Dells: Waterpark capital of the world
- Harley-Davidson: Iconic motorcycles manufactured in Milwaukee since 1903
- Progressive Tradition: "Wisconsin Idea" of university serving state
Interesting Facts
- Produces more cheese than any other state (over 3.4 billion pounds annually)
- Green Bay Packers are only community-owned NFL team
- Wisconsin Dells is "Waterpark Capital of the World"
- State has over 15,000 lakes
- Harley-Davidson motorcycles made in Milwaukee since 1903
- First kindergarten in US established in Watertown (1856)
- Wisconsin produces 95% of America's ginseng
- Republican Party founded in Ripon, Wisconsin (1854)
- Typewriter invented in Milwaukee by Christopher Sholes (1868)
- State leads nation in cranberry production
- Circus World Museum in Baraboo - many circuses wintered there
- Door County has five state parks, more lighthouses than any US county
- Ice cream sundae allegedly invented in Two Rivers
- Milwaukee hosts world's largest music festival (Summerfest)
Neighboring States
Also borders: Lake Superior (North), Lake Michigan (East)
Compare Wisconsin
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Compare Wisconsin