Guide to Wisconsin Summer Weekend Getaways: Parks, Festivals, Camping and More

There is nothing like summer in Wisconsin. After bundling up for another long, cold winter, Wisconsin residents are eager to take to the road and discover some summer fun. You can find a multitude of summer activities throughout the state for both residents or those visiting the area.

Wisconsin Dells is a favorite vacation spot for families. Dubbed as the "water park of the world", this area about 45 minutes north of Wisconsin's capitol of Madison offers fun for all ages. Noah's Ark is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway with its water slides, wave pools, and mini golf course. For those wanting a smaller venue, water park resorts are family friendly. Popular resorts include The Wilderness Lodge, The Kalahari Resorts, Chula Vista, and Great Wolf Lodge. Check out a Wisconsin Duck tour for a unique regional experience.

The Wisconsin Dells area also offers a host of museums, miniature golf courses, shopping, and full-size golf courses. Of course, remember to check out their famous fudge.

Southeastern Wisconsin is known for its summer concert series and music festivals. Click here for a sampling of a few of Milwaukee's offerings. The festival season opens with the Lakefront Festival of the Arts in June, and doesn't wrap up until September with Indian Summer Festival. Summerfest celebrates its 40^th Anniversary in 2007, arguably the "world's largest music festival".

Out of town guests can find numerous accommodations in the area, including the elegant Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Most hotels, even in the suburbs, are rarely more than 20 minutes away from Milwaukee's lakefront, making the events easy to navigate even on the busiest of days. Check Milwaukee DOT's website for traffic information, especially when traveling to Milwaukee's lakefront, as the freeway is under construction.

Milwaukee and its suburbs hold smaller concert series throughout the summer, most often found outdoors. Milwaukee, Hales Corners, Elm Grove, and Brookfield all offer free summer concerts. Pack a blanket, a lawn chair, and bring a bucket of popcorn to enjoy music in the open air.

Wisconsin has wonderful state campgrounds for campers of all skill levels. Check here for a few campgrounds in Northeastern Wisconsin and here for a selection of sights in Southwestern Wisconsin. For any campers, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, lots of mosquito repellent, and a good sense of humor (especially if camping out with family). Book overnight spots early, especially weekend dates, as the summer schedule fills up quickly.

If camping is not your thing, but you still like the outdoors, click here for a list of favorite parks around the state. Bring a good guide book and a sturdy pair of hiking boots to explore the unique and varied geography of the state. You can find inexpensive hotels near many of the parks, which make an exciting weekend getaway for any size family.

Wisconsin's unusual geography offers a wide selection of weekend getaways. Click here for a listing of some of Wisconsin's waterfalls. Devil's Park is a popular weekend getaway, offering hiking, fishing boating, climbing, and camping. (Enjoy the bluffs and breathtaking rock formations.) Wisconsin's north woods (or "Up North" to residents) boasts hundreds of natural lakes and streams, perfect for fishing, camping, boating, skiing, and tubing.

For those wanting a more "commercial" northern Wisconsin experience, stay at one of the many hotels in Eagle River, where shopping is plentiful. Those wanting a quieter experience, try the Shawno area.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a weekend trip to Door County, where millions of visitors enjoy the peaceful Wisconsin setting, great food, and festivals. The small cities dotting Door County are a popular choice for those looking for perfectly kept golf courses, quaint ice cream stands by the roadside, and miles of sandy beaches.