Wisconsin

Four million cows roam the fields of Wisconsin, a population equal to that of humans in the state. So it should come as no surprise that Wisconsin is known as 'America's Dairyland' and that the state is filled with farms that supply the rest of the country with milk and cheese. Sharing space with all these cows are 15,000 lakes and hundreds of attractive shorefront areas along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.

The main attraction for visitors is Milwaukee, the largest city. The lone large urban center in Wisconsin, it is an ethnically diverse city known for its festive spirit and beer production. Originally settled by Germans, Milwaukee was home to many major American breweries in the 19th and early 20th centuries and still has an enormous number of bars scattered through the city. During the summer, different ethnic groups celebrate a series of great festivals, started by the citywide Summerfest.

The second city worth visiting is Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin. Madison is smaller than Milwaukee and like many college towns it has a relaxed, liberal atmosphere. In additions to the university and its cafes and galleries, the city has some great beaches along two different lakes.

While the terrain in the southern half of Wisconsin tends to be rolling plains, the northern landscape is more rugged and varied. A good deal of the land is heavily forested, with great bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The most popular destination for visitors is the Apostle Islands, which offer all kinds of outdoor adventures. These 22 islands offer a beautiful setting for summertime hiking, boating, and fishing along their pristine shores.