Are you curious about the Cheese State?
Let’s learn some fun facts about the state of Wisconsin!
Wisconsin became a state in 1848, making it the 30th state to join the union.
It is located in the central northern part of the United States.
This area is also known as the Midwest or the Great Lakes region.
The state of Wisconsin shares a border with four other states: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota, as well as Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin is a beautiful state with a mix of fertile flatlands, lush woodlands, and rolling hills.
There are also many lakes and rivers throughout the state.
In fact, Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes and over 13,500 miles of rivers and streams!
Wow!
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Keep reading to discover some more fun Wisconsin facts!
Wisconsin Fun Facts
The Name Wisconsin Comes from the River
The state of Wisconsin got its name from the Wisconsin River.
Originally the river was named Meskousing by a local tribe.
It’s said that the word means “this stream meanders through something red,” which would refer to the sandstone in the Wisconsin River.
While the word Meskousing looks and sounds nothing like Wisconsin, over time, the word has changed into its current spelling and pronunciation.
Cool!
Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland
America’s Dairyland is a nickname for the state of Wisconsin.
Why you ask?
Well, Wisconsin is the number one producer of cheese in the United States!
Incredible!
Wisconsin even has more dairy cows than any other state in America!
In fact, 90% of the milk that comes from these hard-working dairy cows is for making cheese.
Of course, another nickname for Wisconsin is the Cheese State!
Cheese is such a big deal in Wisconsin that it even has a cheese museum: the National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum.
Here, you can learn everything there is to know about the history of cheese and the art of cheesemaking.
How fun!
The World’s Largest Cranberry Festival is in Wisconsin
Every September, the largest cranberry festival in the world happens in Warrens, Wisconsin.
This incredible cranberry celebration attracts 100,000 visitors to the small town of Warrens each year.
Did you know that Wisconsin produces 60% of the nation’s cranberries?
That’s a lot of cranberries!
Wisconsin Has One of the Biggest Art Museums in America
MAM, or the Milwaukee Art Museum, is one of the biggest museums in the United States.
The Milwaukee Art Museum acquires and preserves art that inspires and educates both children and adults.
MAM has been collecting art since setting up its first gallery in 1888.
That’s more than a century!
Since then, the museum has grown into a magnificent home for 30,000 works of art.
These inspiring art pieces, exhibitions, and experiences bring more than 400,000 visitors a year to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
There are Effigy Mounds in Wisconsin
Effigy mounds are all over the state of Wisconsin.
What is an Effigy Mound?
Well, they are raised earth piles that are built into the shape of a symbol, an animal or a prominent figure.
Effigy mounds were constructed many years ago by Native Americans.
Although they can be found throughout the country, effigy mounds are most commonly seen in Wisconsin.
Cool!
Interesting Facts About Wisconsin
Wisconsin sure does boast some curious and random facts.
On top of it being America’s Dairyland, a top cranberry producer, and a common place for effigy mounds, Wisconsin is full of incredible wonders.
Do you have any other Wisconsin state facts that you would like to share with us?