On, Wisconsin! The 30th State Since May 29, 1848!

Home of the 13-Time NFL Champs

Today I want to fill you in on some stuff about one of my favorite places in the Lower 48 - America's Dairyland,Wisconsin.

I spent a couple of months in Wisconsin about 25 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. What a beautiful place with some great people. Great people including my very good friend Kevin who lives near the Mississippi River not far from La Crosse. Wisconsin is also home to my favorite NFL team, the 13-Time World Champions, Green Bay Packers! No, I am not a fair weather fan. I have been a Cheesehead for over fifty years, so I don't want to hear any guff from you guys, OK?  :)


Why Wisconsin? Why Today?

As is often the case when looking up information for a post, I just happened to stumble across the fact that it was on May 29, 1848 that Wisconsin became the 30th State to join the Union. So, I figured, why not write about it? And here we are.

Facts About America's Dairyland

State Abbreviation - WI
State Capital - Madison
Largest City - Milwaukee
Area - 65,503 square miles [Wisconsin is the 23rd biggest state in the USA]
Population - 5,363,675 (as of 2000) [Wisconsin is the 18th most populous state in the USA]
Name for Residents - Wisconsinites
Major Industries - dairy products (milk, butter, cheese), farming (corn), machinery, paper manufacturing, beer, tourism

Major Rivers - Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, St. Croix River, Chippewa River
Major Lakes - Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Winnebago
Highest Point - Timms Hill - 1,952 feet (595 m) above sea level
Number of Counties - 72
Bordering States - Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois


Origin of the Name Wisconsin - Wisconsin is from an Indian word, but the origin is uncertain. It is perhaps an Algonquian Indian word that means "long river," a Chippewa/Ojibwa/Anishinabe word, "Ouisconsin," that means "grassy place," or "gathering of the waters."
State Nickname - Badger State
State Motto - "Forward"
State Song - On, Wisconsin!
****Facts shamelessly hijacked from enchantedlearning.com****

Visiting Wisconsin

As a football fan in general and a fifty year Green Bay Packers fan in particular, my first stop on a trip to the state would be - ta da! - Green Bay! First stop in GB? The Sacred Soil of Lambeau Field, Home of the 13-Time NFL & Super Bowl Champions, Green Bay Packers. Did I mention the Pack yet?  :)


Wisconsin, of course has many things to do when visiting, no matter the time of year. There's fishing, camping and a million other outdoors activities for own personal tastes - snow skiing, hiking, biking, hunting...I could go on and on.


I am a Country Boy, and WI has plenty of stuff for guys like me to do, but for you City Slickers, the state also has an abundant city life as well. The largest city in Wisconsin is Milwaukee followed by Madison, the State Capital and Green Bay.

Original Artwork by Kev of Cheezerville

You can find out more stuff about Wisconsin in a FREE state travel guide. 

State History

Wisconsin has a fascinating history and I wish I had more space to delve into it, but sadly I don't. I will, however, leave you with this link to the Wisconsin Historical Society. They've got plenty to keep you busy for a while.


Be sure to book your travel accommodations to Wisconsin through one the sponsors of The Lower 48 (Plus 2), which you'll find in either sidebar of the blog.


Just remember, folks, On, Wisconsin! and Go Packers!