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Population5.97M (2025 est.)
Discover • Explore • Connect
Your Local Guide Starts Here
WisconsinFrom Great Lakes shorelines and Northwoods trails to small-town main streets and city neighborhoods, get to know Wisconsin through its communities.
Discover local businesses, places to explore, and useful resources for everyday life.
Wisconsin at a Glance
Population5.97M (2025 est.).webp){kind=icon}
CapitalMadison.webp){kind=icon}
Largest CityMilwaukee.webp){kind=icon}
Counties72.webp){kind=icon}
Land Area54,168 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
Water Area11,328 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
StatehoodMay 29, 1848.webp){kind=icon}
Highest PeakTimms Hill · 1,952 ft
Explore Wisconsin
Find Your Wisconsin County
Every Wisconsin county has its own landscape, communities, and local connections. Explore the county directory as our local guides take shape.
Find Your County
Adams CountyBarron CountyBrown CountyBuffalo CountyCalumet CountyChippewa CountyClark CountyColumbia CountyDane CountyDodge CountyDouglas CountyEau Claire CountyFond du Lac CountyGreen CountyIowa CountyJackson CountyJefferson CountyJuneau CountyLa Crosse CountyManitowoc CountyMarathon CountyMonroe CountyOneida CountyOutagamie CountyOzaukee CountyPierce CountyPolk CountyPortage CountyRichland CountyRock CountySauk CountySheboygan CountySt. Croix CountyTrempealeau CountyVernon CountyVilas CountyWalworth CountyWashburn CountyWaukesha CountyWaupaca CountyWaushara CountyWinnebago County
From lakeside communities to rural crossroads, discover more of Wisconsin close to home.
Featured Counties
Brown CountyThe history of Brown County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Brown County Courthouse is one place to…
Manitowoc CountyThe history of Manitowoc County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Manitowoc County Courthouse is one place to…
St. Croix CountyThe history of St. Croix County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. St Croix County Courthouse is one…
Dodge CountyThe history of Dodge County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company…
Portage CountyThe history of Portage County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Clark Street-Main Street Historic District is one…
Douglas CountyThe history of Douglas County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Brule-St. Croix Portage is one place to…
Vernon CountyThe history of Vernon County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Viroqua Downtown Historic District is one place…
Waushara CountyThe history of Waushara County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Waushara County Courthouse, Waushara County Sheriff's Residence…
Pierce CountyThe history of Pierce County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Pierce County Courthouse is one place to…
Discover More of Wisconsin
Brown CountyThe history of Brown County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Brown County Courthouse is one place to…
Manitowoc CountyThe history of Manitowoc County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Manitowoc County Courthouse is one place to…St. Croix CountyThe history of St. Croix County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. St Croix County Courthouse is one…Dodge CountyThe history of Dodge County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company…Portage CountyThe history of Portage County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Clark Street-Main Street Historic District is one…Douglas CountyThe history of Douglas County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Brule-St. Croix Portage is one place to…Vernon CountyThe history of Vernon County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Viroqua Downtown Historic District is one place…Waushara CountyThe history of Waushara County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Waushara County Courthouse, Waushara County Sheriff's Residence…Pierce CountyThe history of Pierce County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Pierce County Courthouse is one place to…
Welcome To
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin connects Great Lakes shorelines, northern forests, rolling farmland, and lively city neighborhoods. Its communities offer different ways to explore, work, and put down roots.
Get to know local shops and services, plan time outdoors, or follow the stories preserved in the state’s historic places. Start with a county and see where your next local discovery takes you.
Great Lakes. Local Connections.
Great Lakes Living
Explore communities along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
Rooted in Community
Get to know the businesses and people behind local main streets.
Room to Explore
Find parks, forests, and trails for time outdoors across the seasons.
A Place to Connect
Discover useful resources for living, working, and visiting locally.
The
Wisconsin Dispatch
News and perspectives from across Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio
Madison rally aims to support survivors of sexual assault, demand changes to prevent violence
A rally scheduled for Friday evening aims to allow sexual assault survivors to share their stories and demand…
Read the full storyToday's CoveragePresented by
Around Wisconsin
Stories from across Wisconsin.
Madison rally aims to support survivors of sexual assault, demand changes to prevent violence
A rally scheduled for Friday evening aims to allow sexual assault survivors to share their stories and demand…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
How Medicare experts are guiding Wisconsin patients through this year’s open enrollment
Some people in Wisconsin will be forced to change their Medicare Advantage plans, with some companies cutting back.…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
Tom Tiffany plane crash caused by pilot error, report finds
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the loss of power onboard a small plane that Tiffany was aboard…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
Book details Wisconsin flight nurse’s role in critical WWII air missions
A new book follows a team of flight nurses and how they aided U.S. troops in surviving some…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
5 adults, 1 child dead in small plane crash near Wisconsin Dells
Five adults and one child are reportedly dead after a small plane crashed in Sauk County. The post…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min readWatch & Discover
Every Place Has a Story
Get to know the places and communities that give Wisconsin its character, from main streets and historic landmarks to the landscapes beyond them.
State Symbols & Heritage
Nickname State Motto State Bird State Flower State Tree State Animal
The Spirit of Wisconsin
Discover symbols rooted in Wisconsin's landscape and history.
Badger State
A nickname linked to early lead miners who sheltered in mine openings.
Forward
A short motto expressing a spirit of progress.
Robin
A familiar bird selected by Wisconsin schoolchildren.
Wood Violet
A small woodland flower with purple blooms.
Sugar Maple
The state tree, known for maple sap and autumn color.
Badger
The American badger became the state animal in 1957.
A State Unlike Any Other
Wisconsin brings together Great Lakes shores, forests, farmland, and communities shaped by local traditions. Its symbols reflect the landscape and history of the Badger State.
My Local Guide
WISCONSIN
The Badger StateDiscover Wisconsin’s communities, historic places, public services, and local connections.
Our State. Our Stories.★
Wisconsin Resources
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Everything You Need. All in One Place.
Discover Wisconsin’s communities, historic places, public services, and local connections.
Government
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin State Government
Find state agencies, online services, and public information.
Governor of Wisconsin
Executive office announcements, constituent services, and state initiatives.
Wisconsin Legislature
Find legislators, legislation, committee activity, and legislative records.
Wisconsin Elections Commission
Official election administration, guidance, and voter information.
MyVote Wisconsin
Check registration, polling places, sample ballots, and absentee ballot information.
Department of Revenue
Wisconsin tax services, forms, payments, and taxpayer information.
Department of Administration
State administration, procurement, housing programs, and public services.
Wisconsin Counties Association Directory
Find county government websites and contact information across Wisconsin.
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Agriculture programs, consumer protection, and business regulation.
Department of Financial Institutions
Business filings, financial services oversight, and consumer information.
Address 4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower, 4th Floor, Madison, WI 53705
Phone (608) 261-9555
Schools
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Department of Public Instruction
Wisconsin public education, school resources, and student programs.
School and District Report Cards
Review official performance reports for Wisconsin schools and districts.
Wisconsin Technical College System
Explore technical colleges, career programs, and training pathways.
Universities of Wisconsin
Find public university campuses and statewide higher education information.
UW–Madison Extension
County-based education, youth development, agriculture, and community programs.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Explore admissions, academic programs, and Wisconsin’s flagship public university.
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Public university programs, admissions, and community learning in Milwaukee.
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Academic programs and campus information in western Wisconsin.
University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Explore learning opportunities and university services in northeastern Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board
State student financial aid programs and eligibility information.
Hospitals
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin DHS Hospital Directory
Locate hospitals and read Wisconsin’s hospital consumer information.
Medicare Care Compare
Compare participating hospitals and other healthcare providers.
UW Health
Find hospitals, clinics, specialties, and patient services in the Madison region.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Hospital locations and healthcare services in southeastern Wisconsin.
Aurora Health Care
Find Wisconsin hospital locations, care services, and patient information.
Children’s Wisconsin
Pediatric hospitals, clinics, and family resources.
Gundersen Health System
Hospitals and care services serving western Wisconsin and the surrounding region.
Mayo Clinic Health System
Find regional hospitals and clinics, including Wisconsin locations.
Aspirus Health
Hospitals, clinics, and patient services in northern and central Wisconsin.
SSM Health
Find Wisconsin hospital and clinic locations and patient services.
Public Safety
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Justice
State justice, law enforcement, and public safety information.
Wisconsin State Patrol
Highway safety, enforcement, and State Patrol contact information.
Wisconsin DNR Safety Education
Outdoor safety training for hunting, boating, and motorized recreation.
ReadyWisconsin
Household preparedness and safety information for Wisconsin hazards.
Consumer Protection
Consumer alerts, complaint information, and fraud-prevention resources.
Address 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Phone (800) 422-7128
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Corrections services, public information, and community supervision resources.
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
Official public registry information maintained by the Department of Corrections.
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Professional licensing, building safety, and public protection programs.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Vehicle safety, recalls, child passenger safety, and roadway safety guidance.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Product recalls and safety alerts for household and consumer products.
Emergency Services
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Emergency Management
State emergency coordination, preparedness, and recovery programs.
ReadyWisconsin
Build preparedness plans and learn about severe-weather hazards.
National Weather Service — Milwaukee/Sullivan
Official forecasts and alerts for south-central and southeastern Wisconsin.
National Weather Service — Green Bay
Official forecasts and alerts for northeastern Wisconsin.
National Weather Service — La Crosse
Official forecasts and alerts for western Wisconsin and nearby areas.
National Weather Service — Duluth
Official weather information serving northwestern Wisconsin and the Northland.
National Weather Service — Twin Cities
Official forecasts and alerts for parts of western Wisconsin and Minnesota.
211 Wisconsin
Find community assistance, shelter, food, and other support services.
FEMA
Federal emergency preparedness, disaster assistance, and recovery information.
Wisconsin Poison Center
Poison prevention information and access to poison specialists.
State Parks
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin State Park System
Find parks, property notices, admission information, and recreation opportunities.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Official visitor information for the lake, bluffs, trails, and camping near Baraboo.
Peninsula State Park
Plan a Door County visit with park maps, recreation information, and notices.
High Cliff State Park
Explore official information for the park overlooking Lake Winnebago.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Visitor information for Lake Michigan dunes, beaches, and trails near Sheboygan.
Interstate State Park
Plan recreation along the St. Croix River near St. Croix Falls.
Governor Dodge State Park
Park maps, camping, and recreation information near Dodgeville.
Wyalusing State Park
Official information for the park above the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.
Copper Falls State Park
Find trail, camping, and visitor information for the northern Wisconsin park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park
Explore park information, trails, and the rock formation near Friendship.
Trails
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin State Trails
State trail directory, maps, and permitted activities.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
National Park Service information for Wisconsin’s long-distance scenic trail.
Ice Age Trail Alliance
Trail segments, maps, volunteer information, and hiking resources.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Official planning information for the national trail, including its Wisconsin route.
North Country Trail Association
Trail maps, regional information, and volunteer opportunities.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Official maps, tunnel information, trail notices, and visitor guidance.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Trail information for the route between Cottage Grove and Waukesha.
Badger State Trail
Official trail maps and recreation information in southern Wisconsin.
Military Ridge State Trail
Plan a visit to this southern Wisconsin rail trail.
Great River State Trail
Official trail and visitor information in the Mississippi River region.
Utilities
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Utility regulation, consumer information, and complaint resources.
Wisconsin Utility Service Area Maps
Check utility service areas before contacting a provider.
Home Energy Plus
Wisconsin energy assistance, weatherization, and housing program information.
Focus on Energy
Energy efficiency programs and incentives for eligible Wisconsin customers.
Diggers Hotline
Wisconsin’s utility location service for planning safe digging projects.
We Energies
Account services, outages, and safety information for its service territory.
Wisconsin Public Service
Utility account services and outage information for its service territory.
Alliant Energy
Electric and natural gas account, service, and outage information.
Madison Gas and Electric
Utility service, safety, and outage information for the Madison area.
Xcel Energy
Utility services and outage information, including its Wisconsin service area.
Libraries
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
BadgerLink
Wisconsin’s online research databases and learning resources.
Wisconsin’s Digital Library
Digital books and audiobooks through participating Wisconsin libraries.
Wisconsin State Law Library
Legal research materials, library services, and reference assistance.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Historical collections, archives, research, and library information.
Milwaukee Public Library
Library locations, collections, digital resources, and public programs.
Madison Public Library
Find library locations, learning programs, and catalog services.
Brown County Library
County library locations, borrowing services, and community programs.
La Crosse Public Library
Local library collections, events, research, and digital services.
Marathon County Public Library
County library branches, catalog access, and learning programs.
Appleton Public Library
Library services, collections, and community programs in Appleton.
Courts
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Court System
Official court information, public services, and statewide court resources.
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Supreme Court information, cases, and public materials.
Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Appellate court information and district resources.
Wisconsin Circuit Courts
Circuit court information and local court resources.
Circuit Court Forms
Official statewide forms for circuit court proceedings.
Wisconsin eCourts
Electronic filing and other online court services.
Court Self-Help Center
Court-process information and resources for people representing themselves.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
Public access to eligible circuit court case information.
Wisconsin State Law Library
Legal research guides, library materials, and reference services.
Legal Action of Wisconsin
Civil legal aid information and service eligibility in its Wisconsin service area.
DMV
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin DMV Online Services
Start with official driver, identification, and vehicle services.
DMV Customer Service Centers
Find service centers and check available services before visiting.
Driver License Renewal
Official renewal information and options for Wisconsin driver licenses.
Wisconsin Identification Cards
Application information and requirements for state identification cards.
REAL ID Information
Check Wisconsin REAL ID requirements and acceptable documentation.
New Resident Vehicle Registration
Vehicle title and registration information for people moving to Wisconsin.
Vehicle Registration Renewal
Renew a vehicle registration and review official renewal options.
Vehicle Title and Registration
Find Wisconsin title, registration, and license plate information.
DMV Forms
Access official transportation and DMV forms and publications.
DMV Contact Information
Find the appropriate DMV contact for your driver or vehicle question.
Transportation
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
511 Wisconsin
Road conditions, construction, travel incidents, and traffic information.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
State transportation programs, projects, and travel resources.
Wisconsin Road Projects
Check current highway construction projects and project updates.
Amtrak
Passenger rail routes, schedules, tickets, and station information.
Amtrak Hiawatha Service
Passenger rail information between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Flight, ground transportation, parking, and airport information.
Dane County Regional Airport
Madison-area airport flights, parking, and traveler information.
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
Northeastern Wisconsin airport and passenger information.
Milwaukee County Transit System
Milwaukee-area bus routes, fares, schedules, and rider resources.
Madison Metro Transit
Madison-area transit routes, schedules, fares, and service updates.
Postal Services
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
USPS Locations
Find post offices, collection boxes, and postal service locations.
USPS ZIP Code Lookup
Look up a ZIP Code using a complete mailing address.
USPS Tracking
Track a shipment using its postal tracking number.
USPS Change of Address
Start an official postal change-of-address request.
USPS Hold Mail
Learn how to request a temporary hold on mail delivery.
USPS Informed Delivery
Learn about eligible mail previews and package notifications.
Schedule a USPS Pickup
Schedule an eligible package pickup at your address.
USPS Postage Price Calculator
Estimate postage for mail and packages.
USPS Missing Mail Help
Find official steps for delayed or missing mail.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Mail fraud prevention, postal safety, and reporting information.
Veterans
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Wisconsin veterans benefits, programs, and services.
County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers
Locate a service officer for your county or tribal community.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal veterans benefits and official online services.
VA Healthcare
Healthcare eligibility, applications, and care information.
VA Disability Benefits
Official disability compensation information and claims resources.
VA Education and Training
Education benefits, GI Bill information, and training resources.
VA Housing Assistance
Home loan and housing assistance information for eligible veterans.
VA Careers and Employment
Employment assistance, career support, and vocational resources.
VA Records
Request and manage eligible VA and military records.
VA Vet Centers
Community-based counseling and support services for eligible veterans and families.
Employment
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
State employment, training, workforce, and worker resources.
Job Center of Wisconsin
Official job listings, job-seeker services, and career tools.
Wisc.Jobs
Search Wisconsin state government employment opportunities.
Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance
Official unemployment program information and claimant resources.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment support services for eligible people with disabilities.
Wisconsin Apprenticeship
Find apprenticeship pathways and official program information.
Wisconsin Equal Rights Division
Employment standards, civil rights, and complaint information.
Wisconsin Technical College System
Explore career training and technical education programs.
CareerOneStop
U.S. Department of Labor career exploration and job-search tools.
USAJOBS
Search federal government jobs, including Wisconsin openings.
We're Here To Help.
Answers, contacts, and trusted local resources are always close at hand.
Helpful Information
Your Wisconsin Questions, Answered
Plan a visit, find the right public service, and keep up with what is happening close to home.
Choose a linked county in Explore Wisconsin. Each county guide brings together community facts, photographs of local places, news, and public-service links. Start with the county where you live or plan to visit; nearby county guides can help you build a longer day trip. For an official county office outside this guide’s coverage, use the Wisconsin county directory.
Choose the kind of trip you want first: a lake weekend, a historic downtown, a trail outing, or a city break. Browse county photographs for ideas, then use Travel Wisconsin to compare destinations, places to stay, and seasonal activities. Pick one main destination and a few nearby stops, and confirm opening hours with each attraction before setting out.
Open the State Parks or Trails category in Wisconsin Resources for direct links to parks and trail organizations. The Wisconsin DNR park directory is a useful starting point for choosing a property and checking its activities, maps, facilities, and notices. County guides also link to local recreation resources, so you can look beyond the larger state parks.
A vehicle admission pass is required at many Wisconsin state parks, forests, and recreation areas. Some trail activities also require a separate state trail pass. Check the DNR’s vehicle admission information and the page for your destination before you go. Review current requirements and prices there, especially if you are bringing a vehicle, planning a trail activity, or staying overnight.
Use Travel Wisconsin’s event listings to browse by date and destination, then check the organizer’s website for the final schedule, tickets, and weather updates. County news can help you spot community events close to home. An older article or photograph is useful inspiration, but the organizer is the best source for this year’s event details.
Start with the county and municipality for your new address. Use this page’s resource categories to find DMV services, utilities, schools, libraries, and government offices. Check school enrollment with the local district, service availability with the utility provider, and driver or vehicle requirements with Wisconsin DMV. Keeping the responsible office’s link handy is more useful than relying on a general moving checklist.
The Job Center of Wisconsin is a starting point for job searches and workforce services. For state government openings, visit Wisc.Jobs. The Employment and Schools categories also connect you to apprenticeship information, technical colleges, and other training resources. Follow each employer or program’s own application instructions and deadlines.
County pages bring together county or regional reporting where suitable feeds are available, with Wisconsin-wide stories filling out the coverage. Check the publisher and headline to see the story’s scope, then open the original article for the full report. The state homepage provides a broader Wisconsin view; your county guide is the better starting point when you want news closer to home.
Review 511 Wisconsin for traffic, construction, closures, and road conditions, then check the National Weather Service forecast for your destination and route. If you are visiting a park or trail, check that property’s notices too. Recheck close to departure, especially during winter weather or when your plans depend on outdoor access.
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For connections to community services such as food, housing, utilities, and other everyday needs, start with 211 Wisconsin. The Emergency Services and Public Safety categories provide additional official contacts, while ReadyWisconsin offers preparedness information. During an active incident, follow current instructions from local officials.
Your Journey Continues
Celebrating the places we call home.
Keep exploring the communities, stories, and local connections that make this state feel like home.
Celebrating the places we call home.