Guide to what to do in Wisconsin in April, including top places to visit in Wisconsin in spring and fun events in Wisconsin in April
Nestled in between Lake Superior and Michigan, there are many places to visit in Wisconsin in April to enjoy the wildflowers blooming or birdwatching around the shores of the Great Lakes.
With mild temperatures compared to winter and many opportunities to explore the natural beauty, spring in Wisconsin is the perfect time to travel around the region.
Looking for urban destinations while you travel Wisconsin in April? The state is home to two of the largest cities in the Midwest: Milwaukee and Madison.
From hiking to shopping, here are some fun places in Wisconsin in Spring!
Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:
- Cool Weekend Trips in Wisconsin
- Fun & Unique Wisconsin Vacation Ideas
- Getaways & Places to Vacation in Wisconsin
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top 3 Places to Visit in Wisconsin in April
- Milwaukee
- Door County
- Wisconsin Dells
1. Milwaukee
Since 2010, Milwaukeeans have started celebrating Milwaukee Day on April 14. The date April 14 (4/14) resembles Milwaukee’s landline area – 414, and that’s how it started.
What started as a local internet sensation has now become one of the biggest events in Wisconsin in April.
Every year, Milwaukee hosts an event called “Unite 414” to gather local businesses in the city from various industries and celebrate Milwaukee Day.
Not sure where to go in Wisconsin in April? Celebrating Milwaukee Day on a spring getaway in Wisconsin can be a great way to make the most of your Wisconsin trip!
But there are many things to do in Milwaukee in April that make it a wonderful spring destination. This includes lots of fun things to do in Milwaukee with kids.
And with the wonderful spring weather, you’ll especially find lots of great outdoor activities in Milwaukee to enjoy.
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2. Lake Geneva
Located only an hour away from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is one of the best spring break destinations in Wisconsin if you’re traveling with kids.
But you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Lake Geneva in April for the whole family.
The resort town offers so many fun things to do in Wisconsin in April, especially with the chill weather during the shoulder season and less crowded tourist attractions.
From relaxing and enjoying the lake view around the city to flying a hot air balloon or ziplining, there are so many things to do in Lake Geneva for visitors of all ages!
Lake Geneva is one of the best vacation spots in Wisconsin in April, and I highly recommend signing up for one of the Lake Geneva boat tours to get the best experience in the area.
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3. Door County
When talking about cool places in Wisconsin in April, Door County should be included on the list.
Home to 11 historic lighthouses, all of which will be closed during winter – and only re-opened in the spring!
April is the best time to visit Door County for several reasons. The breezy weather is pleasant for walking around the waterfront, and there are so many things to do in Door County in April that you won’t want to miss out.
Some lighthouses are starting to open for visitors, and it’s also an off-peak season in Door County, so you rarely have to wait in a long queue to visit tourist attractions around the county.
With less crowded tourist spots combined with chill weather in April, it’s the best time of the year to enjoy outdoor activities in Wisconsin.
Door County is also one of the best spring getaways, as it offers the best view of cherry blossoms in Wisconsin.
Book the best vacation rentals in Door County
4. Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands is an archipelago in the northern part of Wisconsin; it’s often considered a hidden gem in the Badger State, and for good reason!
The transition period between winter and spring can be the best time to visit Apostle Islands, although it relies heavily on the weather.
April in Wisconsin is a perfect time to visit the archipelago. During this time of the year, you can start seeing the crystal-clear water around the islands melting from the icy winter.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the ice and sea caves starting to melt out around the islands while doing some outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking.
Not sure what to do in Wisconsin in April? Apostle Island can be a great option.
Cruise through the islands to explore various attractions, from the shipwreck to the lighthouse.
If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to rent a kayak or do spring hiking, as it’s home to some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin!
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5. Madison
Looking for more places to visit in Wisconsin in April with endless events to attend? Madison is the place to be!
April getaways in Wisconsin won’t be complete without stopping by Madison, as the city offers plenty of activities you shouldn’t miss out on during this time of the year.
Madison is one of the most fun places to visit in Wisconsin in April, especially if you’re a movie freak.
The Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) annually hosts the Wisconsin Film Festival, which features various movies in different venues around the city.
Wisconsin getaways in April won’t be complete without visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol. So make sure to include it in your Madison itinerary!
Book the best vacation rentals in Madison, WI
6. Wisconsin Dells
It’s hard not to include Wisconsin Dells on the list of fun places to visit in Wisconsin in April, as the waterpark capital offers so many exciting things to do in the spring.
While most outdoor waterparks are usually closed until May, you can still go to some of the best indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells to spend your spring break in Wisconsin.
Of course, there are lots of other fun and amazing things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
If you prefer a city walk, head over to the Wisconsin Dells waterfront to enjoy the lovely scenery while learning more about the area’s history and culture through the signs along the paved walkway.
Visiting Wisconsin Dells won’t be complete without stopping by Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, so make sure to include it for your weekend getaways in April in Wisconsin!
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7. La Crosse
La Crosse is a less popular destination in Wisconsin compared to its neighboring towns, but local Wisconsinites know that the city serves the best beer around the state.
In fact, you’ll find some of the best breweries in Wisconsin located in La Crosse. This makes it one of the top fun places in Wisconsin in April for college students on break.
If you’re looking for some iconic places to visit in Wisconsin in April, I recommend stopping by the World’s Largest Six Pack in La Crosse.
It’s definitely the most popular city landmark, and you can stop by to take some pictures or sample the best Wisconsin beer.
Even if you don’t have time to visit this iconic La Crosse landmark, the city is home to so many breweries that are open for tour and beer tasting.
My personal favorite is Pearl Street Brewery, where you can sample various beers when you join their beer-tasting tour in La Crosse.
There are a lot of fun and unique things to do in La Crosse, and it’s definitely one of the best getaways in Wisconsin in April!
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8. Kenosha
With its strategic location between Milwaukee and Chicago, Kenosha is one of the must-visit stops on your Wisconsin road trips.
Home to the famous Mars Cheese Castle, Kenosha offers the best cheese selections in Wisconsin – making it a great place to stop by if you want to indulge in the best dairy-based meals during your Wisconsin vacation.
If you get a chance to explore more of the city, I also recommend Frank’s Diner – one of the best restaurants in Kenosha that has been in business since the 1920s!
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9. Waukesha
Compared to other places to visit in Wisconsin in April, Waukesha is quite overlooked by tourists. However, it’s one of the best destinations to visit for day trips from Milwaukee.
Waukesha is especially popular if you enjoy golf. The county has ten outdoor golf centers where you can sign up for a short course while enjoying the scenic view of the surroundings.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, you definitely don’t want to miss Waukesha for your spring getaways in Wisconsin!
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10. Pattison State Park
Looking for the best state parks in Wisconsin to visit in the spring? Situated in southern Superior on the Black River, Pattison State Park is a great place to visit in Wisconsin in April.
You can spend a day to enjoy various outdoor activities around the park, including some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.
From camping to kayaking, you can visit Pattison State Park from Duluth – making it a great stop if you plan to visit Wisconsin from Minnesota.
When visiting Pattison State Park, make sure to visit the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, Big Manitou Falls.
The waterfall is easily reached by taking an approximately 0.5-mile hiking trail from the park entrance.
Pattison State Park is easily one of the best getaways in April in Wisconsin for nature lovers!
Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin
No matter what kind of activities you’re planning to do for your spring break in Wisconsin, the state has something for everyone!
If you want to enjoy nature, you can find a lot of places to visit in Wisconsin in April that offer outdoor activities like Apostle Islands or Pattison State Park.
Those looking for a city getaway can also head to Milwaukee or Madison to get the best experience in Wisconsin.
Whichever type of travel you prefer, Wisconsin in spring is definitely worth visiting!
FAQs About Places to Visit in Wisconsin in April
Which places are good to visit in April in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is full of amazing spring destinations. However, you can never go wrong with Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, Door County, or Madison!
Where should I go for spring break in Wisconsin?
If your spring break is in April, you have a lot of great Wisconsin destinations to choose from. A few of my personal favorites for spring break are La Crosse, Milwaukee, and Wisconsin Dells.
What is the weather in Wisconsin in April?
The Wisconsin weather in April is very mild and pleasant. The average temperature usually hovers around 53 to 56°F, with some places getting a bitter hotter and some a bit cooler.
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
