For a fun summer, here are things to do in Wisconsin in July!
Want to go somewhere exciting this summer?
Wisconsin fascinates me not only because of its miles-long scenic hiking trails but also because of its celebrations and offbeat attractions in July.
From the lush natural parks to the much-awaited public events, I discovered a fun-loving culture brimming with history. A vibrant state like no other in the West, travel Wisconsin is mind-blowing.
Surrounded by the Great Lakes and four states, Wisconsin has distinct attractions you’ll admire from land, water, and sky.
Let’s explore the fun things to do in Wisconsin in July as I run through the best of my trip to the one and only America’s Dairyland!
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Table of Contents
Fun Things to Do in Wisconsin in July
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh
- Sunset Dinner Cruise
1. Attend Summerfest in Milwaukee
Drawing an average of 800,000 crowds yearly, Summerfest is hailed as the world’s largest music festival.
This once-a-year concert in Milwaukee features some of the biggest names in the international music scene, local talents, and artists of different genres.
That’s why I save mid-June to the first week of July on my calendar. I am looking forward to this event.
One of the fun things to do in Wisconsin in July is the festival, but it is for more than just music lovers.
Renovations over the years have made it an unforgettable place for families and spectators.
It adds venues for art exhibits, a children’s area, and numerous food vendors featuring classic festival fare and top chefs’ gourmet specialties.
An event initially organized to support Wisconsin’s economy, Summerfest has become a cultural icon on the list of things to do in Wisconsin during the summer!
2. Join the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
What to do in Wisconsin in July?
Whether you’re a rider or not, you can experience the distinct celebration of one of America’s pop culture brands– the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival.
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson’s growth is linked to the success of the Second World War vehicle– the Motorcycle, and its community that encourages camaraderie and personal freedom.
Drawing more than 100,000 attendees in a 4-day event, many attractions await, such as bike stunt shows, vintage motorcycle shows, and the most anticipated acts of some of the world’s legendary rock bands.
What I enjoyed best was the gallery of bikes from 1903 to the present at the Harley-Davidson Museum, whose campus grounds offer bike shows and activities without a museum ticket.
3. Go Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park
While camping at Devil’s Lake State Park– Wisconsin’s largest and most popular park in Baraboo, WI, you’ll cherish the magnificent lake views.
This butternut squash-shaped lake highlights networks of forested hiking trails and pink quartzite bluffs.
Devil’s Lake is known for exciting hiking trails in Wisconsin, from easy strolls to challenging ascents, making this one of the fun things to do in Wisconsin in July.
I loved the lake’s serene beauty along the Tumbled Rocks Trail, which stretches a mile from the base of West Bluff to the eastern shore.
The rock formations I found hiking the East Bluff trails were oddly unique.
The park has more than 400 campsites throughout the campgrounds and parking lots strategically placed around the park.
The north and south shores have beaches and concession areas where canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent.
A lot of adventures await you in Devil’s Lake State Park. For more camping and hiking tips, check out hiking in Northern Wisconsin.
4. Experience the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh
Do you want to witness a showdown of 10,000 aircraft?
Launched in 1953 by aircraft designer Paul Poberezny, the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, or just Oshkosh for the enthusiasts, grew from 150 to 700,000 attendees annually.
Oshkosh is a week-long celebration typically held during the last week of July.
It highlights daily airshows, helicopter and airplane rides, military jets, and activities such as flying drones and KidsVenture, where kids can learn about aviation and experience a flight simulator.
As for me, the breathtaking stunts exhibited by the aerobatic pilots were unbelievable.
I must say that Oshkosh is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin and among the places to visit in Wisconsin in summer.
You always have things to do in Oshkosh.
5. Take a Scenic Boat Tour in the Wisconsin Dells
If you want to slow down from a hectic itinerary, join captivating boat tours highlighting the Wisconsin River’s natural beauty.
I enjoyed joining a duck tour as it passed through the four-mile wildlife trails.
The curves of Roller Coaster Hill were exciting, and I was amused by the funny and engaging tour guide.
The Ducks are vehicles that can travel through land and water, used in World War II to transfer troops and supplies to the shore, and are now the only duck tour you can experience in the world.
Don’t miss this tour among your things to do in Wisconsin Dells in July!
For romantic getaways in Wisconsin Dells, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is an excellent option. You’ll appreciate the sundown’s golden glow on the river and cliffs while enjoying a delectable dinner.
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6. Visit the Madison Farmers’ Market
I still remember the red and greens of newly harvested produce and the smell of oven-fresh baked goods as I shopped at the traditional Madison Farmers Market in gorgeous Capitol Square, Wisconsin.
With about 150 vendors, it’s known to be the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S., making every Saturday vibrant for locals and tourists.
This is where I spotted Stella’s hot and spicy cheese bread, a must-try artisan bread only from Madison.
Since everything is garden-fresh, handmade, or homemade, stocks may be limited and might sell out early, so spend your morning stroll here, and you won’t regret waking up early.
The Saturday farmers’ market runs from April to November, so it is a perfect side trip in Wisconsin weather in July and a must among things to do in Madison, Wisconsin in July!
7. Enjoy Fireworks on the 4th of July
Watch the sky’s astonishing showers of sparks and lights as Wisconsin celebrates the closing of the 4th of July.
The brightest commemoration of the country’s birth that dates back to the 18th century, Wisconsin loves spectacular fireworks shoot-offs.
Starting with Milwaukee, after Summerfest, I decided to check out the Downtown Milwaukee Fireworks Show, an hour-long event of shining splendor held at Veterans Park.
On the same day, Green Bay held Fire Over the Fox, a whole-day affair that featured traditional observances, food, and carnival rides and ended with a big fireworks display.
Door County, voted best in the Independence Day Parade, boasts Egg Harbor’s fireworks that burst fascinating sparks over the bay an evening before.
Witness this fantastic event in July, one of the most memorable things to do in Door County, Wisconsin!
8. Tour the Milwaukee Art Museum
Adore the beauty of culture through arts and the stunning masterpieces of architecture; visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in July.
A one-of-a-kind structure built in 2001, the museum strikes with a dramatic design highlighting a foldable wingspan on top of its all-white exterior.
I found the interior spectacular with its center vestibule ceiling, hallways, and 32,000 artworks, including Ancient Mediterranean, 15th to 20th-century European, and an extensive Georgia O’Keeffe art collection.
The museum lies on the serene shore of Lake Michigan. On the other side, visitors can enjoy the view of Milwaukee’s skyline through the Reiman Pedestrian Bridge.
9. Attend the Northern Wisconsin State Fair
Among Wisconsin’s best qualities is its support of traditional fairs like the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.
Aimed to promote agriculture, horticulture, and mechanical and household arts in Northern Wisconsin since 1897, it now features industry and technology developments.
Held each July, the fairgrounds are packed with concerts and classic fair food, such as corndogs, funnel cakes, and giant cotton candies.
I enjoyed watching the livestock shows, which young people happily joined to win the fair’s purple ribbon, and the sunny carnival rides on the green fairgrounds.
It’s an authentic American fair you wouldn’t want to miss in July!
10. Go Hiking in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
A well-known Northern Wisconsin gem, the historic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will amaze you with serene and exciting hiking trails.
A good starting point is the Spur of the Moment Ranch, which has some of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin and is located at the southernmost part of Nicolet State Trail.
From the ranch, I headed north to check out the Cathedral Pines, a 40-acre old-growth forest of tall pines and hemlock.
I then traversed the Chute Pond Overlook Trail near Nicolet Trail, which offers a good view of Chute Pond, Bagley Rapids, and the Old Fire Tower.
For adventure seekers, Ed’s Lake trail follows the track of the early 1900s lumberjacks’ railroad, passing through different forest landscapes.
The national forest covers 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin with countless awe-inspiring trails. Find the best ones on things to do in Northern Wisconsin.
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My final thoughts on things to do in Wisconsin in July
Wisconsin’s lively and exciting celebrations, like Oshkosh, are deeply rooted in history, while hidden gems like the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Northwoods evoke the state’s rich heritage.
From huge music events to extravagant fireworks, the midwest state is also bustling with entertainment in July.
Experience the spirited culture of Wisconsin, list the attractions that made you smile, and plan them like a pro.
How do you imagine your upcoming summer vacation? Your answer will make your list, or let’s share our excitement here!
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! 🌍🚀
