Roadtrip Northern

In western Burnett County, Crex Meadows is made up of wetlands, pine-oak barrens, meadows and marshes. Numerous rare wetland birds can be found, as well as large populations of common yellowthroat and clay-colored sparrow. It features several miles of trails and three overlooks.

Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island, a short ferry ride from Bayfield. It’s on the island’s east side, removed from light pollution. Because of how far north the park is, visitors have reported sightings of the Aurora Borealis.

Lick-a-Dee Splitz is a nostalgic stop near Maple Lake in northern Wisconsin. Along with homemade fudge and other candies, it carries 28 flavors of ice cream from Cedar Crest and Kemps. “I tell customers, ‘You’re welcome to have as many tastes as you like. It just makes your decision harder,” said owner Elizabeth Rigby. Rigby’s husband makes the store’s homemade waffle cones. Gluten-free waffle cones are also available for an added charge. If you’re feeling ambitious, order the bidonkadonk sundae with 12 scoops of ice cream and four toppings.

Superior’s Fairlawn Mansion was built in the 1890s by lumber and mining baron Martin Pattison and his wife, Grace. They lived in the house until 1920 when it was converted into a children’s home. Superior Public Museums holds flashlight tours every year in the fall to talk about superstitions and life in the Victorian Era, as well as stories from staff of hearing children’s laughter or seeing former servants roam its halls. The mansion was previously featured on Wisconsin Life.

A group of Northwoods baseball enthusiasts strap on snowshoes on Monday nights in the summer to play baseball. Fans can watch the hilarious sight for free. The field is covered in sawdust before games to make it easier for the players. The league started in Tomahawk Lake in the 1960s and is still a popular way to spend a summer night in the area.

This peninsula on Lake Superior is one of the largest freshwater sandbars in the world. Wisconsin Point includes a 229-acre wildlife area, nearly 3 miles of beaches and a historic lighthouse. The land is a historic home of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and a plaque on part of Wisconsin Point owned by the tribe marks a burial ground.

There’s no shortage of waterfalls in Wisconsin, but the state’s tallest waterfall is in Douglas County, where Big Manitou Falls crashes down 165 feet. Visitors can also camp, hike, swim or lie out on the beaches of Lake Superior.