Although Wisconsin is notorious for cold weather, beer and football, the state boasts hundreds of beautiful landscapes, historic architecture and undoubtably Instagram-worthy places. Don’t believe me? Here are 21 Wisconsin Instagram spots for stunning photos.
Prepare To Take Stellar Photos
Before we jump into the Wisconsin Instagram spots, there are a three steps you need to take to make sure you can capture excellent photos.
- Gather your camera gear — even if that’s just your iPhone. (I’ve listed all of the best budget camera gear for travel photography here.)
- Learn the basics of taking amazing travel photos (as you can find here).
- Learn a couple of poses for your travel photos. (Here are 25 easy poses for travel photos with examples!)
Now for the Instagram spots.
1. Lavender Fields In Washington Island
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to travel to France or the Netherlands to witness the beauty of lavender fields.
Washington Island, located just off the Door County Peninsula, is home to a plethora of lavender fields, including Fragrant Isle lavender farm and shop, and well as the Historic Island Dairy lavender field.
2. Peninsula State Park In Door County (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
On the way to Washington Island, you will drive through Door County and inevitably pass by Peninsula State Park.
Peninsula State Park, one of the most popular Wisconsin state parks, offers various hiking trails, bike trails, bluffs, and many breathtaking overlooks of Lake Michigan that require no hike at all.
Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take some Instagram photos here.
And, if the weather is nice, I highly recommend you pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
3. Milwaukee Art Museum In Milwaukee
Next, moving farther south, the Milwaukee Art Museum in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is hands-down one of the best Wisconsin Instagram spots for photos.
(We even had our wedding portraits taken here!)
Obviously, you could sneak artsy photos inside the museum with some Renoir or Degas, but the really Instagram-worthy parts of the MAM are actually in the building’s architecture.
Inside the museum, the architecture features an enormous white and windowed pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan, as well as uniquely shaped modern corridors.
On the outside, the museum looks like a modern white spaceship, sporting a Jetson-like photo opportunity.
The best places to take photos outside the Milwaukee Art Museum are either across the pedestrian bridge or on the grassy hill (shown below, respectively).
4. Lawrence University Memorial Chapel In Appleton
Similarly, the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel in downtown Appleton features bright white architecture, too.
However, the white architecture of Lawrence University resembles a much more classical look.
There are several Instagram-worthy spots on the Lawrence University campus (like the iconic red doors) but the most popular place for photos (especially for senior pictures, homecoming pictures or prom pictures) is in front of the campus chapel.
5. Anderson Dock In Door County
In addition, Anderson Dock in Door Country is also an extremely popular Wisconsin Instagram spot.
Anderson Dock, known for its colorful graffiti signatures, has taken Instagram by storm in the past five years.
Rarely will you find an Instagram post about Door County without a joyful photo on Anderson Dock.
6. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor In Door County (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Just down the street from Anderson Dock is the iconic Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor.
Not only does Wilson’s serve fantastic American food and milkshakes, but the old-fashioned soda-shop look of both the restaurant’s interior and exterior make for fabulous photo opportunities.
7. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore In Bayfield
Moving farther north, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore lies on Lake Superior and features massive bluffs, caves, hikes and lots of kayaking.
If you’re up for an adventurous day trip or weekend getaway, the scenic Apostle Islands will definitely provide spots for epic Wisconsin travel photos.
8. Big Manitou Falls In Superior (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Not far from the Apostle Islands is the legendary Big Manitou Falls.
Big Manitou Falls, located inside Pattison State Park, is the tallest waterfall in the state of Wisconsin.
It rages a roaring 165-foot drop from a river-fed lake, and its numerous overlooks give you the opportunity to see the falls from all upper angles, including a rare sighting of the waterfall’s crest.
This waterfall is a perfect road trip pit-stop, as it is easily accessible and minimal walking distance from the parking lot.
In fact, the best place for an Instagram photo is located in the park directly across the street from the parking lot.
9. Devil’s Lake State Park In Baraboo
Wisconsin natives love Devil’s Lake State Park. The fact that Devil’s Lake is the most visited Wisconsin state park proves this to be true.
And, Wisconsin natives love to post pictures from their Devil’s Lake hikes on Instagram.
In particular, the hike to Balanced Rock is rewarded with a marvelous view of Devil’s Lake and, naturally, a photogenic lopsided balancing boulder.
There are several trails that will take you to Balanced Rock, such as the strenuous hike straight to Balanced Rock or the more moderate loop trails that pass by Balanced Rock.
10. Wilke Glen & Cascade Falls In Osceola
Next, Cascade Falls.
Hidden beneath downtown Osceola, the Cascade Falls waterfall pours 25 feet over the Earth’s erosion into a large, shallow pool.
Because the ledge caves under the falls, you can actually walk under it from the far left side to the far right side of the waterfall. Just be careful not to slip!
Additionally, the falls are stowed inside burnt-orange clay canyon, leaving a safe space for swim and recreation.
11. Morgan Falls In Marengo (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Morgan Falls’ smooth, flat trail details a picture-worthy walking bridge, a myriad of wildflowers and glittering streams. The sound of the waterfall peaks through the foliage about 0.5 miles into the hike.
The cascade falls into a freshwater lagoon, ideal for a quick dip, while 20 feet of neighboring granite offer an entertaining climb. These remarkable features plus its pleasant vacancy names Morgan Falls the Neverland of the Midwest.
12. Neshotah Park & Beach In Two Rivers
You no longer have to fly to Florida to get the perfect beach shot!
Neshotah Park in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, is one of the nicest swimming beaches in the state.
It’s located on Lake Michigan, which means the endless blue water will have you feeling like you’re on the ocean.
13. Atwater Beach In Milwaukee
Another superb Wisconsin beach is Atwater Beach.
Like Neshotah Park, Atwater Beach is situated on Lake Michigan, and it truly feels like an ocean’s beach. So, if you’re looking for a beachy escape from the city, spend a day at Atwater Beach.
And, don’t forget your camera!
The best time to take photos at Atwater Beach is at sunset. In fact, my husband and I had our sunset engagement photos taken at Atwater.
14. Winding Road In Door County (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Winding Road is exactly what it sounds like: a winding road.
However, what makes Winding Road particularly unique is its ironically straight view of each little turn. This gives the road a photogenic zigzag appearance.
To get to Winding Road, take Highway 42 all the way to the northernmost part of the Door County peninsula. This will eventually take you to the Washington Island Ferry. You’ll pass the winding road just before the Washington Island Ferry line.
If you see signs for Gills Rock, know that you’re close.
The best time of year to take photos at Winding Road is early-mid October, when the fall foliage is in full swing in Door County.
Also, if you have a telephoto lens (like this one for Canon EF cameras), bring it!
15. Nordlys Lodging Co. In Frederic
Next, Nordlys Lodging Co. has blown up on Instagram due to its envied glamping aesthetic.
Nordlys Lodging Co., a modern cabin rental company in northwestern Wisconsin, has two unique, modern cabins.
If you’re not into the cabin/camping scene, don’t worry! These cabins are fully equipped with a chef’s kitchen, central air, cozy fireplace, high-speed internet, Netflix, a laundry machine and more.
16. Rib Mountain State Park In Wausau (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Rib Mountain is a gold mine of Wisconsin fall foliage, literally.
Drive around the hilly neighborhoods of the Rib Mountain area, and you are sure to find the perfect location for fall-color photos.
Before departing from Rib Mountain, take the ski lift up the hill to see the colors from a bird’s eye view. You can purchase low‑cost tickets next to the Rib Mountain State Park parking lot.
17. Cranberry Bogs On The Wisconsin Cranberry Highway (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Drone pilots, you’re going to love this Wisconsin Instagram spot.
Cranberry marshes are plentiful in the state of Wisconsin — so much so that the 50-mile stretch from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens is nicknamed the “Cranberry Highway.” The best time to see the cranberry bogs here is between October to December.
Although cranberry fields seem somewhat uneventful, their vastness, uniqueness and maroon colored quality ensure that you’ll be posting the best one-of-a-kind Wisconsin pictures.
Likewise, if you have a drone, you will be able to capture some incredible aerial footage here.
18. Cave Point County Park In Sturgeon Bay
Unlike the pumpkin patches and cranberry bogs, Cave Point County Park offers stunning scenery year-round.
In particular, the winter views of Cave Point County Park are exception, boasting massive icicles, ice shelves and frozen bluffs on the bay of Lake Michigan.
I personally recommend visiting Cave Point at sunrise because the pink sky and icy blue ground compliment each other wonderfully in photos.
However, if you plan to walk out onto the bluffs, ice shoe spikes (like these attachable ones) will be important.
19. Ice Castles In Lake Geneva (Wisconsin Instagram Spots)
Next, it wouldn’t be a complete Wisconsin Instagram location list without the iconic Ice Castles of Lake Geneva.
The Ice Castles, which are quite literally castles constructed of ice, open every winter (weather depending, of course).
Tickets typically go on sale around January, and they sell out fast. So, if you want to visit the Ice Castles, follow them on Instagram so you can stay as up-to-date as possible on ticket sales.
20. Washington Island Stavkirk In Washington Island
The Washington Island Stavkirke is a replica stave church that was built by local carpenters who wanted to depict the island’s vast Scandinavian heritage.
After you cross the boardwalk that leads to the church, your eyes will be drawn immediately toward the details of the structure. Four wooden dragons extend over the ship-like staves. Detailed Norwegian carvings are on every wall and post to represent the ancient mix between paganism and Christianity. And, a multitude of small wooden shingles endlessly scale the roof.
The Washington Island Stavkirke will quench your thirst for international travel, making it one of the best things to do on Washington Island.
21. Lambeau Field & TitleTown In Green Bay
Last but not least, I don’t think I could hit all of the best Wisconsin Instagram spots without mentioning at least one stereotypically football-esque location: Lambeau Field.
You have to take a picture if you go to a Packer game. That’s a given. (If you don’t already know, Lambeau Field is the Packers’ stadium.)
But, the best spot to take a photo in Lambeau Field is actually on its seasonal ice rink in front of the huge, colorfully lit Christmas tree.
Lambeau locals love posting friendly photos in front of this tree. So, you want to fit in with the locals, this is one of the best Wisconsin Instagram spots for you.
Did I miss any of the best spots in Wisconsin for Instagram pictures? Let me know in the comments below!
More Things To Do In Wisconsin
Top 10 Things To Do On Washington Island, Wisconsin, All Year Round (With Map)
6 Tops Waterfalls In Northern Wisconsin: Everything You Need To Know
Best Fall Drive In Wisconsin: Directions And Timing For A Fun Fall Day Trip
Bonus Travel Photography Tips
Best Budget Camera Gear For Travel Photography
25 Easy Poses For Travel Photos (With Examples)
15 Easy Beginner Tips To Elevate Your Travel Photography
Save This Post For Later
Tap any photo to save this post to Pinterest for later reference!
[…] if you need some up north Instagram picture inspiration, I have an entire guide to Wisconsin’s best Instagram spots to spark creativity, as well as travel photo tips for posing, beginner travel photography and the […]