15. Wisconsin
This might be a difficult one for me, because I realized before I started that Wisconsin is the state it has been the longest time since I’ve been to.
If I recall correctly, the last time I went to the state I was 5 or 6 so we’re working with some hardcore memory. My last trip to Wisconsin was to Ashland along Lake Superior. I don’t remember much, but I do remember it was gorgeous.
Ashland, WI
Wait a minute! How silly of me, I actually went to the University of Wisconsin on a college tour. Well there goes my interesting intro. Please keep reading! I swear I will say something interesting even if this is starting off a little unfocused.
To me, despite not bordering the state, I feel a lot of similarities in the culture of Missouri and Wisconsin. They’re both similarly sized in area and population and have similar splits between urban and rural. And their dominant cities are also known for their beer! So because of that and my step-father being from there, I’ve always felt a kinship with the state. But, I think Wisconsin may be a little bit better. I feel like this might be sacrilege to say when I know my family is reading.
I feel like what makes Wisconsin more appealing to me than Missouri is just how natural everything feels. It’s very clean. Most cities are on rivers or lakes where you can actually swim or boat. And the north is so heavily forested and beautiful. Even though I didn’t end up going to the University of Wisconsin, Madison is so cool. There aren’t many cities that you can find on an isthmus (except for arguably another city I’ll mention later), so it’s so fascinating being on the water no matter where you go.
Beer Cheese Soup
But the real reason Wisconsin is this high… that’s right it’s the cheese. Maybe they don’t produce the most cheese anymore, but they do make the best cheese. I think I would have some major problems if I lived in the state from all the cheese curds I would eat. Only Wisconsin could come up with something as diabolical as beer cheese soup. I swear it’s good, I’m not crazy!
Like I said in my Michigan ranking, I think a trip to the Upper Midwest is coming soon for me. And I think I’ll feel very justified in my Wisconsin placement and prove the memory of 6-year old Autumn right.
