Wisconsin
8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin This Summer
Wisconsin is a charming state brimming with natural attractions to explore across all seasons. Blessed by the elegant shores of Lake Michigan alongside other series of lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife, the outdoor scenery in Wisconsin is as pretty as it comes. While the state is renowned for its chilly winters, it becomes a dazzling world of beauty and adventures in summer, as the lakes unfreeze and the land is kissed by the sun. From the irresistible shores of Lake Geneva with its thrilling water sports to the Swiss appeal of New Glarus, step into these eight lovely towns in Wisconsin this summer and have a blast!
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a lovely small town in Door County that promises a sensational summer experience. Typical of Door County towns, the shores of Lake Michigan are always a draw, and Sister Bay is one of the county’s finest waterfront communities. Hence, the town’s beach, boasting 1,900 feet of public waterfront, is a focal point for tourists during the sunny season, serving as a launch pad to kayak, paddle, boat, sail, and swim on the lake. Otherwise, visitors can bask under the sun, build sand castles, enjoy picnics, catch the sunset, and promenade the massive waterfront area. Sneak out from the beach to check out what the past looks like at Corner of the Past Museum and for art lovers, check out handcrafted works sourced locally and regionally at Earth Art Studio. Don’t forget to dine at the Waterfront Restaurant or Sister Bay Bowl and enjoy mouthwatering treats.
Ephraim
Ephraim is a small town with just below 300 residents; however, it has plenty to offer in summer. For starters, it is across Eagle Harbor, with scenic views of bluffs and the picturesque shoreline of Green Bay. The outdoors already looks enticing from its location, but it gets more sensational at Peninsula State Park, where one can spend the entire summer exploring. The park features 468 campsites, 150-foot bluffs, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, hiking/biking trails, a sand beach, a summer theatre, a nature center, a 76-foot observation tower, and an 18-hole golf course. Elsewhere, history buffs can immerse in the past with historic tours at the Ephraim Historical Society. Regarding dining, Ephraim offers great options like Old Post Office Restaurant with its waterfront views and Sip with its exotic and colorful culinary offers.
New Glarus
New Glarus is a small town in Green County famous for its nickname – the little Switzerland of America. True to its name, this town offers a taste of Switzerland, especially as it is home to the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which features 14 historic buildings filled with artifacts reflecting Swiss pioneer life. Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum and the Swiss Center of North America are more attractions in town dedicated to preserving and showcasing Swiss culture. Away from its Swiss heritage, New Glarus invites adventurers to the 435-acre New Glarus Woods State Park, featuring hiking/biking trails alongside campsites and picnic areas. The park also links to the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail, where adventurers can hike and bike across woods, farmlands, and rolling hills. If there’s time, New Glarus Bakery is a great place to stop by for fresh treats, while Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery offers delicious wine and great vineyard views.
Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake is a small village big on history and outdoor charms. A summer vacation here can start at the Elkhart Lake Historic Depot and Museum, where tourists can glimpse the town’s railroad past. The Henschel’s Indian Museum is another historic attraction in town, located in an archaeological site, housing a collection of Indian pottery, stone tools, copper implements, and other artifacts. For outdoor buffs, Fireman’s Park and Beach is the town’s only public beach and opens in summer. The beach features gorgeous sands, picnic tables, grills, and the charming waters of Elkhart Lake for dips and water sports. In addition, the all-season Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park is a must-visit outdoor attraction in town, with fishing, camping, and picnic areas alongside an 80-foot observation. After the exploration, visitors can always chill at Lake Street Café and enjoy palatable meals.
Hayward
Hayward is a unique town in Sawyer County, famed for its numerous surrounding lakes. However, it is more renowned for hosting the world’s largest muskellunge (aka muskie) sculpture at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. While the museum houses records of the world’s largest freshwater fish in the US, tourists can climb to the mouth of the 143-foot muskie sculpture to enjoy views of the town and Hayward Lake. Fishing enthusiasts can hop the many lakes outside the town, such as Round Lake, Sand Lake, Lake Namakagon, and Chippewa Flowage, to fish bass, muskie, crappie, and walleye, among others. Otherwise, recline back in town to enjoy Lake Hayward Public Beach by swimming, building sand castles, picnicking, and promenading. For animal lovers, Hayward offers the Wilderness Walk Zoo, home to lemurs, fawns, tigers, wolves, and bears. If there’s still time, head to Out of the Woods Winery to taste some of the finest wines in America.
Eagle River
Eagle River is a unique town renowned for its 28 connected lakes between Eagle River and Three Lakes. The 28 chains of lakes make up the world’s largest inland lake network, so a summer vacation in this town will surely include a lot of water adventures, although there’s more. Once here, Eagle Lake County Park and Beach is a great spot to begin an adventure as it offers scenic lake views, birdwatching opportunities, picnic pavilions, a swimming pier, and a beach. Silver Lake Park is an alternative just outside the town, featuring picnic stands, a beach, and a playground. Away from the numerous lakes, history enthusiasts can learn about the town’s railroad history at the Eagle River Depot Museum. For ardent hikers, hit the 12-mile Anvil Lake Trail or the mile-long Franklin Nature Trail for sightseeing and birdwatching. When it’s time to wine and dine, head to Andy’s Pontoon Saloon or Braywood.
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is an inviting town in the bay of the same name that promises a sensational waterfront summer experience. Once here, visitors can head to the captivating Cave Point County Park to hike to magnificent dolomite cliffs overlooking the charming Lake Michigan. Next, step down from the cliffs and join kayakers on the lake to discover underwater caves. Proceed with more adventures at Sunset Park, featuring an 18-acre lake, a swimming beach, a short trail, sports areas, and mesmerizing sunset views. Mix the experience with a little history at the Door County Maritime Museum which educates the public about the region’s maritime roots. Meanwhile, Sonny’s Pizzeria and Nightingale Super Club are great spots to stop by for world-class dining, while the Third Avenue Playhouse hosts exciting shows.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a charming town in Walworth County with so much to offer year-round. In summer, the town is especially exciting as the waters of Geneva Lake offer endless opportunities for cruising, boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visitors are also invited to recline at Riviera Beach to sunbathe, build sand castles, play, catch the sunset, and swim in the water. Head to Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures for some thrills to tour nine ziplines, five sky bridges, and four spiral staircases. History buffs can head to the Geneva Lake Museum to see Potawatomi Indian artifacts, Geneva Hotel artifacts, and other historic exhibits about the area. Before the end of the vacation, grab a souvenir from Trader’s Jack Gift Shop and White River Gifts to remind you of the town’s amazing features.
There are tons of reasons why towns like these have continued to top the list of summer travelers. With their irresistible natural and man-made charms, they offer a thing or two for every kind of visitor. From history buffs to foodies, adventurers, and laid-back visitors, everybody in these towns will have something to appreciate. Plus, each town is beside one or more water bodies, and there’s no better place to be in the middle of summer than near plenty of H2O. Visit these towns today and create memories while the summer lasts.
Manuel Franco claims his $768 million Powerball jackpot
Manuel Franco, 24, of West Allis was revealed Tuesday as the winner of the $768.4 million Powerball jackpot.
Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 24, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 24 drawing
13-14-16-21-38, Powerball: 14, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 24 drawing
Midday: 1-3-4
Evening: 7-7-3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 24 drawing
Midday: 4-2-3-3
Evening: 1-5-4-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning All or Nothing numbers from June 24 drawing
Midday: 02-07-08-09-12-13-14-16-18-19-20
Evening: 02-03-04-05-09-16-17-18-19-21-22
Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Badger 5 numbers from June 24 drawing
06-22-24-27-31
Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning SuperCash numbers from June 24 drawing
09-17-27-29-31-38, Doubler: N
Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks numbers from June 24 drawing
01-08-12-24-26-27
Check Megabucks payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
- Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
- Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.
Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?
No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.
When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
- Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **
WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield shares his biggest spring takeaway
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield shared his biggest takeaway from the spring following the Badgers’ four-set win over Northern Illinois.
MADISON – Kelly Sheffield has coached All-Americans, national players of the year, national champions and future Olympians in his 13 years as Wisconsin volleyball coach.
So Sheffield’s unique praise of Decelise Champion – a star pin-hitter from Puerto Rico who committed to the Badgers last fall – carries a lot of weight.
“Her highest-end potential is certainly as high as about anybody we’ve ever brought in,” Sheffield said. “She’s got a lot of work to get to where she’s capable of, and that’s on us as coaches and on her to help reach those dreams and goals. But when you’re watching people around her age, she’s different.”
That work is beginning earlier than initially expected after Wisconsin announced that Champion will reclassify from the 2027 recruiting class and join the Badgers as a freshman for the 2026 season.
Champion – currently 16 years old and turning 17 in September – will arrive with a resume that includes experience on Puerto Rico’s senior national team and the elite Italian club Volleyro Casal de Pazzi. That’s all while being strong enough academically to earn a GED degree and the necessary NCAA waiver for a few missing core classes.
“What made it really a lot better is that all of her grades at the different schools she’s been at have been fantastic,” Sheffield said. “She’s an excellent student. Was crushing it at a really, really good academic school in Italy in her third language.”
The timing of the June 12 announcement accounted for the second-last open roster spot for the 2026 season, but Champion and UW’s efforts to make the reclassification possible go back much earlier than that.
“We’ve known she’s wanted to do this since February,” Sheffield said. “We told our team in February that was the plan. And then we didn’t let anybody know publicly until she was done with her season. She just didn’t want to be a distraction for her team.”
Badgers have even more competition at pins
Wisconsin already had plenty of competition at the pin-hitting positions before Champion’s move to the 2026 class.
Grace Egan had a major role on the 2025 Final Four team, and Eva Travis had an impressive spring after transferring from UC-Santa Barbara. Others include Grace Lopez, Madison Quest and the highly-touted freshman duo of Halle Thompson and Audrey Flanagan.
Even with the upcoming addition of one more pin-hitter – and one with such a high potential – UW did not lose any players in the spring transfer portal cycle. Even the idea of someone leaving seemed outlandish to Sheffield.
“If they’re just going to get up and leave because somebody came, I would say that that person is probably chicken s—,” Sheffield said.
Sheffield’s praise of Champion’s proposal obviously does not come with a guarantee of playing time either at the crowded pin-hitting positions.
“I would say, yeah, she does have a chance of being out on the court for us this year,” Sheffield said. “But we’ve also got some other really talented people that play the pins.”
The outside and right-side hitters already on UW’s spring roster will have at least one key advantage over Champion in her freshman season – time.
Egan, Lopez and Quest are returning players (although Egan and Lopez spent their spring recovering from injuries). Travis, Thompson and Flanagan all enrolled in time to spend the spring with the Badgers and impressed in UW’s spring matches.
Champion’s arrival, on the other hand, will follow her participation in an Olympic-qualifying event for Puerto Rico. Sheffield expects that to be Sept. 2, which is the day before fall classes begin and already after UW’s first four matches of the season.
“She’ll be drinking out of a fire hose early on, no doubt about it,” Sheffield said. “Even though she’s been playing with her senior national team this summer, it will be a lot of things coming at her in her secondary language at 16, so there’ll need to be some patience along the way.”
His advice to Champion when she was on campus earlier in June was to “be where your feet are.”
“When she’s with her national team – even though we will have started our preseason, playing matches – don’t worry about us here,” Sheffield said. “Be where your feet are. Be the best you can be for your team there. … Then when you get here, you’re not thinking about your national team.”
Champion’s NCAA eligibility clock starts earlier
Champion’s reclassification comes with the drawback of beginning her NCAA eligibility one year earlier in her volleyball career.
Had she stayed in the 2027 recruiting class, she theoretically would have begun her college career shortly before her 18th birthday and exhausted her eligibility at age 22. Instead, she will begin her college career shortly before her 17th birthday and likely exhaust her eligibility at age 21.
Those scenarios take into account the NCAA Division I Cabinet’s unanimous approval on June 23 of a new eligibility model that will give players five seasons of eligibility in five years. (That replaces the current system with four seasons, redshirts and other waivers.) The NCAA noted that its decision is not final, however, until the meeting concludes on June 24.
“We’re certainly excited to have her this year, but if you kind of think over the course of five years, it’s probably worse for us that she comes a year early,” Sheffield said. “You expect her to be better at 20 and 21 than what she is at 16 or 17. … It really wasn’t something that we were pushing for, but she was ready.”
Of course, volleyball at age 16 or 17 looks different for someone like Champion who has been competing against much older players as a senior national team member and studying halfway across the world from her hometown of Dorado, Puerto Rico.
“When you talk to her, she doesn’t come across as somebody who’s 16,” Sheffield said. “She’s very mature, very easy to talk to, very driven. She’s independent. … She’s had a lot more life experience than most people her age, and that certainly comes across when you’re around her.”
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Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for June 24, 2026
