Free Vector map of the state of Wisconsin, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Wisconsin, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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See also: detailed vector map of the state of Wisconsin

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Free Vector map of the state of Wisconsin, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Wisconsin, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Wisconsin, located in the north-central United States, is known for its diverse landscapes, abundant lakes, and rich agricultural heritage. The state is bordered by two of the Great Lakes and features a mix of rolling plains, dense forests, and urban centers. Below is a detailed geographic description of Wisconsin:


General Location

  • Region: Midwest, part of the Great Lakes region.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 44°30′N latitude and 89°30′W longitude.
  • Borders:
    • North: Minnesota and Michigan (via Lake Superior).
    • East: Michigan and Lake Michigan.
    • South: Illinois.
    • West: Minnesota and Iowa (via the Mississippi River).

Size and Area

  • Total Area: 65,498 square miles (23rd largest state).
  • Land Area: 54,310 square miles.
  • Water Area: 11,188 square miles, dominated by the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes.
  • Population: Approximately 5.9 million (as of 2023).

Major Geographic Features

1. Waterways

  • Great Lakes:
    • Lake Michigan: Forms Wisconsin’s eastern border, providing access to shipping, recreation, and fishing.
    • Lake Superior: Borders the northern tip, including the scenic Apostle Islands.
  • Major Rivers:
    • Mississippi River: Marks the western border, a vital waterway for transportation and recreation.
    • Wisconsin River: Flows through the state, from the North Woods to the Mississippi.
    • Fox River: A key river in eastern Wisconsin, flowing through Green Bay.
  • Inland Lakes:
    • Over 15,000 lakes, including Lake Winnebago, the largest entirely within the state.

2. Topography

  • Driftless Area:
    • Located in the southwestern part of the state, this region escaped glaciation during the Ice Age.
    • Features steep hills, deep valleys, and scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River.
  • Northern Highlands:
    • Includes forests, rolling hills, and the state’s highest point, Timm’s Hill (1,951 feet).
  • Central Plain:
    • A flat to gently rolling region, home to the Wisconsin Dells and sandstone formations.
  • Eastern Ridges and Lowlands:
    • Characterized by fertile farmland and the Niagara Escarpment, which runs near Lake Michigan.

Climate

  • Type: Humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa/Dfb).
  • Seasons:
    • Winters: Cold and snowy, especially in the north and near the Great Lakes.
    • Summers: Warm and humid, with average highs in the mid-70s°F to 80s°F.
    • Spring and Fall: Mild and marked by vibrant foliage.
  • Precipitation: Moderate and evenly distributed throughout the year.
  • Snowfall: Heaviest in the northern regions, with lake-effect snow near Lake Superior.

Natural Regions

  1. Northwoods:
    • Dense forests dominate this region, home to wildlife and recreational activities.
    • Popular for hunting, fishing, and camping.
  2. Wisconsin Dells:
    • Known for its striking sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River.
    • A major tourist destination with waterparks and natural beauty.
  3. Lake Michigan Shoreline:
    • Features sandy beaches, lighthouses, and vibrant towns like Milwaukee and Sheboygan.
  4. Door Peninsula:
    • A scenic region between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, known for its harbors, cherry orchards, and maritime culture.

Economic and Demographic Landscape

  • Population: Concentrated in the southeastern part of the state, particularly around Milwaukee and Madison.
  • Economy:
    • Agriculture: A leading producer of dairy products, especially cheese, earning it the nickname “America’s Dairyland.”
    • Manufacturing: Focused on machinery, paper products, and brewing.
    • Tourism: Attracts visitors to its lakes, forests, and cultural festivals.
    • Technology and Research: Growing sectors, particularly in Madison.
  • Diversity: Historically influenced by German, Scandinavian, and Polish immigrants, with growing Hispanic and African American populations.

Urban and Cultural Geography

  1. Major Cities:
    • Milwaukee:
      • Largest city, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
      • Known for breweries, Harley-Davidson, and cultural festivals.
    • Madison:
      • The state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin.
      • A vibrant college town with a strong emphasis on arts and sustainability.
    • Green Bay:
      • Located at the head of Green Bay, known for the Green Bay Packers and its industrial base.
    • Eau Claire:
      • A cultural and economic hub in the Chippewa Valley.
    • La Crosse:
      • Situated along the Mississippi River, offering stunning river views and outdoor activities.
  2. Cultural Highlights:
    • Festivals like Summerfest in Milwaukee and Oktoberfest in La Crosse.
    • Strong traditions of supper clubs and Friday fish fries.
    • Historic Native American heritage, with significant influence from tribes such as the Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe.

Transportation Geography

  1. Highways:
    • Interstate 90 and 94: Major east-west routes connecting Wisconsin to Minnesota and Illinois.
    • Interstate 43: Links Milwaukee to Green Bay.
    • U.S. Route 41: A primary north-south artery.
  2. Airports:
    • General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee: The largest airport in the state.
    • Regional airports in Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire.
  3. Ports:
    • Lake Michigan and Lake Superior ports handle shipping and ferries.
  4. Rail:
    • Amtrak services connect Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago.

Recreational and Natural Attractions

  1. National and State Parks:
    • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Known for sea caves, kayaking, and Lake Superior views.
    • Devil’s Lake State Park: Famous for its bluffs and hiking trails.
    • Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Highlights the glacial history of the state.
  2. Outdoor Activities:
    • Fishing, boating, and water sports on the Great Lakes and inland lakes.
    • Hunting and hiking in the Northwoods and Driftless Area.
    • Skiing and snowmobiling in winter.
  3. Cultural Sites:
    • Taliesin: Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece near Spring Green.
    • Milwaukee Art Museum: Renowned for its modern design and art collections.
  4. Festivals and Events:
    • EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: A world-famous air show.
    • Wisconsin State Fair: Celebrates the state’s agricultural heritage.

Historical Significance

  • Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe.
  • Became part of the U.S. in 1783 and a state in 1848.
  • Played a pivotal role in westward expansion and the development of the Midwest.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.

I have been working with vector cartography for over 25 years, including GPS, GIS, Adobe Illustrator and other professional cartographic software.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirill-shrayber-0b839325/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vectormapper

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