You will find some of the world’s best golf courses that played hosts to several top notch professional tournaments along the shores of Lake Michigan. In fact, Golf Digest recently released its ranking of the best states for public golf, and Wisconsin claimed the coveted top spot. This recognition sheds light on the state's exceptional public golf courses, which locals have long appreciated.

The ranking was bolstered by Wisconsin's impressive lineup of courses, with notable mentions including the Straits Course at Whistling Straits, ranked fourth among America's 100 greatest public courses, alongside Erin Hills at No. 10, Sand Valley Course at Sand Valley Golf Resort at No. 17, and seven other Wisconsin courses securing positions within the top 100.

This achievement propelled Wisconsin ahead of formidable contenders like California and Michigan, which tied for second place. Drew Powell, writing for Golf Digest, highlighted Wisconsin's commitment to outstanding public-access courses, noting the state's relative scarcity of elite private clubs compared to others. California, on the other hand, emerged as the top state when considering both private and public golf options.

However, when it comes to strictly public courses, Wisconsin reigns supreme. The Straits Course at Whistling Straits, renowned for its transformation of a former army air base into a challenging links-style course, stood out among the top-ranked courses. With its rugged fairways, windswept greens, and over 1,000 bunkers, the Straits Course has hosted prestigious events such as the PGA Championships, the U.S. Senior Open, and the Ryder Cup.

Erin Hills, another Wisconsin gem, garnered praise for its natural, lay-of-the-land layout designed to showcase Mother Nature's brilliance. While initially conceived as an affordable course, Erin Hills evolved to meet the standards of hosting major tournaments, culminating in its successful hosting of the U.S. Open in 2017, marking a historic moment for golf in Wisconsin.

It is, however, not all golf as you will revel in bright lights of the city of Milwaukee. The fifth-largest city in the Midwest is known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley’s. Nearby is the Milwaukee Museum with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee.