What is Wisconsin known for

Wisconsin is known for many things, among them its lakes and rich history. The state was home to the first-ever ice cream sundae, which was served at Two Rivers in 1881. Marathon County in Wisconsin produces almost all the ginseng that is grown in the United States, and up to 10 percent of the world’s total supply. There’s even an international festival every September that is dedicated to this. Impressed? Here are some other good and bad things that Wisconsin is known for.

Cheese

Welcome to Cheese country! Wisconsin is referred to as America’s Dairyland thanks to its status as the top producer of dairy products. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when European settlers who arrived in Wisconsin reared dairy cows and made cheese products. Wisconsin surpassed New York as the leading producer of cheese in 1910 and has maintained the position ever since. Today, there are more than 1,500 cheese factories in the state.

Serial killers

While we’d like to skip this one, it’s a real fact that is identified with our state. Wisconsin has been home to the most notorious serial killers in the US. These include the likes of Walter Ellis (Milwaukee North Side Strangler), Jeffrey Dahmer (Milwaukee Cannibal), Ed Gein (Butcher of Plainfield), and David Spanbauer. Some popular Hollywood movies such as the Texas Chainsaw massacre were inspired by Wisconsin born serial killers.

Beer

Brewing has been an important part of Wisconsin’s culture for many decades. This tradition was started by German settlers who arrived here in the 19th century. It is no wonder that Milwaukee was known as the world’s beer capital for years (since it hosted many of the top breweries in the nation including Millers, Blitz, Schlitz, and Pabst). The state of Wisconsin still has numerous breweries and a variety of beer products that are sold in taverns and restaurants across the state.

Immensely cold winters

Wisconsin experiences some very cold winters with temperatures going all the way down to -48°C. The state also experiences massive snowfall during winter, sometimes averaging at 160 inches in the Lake Superior area and about 40 inches on average in the more southern parts of the state. Towards the end to winter, temperatures reach a record low in many parts of the state, leading to closure of schools and many businesses.

Lakes

Minnesota is known to boast about its many lakes. In fact, the state’s motto is ‘Land of 10,000 lakes’. But Wisconsin actually has more lakes at over 15,000. More than a fifth of the state’s land is located along the great lakes basin, hosting more than half of Wisconsin’s population. These lakes have been important source water and have fueled economic growth in the state for years.

Green Bay Packers

ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers jogs across the field during Green Bay Packers Training Camp at Ray Nitschke Field on August 19, 2020 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

One of the oldest franchises in the history of the NFL has its roots in Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers is an American football team that is based at Green Bay. Established in 1919, this team has been a major contributor to the sport. It was recently ranked by Forbes as being among the world’s most valuable sport franchises with a value of more than $2.35 billion.

Another interesting fact about Wisconsin is that the state shaped the modern music landscape. Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp, two innovators from the state, invented the lap steel guitar configuration that become so popular today.

Long-Term Care

By 2040, 18 counties in Wisconsin are projected to have at least 33% of their total population ages 65 and older. Three of these counties are estimated to reach 40%.

Those afflicted by dementia almost always require specialized long-term care and memory care. The cost of long-term care varies by state but can be quite costly in any state. Find out the average cost of long-term care in Wisconsin here.

7 US States with the best education system

The desire for a good education is a constant thing among American families. Whether you are looking for the best high school options or weighing options for college, it is important to know where the best schools are. In fact, a great school system is a great selling point for homes in local markets. In this blog post, we look at the top 7 US states with the best education systems.

1. Massachusetts

Studies after study have proved that Massachusetts is the number one state for education in the United States. This state is home to some of the nation’s best schools, including Harvard and the MIT. Massachusetts records an incredibly impressive high school graduation rate of 87.5 percent, a public school expending of $14,569 per pupil, and the highest percentage of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree (42.7%).

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is home to Princeton University, New Jersey Institute of technology, Rutgers University, and some other top colleges. The states ranks pretty well on national education chats, featuring a high school graduation rate of 90.1 percent (which is the second highest in the country). The state also has a very competent per-pupil public school expenditure of over $16,000, and the fourth highest proportion of adults with a minimum educational training of bachelor’s degree. Nearly 5% of the state’s taxable resources are committed to education, which shows the kind of seriousness New Jersey has when it comes to education.

3. Vermont

Vermont spends more than $20,000 per pupil in its public school system, which is the highest in the country. The high school graduation proportion in this state stands at 87.7%, while more than 36 percent have a minimum qualification of bachelor’s degree. Some of the more notable colleges in Vermont include Vermont Technical College, Middlebury College, Norwich University, and Champlain College.

4. New Hampshire

New Hampshire is the fourth national performer when it comes to a good education system. The highest school graduation percentage in the Granite State stands at 88.2%. The amount spent per student in public schools is $15,719, and more than 36% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher education qualifications. Part of this success could be attributed to the fact that New Hampshire has the country’s lowest poverty rate (which stands at 7.3 percent).

5. Connecticut

Connecticut performs very well on many markers of a good education system. The high school graduation rate in this state stands at 87.4%, and more than 38% of adults in the state have a bachelor’s degree or higher academic qualifications. Connecticut pends an average of $17,283 for each student in its public school system, which is the fifth highest in the country.

6. Maryland

Maryland – the Old Line State – unsurprisingly has one of the best education systems in the United States. This can be attributed to its high performing public schools, and the state’s investment in educational programs and facilities. The high school graduation percentage here stands at 87.6, while the per-student expenditure in public school is a little over $13,000. More than 39% of adults in Maryland have a minimum bachelor’s degree qualification – the highest in the country.

7. Wyoming

Wyoming is known for many things – among them the fact that it was the first state in the country to give women a right to vote. This early progressive culture could perhaps be attributed to the state’s well-performing education system in modern times. Wyoming made a hefty investment in its public school system. Its per-student expenditure of $17,700 was the fourth highest in the nation. The state has decent high school graduation rate of 80 percent, with at least 27% of adults possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.

Other states that make it to the 10 with the best education systems include Pennsylvania, New York, and Minnesota. Our beloved state of Wisconsin appeared at position 13 (nationwide) based on the latest ranking. This was a pretty stellar performance given that it was the state had the second best school system in the Midwest after Minnesota.

Colleges in the Great State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to some 88 colleges and universities. Ambitious college students have many options when it comes to colleges in Wisconsin. It all depends on the ultimate goal the student has in mind. When choosing the best college in Wisconsin, the data can help. Many respected educational enterprises on the internet provide that information. Inspired by that spirit, this is the list of the top-ranked colleges in Wisconsin.

Best Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has no shortage of private and public four-year schools for aspiring students. If you were one of those students, the key is to choose the college that meet your needs.

The University of Wisconsin system is highly-rated around the world. Serving 180,000 students who find great value in a 4-year degree. Studies show that educated students stand a greater chance for employment than others. Furthermore, companies hire educated students as a way to cut training expenses. With that in mind, it’s most wise to select a 4-year program to advance your career.

The Best Colleges in Wisconsin

Here’s a list of the best colleges in Wisconsin:

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Founded in 1848, UW-Madison is the oldest and largest university in Wisconsin. Around 30,000 undergraduate Badgers attend the 20 schools and colleges there. Furthermore, the university spends $1.2 every year on various research projects. Among the graduates of the university:

  • Tim Keck and Christopher Johnson, Co-founders of The Onion, a media company.
  • Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day.
  • John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club.
  • Eudora Welty, Pulitzer Winner.

The researchers from the university discovered vitamins in the 1910s. Furthermore, the UW-University was the first to cultivate embryonic stem cells. In the 2010s, a team of researchers from the university unearthed a human species.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Every year, Wisconsin-La Crosse hosts around 10,000 undergraduate students. The university sponsors creative research programs, including the First-Year Research Exposure. A program dedicated to students of colors so they can take part in collegiate research. Furthermore, they can be the receivers of free academic sponsorship. Not to mention, exploring several STEM career options.

UW-La Crosse provides up to 100 undergraduate programs. The school boasts a popular exercise and sports science program. Students can choose their preferred track from many tracks. The programs include:

  • Coaching competitive programs.
  • Sports management.
  • Physical education.
  • Among the most popular programs that UW La Crosse provide are dual degrees in:
  • Biology/physical therapy.
  • Computer science/software engineering.
  • Chemistry/engineering.

Other minor and short programs are available. Remote students can use the Desire2Learn platform.

Bellin College

Bellin College is one of the best healthcare colleges in Wisconsin. Founded in 1090, it’s a non-profit institution. The campus embraces a state-acclaimed Health Sciences Resource Center, offering many simulation programs. This center employs the finest technology to perform several suits including:

  • Surgery.
  • Birthing.
  • Radiology labs.
  • Emergency and intensive care.

Furthermore, Bellin offers top-notch medical imaging and nursing educational programs.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Wisconsin-Eau Claire serves as a platform for several astonishing academic facilities:

  • Materials Science Center.
  • Speech Pathology Lab.
  • Adventure Center.

Almost half of the students take part in more than 20 club sports. Hence, UW-Eau Claire is a dynamic, active university.

Aspiring students can choose from 80 majors and minors, including:

  • Business administration.
  • Journalism.
  • Human performance.
  • Not to mention, a vibrant music department with programs in:
  • Composition.
  • Instrumental.
  • General music teaching.

It is the best college in Wisconsin for the musically-inclined student.

Furthermore, UW-Eau Claire offers fantastic science programs in geomaterials and nanomaterials.

Some Underrated Wisconsin Schools

Marquette University

Located on an iconic campus in Milwaukee, Marquette’s strength is service. The majority of the student body engage in service projects. Many students join and complete service learning programs with community partners each semester. Marquette respects academic rigor.

The Center for Peacemaking in Marquette seeks to promote peace and shun violence. It does that through local and global partnerships.

Most prominent among Catholic Wisconsin colleges, Marquette offers 80 undergraduate majors. The university offers joint and dual degrees in physics and electrical engineering. Furthermore, offer excellent programs in dentistry, law, and medicine.

Beloit College

Beloit College is one of the oldest colleges in Wisconsin. It offers a flexible curriculum unlike any other college in Wisconsin. Its 1,300 students come from all over the US and the world. Around 40 percent of the students are from minority groups or foreign countries.

Professors are not only for teachings but also for mentoring and guidance. Most of the faculty members carry a Ph.D. or higher. The college offers 50 majors, 30 minors, and dual-degree programs. The learning experience in Beloit College is demanding but rewarding. All Beloiters go through a “Liberal Arts in Practice” (LAP) before they can graduate. The university provides live training through internships, fieldwork, and community projects.

The tree-covered campus embraces 28 buildings. Four of them are on the list of the National or State Register of Historic Places. Spacious pathways, extended lawns, public art, and ancient Indian mounds adorn the campus.

Lawrence University

Lawrence is a music and arts university. It teaches students to apply what they learn in the real-world with Engaged Learning. What makes it one of the best colleges in Wisconsin is the small student-to-faculty ration. A 400-acre estate, Bjorklunden graces the campus where students can attend seminars.

On average, the university has 1,500 students studying 30 undergraduate degrees. Lawrence is home to a world-famous music conservatory which focuses on music studies:

  • Bachelor of music degree.
  • A five-year BA and BA in music degree.
  • Bachelor of Arts in music.

Furthermore, new students enroll in a Freshman Studies course. A program designed to teach them the basics educational success.