So you’re ready to pop the question. You know, that question. I have to admit, I’ve always felt a certain kind of sympathy for those saddled with the daunting task of proposing. I know it’s supposed to be magical and whatnot but for me, well, my anxiety kicks in real quick anytime the subject arises.
So here’s what I’m proposing: Pick a spot so enchanting, that even if you ask “Will you marry me?” in Pig Latin*, he or she will be so lost in the utopia that is your romantic surroundings that you’ll get a resounding “Yes!”. Brilliant, I know. You are welcome 🙂 Here are just 11 unforgettably romantic places in Wisconsin worthy of being on your shortlist of marriage proposal locales:
- Lost Creek Falls (Cornucopia)
Lost Creek Falls | Photo by Danielle Kannenberg
There are quite a few waterfalls in Wisconsin and truth be told, any of them would make for a wonderful spot to propose to the one you love. I picked Lost Creek Falls though because this one is both stunning and remote. Seclusion comes with a price though: It can be a tad tricky to find so plan early!
- Apostle Islands (Bayfield)
Apostle Islands | Photo by Madeline Island School of the Arts
Mystic sea caves, wistful lighthouses, lovely beaches—Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore comprises 21 islands in Lake Superior and plenty of dreamy options to get down on one knee. Stay for a few days…there’s a lot to see here!
- Danzinger Vineyard (Alma)
Danzinger Vineyard | Photo by @rrivers421, Instagram
Fact: wineries = romance. And when it comes to wineries, Wisconsin delivers. With more than 80 of them scattered across the state, there is something for every couple. One of my favorites is Danzinger Vineyard in Alma, which overlooks the Mighty Mississippi in Buffalo County. You might also consider heading to Buena Vista Park for hiking, picnicking and another stunning view of the Mississippi River.
- Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo)
Mirror Lake State Park | Photo by Ernest Heiniger
Truthfully, the Baraboo area is chockfull of proposal-worthy hot spots. There’s Devil’s Lake State Park, Pewit’s Nest Gorge, Parfrey’s Glen and Baraboo Bluff Winery, just to name a few. What I love about Mirror Lake though is exactly what its name implies: the lake’s stunningly calm and glassy-smooth surface looks like it was lifted straight out of the pages of a fairytale book. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage is also located within the park and available for public rental.
- Lake Geneva (Walworth County)
Lake Geneva | Photo by Greyspot Visuals
Curl up next to the one you love aboard a horse drawn carriage ride with Dan Patch Stables or embark on an autumn hot air balloon ride over south-central Wisconsin. My destination of choice? Lake Geneva, which has a lot to offer in the way of romantic itineraries. Experience the historic Baker House 1885, Ristorante Brissago at The Grand Geneva, Geneva Lake Shore Path and Yerkes Observatory.
- Washington Island (Washington)
Washington Island | Photo by Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop
Washington Island in Door County is often overlooked as a couple’s escape but it shouldn’t be. It is much more remote here than most of Door County. Plus, there are lavender fields. Swoon.
- Hotel Metro (Milwaukee)
Hotel Metro | Milwaukee
If you’re envisioning a more urban-chic proposal, consider Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee. This 1930s art deco-inspired building houses a restaurant, cocktail lounge and rooftop patio.
- Timm’s Hill (Wausau)
It is the highest natural point in all of Wisconsin after all. Wausau has much more to offer in the realm of romantic getaways though…consider a Granite Hill ski trip at Rib Mountain State Park followed by dinner for two at Wish or Christian’s Bistro.
- The Edgewater Ice Rink (Madison)
Edgewater Ice Rink | Photo by The Edgewater Madison
Another classic tradition for the starry-eyed, a wintertime proposal at the Edgewater Ice Rink in Madison is worth considering. The Plaza overlooks Lake Mendota – so dress warm!
- Cave Point County Park (Sturgeon Bay)
Cave Point County Park | Photo by Megan Yanz Photography
Cave Point features underwater caves, hiking trails, limestone cliffs and clear water along Lake Michigan. It is one of the most photographed parks in Wisconsin and for good reason—the perfect proposal spot for the outdoorsy, adventurous couple!
- Pope Conservancy Farm (Verona)
Pope Farm Conservancy | Photo by @jimprisching, Instagram
One word: Sunflowers. Think fields of endless golden flora. Plan accordingly though: These babies only bloom from late July through August.
I have plenty more ideas for you so find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram if you have questions. And, feel free to share your Wisconsin proposal pictures with me!
*I don’t recommend proposing in Pig Latin, for the record.
Mariah Haberman hosts the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
