Wisconsin Geography

Basic Facts

• Geographical Region: Midwest
• Size: 65503 sq.mi., 23rd rank overall.
• Admitted to Statehood: May 29, 1848
• Population: 5,654,774;20th rank overall.
• Capital: Madison
• Other Major City: Milwaukee
• Abbreviation: WI

Fun Facts

• Nickname: Badger State
• State Flag: Click Here (opens window to 50states.com)
• State Bird: Robin (opens window to 50states.com)
• State Flower: Wood Violet (opens window to 50states.com)

Geographical Description

• The Lake Superior Lowland borders Lake Superior covering the northern tip of the state.
• Below the Lake Superior Lowland, still in the north half of the state is the Northern Highland. This region boasts massive mixed hardwood and coniferous forests including the 1,500,000 acres Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, as well as thousands of glacial lakes, and the state's highest point, Timms Hill.
• Making up much of the central portion of the state is the Central Plain. Rich farmlands characterize this region along with many sandstone formations like the Dells of the Wisconsin River.
• The southwestern area is occupied by the Western Upland. This rugged landscape features a mix of forest and farmland, including many bluffs on the Mississippi River. This area is part of the Driftless region.
• The southeastern section is called the Eastern Ridges and Lowland. Many of Wisconsin's largest cities are located here.

Map: Relief Map of WI

Industry

Machinery, lumber, food processing, paper products, electric equipment, fabricated metal products, vehicles and transportation equipment, medical instruments, traditional brewing, tourism

Agriculture

cheese, hay, oats, dairy products, cattle, hogs, vegetables, fruits, corn, cranberries.

Other Information

Fun Facts:

• Wisconsin contains 7,446 streams and rivers. If you were to stretch them out, they would be 26,767 miles which is enough to circle the globe at the equator.
• Fox River is home to the first hydroelectric plant in the United States constructed in 1882.
• Wisconsin produces the most milk in the United States.
• The falls in Niagara has the same geological feature as Niagara Falls, New York
• Wisconsin legislature in 1878 approved the creation of a state park in Vilas County that was ultimately unsuccessful. The state sold two-thirds of area land to lumber interest for $8 an acre in 1897.

More Fun Facts: http://www.50states.com/facts/wisconsin.htm