Wisconsin ( The Badger State / America's Dairyland ) The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live." In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin's first European explorer. The French controlled the area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state. Wisconsin's natural beauty has made the state a favorite playground of the nation. Vacationers enjoy the state's clean lakes, rolling hills, quiet valleys, deep forests and cool, pine-scented breezes. The winters are ideal for skating, skiing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. Many communities stage curling matches during the winter and others hold snowmobile derbies. Many annual events celebrate the state's rich ethnic heritage and diversity. With the nickname "America's Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is first in the country in the production of milk, cheese, and butter. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green Bay Packers football team call themselves "cheeseheads." Milwaukee, the state's largest city, helps make Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in the nation. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Wisconsin include: Willem Dafoe, Heather Graham, Frank Lloyd Wright, Orson Welles, The Flag of Wisconsin Entered the Union in 1848 as the 30th State; flag adopted in 1913, modified in 1981. Various symbols of agriculture, mining, shipping, and industry are found in the coast of arms of Wisconsin. The badger over the shield is a reference to the State nickname.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Milwaukee, 596,974; Madison, 208,054; Green Bay, 102,313; Kenosha, 90,352; Racine, 81,855; Appleton, 70,087; Waukesha, 64,825; Oshkosh, 62,916; Eau Claire, 61,704; West Allis, 61,254   Business and Trade in Wisconsin Agriculture: Cheese, dairy products, cattle, hogs, vegetables, corn, cranberries. Industries: Cheese, dairy products, cattle, hogs, vegetables, corn, cranberries. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Robin Flower: Wood Violet (viola papilionacea) Tree: Sugar Maple (acer saccharum) Song(s): On Wisconsin Motto: Forward Wisconsin Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Saint Croix National Scenic River - Saint Croix Falls • Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Ashland • Leopold Wetland Management District - Portage • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Bayfield • Fox River National Wildlife Refuge - Marquette County

Capital: Madison     Local Weather  Statehood: 1848-05-29  Population: 5,363,675 (98.8 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 65,497.82     Water 11,187.72     Land 54,310.10     Rank 25th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Wisconsin, there are 2,321,144 housing units, averaging to 42.7 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Wisconsin Sportsman     Badger Nation Magazine     Farm & Ranch Living     Milwaukee Magazine     Milwaukee Business Journal   Posters and Artwork University Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Empty Road Passing through a Forest, Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Canoe with Paddle, Lake Shore, Wisconsin Art Print 19" x 27" • Sunset, Castle Rock Lake, Wisconsin, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Holstein Cows on Farm, Belleville, Wisconsin Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Photographic Print 48" x 36"