By Sam Seddon

Milwaukee

Like many of America’s industrial towns, Milwaukee is steeped in it’s 19^th Century heavy manufacturing. A large steel industry, naturally, leads to a rather jagged skyline. However, even in this industrial hub the beauty of nature can prevail. I experienced this fascinating city over summer; this is where Wisconsin turns to paradise. The sunset and sunrise are equally beautiful, and this is what can transform Milwaukee from a grimy, manufacturing city to a beautiful display of nature. I experienced this on the way back from a baseball game, watching the Minor League Milkmen trounce to another victory already made the night worth it, however the journey that ensued displayed the spectacular skyline and the serenity nature can provide. We drove through and around the city for the best part of an hour, the traffic hemmed us in, but it was all made worth it through enjoying nature’s superpower. The ability to transform literally anything into a picturesque scene. Whilst it is not as natural as Lake Lac Labelle or the shores of Lake Michigan, even a manufacturing powerhouse like Milwaukee still has room for the beauty of nature. 

Madison:

The state capital is the middle rung on this ladder, whilst it still provides an urban skyline it is broken up by nature, providing a completely unique landscape, one that is far different from Milwaukee. In particular, the area surrounding the Capital Building is a wonderful mix of nature and man. The undulating streets are lined with trees providing a shield to the relentless Wisconsin heat and the state capital is littered with parks. Whilst I have not experienced a similar magical sunset in Madison, I have had the joy of travelling round the city. The central, modern areas provide their own sense of beauty and the integration of nature into the urban area provides space for the chatty residents to grab lunch, another wonderful touch to this serene city. Madison provides a wonderful stepping stone to the great outdoors of Wisconsin whilst still providing certain urban aspects that are not seen in the Lake Country. 

Oconomowoc (Lake Country)

The lake country is where I have stayed every time I have been to Wisconsin, and there is good reason. The lake house we rent provides access to the water and allows us to enjoy the pleasures rural Wisconsin offers. The pontoon facilitates my sister’s fishing addiction; our family friends take us wake-surfing; it feels like a home away from home. But nature has so much to do with it. My Dad fell in love with Wisconsin the first time he visited and vowed to take us as a family to experience the same unfiltered, natural holiday. The sunsets here are magical, and only made better when you enjoy them from a boat in the middle of any of the wonderful lakes the Badger State has to offer. Once again the Lake Country provides a wonderful example of the beauty of nature wherever you are in the world, whether it be the Surrey Hills or the lakes of Wisconsin, the beauty of nature can prevail.