Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Wisconsin
Wisconsin for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Wisconsin ranks #24 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a mixed outdoor profile. The outdoor access score of 24/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 5.8% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Wisconsin's environment score of 41/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 37) is moderate, though environmental policy could be stronger. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 93) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (67/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (51/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # | City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Overall | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Menomonee Falls | A+ | 51.8 | 64.1 | 24 | 41 | 95 | 38,963 |
| 2 | Brookfield | A+ | 51.6 | 65.7 | 24 | 41 | 93 | 41,592 |
| 3 | New Berlin | A | 50.8 | 61.8 | 24 | 41 | 96 | 40,384 |
| 4 | Eau Claire | B+ | 50.4 | 58.2 | 24 | 41 | 84 | 70,469 |
| 5 | Waukesha | B+ | 49.8 | 58.4 | 24 | 41 | 90 | 70,452 |
| 6 | Wauwatosa | A | 49.4 | 60.9 | 24 | 41 | 78 | 47,718 |
| 7 | Madison | B+ | 49.4 | 59.1 | 24 | 41 | 71 | 280,307 |
| 8 | Appleton | B+ | 48.3 | 57.1 | 24 | 41 | 79 | 75,861 |
| 9 | Wausau | B | 47.2 | 55.8 | 24 | 41 | 72 | 39,893 |
| 10 | Greenfield | B | 47.0 | 56.0 | 24 | 41 | 77 | 37,361 |
| 11 | Janesville | B | 47.0 | 55.9 | 24 | 41 | 82 | 66,113 |
| 12 | Oshkosh | B | 47.0 | 54.7 | 24 | 41 | 79 | 66,184 |
| 13 | Sheboygan | B | 46.6 | 54.3 | 24 | 41 | 76 | 49,812 |
| 14 | West Allis | B | 46.3 | 55.0 | 24 | 41 | 70 | 59,588 |
| 15 | La Crosse | C+ | 45.2 | 52.1 | 24 | 41 | 69 | 51,791 |
| 16 | Fond du Lac | C+ | 45.1 | 52.6 | 24 | 41 | 73 | 44,491 |
| 17 | Green Bay | C+ | 45.0 | 52.9 | 24 | 41 | 71 | 105,734 |
| 18 | Kenosha | C+ | 45.0 | 52.6 | 24 | 41 | 75 | 98,210 |
| 19 | Racine | C | 43.3 | 48.2 | 24 | 41 | 70 | 76,608 |
| 20 | Milwaukee | D | 36.3 | 39.5 | 24 | 41 | 23 | 561,369 |