Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks #22 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 50.4. Brookfield is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 72.9.
- Wisconsin, all states
- #22 of 50
- Population
- 41,273
Wisconsin for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Wisconsin ranks #22 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: 94.1) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (82/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (61/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brookfield | A+ | 72.9 | 71.8 | 76 | 97 | 41,273 |
| 2Menomonee Falls | A+ | 72.2 | 68.6 | 76 | 98 | 39,539 |
| 3Madison | A | 71.3 | 65.7 | 77 | 80 | 278,001 |
| 4New Berlin | A | 70.8 | 66.1 | 76 | 99 | 40,270 |
| 5Waukesha | A | 70.8 | 64.5 | 76 | 93 | 71,233 |
| 6Wauwatosa | A+ | 70.7 | 68.3 | 74 | 79 | 48,529 |
| 7Appleton | A | 70.3 | 63.0 | 81 | 88 | 75,023 |
| 8Greenfield | B+ | 68.4 | 62.8 | 74 | 84 | 37,345 |
| 9West Allis | B+ | 68.4 | 62.0 | 74 | 83 | 59,612 |
| 10Wausau | B+ | 68.1 | 61.8 | 73 | 85 | 39,996 |
| 11Eau Claire | B+ | 67.3 | 60.8 | 68 | 83 | 70,322 |
| 12Oshkosh | B+ | 65.6 | 60.4 | 67 | 81 | 66,729 |
| 13Sheboygan | B | 65.0 | 58.3 | 78 | 74 | 49,645 |
| 14Janesville | B+ | 64.1 | 61.6 | 59 | 88 | 66,030 |
| 15Kenosha | B | 63.5 | 56.9 | 77 | 81 | 99,372 |
| 16Fond du Lac | B | 62.8 | 56.5 | 80 | 68 | 44,494 |
| 17Green Bay | B | 62.7 | 56.8 | 80 | 70 | 106,253 |
| 18La Crosse | B | 62.4 | 57.2 | 76 | 54 | 51,356 |
| 19Racine | C+ | 61.4 | 53.2 | 76 | 71 | 77,633 |
| 20Milwaukee | D | 52.1 | 45.0 | 74 | 26 | 566,973 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Wisconsin for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Wisconsin ranks #22 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 50.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (82/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (24/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin?
Brookfield ranks #1 in Wisconsin for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 72.9/100, followed by Menomonee Falls and Madison.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.