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Wisconsin
 
Travel America

Learn before you travel. This section of Fun Easy English focuses on facts and other cool stuff about your favorite U.S. state. This is great English reading practice. This page focuses on the state of Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin

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. The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live." The Wisconsin Territory was formed in 1836 and was admitted into the Union as the 30th state in 1848. With the nickname "America's Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese, and butter in the country. 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. The state capital, Madison, is home to the University of Wisconsin. The flower of the "Badger State" is the wood violet and the state bird is the robin.
Flag of WisconsinWisconsin State Flag


The Wisconsin state flag features the state coat of arms on both sides against a field of blue, with the the state name; "WISCONSIN" above and "1848" below (the year Wisconsin was admitted to the Union). The coat of arms, which includes the state motto, is also used on Wisconsin's state seal.
Source: State Symbols USA
 
The great seal of the state of WisconsinWisconsin State Facts

Picture: state seal of Wisconsin
State Capital Madison
Nickname Badger State / America's Dairyland
Motto Forward
Statehood May 29, 1848 (30th)
Origin of Name Based on an Indian word "Ouisconsin" believed to mean "grassy place" in the Chippewa tongue
Largest Cities Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine
Border States Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota
Area 54,314 sq.mi., 25th largest
State Bird Robin
State Flower Wood Violet (viola papilionacea)
State Tree Sugar Maple (acer saccharum)
State Song On Wisconsin
Map showing the location of WisconsinTravel and tourism site for Wisconsin - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.
Wisconsin Stories
 
Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture

Have you ever wanted to fly a plane?

If you want to learn about flying a plane, how to make one, or if you just enjoy being around airplanes, come to the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. You'll be able to see daredevils like the man on the airplane. A group of people interested in building their own airplanes started the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 and organized an air show. Over the years, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, helicopters and other types of planes.

At the AirVenture Show visitors can see planes up close -- an old plane like the Spirit of St. Louis (the first plane to fly with a solo pilot nonstop across the Atlantic), a Stealth fighter or maybe even the supersonic Concorde. If you want to learn about flying, check out the Young Eagles. The goal of the Young Eagles Pilot Program is to give 1 million people ages 8 to 17 a free introductory airplane ride. These rides are provided through the generosity of volunteer EAA pilots. If you'd like to be a pilot some day, you've found the right place!
 
The Wisconsin Dells

Have you ever heard of a dell?

The Wisconsin Dells are dramatic rock formations found along the Wisconsin River. They were shaped by strong currents of water from melting glaciers. About 500 million years ago, this area was a lot different than it looks today. It used to be covered by shallow seas. For about 80 million years the seas flowed back and forth over the land, leaving sand on the sea bottom. Over time, the sand kept building up until it rose above the seas. The huge sand formations that rose out of the water are the tall sandstone cliffs you see today in the Wisconsin Dells. These unique cliffs can be found in only three other areas in the world, Switzerland, Germany and parts of New York.

The Wisconsin Dells got their name from the French term "dalles." It means "slab-like rock." Some of the more distinctive rock formations are named for objects they resemble, such as Chimney Rock. During the 1800s, the Dells grew to be a popular tourist attraction in Wisconsin. Visitors still enjoy exploring the area's caves and arches.
 
Harley-Davidson: "Coming Home"

Have you ever seen someone ride a hog? No, not a pig, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle!

In 1903, this little one-room building was the birthplace of the world's most famous motorcycle company -- Harley-Davidson. On its 95th anniversary in 1998, more than 100,000 Harley-Davidson fans gathered in Milwaukee to celebrate. Many riders took part in five fund-raising rides, which left from Spokane, Washington; Riverside, California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and York, Pennsylvania. They left on June 3, 1998, and arrived in Milwaukee 10 days later. Along the way they held fundraising events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Harley-Davidson is the premier American-based manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles. In 1903 the company built only three motorcycles, but 10 years later, it built more than 12,000 a year. In 1995, Harley-Davidson built 105,104 motorcycles. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are also called "hogs." One possible explanation for this dates back to the 1920s when the Harley-Davidson factory had a racing team that brought their mascot with them to every race. Their mascot was a pig. So whenever the Harley-Davidson team came to a race people would say, "Here comes the Harley team and their hogs."
 
The Circus Parade (Circus World Museum)

Isn't the circus wagon in the photo beautiful? It dates from 1935 and it is part of the Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Every year in July more than 100 clowns, 1,000 musicians, 700 horses and lots of animals, including elephants and camels, take part in a re-creation of a circus street parade from the beginning of the 20th century. Before the days of radio and television, "Circus Day" was a time to escape the normal routine and enjoy the entertainment provided by the traveling performers.

The historic circus wagons have elaborate woodcarvings, mirrored surfaces, and colorful wheels. These wagons are brought on the Great Circus Train from the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, which has a collection of more than 150 wagons. At one time Wisconsin was known as the "Mother of Circuses," and was the home or winter quarters for more than 100 traveling tent shows.

Today, the parade route starts near the shores of Lake Michigan. It winds its way through the streets of downtown Milwaukee. But a few changes must be made along the route. The open metal gratings on Milwaukee's bridges have to be covered so the animals won't be afraid to cross. And the oxen refuse to step on manhole covers. Don't ask why. No one knows.
Source: Library of Congress
National Forests of Wisconsin

The following is a description of national forests in the state of Wisconsin. There are no national parks or monuments in this state. If you plan to visit or live in Wisconsin for awhile then you should definitely plan to visit some of these fantastic places.
 
National Forests
Chequamegon-Nicolet

There are 2,020 lakes, 440 spring ponds, and 347,000 acres (140,000 ha) of wetlands in this National Forest. There are also 493 mi (793 km) of non-motorized trails, 292 mi (470 km) of motorized trails, and 9,000 mi (14,000 km) of roads alongside five wilderness areas.
 
Travel America
 
 
 
Cool America
About the U.S.A.

About the U.S.A. is an American Studies reader that examines the customs, government, and history of the United States of America. The text provides a wealth of information on U.S. geography and history; the roles of local, state, and federal government; national holidays and symbols; the Constitution; and citizenship. The book, which was written for intermediate to advanced learners of English, contains a range of activities for language students to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (opens to a new PDF window) Great English reading practice.
About America

Learn about the fascinating history and government of the United States of America. Lessons include content on American Government, American History, and Integrated Civics. Handouts with interactive games and student-centered activities encompass all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Great English reading practice for beginning to intermediate students.
American Teens Talk!

Americans Teens Talk! is a collection of interviews of American high school students. Each interview is accompanied by vocabulary notes and discussion questions. The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture. These interviews come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading
Sing Out Loud Children's Songs

Sing Out Loud Children's Songs includes popular children's songs in the U.S.A. Posters accompany the individual Sing Out Loud Children's Songs. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs

The Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs collection contains 13 traditional American folk songs and song lyrics. Listen to the songs online, read the lyrics, and collect the posters that accompany the songs. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Sing Out Loud American Rhythms

Do you love music? Want to use it to learn English? Check out the hip-hop inspired song "Peace" from Sing Out Loud American Rhythms. American Rhythms includes a variety of musical genres from many different artists in the U.S.A. These songs will appeal to teens and young adults. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Route 66 - Famous American Road

U.S. Route 66 (US 66 or Route 66), also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). It was recognized in popular culture by both the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and the Route 66 television show in the 1960s.
Route 66: The Highway That's the Best
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Chicago: The Start of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Going West for Decades on Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Arizona: The Spirit of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Route 66 California: The End of the Trail
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Ten Must-See Route 66 Attractions
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Four Famous Foods On Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
International Tourists Drawn to Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
 
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