It’s the final month of 2022, and we’re recapping the best stories from the past year: everything from politics, weather, and business to sports and travel.
Click here to read our ‘Best Of’ stories in every category!
We also covered quite a few things that didn’t fit into just one, which compelled us to compile this list– the best of the rest! Click on the blue, underlined text for the full story behind any subject.
Best Affordable City: Eau Claire and La Crosse (tie)
Best Airbnb: Preque Isle’s Private Island Home
Best Boat Tour: De Pere & Appleton’s River Tyme
Best Brewery Tour: Old World Wisconsin
Best Business City: Madison
Best Civic-Minded City: Waukesha
Best College Program: University of Wisconsin’s Tuition Promise
Best County Fair: Stoughton Fair
Best Day Trip: Viroqua
Best Education-Focused City: Eau Claire
Best Fast Food Product: Culver’s CurderBurger
Best Festival: Summerfest
Best Free Museum: Keshena’s Menominee Indian Tribe Cultural Museum
Best Historical Site: Spring Green’s Taliesin
Best Ice Cream Shop: Ramone’s in Eau Claire
Best Local Fundraiser: GRACE Coffee’s LLS initiative
Best Local Holiday: Janesville’s Anthony Bourdain Day
Best Mascot: Rhinelander High School’s Hodag
Best Natural Wonder: Wisconsin’s waterfalls
Best Non-Profit: Do Good Wisconsin
Best Outdoor Dining Experience: Richford’s Picnic in the Field
Best Public Art Project: Madison’s Pride Flag crosswalk
Best Roadside Attraction: Fountain City’s Rock in the House
Best Small Business Program: 608 Day
Best Summer Getaway: Apostle Islands
Best Surprise: Paralyzed veteran gets a $15,000 wheelchair
Best Theater Chain: Marcus Theatres
Best Underdog Story: Jack Sanborn
Best K-12 Program: Wisconsin’s Adopt-a-Cow
Read Our Other ‘Best of’ Lists:
The Best Moments in Wisconsin Politics
Wisconsin Weather Year in 12 Photos
The Best Moments in Wisconsin Business
The Best Moments in Wisconsin Sports
The Best Of: Wisconsin Education
Politics
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in major abortion access case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments on a case that will ultimately decide the future of mifepristone access in the United States. ...
Gov. Evers urges compromise as Republicans refuse to release anti-PFAS funding
In recognition of National Groundwater Awareness Week, Gov. Tony Evers visited a series of local water treatment centers last week. The site visits...
Local News
Bottoms up! 4 must-try bottomless mimosas in La Crosse
There aren't a lot of opportunities to down a few drinks in the morning and still have it be socially acceptable, but brunch is certainly one of...
Dive into Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls’ best seafood spots
From lakefront supper clubs where the views are as sumptuous as the fare to bustling pubs offering the perfect blend of steak and seafood, Eau...