Home » Newsletters » Archive » UpNorthNews

11 Wisconsin facts that’ll surprise even locals

March 3, 2026

Sign Up for the UpNorthNews Newsletter

Good morning!

Ellie here. It’s officially March, which means it’s also Women’s History Month!

The annual US tradition honors and celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout our nation’s history.

It is also a time to highlight the injustices many women face around the world. Check out some ways you can celebrate this month.

We’ll be taking a deeper dive into some of Wisconsin’s most influential women later this month, but today, we’re taking a look at some absolutely Wisconsin stories. From being kicked by a cow to some mind-blowing Wisconsin facts that you (probably) didn’t know!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

A beautiful Wisconsin winter scene. (Courtesy of Julie M.)

Today’s photo comes from our reader Julie M. in Hustler, capturing a beautiful look at the Wisconsin winter wonderland. Thanks for sharing!

Send in your photo to have it featured!

With views like this coming to an end, check out what’s in store for Wisconsin weather this spring.

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Watch: Kicked by a cow … and other stories from a rural Wisconsin farm

By UpNorthNews Staff

“Kicked by a cow.”

A doctor in western Wisconsin says that’s what the note on his appointment calendar said. Like this one, many of the doctor’s patients are farmers in rural Dunn County.

Farmers often prioritize livestock and crops over their own health—for many reasons.

Watch: Stories from a rural WI farm →

11 mind-boggling facts about Wisconsin

Wisconsinites couldn’t legally purchase yellow-colored margarine for more than seven decades. (Kevin Brine/Shutterstock)

By Erin Yarnall

Wisconsinites have a lot of state pride, and with that pride comes plenty of facts that residents can list about their home state, like the fact that Wisconsin is a major producer of cheese and cranberries, or that the Green Bay Packers have won four Super Bowls, or that the ice cream sundae, Harley Davidson motorcycle, and American kindergarten were all created in the state.

But there are some facts about Wisconsin that even the most dedicated residents of the Badger State might be shocked to find out, like the fact that they can visit a chapel that Joan of Arc also (reportedly) prayed at, or that they’ll be hard-pressed to find margarine in any Wisconsin restaurant.

More Wisconsin facts you (probably) didn’t know →

Real people are proving politics isn’t just for watching

(Nuva Frames/Shutterstock)

By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton

Someone once told me this story: Anthropologists visiting an Aboriginal village showed them a newspaper clipping about an earthquake that destroyed a town halfway across the world. Seeing the images of destruction and devastation, the local villagers began to pack their bags. The anthropologists assured them that they were safe—the earthquake was very far away.

But the Aborigines were packing for a different reason. “Why would you share that news unless you were asking us to help?”

Are you enjoying this Wisconsin newsletter?

Do you want to support UpNorthNews’ mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 170,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from UpNorthNews Staff, Erin Yarnall, and Gwen Frisbie-Fulton . It was edited by Paula Solis.

UpNorthNews is free for everyone. Your support makes that possible.