Good morning, Wisconsin!

Ellie here. Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.

As you all know, I headed to the Brewers game on Saturday where the crew unfortunately lost 1-3 against the Washington Nationals.

Go Brewers! (Ellie Bourdo / UpNorthNews)

We had a great time tailgating and watching the game. Brewers games are one of my favorite Wisconsin activities as the weather gets warmer.

Speaking of warm weather activities, today, we’ve got another edition of the Badger State Buzz, where we bring you some of the fun events happening around the state.

We’re also taking a look at some of the must-see spring hikes our state has to offer, along with other Wisconsin news.

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Moss Lake Sunset!” (Courtesy of John H.)

John H. sent in this beautiful scene of a sunset over Moss Lake. What an awesome and unique view, thanks for sharing.

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

Want to see some views like this? Check out some of Wisconsin’s cleanest lakes and most pristine beaches.

Share your Wisconsin view

What’s happening in Wisconsin this week

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what we’ve got going on in the Badger State this week:

🎉 414 Day, Milwaukee (April 14)

Milwaukee’s annual 414 area code celebration features discounted games, drinks, and activities across Bars & Recreation venues, from 5:00-9:14 p.m., all priced at $4.14.

🎭 The Great Gatsby, Appleton (April 14-19)

Based on the classic American novel, this musical explores love and heartbreak with unique choreography and an original jazz- and pop-inspired score.

🎥 Milwaukee Film Festival, Milwaukee (April 16-30)

Hundreds of films from around the world will be shown at various theaters across the city, from documentaries to family friendly shows.

🎷 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, Eau Claire (April 17-18)

Organized by UW-Eau Claire students, this city-wide festival fills downtown venues with more than 50 live music groups, from world-class artists to student musicians.

🍷 Downtown Fond du Lac Spring Wine Walk, Fond du Lac (April 18)

This themed downtown event transforms downtown businesses into tasting stops where participants can sample wines and NA beverages.

🎶 River Falls Bluegrass Festival, River Falls (April 17-19)

Enjoy live bluegrass music all weekend along with craft beverage samples, instrument clinics, and more.

Have an event to share?

7 spring hikes in Wisconsin with stunning views

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to get outside and hit some of the state’s most scenic trails for a spring hike.

By Erin Yarnall

Along with dairy farms and breweries, if there is one thing that Wisconsin isn’t short on, it’s scenic views. From the shores of Lake Michigan that run along the east side of the state to those of Lake Superior, which touch Wisconsin’s northernmost points, there are plenty of places to get a beautiful waterfront view. But that isn’t all that the state has to offer: There are bluffs, and cliffs, and fields filled with wildflowers—all of which make fantastic places to go for a hike.

Sure, Wisconsinites live in partial hibernation throughout the state’s cold winter months, but as soon as springtime hits in the state, residents and visitors alike are out and about, taking advantage of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Wisconsin isn’t known extraordinarily well for its hiking opportunities, which is a shame, because it has plenty of them. The Wisconsin State Park system has 50 parks and 44 state trails, as well as numerous county and city parks, all of which offer stunning views of the Badger State, but some stand out more than others.

Check out the full list!

What was voter turnout in the 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court election?

Michael Simmons, 65, carries his ballot after voting at Ninety-Fifth Street School at 3707 N. 94th St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 for spring elections. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

After Justice-elect Chris Taylor’s whopping 20-point margin of victory, it might be a surprise that only about one in three of Wisconsin’s voting-age residents turned out in the April 7 election.

Unofficial results posted by the Associated Press as of 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 showed 1,506,444 Wisconsinites cast ballots in the election – about 905,000 for Taylor, 600,000 for Lazar and 1,250 write-in votes.

Learn more

Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Erin Yarnall and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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

Power local journalism