Wisconsin, the birthplace of Earth Day and a pioneer in the green travel movement, is an ideal destination for those who want to experience ecotourism. Ecotourism promotes travelling responsibly to natural areas where the environment is conserved and where lives of the local people are improved. These natural areas are usually pristine and untouched places such as beaches, lakes and remote wilderness and woodlands. The goal of ecotourism is to preserve these areas in their untouched state for future generations to enjoy.
Green County, Wisconsin offers a unique ecotourism experience at Lake Montesian in Monticello. Lake Montesian covers approximately seven acres and offers eco-friendly tourists a place to picnic, swim, fish and kayak. The lake boasts of a variety of fish and is also the highlighted spot for Monticello's annual “Fisheree” and Homecoming events. Visitors can also see the town's historical Vietnam War Memorial and its Montesian Gardens.
Nestled on Lake Superior are the 20 forested Apostle Islands. These islands are not only heavily forested but they also contain dramatic sand-stoned cliffs. For anyone who enjoys sightseeing and lighthouses, this is the place to go. Untouched and in pristine condition, Apostle Islands boast several 19th century lighthouses for the public to explore. Black bears, deer and colonial shorebirds are the main wildlife of these islands. Many ecotourists can also experience the culture of the Red Cliff Band of the Ojibwe Nation (Native American). Kayaking is also offered as a sporting event because it supports the Going Green Wisconsin agenda.
Door County has a beautiful pristine landscape that includes 250 miles of Lake Michigan. Door County visitors are supportive of the concept of sustainable ecotourism, as Door County has a Travel Green Wisconsin certificate to validate ecotourism. All of Door County's inns, B&Bs and restaurants support Going Green Wisconsin. Door County offers many galleries, festivals and museums as well as five state parks and 10 lighthouses. The county was included in "Money" magazine’s top 10 vacation destinations in North America.
Soldiers Grove prides itself as America’s first solar village and has succeeded in becoming one of the few towns to be completely solar powered. Since then thousands of visitors have flocked to this amazing small eco-friendly town. Soldiers Grove supports going green by using solar powered electricity (no less than 70 percent) and other means of living. Nestled in the forests, this town has many farms that are also sustained with solar power. Eco-tourists can stay at the 160 acre Inn at Lonesome Hollow, named one of Wisconsin’s top 15 Eco-friendly B&Bs.
