9 Wisconsin Stereotypes That Are Actually Pretty Accurate
Us cheeseheads must admit that at least some of the many Wisconsin stereotypes ring true. Here are nine.
I am a born and raised Wisconsinite. Cheese is my favorite food, beer runs in my veins, and green and gold are the only colors I’ll wear.
Okay, just kidding. I myself might not be that extreme, but cheese is really my favorite food, and I definitely know Wisconsinites who are all of those things and more. This week, I asked Wisconsin-based coworkers, family, and visitors for their take on Wisconsin stereotypes. Read on to find out if you agree that these nine are actually pretty accurate.
1. Cheese is its own food group.
As someone who grew up mere minutes from the self-proclaimed cheese capital of the world, aka Plymouth, WI, it is safe for me to say that Wisconsinites do, in fact, love cheese. In fact, about 3.5 billion pounds and more than 600 varieties of cheese are produced here each year.
While America’s Dairyland produces all sorts of dairy products from plain milk to butter to ice cream, cheese holds a particularly special place in our hearts. Why else would we proudly call ourselves cheeseheads and wear the corresponding hats like a badge of honor?
While all Wisconsin cheese is revered, perhaps no product holds a higher place in Wisconsin culture than cheese curds. You have not lived until you have had some of that fresh, squeaky cheese right from the factory.
If you are reading this and happen not to live in Wisconsin, do yourself a favor the next time you visit and order some deep-fried curds, and for the love of all things cheddar, don’t forget an extra side of ranch.
2. Beer is our drink of choice.
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites enjoy a good drink. And their drink of choice is beer (sorry, Old Fashioned). Ever since German immigrants began immigrating to the state in the 1800s, beer has become an important staple. In fact, by the 1890s, nearly every community in Wisconsin had at least one brewery. Today, the state boasts more than 200 breweries. Some are nationally recognizable, like Miller and Leinenkugel’s. While many others are more locally renowned. My family’s favorite local gems include 3 Sheeps, Central Waters, and O’so Brewing.
3. Brat frys are a way of life.
The holy trinity of Wisconsin’s culinary culture includes cheese and beer, which we already discussed. The third food is brats. Like with beer, we can thank German immigrants for bratwursts. The popular sausage is a staple across the state, with multiple festivals held in its honor each year. From spring to fall, you can expect to see brat frys pop up in communities all over the state, typically on Saturdays or Sundays. These outdoor food stands are usually held as a type of fundraiser where you can not only order a brat fresh off the grill but also a hamburger and maybe even a side of German potato salad.
4. We love to talk about the weather.
If you are from Wisconsin, chances are you have at least one, if not several, conversations about the weather each day. It doesn’t matter if we are in line at the grocery store, chatting with coworkers, or sitting at a family reunion, weather is our small talk topic of choice. If you’ve never heard phrases like “it’s the humidity that gets you” or “it’s the wind you have to worry about,” then you simply aren’t from here.
If you happen to be visiting Wisconsin during a tornado warning, don’t be surprised if you are the only one taking shelter while the rest are outside looking for funnel clouds.
Additionally, visitors, prepare yourselves for some weird weather-related bragging. It might go something like this:
Visitor: “One time, school was canceled because we got 6 inches of snow!”
Wisconsinite: “Well, last week we got 2 feet of snow and it was -20 outside.”
Visitor: “Ummm, wow. Okay then…”
Wisconsinite: “And really, that was nothing, it would have been shorts weather if not for the wind chill.”
5. Packer games are sacred.
Football season is cherished in Wisconsin. While bundling up and cheering at local high school and college games is a well-loved activity, turning on the TV to watch the Packers game is a non-negotiable for many households.
I am not kidding when I say that events are planned around Packer games. For instance, my high school band concerts were intentionally scheduled so as not to interfere with Sunday football. Speaking of Sunday football in Wisconsin, it is not uncommon to go to church in your favorite Packers jersey.
As for the rare minority that doesn’t watch football, game time is the best time to go grocery shopping and run errands. Stores that would normally be packed will be nearly empty as almost everyone is at home or at their favorite bar watching the game.
6. Goodbyes are extra long.
You may have heard of the Midwest goodbye, but the Wisconsin goodbye is perhaps even longer. Know that when you hear a long sigh followed by “Welp, it’s getting late, we should probably get going,” it will be at least another hour before anyone actually leaves. What happens in that timeframe, you ask? Well, it really could be anything, but common parts of a Wisconsin goodbye include having one more glass of beer, getting or giving leftovers, checking the Packer score, and talking about the weather for the drive home.
7. Friday nights are for fish fry and supper clubs.
One of the most beloved features of Wisconsin for residents and visitors alike is its array of supper clubs. In fact, Wisconsin has at least 250 of them operating today. A typical supper club meal usually starts with a trip or two to the salad bar, followed by some variety of meat and potatoes, and maybe even an ice cream drink for dessert. “Did someone say Grasshopper?”
Overall, I’d say the most popular dish tends to be steak and mashed potatoes—except on Fridays. Fridays are for Wisconsin’s famous fish fry. Expect to see beer-battered walleye or perch featured on most menus in all types of restaurants (not just supper clubs) across the state.
While eating is definitely a large part of supper club culture, waiting to eat is just as important. Supper clubs tend to be very busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Even if you have reservations, expect to get there early and grab a seat at the bar. Supper clubs are just as much about socializing as eating. So pull up a stool, order an Old Fashioned, and be prepared to chat with friends and strangers alike. Not sure what to say? Just bring up the weather or the most recent Packer game.
8. Deer hunting season is its own holiday.
While not every Wisconsinite is outside in their blaze orange come November, there is a large enough percentage that are, as to make deer hunting an integral part of Wisconsin culture. In fact, deer hunting was so important in my town that we had an unofficial day off from school to accommodate the beginning of gun season. If you happen to be visiting rural Wisconsin during the end of November, expect to see several trucks parked on the side of the road, orange figures slowly walking through fields, and the occasional unlucky deer strapped to the back of a truck (usually in a Kwik Trip parking lot).
9. We are very proud to be from Wisconsin.
While many may think that Wisconsin is nothing but flat farmland and cows, we know that our state is home to beautiful, diverse landscapes (including more lakes than Minnesota could ever dream of), thriving cities, and delicious culinary traditions. We are happy to poke fun at our own state, but are quick to defend it if anyone else does. While the food and culture we’ve already discussed are important, it’s the strong sense of community that truly sets us apart. These aren’t just Wisconsin stereotypes; they are the traditions, passions, and quirks that define us. And that’s something we’ll always be proud of.
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