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 Travel
America
Learn before you travel. This section of Fun Easy
English focuses on facts and other cool stuff about
your favorite U.S. state. This is great English
reading practice. This page focuses on the state of
Wisconsin. |
 Hey
if you cannot understand something on this page,
then use the Fun Easy English
dictionary
(opens in a new window) |
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 Wisconsin
In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin's
first European explorer. The French controlled the
area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British.
The state's name is an English version of a French
adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place
where we live." The Wisconsin Territory was formed
in 1836 and was admitted into the Union as the 30th
state in 1848. With the nickname "America's
Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is one
of the top producers of milk, cheese, and butter in
the country. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green
Bay Packers football team call themselves "cheeseheads."
Milwaukee, the state's largest city, helps make
Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in
the nation. The state capital, Madison, is home to
the University of Wisconsin. The flower of the
"Badger State" is the wood violet and the state bird
is the robin. |
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Wisconsin
State Flag
The Wisconsin state flag features the state coat of
arms on both sides against a field of blue, with the the
state name; "WISCONSIN" above and "1848" below (the year
Wisconsin was admitted to the Union). The coat of arms,
which includes the state motto, is also used on Wisconsin's
state seal. |
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Source:
State Symbols USA |
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 Wisconsin
State Facts
Picture: state seal of Wisconsin |
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State Capital |
Madison |
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Nickname |
Badger State / America's Dairyland |
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Motto |
Forward |
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Statehood |
May 29, 1848 (30th) |
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Origin of Name |
Based on an Indian word "Ouisconsin" believed to
mean "grassy place" in the Chippewa tongue |
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Largest Cities |
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine |
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Border States |
Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota |
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Area |
54,314 sq.mi., 25th largest |
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State Bird |
Robin |
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State Flower |
Wood Violet (viola papilionacea) |
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State Tree |
Sugar Maple (acer saccharum) |
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State Song |
On Wisconsin |
 Travel and tourism
site for Wisconsin - This state travel and territorial
tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more. |
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Wisconsin Stories |
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Experimental Aircraft Association's
AirVenture
Have you ever wanted to fly a plane?
If you want to learn about flying a plane, how to make one, or if
you just enjoy being around airplanes, come to the Experimental
Aircraft Association's AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. You'll
be able to see daredevils like the man on the airplane. A group of
people interested in building their own airplanes started the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 and organized an air
show. Over the years, the organization expanded its mission to
include antiques, helicopters and other types of planes.
At the AirVenture Show visitors can see planes up close -- an old
plane like the Spirit of St. Louis (the first plane to fly with a
solo pilot nonstop across the Atlantic), a Stealth fighter or maybe
even the supersonic Concorde. If you want to learn about flying,
check out the Young Eagles. The goal of the Young Eagles Pilot
Program is to give 1 million people ages 8 to 17 a free introductory
airplane ride. These rides are provided through the generosity of
volunteer EAA pilots. If you'd like to be a pilot some day, you've
found the right place! |
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The Wisconsin Dells
Have you ever heard of a dell?
The Wisconsin Dells are dramatic rock formations found along the
Wisconsin River. They were shaped by strong currents of water from
melting glaciers. About 500 million years ago, this area was a lot
different than it looks today. It used to be covered by shallow
seas. For about 80 million years the seas flowed back and forth over
the land, leaving sand on the sea bottom. Over time, the sand kept
building up until it rose above the seas. The huge sand formations
that rose out of the water are the tall sandstone cliffs you see
today in the Wisconsin Dells. These unique cliffs can be found in
only three other areas in the world, Switzerland, Germany and parts
of New York.
The Wisconsin Dells got their name from the French term "dalles." It
means "slab-like rock." Some of the more distinctive rock formations
are named for objects they resemble, such as Chimney Rock. During
the 1800s, the Dells grew to be a popular tourist attraction in
Wisconsin. Visitors still enjoy exploring the area's caves and
arches. |
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Harley-Davidson: "Coming Home"
Have you ever seen someone ride a hog? No, not a pig, a
Harley-Davidson motorcycle!
In 1903, this little one-room building was the birthplace of the
world's most famous motorcycle company -- Harley-Davidson. On its
95th anniversary in 1998, more than 100,000 Harley-Davidson fans
gathered in Milwaukee to celebrate. Many riders took part in five
fund-raising rides, which left from Spokane, Washington; Riverside,
California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and York, Pennsylvania.
They left on June 3, 1998, and arrived in Milwaukee 10 days later.
Along the way they held fundraising events for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association.
Harley-Davidson is the premier American-based manufacturer of
heavyweight motorcycles. In 1903 the company built only three
motorcycles, but 10 years later, it built more than 12,000 a year.
In 1995, Harley-Davidson built 105,104 motorcycles. Harley-Davidson
motorcycles are also called "hogs." One possible explanation for
this dates back to the 1920s when the Harley-Davidson factory had a
racing team that brought their mascot with them to every race. Their
mascot was a pig. So whenever the Harley-Davidson team came to a
race people would say, "Here comes the Harley team and their hogs." |
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The Circus Parade (Circus World Museum)
Isn't the circus wagon in the photo beautiful? It dates from 1935
and it is part of the Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Every year in July more than 100 clowns, 1,000 musicians, 700 horses
and lots of animals, including elephants and camels, take part in a
re-creation of a circus street parade from the beginning of the 20th
century. Before the days of radio and television, "Circus Day" was a
time to escape the normal routine and enjoy the entertainment
provided by the traveling performers.
The historic circus wagons have elaborate woodcarvings, mirrored
surfaces, and colorful wheels. These wagons are brought on the Great
Circus Train from the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin,
which has a collection of more than 150 wagons. At one time
Wisconsin was known as the "Mother of Circuses," and was the home or
winter quarters for more than 100 traveling tent shows.
Today, the parade route starts near the shores of Lake Michigan. It
winds its way through the streets of downtown Milwaukee. But a few
changes must be made along the route. The open metal gratings on
Milwaukee's bridges have to be covered so the animals won't be
afraid to cross. And the oxen refuse to step on manhole covers.
Don't ask why. No one knows. |
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Source:
Library of Congress |
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 National
Forests of Wisconsin
The following is a description of national
forests in the state
of Wisconsin. There are no national parks or
monuments in this state. If you plan to visit or live
in Wisconsin for awhile then you should
definitely plan to visit some of these
fantastic places. |
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National Forests |
 Chequamegon-Nicolet
There are 2,020 lakes, 440 spring ponds, and
347,000 acres (140,000 ha) of wetlands in
this National Forest. There are also 493 mi
(793 km) of non-motorized trails, 292 mi
(470 km) of motorized trails, and 9,000 mi
(14,000 km) of roads alongside five
wilderness areas. |
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Cool America |
 About the U.S.A.
About the U.S.A. is an American
Studies reader that examines the customs, government, and history of the
United States of America. The text provides a wealth of information on U.S.
geography and history; the roles of local, state, and federal government;
national holidays and symbols; the Constitution; and citizenship. The book,
which was written for intermediate to advanced learners of English, contains
a range of activities for language students to practice listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. (opens to a new PDF window)
Great English reading
practice. |
 About
America
Learn about the fascinating history and government of
the United States of America. Lessons include content on
American Government, American History, and Integrated
Civics. Handouts with interactive games and
student-centered activities encompass all four language
skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Great English reading practice for
beginning to intermediate students. |
 American Teens Talk!
Americans Teens Talk! is a collection of interviews of
American high school students. Each interview is accompanied by vocabulary
notes and discussion questions. The interviews in American Teens Talk! give
learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the
written format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their
vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in
discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture. These
interviews come with audio programs.
Great English listening and
reading |
 Sing Out Loud Children's Songs
Sing Out Loud Children's Songs includes popular children's songs in the U.S.A. Posters accompany the
individual Sing Out Loud Children's Songs. These
songs come with audio programs.
Great English listening and reading
practice. |
 Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs
The Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs
collection contains 13 traditional American folk songs and song lyrics.
Listen to the songs online, read the lyrics, and collect the posters that
accompany the songs. These
songs come with audio programs.
Great English listening and reading
practice. |
 Sing Out Loud American Rhythms
Do you love music? Want to use it
to learn English? Check out the hip-hop inspired song "Peace" from Sing Out
Loud American Rhythms. American Rhythms includes a variety of musical genres
from many different artists in the U.S.A. These songs will appeal to teens
and young adults. These
songs come with audio programs.
Great English listening and reading
practice. |
 Route
66 - Famous American Road
U.S. Route 66 (US 66 or Route 66), also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the
Main Street of America or the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in
the U.S. Highway System. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads
in the United States, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri,
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica,
California, near Los Angeles, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). It was
recognized in popular culture by both the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route
66" and the Route 66 television show in the 1960s. |
Route 66: The Highway That's the Best
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Chicago: The Start of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Going West for Decades on Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Arizona: The Spirit of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Route 66 California: The End of the Trail
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Ten Must-See Route 66 Attractions
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
Four Famous Foods On Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
International Tourists Drawn to Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)
A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in
America. |
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