**Top 5 Cities to Film in Wisconsin**
Wisconsin is a state known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse cities. Filmmakers from around the world have discovered that Wisconsin offers a variety of settings, from bustling urban environments to peaceful rural towns. Whether you’re looking for modern cityscapes or serene nature scenes, Wisconsin has it all. In this article, we will explore the top five cities to film in Wisconsin. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Wisconsin. Each of these cities offers something unique, making them perfect for different types of film projects.
1. **Milwaukee**
Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. It’s a vibrant city that sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Because of its location, Milwaukee offers filmmakers beautiful waterfront views, modern architecture, and historical buildings all in one place.
In Milwaukee, filmmakers can take advantage of many different settings. For example, the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its futuristic design, is often used in films that need a modern or sleek backdrop. Additionally, the historic Third Ward district is filled with old warehouses and cobblestone streets. This area is perfect for movies that want to capture an old-time or industrial feel.
Lakefront areas like Bradford Beach provide beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Many films have been shot along the shoreline, capturing the stunning contrast between the water and the city’s skyline.
Not only does Milwaukee have beautiful locations, but the city is also very welcoming to filmmakers. The local government has streamlined the process for getting permits, making it easy for production teams to start filming quickly. The city also has a supportive arts community, which helps to create a creative atmosphere for filming.
2. **Madison**
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is a lively city filled with young energy, thanks to the University of Wisconsin. Its location between two large lakes makes it a visually stunning city. The unique layout of Madison, with water surrounding it, offers filmmakers scenic views of the city and its natural surroundings.
The Wisconsin State Capitol, located in the heart of Madison, is one of the most popular filming locations. The building is not only grand but also beautiful, with its large dome and intricate details. Many filmmakers use it to represent government or official settings in their films.
In addition to its urban charm, Madison also has a lot of green spaces. The city’s many parks, including the popular Olbrich Botanical Gardens, provide serene and colorful locations for outdoor scenes. The university’s campus is also full of picturesque buildings, making it a great spot for films set in an academic or college environment.
Because Madison is used to hosting a wide variety of events and festivals, the city is film-friendly. The local government and community work well with filmmakers, making it easy to shoot films in both the city and its surrounding areas.
3. **Green Bay**
Green Bay is best known for its strong football culture, thanks to the Green Bay Packers. However, this city is much more than just a sports town. It has a rich history and a variety of filming locations that make it perfect for many different types of films.
Lambeau Field, the Packers’ famous stadium, is one of the most iconic filming locations in the city. It has been featured in many sports-related films and documentaries. However, Green Bay’s charm goes beyond sports. The city also has historic neighborhoods with charming old houses, tree-lined streets, and parks.
Bay Beach Amusement Park is another popular filming spot in Green Bay. The park has a vintage feel, with old-fashioned rides and attractions. Filmmakers looking for a nostalgic or retro setting often choose this location.
Green Bay’s waterfront, located along the Fox River and the bay of Green Bay, offers beautiful views of the water and the surrounding landscape. This area is great for scenes that need a peaceful or scenic background.
The city is known for its friendly people and supportive community, which makes working on film projects in Green Bay enjoyable for filmmakers and crews.
4. **Eau Claire**
Eau Claire is a smaller city located in western Wisconsin. Although it’s not as large as Milwaukee or Madison, Eau Claire has plenty to offer filmmakers. The city is known for its arts and music scene, which adds to its creative atmosphere.
One of the things that makes Eau Claire a great place to film is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by rivers and forests, providing filmmakers with stunning outdoor locations. For example, Phoenix Park, located at the confluence of two rivers, is a favorite spot for outdoor scenes. Its river views and walking paths make it a peaceful and scenic location for filming.
Downtown Eau Claire also has a mix of modern and historic buildings, giving filmmakers options for different types of urban settings. The city has preserved many of its old brick buildings, which are perfect for films set in earlier time periods or for those looking for a rustic feel.
Because Eau Claire is a smaller city, it is easy to work with the local government and get the necessary permits for filming. The community is supportive of the arts and is always excited to host new film projects.
5. **La Crosse**
La Crosse is another smaller city with a lot to offer. It is located along the Mississippi River, which gives it stunning river views and a unique geographical setting. The bluffs and cliffs surrounding the city create dramatic landscapes that are perfect for films that need an adventurous or outdoor feel.
The city’s historic downtown area is full of old buildings and charming streets. La Crosse has preserved its historic architecture, which gives filmmakers a lot of options for period films or for scenes that need a classic small-town atmosphere.
Grandad Bluff is one of the most famous filming locations in La Crosse. The bluff provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city below. This location is often used for scenes that need dramatic natural beauty.
In addition to its outdoor locations, La Crosse has a thriving arts community, which means filmmakers can find plenty of local talent and support for their projects. The local government is film-friendly, making it easy to get permits and set up shoots in the city.
Wisconsin is a state filled with diverse landscapes, charming cities, and supportive communities. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city atmosphere, peaceful small towns, or dramatic natural settings, Wisconsin has it all. Milwaukee’s mix of modern and historical locations, Madison’s scenic lakes and lively college town feel, Green Bay’s sports culture and charming neighborhoods, Eau Claire’s artsy vibe and natural beauty, and La Crosse’s dramatic river views make these five cities the top places to film in Wisconsin. With plenty of local support and a variety of settings to choose from, filmmakers will find Wisconsin to be a great place to bring their stories to life.