Wisconsin has a lot to offer from great fishing lakes, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, many hills and mountains to explore, beautiful beaches to The Harley-Davidson Museum or many winter activities. It’s a beautiful place, especially in the winter, in the northern parts but there are also some weird Wisconsin laws you should be aware of.
1. No watering the lawn in a way that annoys your neighbor
While it makes sense that this shouldn’t be done on purpose, to annoy or disturb someone, it seems there are people that do it thus the law in Sheboygan, WI.
2. Women must be accompanied by a man while walking on a street, at night
This does sound weird and we’re at least glad it’s only a law in Racine, WI and not the whole state.
3. A sleeping fireman must not be woken
What?! What if there’s a fire? This very strange rule comes from Racine, WI and is quite the puzzle to say the least.
4. If someone is “offensive looking” he shouldn’t be out in public in the daytime in Milwaukee
What does “offensive looking” mean? What happened here that they thought such a strange rule must be enforced? How can you not allow someone to walk around outside during the day?
5. Parking a car without a HORSE tied to it is not allowed for more than 2 hours
Sounds funny? That’s because it is. So you need to have a horse tied to your car if you plan on parking for more than 2 hours. Clearly an old and outdated ordnance that should not exist anymore. Now wouldn’t it be cool to have a police officer come to you and ask why there’s no horse tied to your car?
6. Shooting any type of missile at parade is prohibited
Basically you shouldn’t throw stuff at people or things during a parade. We think you shouldn’t do this at any other time as well but this law from Racine, regards parades and it’s participants.
7. No sparklers within Milwaukee city limits
While there are people that love them, these are bothersome to most people and animals and should probably be banned in more cities.
8. Don’t “worry” squirrels
In La Crosse, WI, they are probably trying to protect squirrels from any noise or wrongdoing that could harm or scare them. But it does sound funny to think you shouldn’t “worry” them 🙂
9. It seems an unclothed mannequin in the store window is just too much in La Crosse
Displaying one is illegal here and is very frowned upon. Seems like lawmakers in La Crosse don’t have a lot to do since they focus on such trivial things.
10. No checkers in town
If you’re a fan of checkers you will be disappointed to know you can’t play them in public within La Crosse city limits.
11. Using a friend’s telephone to make prank phone calls is illegal
No prank phone calls then? This happens in Brookfield where if you allow someone the use of your telephone so they can prank call someone, you’ll be in hot water soon.
12. Livestock goes first
If you meet livestock on public roads they always go first.
13. No riding a bicycle without your hands on the handlebars
Look ma, no hands! Not in Sun Prairie, you don’t!
14. No tattoos if they’re not for medical purposes
In Brookfield, WI, people aren’t too fond of tattoos so don’t go there in search of some.
15. Cars can’t be sold on Sunday
This is the case with a lot of other US states that usually prioritize this day for church activities or want people to rest on this day and not do things like selling cars.
16. Using a laser pointer to… start a riot is illegal
Wait, what?! Did someone actually manage to start an actual riot using just a last pointer? That must be one heck of a laser pointer.
17. No butter substitutes in state prisons
Hmm… we wonder why?
18. No cats or dogs in cemeteries
In Sun Prairie, WI, no cats or dogs are welcome in cemeteries except for dogs that help the blind.
19. In St. Croix, women must not wear… red in public
Just when you think you’ve heard them all, they pull you back in.
20. No shooting off a gun while your female partner is having an orgasm
Yeah, read that one again. In Connersville this is the law which means at least one person has done this.
21. No playing the flute or drums on the street to attract attention
If you thought you could drum up some business this way, you’re wrong. Can’t do this in Milwaukee.
Recommended reading next: 10 Weirdest Laws In Texas Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Myths or Repelled Laws
You can marry YOUR house – False
This one is present on some sites that claim it’s actually ok and lawful to do so. The truth is there’s no such ordinance or law. It’s all a myth. You can find more details about this here.
What is the obscenity law in Wisconsin?
Making obscene or indecent signs or drawings in a public place makes one guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Are you legally married after 7 years in Wisconsin?
No. Regardless of the time two people have been together for, this is not recognized as a legal marriage until the two have been legally married by an officer of the law.
What is the age of marriage in Wisconsin?
18 years of age is the minimum age of marriage in Wisconsin.
I’m a passionate writer with an insatiable curiosity for history, obscure facts, and the weird corners of the internet. When I’m not fact-checking bizarre stories or diving into historical mysteries, I’m exploring the strange and unusual to bring you the most fascinating tales.
A self-proclaimed weirdness enthusiast, who loves turning the odd, the quirky, and the unbelievable into engaging stories for curious minds.
My kids sometimes call me the walking Wikipedia, which can get very annoying sometimes.
