Wisconsin symbols

State motto: Forward. "Reflecting Wisconin's continuous drive to be a national leader, the state adopted 'Forward' as the official state motto in 1851," according to the state's Web site.

State song: "On Wisconsin!" became the official state song in 1959. Here are the words:

On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Grand old badger state!
We, thy loyal sons and daughters, Hail thee, good and great.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Champion of the right,
'Forward', our motto – God will give thee might!

State flower: Wood violet (Viola papilionacea) was adopted as the official flower on Arbor Day 1902.

State bird: Robin (Turdus migratorius). School children across Wisconsin voted to name it the state bird in 1926-27.

State fish: Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy Mitchell). Named the official state fish in 1955.

State animal: Badger (Taxidea taxus). The fierce badger has been associated with the state since it was a territory. There is a badger sculpture at the Capitol. If you rub its nose, you are said to have good luck in the future. It is also the mascot of UW-Madison.

State wildlife animal: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was named in 1957.

State domesticated animal: Considering Wisconsin is the dairy state, it makes sense that the dairy cow takes this honor. The official title was awarded in 1971.

State soil: Antigo silt loam (Typic glissibiralf) was created when the last glacier. It was selected from 500 major types of soil found in the state.

State beverage: Milk became the official beverage of Wisconsin in 1987.

State dance: A nod to Wisconsin's extensive German heritage, the polka was adopted as the newest symbol in 1993.

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