I'm just NW of Chicago, and I've considered getting some land in Wisconsin and building a retreat there. I had a few places in mind near Tomah that I'm familiar with. Ultimately, I'm planning on moving to another state entirely, though I doubt it would be Wisconsin. I was researching ideas here:

http://www.survivalblog.com/retreatareas.html

I do love the Pacific northwest, but not sure whether I'd prefer Idaho or Oregon. I hate heat, humidity, summer in general. If I had a choice between a hot humid climate and arctic cold, I would prefer arctic cold. I'm fine in cold weather and love winter. It's summer that causes me problems.