10 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin
When you’re ready to make some memories in Wisconsin, these small communities are well worth the drive. From the rolling prairies of the Driftless Area to the glittering waters of Lake Michigan, these towns have a way of sticking with you. Whether you dream of falling asleep in a beach chair by the water or touring the Cape Cod of the Midwest via trolley, these unforgettable Wisconsin communities are waiting to welcome you.
Bayfield
Bayfield sits perched on Wisconsin's northern edge, overlooking Lake Superior, and has all the attractions of an oceanside beachy getaway, despite being fully landlocked in the heart of the Midwest. You can relax along the quiet shores of Washington Avenue Beach and take a walk down the Bayfield Pier that juts far out into the water to watch the fishermen reel in their next big catch.
Traveling away from the water, downtown Bayfield has plenty to discover. The Bayfield Maritime Museum is a fantastic place to learn more about the region's nautical history. It is home to old boats, maps, the history of shipwrecks, and artifacts from people who live in the Apostle Islands. If you prefer hiking in lush greenery, the Iron Bridge Trail is an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views from the bridge itself of the Siskiwit River below.
New Glarus
Traveling to the southern portion of Wisconsin is a slice of Little Switzerland, called New Glarus. The town was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1845, and much of the architecture of the community is inspired by its founders. Scattered around 6th Avenue are Swiss-inspired restaurants and shops, like the Glarner Stube or Puempel's Olde Tavern, both of which transport you directly to Europe without leaving Wisconsin. Think rustic woodwork, ornate light fixtures, and authentic Swiss dishes like Rösti, a crispy, cheesy potato pancake. After eating your way through New Glarus, you can go for a scenic walk along the Sugar River Trail off Railroad Street.
If you’re captivated by New Glarus’ Swiss heritage, a must-see while in the area is the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum. The Swiss-inspired chalet was constructed in the 1930s in an effort to preserve the community's heritage. The museum tells the tale of life in the Swiss Alps with artifacts and period-accurate rooms. It also has an impressive collection of Swiss folk art, wood carvings, and even artifacts from Egyptian and Mexican tombs.
Cedarburg
Just north of Milwaukee lies the hidden hamlet of Cedarburg, known for its beautifully preserved limestone buildings crafted from stone quarried locally during the town’s early years. Although it no longer has operational quarries, the influence of limestone is still evident in the construction of the beautiful buildings downtown, like Fiddleheads Coffee. In the heart of town is Cedar Creek Park, a charming local park with lovely views of the Milwaukee River. It is also where community events are held, like the much-anticipated Strawberry Festival. It celebrates the summer with live music, craft vendors, and, of course, strawberry shortcake.
One of the best things to see when visiting Cedarburg is the stunningly beautiful Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The gorge is a geographical wonder carved by the erosion of glaciers over thousands of years, and the preserve sits along the shores of Lake Michigan, where towering limestone cliffs offer dramatic views of the lake below along pristine hiking trails.
Baraboo
The rugged landscape of the Driftless Area is truly something to behold, and Baraboo is the perfect place to do it. If you love sipping cocktails with a view, there are quite a few places to choose from. The Balanced Rock Winery is a modern winery serving up award-winning varietals on a patio where the land stretches out for miles in front of you. There’s also the Driftless Glen Distillery, which is a great place to nibble on small plates and tasty cocktails on the banks of the Baraboo River.
For a family-friendly day out, Ochsner Park offers shaded hiking trails and a small zoo with bears, wolves, and owls. The best thing to see while in Baraboo, however, is Devil's Lake State Park, where towering quartzite bluffs give way to awe-inspiring views of Devil’s Lake and the rolling hills of the Driftless Area below. In the spring and summer, the park blooms with wildflowers, and in the fall, the leaves turn fiery shades of red and yellow, making it a beautiful escape year-round.
Sister Bay
The community of Sister Bay is often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. It feels like a beachy getaway, with sandy beaches like Sister Bay Beach and winding roads peppered with delightful little shops. A drive down North Bay Shore Drive might lead you to the town's only year-round local cafe, Happy Coffee, or an old-timey country diner like Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik, where goats graze casually on the living roof!
While it’s easy to spend an entire day lounging on the sandy shores along Lake Michigan, the best views of Door County lie just north of Sister Bay at the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area. A short hike up a winding staircase leads to an overlook that will take your breath away. You can see the crystal clear waters of Green Bay stretch out for miles ahead of you, feeling like you are on top of the world. Of all the views that Wisconsin has to offer, the view at the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area is one of the best.
Mineral Point
Mineral Point is another hidden hamlet in the Driftless region of south central Wisconsin. It sprang to life during the state's lead mining boom, with many of the historical buildings downtown offering a glimpse back into the past to its heyday. When the minerals were depleted from the region, Mineral Point transformed into an artsy, vibrant hub that is well worth exploring. There are unique shops, like Crazy Frank's Flea Market, where you can hunt for treasures to your heart's content, and Brewery Pottery, which lives up to its name as both a brewery and a pottery studio.
Mineral Point’s biggest claim to local fame is Pendarvis, a historical collection of cottages built by the Cornish miners during the boom of the early 19th century. The buildings are lovingly preserved, often decorated with furnishings to recreate life in the 1800s. The museum tells the story of the Cornish immigrants who settled here, letting visitors feel as if they are walking through history. It also has lovely gardens, hiking paths, and a small visitors center.
Lake Geneva
A visit to Lake Geneva, known for its Gilded Age mansions, will surely be a memorable trip. Riviera Beach is a popular hangout in the summer, where you can relax along the sandy shores of Geneva Bay with a view of the stunning Riviera Ballroom. The beach has everything you need for a fun summer vacation right at hand, with local restaurants and diners like Oakfire for wood-fired pizza and Flat Iron Tap for gourmet burgers and craft beer within walking distance to the shoreline.
A drive through Lake Geneva shows off its stunning estates and mansions, many of which are privately owned by wealthy Chicago residents as summer escapes. It feels as much like Rhode Island as it does Wisconsin. There are a few mansions open for public viewing, like the captivating Tudor Revival mansion of Black Point Estate. It was built in the late 1880s for a famous Chicago beer baron and now operates as a museum. With stunning woodwork and original fixtures, the estate is situated on 50 acres along Lake Geneva and is a wonderful place to explore, both inside and out.
Egg Harbor
The small village of Egg Harbor is another idyllic retreat in Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Here, you can spend the day soaking up the sunshine at Egg Harbor Beach, taking in the views of Green Bay, or utilizing one of its waterside picnic tables for a picnic with local treats from Wood Orchard Market. For the kids, the Egg Harbor Fun Park is a perfect place to burn off excess energy. The park has everything you need for a fun-filled afternoon, from a water park with slides and pools to go karts, batting cages, and mini golf.
One of the more popular attractions in the area is the Door County Trolley. It provides narrated tours through all the best parts of Egg Harbor, like the shores of Green Bay, lighthouses, wineries, and thick stretches of shaded forests. There are a variety of tours to choose from, such as wine and cheese tours, family-friendly tours, and eerie ghost tours that only happen at night. If you want to ensure that you see all the best sights in Egg Harbor, this attraction is a must.
Platteville
On the southern edge of Wisconsin, not too far from the Iowa and Illinois border, is the hidden escape of Platteville. Found within the Driftless Area, it’s a scenic escape where natural beauty and historical sights intersect. You can experience the community's rich mining heritage by visiting the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums. It is one of the most unique attractions in Wisconsin, where you can explore the once-thriving Underground Bevans Mine. There is also a museum with artifacts and displays that tell the tale of the mining history of Platteville.
You can also spend the day eating your way through Platteville’s restaurant scene, dining on classic American cuisine in a cozy setting at places like Brothers On 2nd or the locally beloved The Black Smock Parlor and Eatery. If you’re ready to explore the otherworldly scenery of the Driftless Area, there’s no better spot than the Mound View State Trail. The paved trail connects Platteville and Belmont, winding through dense forest and wide open fields and prairies blooming with wildflowers, highlighting the unglaciated hills that make this region unique.
Algoma
The small community perched along the shores of Lake Michigan is certainly colorful! Walking the streets downtown yields community-inspired murals and independent art galleries where you can easily spend an afternoon. The Robert Ray Gallery is sure to impress with its lakeside location and beautiful contemporary fine art gallery. Across from the gallery is the Algoma Marina and the town's distinct red lighthouse.
The most popular place in Algoma is the Crescent Beach Boardwalk. It’s a beautiful space where the white, sandy shoreline meets Lake Michigan. Here, you can walk along the boardwalk or soak up the sun in a beach chair with a good book. The best time to visit is during the Soar on the Shore Kite and Beach Festival held every August, when the skies are dotted with colorful kites as the air fills with the sound of live music and the smell of fresh food wafting from the many local vendors. Be sure to stick around after the sun goes down to bask in the glow of the colorful LED light kite show!
Explore Wisconsin Towns You’ll Never Forget
As it turns out, Wisconsin knows a thing or two about creating places like nowhere else on earth. In these small towns, time slows down, allowing you to really take in the scenery. Whether you’re looking for unique adventures like exploring an underground mine in Platteville or touring the stunning mansion of Black Point Estate at Lake Geneva, this state is full of surprises. So, the next time you want to hit the road and make some memories, be sure to check out these unforgettable retreats in Wisconsin!
