11 Easygoing Small Towns in Wisconsin
Diverse landscapes, from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the lush greenery in the Northwoods, combined with delicious dairy delights, make Wisconsin a laid-back state with plenty of unhurried pleasures. It's shockingly simple to bask in the rural serenity of its small towns, guaranteeing a needed break from the noise and hassle that can too easily befall us in the modern day. Whether you want to walk along quiet town streets and admire Swiss-inspired architecture in New Glarus or lie on a sandy beach and soak in gorgeous lake views in Lake Geneva, there is no shortage of opportunities for unwinding and reflection.
Fortunately, easygoing small towns in Wisconsin are spread throughout the state, providing tourists with a range of options to spend their retreat. Whether visiting in summer, winter, or spring, the following destinations promise peace of mind and relaxation.
Bayfield
Bayfield is a popular destination for vacationers seeking to explore the untamed beauty of Lake Superior. Thanks to Apostle Islands Cruises, you get a front row view of Wisconsin's "Crown Jewels" during a laid-back boating excursion. This therapeutic experience unleashes your sense of wonder as it explores the 21-island archipelago in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, intricate sea caves, historic lighthouses, and rugged sandstone cliffs. The beautifully maintained Apostle Highlands Golf Course presents a friendly test on its 18 holes, inviting amateur and intermediate golfers to take a swing. The pristine property sits 500 feet above Lake Superior, surrounded by breathtaking water views and boasting a tranquil atmosphere.
Bayfield's relatable art scene offers pleasant opportunities for guests seeking a relaxing experience. You can watch the fascinating steps involved in pottery making at Eckels Pottery and Fine Art Gallery before appreciating the finished product. The studio also features a selection of garden art, woodworking pieces, jewelry, and glasswork for you to browse.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg's historic district features walkable streets that allow visitors to admire 19th-century limestone buildings. The neighborhood is rich in heritage sites, and tourists can visit the Cedarburg History Museum for a fascinating journey into the area's past. This welcoming facility showcases a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and relics that bring to life the community's history from the time Irish and German immigrants settled in the area. A glass of wine from Chiselled Grape Winery is just what you need to get your mind off stuff and relax your body. This award-winning winery crafts a Sexy Signature Series of wines and serves them in a romantic atmosphere for two.
Tourists seeking to reconnect with nature will be drawn to the idyllic setting of Cedar Creek Park. This quiet oasis, conveniently situated just east of downtown, features lush grounds with scenic views of a gorgeous waterfall. A winding walking trail running along Cedar Creek beckons to lazy strolling, offering a chance to decompress and enjoy the scenery.
New Glarus
New Glarus boasts a charming "Little Switzerland" atmosphere, characterized by chalet-style architecture, delicious Swiss and German eats, and pleasant locals. It invites tourists to try traditional dishes at Glarner Stube, which serves favorites such as cheese curds and Wiener Schnitzels. This rustic eatery features an old-world vibe and friendly staff that enhance the dining experience. The local food pairs well with a pint of craft beer, which visitors can sample during a tour of the New Glarus Brewing Company. It blends creativity and tradition to craft award-winning beers from 100% natural ingredients. During the guided tour, visitors can learn about the process of creating the brews and stop by a gift shop to buy trendy keychains, clothing, and other merchandise.
Outdoorsy guests can skip the downtown bustle for a leisurely stroll along the Sugar River Trail. Stretching approximately 24 miles, the route winds through varied countryside scenery along the Sugar River, offering a quiet setting ideal for birding, biking, hiking, and dog walking.
Lake Geneva
Nothing sounds more relaxing than lounging on a sandy beach and admiring lake vistas stretching into the horizon. This is precisely what vacationers come to do in Lake Geneva, with many gravitating towards Big Foot Beach State Park. Covering 270 acres along the shores of Geneva Lake, this charming sanctuary features a swimming beach, picnic areas, a family campground, and 5 miles of trails, all set within a laid-back environment. But away from the water, tourists can take a walk along the Lake Geneva Shore Path to fully appreciate the town's scenery. This 21-mile route runs along the edge of the lake, offering mesmerizing views of the blue waters, and stretches past a historic estate with elegant Victorian mansions with manicured gardens.
A chilled-out trip on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line is arguably the best way to experience the town. Guests can choose from brunch and dinner cruises, narrated tours, and private parties for a remarkable experience, promising close-up views of exquisite 19th-century historical estates.
Baraboo
Abundant outdoor opportunities make Baraboo a nice retreat for anybody looking for a low-key experience. Vacationers can escape the noise to delight in a peaceful walk along Baraboo's Riverwalk. This 3-mile paved pathway follows the winding Baraboo River, offering numerous scenic overlooks along the way. At the Maxwell-Potter Bridge, you can pause to admire the nature and native wildlife in the area before crossing to the other side of the river. However, you venture further into Baraboo's pristine wilderness by visiting Devil's Lake State Park. 30 miles of trails criss-cross this expansive nature area, distinguished by its 500-foot bluffs and 360-acre reservoir. The stage is set for a variety of recreational activities, including sightseeing, rock climbing, hiking, and swimming.
Baraboo hosts a pedestrian-friendly downtown area with inviting points of interest. Culture vultures can enjoy an entertaining theater performance at the AL. Ringling Theatre, which can hold an audience of 700 in its 1915 interior and hosts everything from concerts and plays by local and touring acts.
Egg Harbor
Small-scale charm, lake beaches, and fresh cheese are some of the reasons Egg Harbor is one of the most easygoing small towns in Wisconsin. The community invites guests to take advantage of ample waterfront fun at Egg Harbor Beach. This well-maintained stretch of sand along Green Bay features a playground, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and kayak rentals, offering a peaceful setting for fishermen, boaters, swimmers, and sunbathers. The Cappaert Contemporary Gallery offers a quaint artistic experience, where guests can explore a selection of fine sculptures, paintings, glassware, jewelry, and clay art by the talented Ginnie Cappaert. It also features a cool sculpture garden with gorgeous installations and breathtaking views of the water.
Finally, make a point of sampling 100% Wisconsin cheese at Wisconsin Cheese Masters. The establishment promises a wide variety of artisanal cheeses, allowing samplers to choose between Swiss, Blue, Gouda, Cheddar, Cave Aged, and more, and delivering an authentic culinary experience.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek is a quintessential embodiment of Door County's relaxed and picturesque scenery, encouraging travelers to embrace the outdoor lifestyle. Thousands of adventurers come to experience the sprawling beauty of Peninsula State Park. At over 3,700 acres, the reserve is a paradise of recreational opportunities, hosting an 18-hole golf course, more than 400 campsites, a sandy beach, numerous biking trails, hiking routes, and access to the water. Meanwhile, Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours mesmerizes tourists with scenic views of Door County. This narrated excursion delivers sightings of the Niagara Escarpment, Washington Island, Cottage Row, and Chambers Island.
Adventure aside, vacationers can take it easy by watching a professional stage performance in the middle of the woods at the Peninsula Players Theatre. This unique venue showcases Broadway-quality comedies, musicals, dramas, and other presentations amidst a raw natural setting.
Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls invites travelers to skip the overwhelming bustle of the big city for a more relaxed retreat along the scenic banks of the Chippewa River. Access to serene natural areas, including Lake Wissota State Park, presents quiet moments outdoors. Covering over 1,000 acres, this beautiful playground on the shores of Lake Wissota has a quiet atmosphere, perfect for activities like water skiing, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and boating. Tourists can spend quality time viewing different species of wild animals at Irvine Park and Zoo. This 300-acre natural sanctuary is home to tigers, bison, and cougars, and features a lovely petting zoo.
If you are not immersing in nature, you can discover the arts at the Heyde Center for the Arts. Constructed in the early 1900s, this Neoclassical venue has become a regional cultural hub, drawing national and international talent to entertain audiences with musicals, plays, concerts, and other stage shows.
Marinette
Small-town flair meets natural beauty in this adorable village on the southern bank of the Menominee River. Marinette is rich in green spaces, providing a nice spot to sit, breathe in, and take in the scenery at Stephenson Island Park. This quiet riverside escape is surrounded by lush landscapes and features scenic walking paths and picnic areas, where tourists can take a lazy stroll. Those craving something sweet to bite will fancy stopping by Klema's Seguins Cheese. This welcoming retail store treats guests to a selection of delicious treats, such as cheese, ice cream, chocolates, and knick-knacks, served with a touch of Midwestern hospitality.
Marinette is also home to the Mariner Theatre, which showcases 2nd-run films on the big screen in a family-friendly setting. The venue serves concessions like cheese, popcorn, and nachos during the movie, and kids can play vintage arcade games from the 80s as they wait for the show to begin.
Hayward
Hayward lies in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, along the Namekagon River bank. It is a popular escape for family vacationers, providing kid-friendly opportunities at Lumberjack Village Mini Golf. This lovely property welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy golfing in a pleasant atmosphere, punctuated by ponds, streams, a waterfall, and well-maintained greens. You can let your hair down and revel in the town's small-town feel at Hayward City Beach. This sandy stretch is framed by the waters of Lake Hayward and provides an excellent area for swimming, picnicking, and sightseeing.
Elsewhere, Out of the Woods Winery offers guests an opportunity to quench their thirst and tame their cravings. It is a quaint winery and bar that serves meads, wines, and ciders, as well as cheese, pretzels, and pizzas.
Hudson
Hudson is a desirable vacation spot along the St. Croix River that provides a laid-back setting for tourists to let loose at Lakefront Park. The location offers a beach, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, play structures, and a walking area, where outdoor enthusiasts gather for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking activities. The Phipps Center for the Arts is a hub for creativity, and welcomes visitors to watch local performances as they express themselves on stage. It boasts a 247-seat capacity and features five galleries, ensuring visual and performance art opportunities.
Another great way to unwind in Hudson is through a refreshing drink and delicious dish at Pitchfork Brewing. The establishment classically crafts beers from locally sourced ingredients and cooks up delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and other treats.
From the sandy beaches of Egg Harbor to the picturesque river banks of Chippewa Falls, these easygoing small towns in Wisconsin feel worlds apart from the busy city, offering laid-back charm, scenic nature, and simple pleasures in the United States. Whether you’re strolling quiet waterfronts and beaches, biking peaceful trails, picnicking by the lake, browsing historic downtowns, or sampling local treats and galleries, each town invites visitors to slow down, unwind, and soak up genuine Midwestern hospitality.
