11 Most Neighborly Towns In Wisconsin
The Midwest is known to be an especially friendly region of the US, and nowhere is this truer than in these Wisconsin towns. Made up of hardworking local businesses like Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, which has been selling fudge in Hayward since 1963, beautiful natural resources like the Sea Caves in Bayfield, and fascinating histories like the legend of the Hodag in Rhinelander, visitors easily make long-lasting connections and create new traditions within these featured communities. Whether chartering a fishing boat in Port Washington in the warm summer months or renting snowmobiles in Sister Bay to enjoy wintertime, neighborly locals and fellow travelers ensure that memories are unforgettable, and return visits are frequent.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a welcoming Wisconsin community known for relaxing summer lake days and exciting winter activities. With its close proximity to the Illinois border, Lake Geneva is a popular destination for visitors from Northern Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area, creating a welcoming mix of locals and out-of-state travelers alike. Lake Geneva is surrounded by a 21-mile walking path that meanders along charming neighborhoods full of beautiful homes. While walking, talking, and enjoying the day on the trail, stop at any of the popular establishments lining the path, like Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn for classic burgers or casual cocktails. For a guided tour of an impressive and historic property, head to Black Point Estate and Gardens. Conrad Seipp, a beer baron, began construction in 1887. The estate was enjoyed by multiple generations before the Wisconsin Historical Society took over responsibility in 2013. Annual visitors continue to be amazed by the antique furniture, beautifully manicured gardens, and preserved shoreline protected by the Estate from future development.
In the winter months, Lake Geneva has just as many offerings perfect for families or adventurous solo travelers. The Mountain Top at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers downhill skiing for all ages and experience levels. With equipment rentals and instructor-led classes, skiers can choose from any of the 21 ski runs or the new 6-acre terrain park before returning to any of the five restaurant options on-site for a hot meal. Families looking to escape the cold can stay at the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. In addition to the 86-degree indoor pool room, almost 40-foot waterslides, and over 500-foot-long lazy river, guests have access to organized resort activities, a mini bowling alley, an arcade, mini golf, and more.
Bayfield
Bayfield, located at the northernmost point of Wisconsin, is a popular spot for travelers from around the world due to its position on Lake Superior. Bayfield’s abundant natural attractions, friendly locals, and acclaimed restaurants make it perfect for a group camping trip or solo adventure. The Apostle Islands, made up of 21 islands across a 12-mile shoreline, hold many breathtaking geographical formations, including incredibly picturesque Sea Caves (Ice Caves in wintertime). Multiple tour companies are available to guide kayakers of all experience levels through the ancient sandstone structures. Apostle Islands Cruises offers multiple relaxing tours of the area aboard their larger cruise vessels, perfect for families with small children or those who don’t want to get into the water directly.
After a day of exploration, visitors can head to the Copper Crow Distillery, which is widely recognized as the first Native American-owned distillery in the United States. The menu boasts 13 award-winning spirits. Afterward, check out the St. James Restaurant & Social Club located within a historic main street hotel for a relaxed and charming dining experience beloved by locals and visitors to Bayfield. For guests of the St. James Social hotel, amenities include a stunning rooftop lounge, premier sauna, and daily breakfast bar. Finally, the most welcoming event of the year is the annual Bayfield Apple Festival, a sight you can't miss if you visit in early October.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg, a part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, welcomes visitors to a wide variety of eclectic restaurants, bars, and cafes in addition to regional museums that showcase the area’s cultural history. To get a sense of Cedarburg’s roots, new arrivals to town or returning visitors can head to the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts to see a collection of permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting the importance of textiles in Wisconsin’s history. Adult classes and lectures are also offered in the property’s incredible 1850s barn, which was restored in 2011. The Cedarburg History Museum, located within the Hilgen & Schroeder Mill Store, showcases a wide variety of antiques and exhibits that are updated consistently. Admission is free, and past exhibits include Christmas on the Avenue and Civil War Currency.
The Farmstead is a popular Cedarburg restaurant offering heartwarming Midwest cuisine and stories from locals. Located within an 180-year-old farmhouse, guests enjoy exploring the artifacts and historical details on the walls. The Timber Club represents a more modern take on Wisconsin culture with an impressive timber music hall and a large outdoor patio perfect for drinks, live bands, and great conversations. The Timber Club team is deeply connected to the town’s historical roots, as they own and operate the Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast on the same property. To end the night, you can also check into the beautiful historic Washington House Inn. First founded in 1846, the building was renovated in 1983 and features incredibly picturesque rooms, homemade meals, and a wine and cheese social hour.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek’s vibrant mile-long downtown makes it an ideal location for vacationers looking to experience Door County, Wisconsin, an area of the state known for U-pick fruit orchards, beautiful beaches, a relaxed pace of life, and Friday night fish fries. Visitors to Fish Creek walking on Main Street have a wide selection of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and home goods stores to explore, including Lake People Fish Creek, Harbor Wear Clothing, Fish Creek Moccasin, and more. The Bayside Tavern is a community landmark of over 50 years, offering a lively bar and comforting food, especially the region’s famous Friday night fish fry, which is typically enjoyed by big crowds looking to make memories with other visitors.
Located directly across the street, those interested in Fish Creek history can tour the Alexander Noble House Museum to view period-accurate furniture, clothing, and household items left by founding resident Alexander Noble and his family, who moved to the area in 1862. The museum is also a stop on the evening Door County Trolley Ghost Tour. Further down Main Street, even more local vendors look to welcome visitors, like Sister Golden for home goods, Funstuff for gifts and keepsakes, and Fred & Co for clothing. Locals and vacationers gather to end the day at Sunset Beach Park, appropriately named for its beautiful view of the setting sky and night stars.
Sister Bay
Another village in Door County, Sister Bay, is ideal for families looking to enjoy the beautiful summer months or escape the cold winters in Wisconsin. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant often draws mesmerized crowds for its authentic Swedish cuisine and unique décor. Located on the roof of the restaurant, when weather permits, goats whimsically graze on the sod roof, creating an unforgettable memory, especially for children. To enjoy the warm weather and picturesque views of Lake Michigan feeding into Green Bay, Sister Bay offers 1,900 feet of public waterfront access. Kayaks, paddleboards, and boats are available for rent at the waterfront. Four off-leash dog parks are also in the area, allowing furry family members to meet new friends and enjoy the new environment as well.
In winter, there is an abundance of activities available to experience Sister Bay in an entirely different way. Flow through the tree-lined trails on cross-country skis. Rental equipment is available to access the many well-groomed trails, including the Ahnapee State Trail, Door County Land Trust, and Crossroads at Big Creek. Sister Bay also connects with more than 250 miles of snowmobile trails, including the Baileys Harbor to Sister Bay route, which takes riders through sections of Mud Lake State Wildlife Area, only accessible in the wintertime. After an adventurous day outside, visitors can warm up at any of the area’s acclaimed restaurants, like Thyme Restaurant. Thyme focuses on great quality ingredients with a charming Midwest ambience, including local favorites like cheese curds and wild mushroom risotto, with higher-end dishes like Mediterranean whitefish and pear crusted salmon.
New Glarus
New Glarus is one of the most visited towns in Wisconsin, as the home of the internationally known New Glarus Brewing Company. Founded by Swiss immigrants in 1845 and now called “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus welcomes visitors year-round to learn about Swiss American culture, enjoy expertly crafted beverages and delicacies, and explore lush nature at state parks. Since its first production in 1993, the New Glarus Brewing Company has made a name for itself in the industry by winning at prestigious European competitions, remaining employee-owned, and continuing to be beloved by locals. Stop by for a guided tour of the property and a taste of the world-renowned Spotted Cow brew. For a perfect pairing, head to the nearby Munchkey Apple Orchard (in Mt Horeb) to pick up fresh apples, when in season, home-raised beef products, honey, and a wide variety of apple cider and wine.
The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum is one of only three historic Swiss chalet-style homes in Wisconsin and the former residence of Edwin Barlow, a world traveler who stocked the home with artifacts, antiques, and curiosities from his adventures. From May through November, visitors can book a tour to see the beautiful craftsmanship and unique objects displayed in this special location. To spend time in nature, head to the New Glarus Woods State Park and choose from a wide variety of activities, like hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, biking, and more, in this 435-acre state park. The Park provides a great snapshot of Wisconsin’s natural environment for out-of-state visitors, showcasing lush forests teeming with wildlife, beautiful open fields of grass and wildflowers, and serene streams and rivers.
Hayward
Hayward, located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, is a must-see city for fans of the outdoors. Hayward attracts visitors all year-round with a 143-foot-long, massive sculpture of a “musky,” the shortened name for the fish species, Muskellunge, native to the area and the State Fish of Wisconsin. The sculpture is located at the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to keeping the sport and history of freshwater fishing alive through detailed record keeping, strong educational programming, and community gatherings. Many families have a tradition of travelling to Hayward annually for fishing trips and look forward to being welcomed by the friendly community dedicated to supporting the enjoyment of nature and the protection of the environment.
Scheer’s Lumberjack Show offers an exciting presentation of sport, history, and comedy. Open from May to September, watch lumberjacks compete in various events like logrolling, pole climbing, canoe jousts, axe throwing, and much more. A mini golf course, lakeside restaurant, and cabin rentals are also available on-site. There are a variety of Northwoods-themed restaurants in Hayward, including Angler's Bar and Grill. With the tagline “Come for the food, stay for the friendship,” the restaurant features taxidermy animals created by the original founders, Wisconsin-famous fish fries, and family favorite dishes. For a sweet treat and stories from locals, head to Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, a family-owned business offering old-fashioned candies, chocolates, and fudge. Fudge is a regional delicacy in Wisconsin, and Tremblay’s features their own famous recipe beloved by Hayward residents and available for sale online.
Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake, in eastern Wisconsin, attracts visitors annually for its intriguing blend of high-speed racing culture and laid-back focus on relaxation. Road America is a major aspect of life in Elkhart Lake, as one of the world’s fastest permanent road racing tracks, hosting race events since the 1950s. There are a multitude of ways to get involved and experience the track with fellow race-lovers, Elkhart Lake locals, and new fans of the sport. To personally drive on the track, rent a car during Track Days or use your own vehicle for Sunset Cruising and Morning Drives. Experience the track in the wintertime through the Winter Autocross Series. Road America is a can’t-miss location with endless opportunities to get involved with the racing community. To refuel, head to the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebken’s Resort for a bite to eat at the “best bar on the racing circuit.” The bar’s interior is eye-catching and covered in racing stickers, posters, and flags.
To decompress from the high-energy racing environment, the highly rated Aspira Spa at the Osthoff Resort is dedicated to providing quality services inspired by nature, like the Cedars Massage Experience, Sacred Waters Hydrating Massage, and halotherapy salt room. Vintage Elkhart Lake is a specialty wine and food retailer offering over 250 hand-picked wines from around the world. They carry goods from other local businesses, like Indulgence Chocolatiers, Palo Popcorn, and Saxon Creamery, making this the perfect one-stop shop for a relaxing night.
Port Washington
Port Washington sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and is a picturesque town full of historic buildings, beautiful beaches, and friendly local businesses. Like many waterfront towns, Port Washington is used to hosting visitors year-round, and many businesses are centered around providing tourists with unforgettable experiences. Multiple fishing charters and boat tours exist to get visitors on and in the water, including Nicky Boy Charters, Angry Fin Charter Fishing, Deep Six Scuba, and Silent Wake Kayaking. Port Washington is often compared to New England and has a group of historical lighthouses and buildings to support the perceived kinship. The 1860 Lighthouse and Light Station Museum brings the legacy of light station keepers to life. Visitors can climb to the lantern room for a beautiful view of the lake or visit the museum on the first floor for educational materials. The Port Washington Historical Society even accepts keeper applications, giving those interested an unbelievable opportunity to become part of Port Washington’s community and live in the two-bedroom apartment above the museum while they oversee the station and monitor the building.
The Grand Avenue Saloon in Port Washington’s historic downtown has been welcoming guests for over 32 years with a relaxed environment, popular food and drinks, and friendly locals. The Shipyard is a nautical bar with a dedicated staff and monthly events, including vintage snowmobile shows, meat raffles (a tradition specific to the Midwest), live performances, and comedy shows. For a beautiful view of the sunset over Lake Michigan or the starlit Wisconsin sky, head to the Schooner Pub’s rooftop bar and patio to end the day. The Schooner Pub serves a variety of Midwest favorites, like fried cheese curds, fish sandwiches, and bratwursts.
Baraboo
Baraboo is an extremely charming town in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, looking to wow visitors with its whimsical history and beautiful natural attractions. As the base camp for the Ringling Brothers Circus and home of AL. Ringling, Baraboo, is decorated with multiple historic buildings related to the Circus’s legacy. Built in 1906, the AL Ringling Mansion has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1976 and offers guided tours through the home. In 2020, the AL. Ringling Brewing Company opened onsite with a charming ambience that includes a working show organ and drinks developed from the Ringling family’s original brew recipe. A short walk away, Circus World, a Wisconsin Historic Site, is loaded with educational information, stunning artifacts, costumes, and posters, and a big top circus showcasing skilled performers. First opened in 1959, Circus World is dedicated to the preservation of history and boasts an incredible collection of authentic circus wagons, the largest in the world.
In addition to its historical impact, Baraboo is widely known for its connection to Devil’s Lake State Park. The area regularly hosts visitors from all parts of the world traveling to climb 500-foot quartzite bluffs, swim in the 360-acre lake, hike the 30 miles of trails, and camp in any of the 423 sites. The lake is outlined by a fully connected hiking trail with two major shorelines available. The North Shore is great for swimming, access to the gift shop and Chateau, and building sandcastles, while the South Shore is typically rockier and perfect for picnicking, access to group campgrounds, and those who desire more shade. The park attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year, meaning friendly interactions with fellow beachgoers and a chance to meet people from all over the state, country, and world.
Rhinelander
Rhinelander is a colorful Northwoods town with beautiful natural resources and a lively spirit. Rhinelander continues to grow an international fan base centered around the town’s mythical mascot, the Hodag, a cryptid which dates back to the 19th century. Originally documented in a 1893 news article and even investigated by the Smithsonian three years later, the Hodag is a small, spiky creature with sunset-colored eyes said to stalk the forests. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce features a giant version of the animal welcoming visitors to town. The Hodag’s influence is prominent around town, as seen at one of the most popular establishments, the Hodag Store. Hats, hot sauce, plushies, and toy brick sets are just some of the Hodag-themed products shopped in person and online by growing numbers of tourists. Join the fun and count how many Hodags appear around town.
Pioneer Park Historical Complex is another interesting spot featuring the oldest logging museum in the nation. The property has an abundance of historical buildings and exhibits, including Red’s Antique Sawmill Museum, the Wisconsin CCC Museum, an antique firetruck display, Rhinelander Papermill History Exhibit, and much more. In downtown Rhinelander, a variety of local businesses are ready to welcome visitors, like Magic Man Games, Bath and Body Creations & Coffee Haus, and Denim & Leather Exchange. For a unique dinner experience with locals, Backwaters Bar and Grill gives guests a view of the water to enjoy with classic food, handmade drinks, and weekly specials.
A Wisconsin Welcome
These 11 towns exemplify the neighborly Midwest spirit, especially strong in Wisconsin, and visitors should expect to make lasting memories in all of them. Community experiences are always framed by Wisconsin's breathtaking nature, whether visitors are enjoying a Spotted Cow alongside the lush forests of New Glarus or hosting a family picnic on the beach beneath the bluffs of Baraboo. The historical richness of each of these towns leaves guests with a heartwarming understanding of the culture and legacies behind each location’s friendly aura. With opportunities to become a part of niche communities, like the dedicated race fans in Elkhart Lake, world-class fishermen in Hayward, or modern-day lighthouse keepers in Port Washington, new traditions become second nature and have families and solo travelers returning each year.
