11 Serene Wisconsin Towns For A Weekend Retreat
While most travelers rush to visit the big cities in the Dairy State, the real charm rests in the small, serene towns that rarely get featured in travel magazines. Thanks to its year-round pastoral beauty, nature lovers and outdoor opportunists come in droves to explore God-given allure and indulge in wild adventures. Diverse natural landscapes, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Mississippi River and the wilderness of the Northwoods, house serene little locations offering the perfect escape from the city.
Their vast open spaces and easygoing personalities present a sweet spot for a comfortable experience while discovering local attractions. From the riverside beauty of Chippewa Falls to the historical buildings in Cedarburg, the following are some of the most serene Wisconsin towns for a weekend retreat.
Cedarburg
This Ozaukee County town promises a jam-packed weekend stay, where you indulge in local history, sample the area art scene, and discover exciting outdoor adventures. Cedarburg's colorful chronology is exhibited inside the Cedarburg History Museum in the form of archives, artifacts, and documents collected over centuries. Art enthusiasts are spoilt for choice as far as related venues are concerned. They can visit the Cedarburg Art Museum or the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center to connect with regional visual and performance artists.
Cedarburg has a handful of delightful green spaces for tourists who like being outside. Many prefer to relax in the tranquil grounds of Cedar Creek Park, which offers quiet trails running along the river with fantastic views of rapids and a waterfall. Meanwhile, the Washington House Inn promises guests a rustic yet elegant accommodation experience in a 19th-century hotel with 34 pristine rooms and suites.
Baraboo
Baraboo has a history of luring visitors since the late 19th century owing to its rich circus heritage. When the Ringling Brothers held their first performance in 1884, it became a top destination for circus enthusiasts, and today, people remember the heydays by visiting Circus World. This former Ringling Bros quarters turned museum stores a vast collection of circus memorabilia and occasionally hosts entertaining live performances. A walkable downtown district allows tourists to comfortably hop from one attraction to another, including the rustic AL. Ringling Theatre. Here, art lovers converge to watch exhilarating live presentations.
Elsewhere, outdoor opportunities abound throughout the virgin wilderness of Devil’s Lake State Park. The 9,200-acre playground attracts swimmers, hikers, campers, and more. Finally, you can spend a comfortable night at Best Western Baraboo Inn, just a few miles from Circus World, and take advantage of amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Port Washington
Popular for its unique New England flair and captivating historical heritage, this adorable waterfront community along the Lake Michigan shores places you in the ideal setting to let loose and enjoy a quiet weekend. Newcomers love to unwind on the smooth sands of Port Washington South Beach Park while watching the calm lake waters stretching into the horizon. Meanwhile, the Port Washington Avian Sanctuary exposes vacationers to beautiful shorebirds that call the region home.
The Harborview serves as the ideal hotel option while in Port Washington, set along Lake Michigan, with ready access to the Port Washington Marina. Also, remember to tour Judge Eghart House for a glimpse of the community in the 1800s in a restored Victorian home.
Shawano
Shawano is an escape for outdoor lovers, promising a serene weekend amidst pleasant natural areas to relax your mind. Visitors can choose between Sturgeon Park and Kuckuk Park to spend time in the open spaces. These have playgrounds, picnic spots, scenic trails for bikers, trekkers, and hikers. Meanwhile, the Shawano County Historical Society preserves and interprets regional history using a vast collection of physical and digital archives documenting notable events throughout the years.
While exploring downtown Shawano, spare at least an hour to watch the latest Hollywood release at the Shawano Cinema, which showcases mainstream films in a four-screen venue. Lastly, the Shawano Four Seasons Resort is an excellent spot to sleep and sits about a mile from Shawano Lake.
Ashland
Ashland is an artistic community on the shores of Lake Superior known for its dozens of beautiful murals. Visitors are exposed to a vibrant theater scene, and they have a chance to watch local performers in their element inside the Chequamegon Theatre. This charming community hub stages everything from kids' shows to dramas and musicals. Historians can take an interest in the area's interesting chronology at the Ashland Historical Museum, home to an interactive library of memorabilia connecting people to the past.
Heading to the lake is a must-do in Ashland, and Maslowski Beach presents an inviting 1,400-foot shoreline with smooth sands and shallow waters designed for lounging and dipping. If you want a nice spot to stay, try out Quality Inn Ashland. It offers sweeping lake views from its spacious rooms with comfortable beds.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells stands out among the serene Wisconsin towns for a weekend retreat with family. It promises endless family-centric attractions, highlighted by its world-class waterparks and amusement venues. The town hosts Noah's Ark Waterpark, a sprawling 70-acre outdoor center with at least 50 waterslides and numerous other activities for the ultimate day out with loved ones. Guests have a rare opportunity to view exotic species of tigers, primates, and giraffes at Timbavati Wildlife Park.
Additionally, those who crave outdoor immersion will have a blast exploring the secluded and craggy terrain of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, which features picturesque cliffs, canyons, and a deep gorge. For accommodation, stay at the Wilderness Resort and make the most of its water parks, arcades, golf course, and state-of-the-art spa.
New Glarus
Visitors to New Glarus can spend a pleasant weekend learning about its unique Swiss heritage and interacting with its welcoming townspeople. The town's downtown district is decorated with eccentric chalet-style buildings, reflecting its pioneer Swiss influences. One of the best examples in the corridor is the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum. Inside it lies a colorful catalog of European antiques and memorabilia accumulated over the years by Edwin Barlow. The New Glarus Brewing Company welcomes first-timers to take a self-guided tour of the expansive facility and taste refreshing brews.
For quality moments in the outdoors, you can find peaceful walks at the New Glarus Woods State Park, which is also a hub for campers, hikers, and picnickers. Finally, spend your nights at the Chalet Landhaus Inn and enjoy delicious local cuisine from the in-house restaurant amidst old-school Swiss decor.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva has a history of attracting summer travelers since the 19th century, a reputation it maintains due to its waterfront scenery and generally easygoing atmosphere. The town lies on the shores of Geneva Lake, and newcomers enjoy watching its blue water while scrolling down the beautiful route at the Lake Geneva Shore Path. Not too far off, you will come across Riviera Beach, a popular outdoor hub where everybody goes to swim, sunbathe, walk, and relish being outside.
Sleeping at Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva allows you to take advantage of the night breeze from the water for a soothing night's rest. Historians in Lake Geneva can head to the Geneva Lake Museum for a rare look into the town's past in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Two Rivers
Two Rivers boasts a calm environment on the shores of Lake Michigan and provides a sweet spot for tourists who want to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Its sprawling outdoor spaces include the 3,000 acres of Point Beach State Forest, which features a network of woodlands bordering the lake's shoreline. This hushed playground is popular among hikers, campers, and sightseers. Elsewhere, the smooth sands of Neshotah Park provide the perfect grounds for lazy picnics and sunbathing sessions while savoring the water views.
The picturesque Rawley Point Lighthouse, rising 113 feet above the water surface, offers a clear idea of the town's rich maritime heritage and provides a visual spectacle. To get the best views of the landmark and lake, sleep at Lighthouse Inn, which lies right on the banks of Lake Michigan.
Hudson
This adorable riverfront town charms vacationers with its storybook natural scenery and active art scene. It lies along the St. Croix River and offers an abundance of outdoor opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and sunbathing at Lakefront Park. Furthermore, those who want to experience Hudson's pastoral beauty can immerse themselves in the undisturbed wilderness of Willow River State Park. The vast natural area boasts a dramatic 200-foot-deep gorge and gorgeous waterfalls.
Beyond the outdoors, enjoy an exhilarating lineup of live performances at the Phipps Center for the Arts, from dances and musicals to dramas. Later, you can have a comfortable night's sleep at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which places you away from the downtown noise while ensuring easy access to the St. Croix River, just a few minutes away.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek is where vacationers go when they want to get lost in outdoor adventures. This Door County destination is home to the popular Peninsula State Park, which presents year-round opportunities for a variety of recreation, including hiking, camping, boating, canoeing, hunting, and more. One of the best ways to experience the majesty of the reserve is to climb to the top of Eagle Tower and soak in its diverse landscapes from a 250-foot height. Alternatively, you can do this from the water during a remarkable sightseeing tour courtesy of Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours. However, when it comes to accommodation, you can find convenience at AppleCreek Resort, which is only blocks away from downtown Fish Creek.
Final Thoughts
If you are keen on exploring the beautiful nature associated with the Badger State and have a serene weekend, you might want to stray away from the busy cities and venture into the secluded spaces of the backcountry of the United States. Luckily, there is no shortage of charming surprises, and these serene Wisconsin towns for a weekend retreat are just what you are looking for. From the Lake Michigan shores in Two Rivers to great swimming in Lake Geneva, they all stand out as great places for a serene retreat.
