12 Nicest Small Towns In Wisconsin
Wisconsin has always been a major tourist stopover in the American Midwest. According to the Wisconsin Independent, over 100 million people visited the state in 2023, stamping its place among the most sought-after vacation spots in the region. This is a credit to its winning mix of fabulous state parks, adorable natural scenery, vibrant cultural landscape, and a long list of outdoor adventures. Although most travelers end their journey in top cities like Madison and Green Bay, there are many more exciting places that remain underexplored.
Small-town Wisconsin is a gold mine of holiday destinations, with more than 1,200 small communities and villages scattered across America's Dairyland. Cumulatively, they are the true lifeblood of the state, harboring hidden histories, cultural folklore, and vital landmarks. From Sister Bay to New Glarus, here are the nicest small towns in Wisconsin that visitors can't get enough of.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek's allure lies in the beauty of its outdoor spaces. The town lies along the sprawling waters of Green Bay and famously hosts Peninsula State Park. Almost one million annual visitors come to seek adventure in this sprawling wilderness area, with opportunities ranging from camping and hiking to boating and fishing. Those who manage to scale the observation deck of Eagle Tower, which rises over 250 feet above Green Bay, enjoy a sweeping perspective of the park's majesty.
While the area is best explored on foot, guests can sign up for the Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours to savor the scenery from the water. During the easygoing cruise, expect to spot iconic local landmarks, particularly Eagle Bluff Lighthouse from 1868. But if you just want a quiet place by the water to relax and feast your eyes, you will love the serenity of Sunset Beach Park.
Monroe
Popularly known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the United States," Monroe has an enduring cheese-making heritage and deep Swiss roots that manifest through its downtown architecture and annual festivals. Travelers are drawn by the promise of sampling a broad selection of cheeses at establishments like Alp & Dell Cheese Store. But before that, you might want to learn about the chronology of the cheese industry in Monroe, which is elaborately documented inside the National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum.
Monroe's well-maintained historic district displays a cluster of delightful old structures, such as Goetz Theatres. This renovated 1930s movie house sports a rustic Art-Deco architectural style and screens the latest films for the public's amusement. Meanwhile, you can't miss the community's vibrant festivals, including the biannual Greene County Cheese Days.
Egg Harbor
Door County boasts a motherlode of magnificent little towns designed for a secluded retreat, and Egg Harbor represents the best you can expect from the region. This charming waterfront village, steeped in natural beauty, welcomes visitors to revel in its relaxed atmosphere while admiring the azure waters of Green Bay at the Egg Harbor Marina. Alternatively, get into your bathing suit for lazy moments along the sandy shoreline of Egg Harbor Beach, where you can dip in the cool waters or sit back and enjoy the breeze.
Downtown Egg Harbor is a tiny neighborhood that visitors can conveniently explore by taking the Door County Trolley Tour. This open tram ride winds through the downtown streets, exposing the best points of interest and top experiences. While in the area, support the local theater talent by watching a stage presentation at the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center.
Baraboo
Baraboo etched its name in the annals of entertainment history through its enduring association with the Ringling Brothers. Its lasting love affair with the circus world lives through Circus World, the historic Ringling Bros. winter quarters turned into a museum. Here, guests can peruse an extensive collection of circus memorabilia and even witness a live performance. The brothers left an indelible mark on the community, which you can tell from the many local attractions paying tribute to them. This includes the AL. Ringling Theatre, where residents gather to enjoy live dramas and musicals.
Baraboo is home to Devil's Lake State Park, one of the most popular state parks in the state. This magical natural area offers opportunities for hikers, campers, and boaters across its forested wilderness, with access to a pristine 360-acre lake.
Bayfield
Bayfield maintains a steady stream of visitors throughout the year thanks to its location at the entry point of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This hidden gem is endowed with supreme natural beauty, and guests take the Apostle Islands Cruises to explore the virgin islands and coastal bluffs in the middle of Lake Superior. Ardent hikers will relish discovering the backcountry by trekking the Big Ravine Trail, which winds through woodlands, ravines, and upland areas of the Big Ravine Nature Preserve.
Downtown Bayfield harbors a potent art scene, with local venues like Eckels Potter and Fine Craft Gallery inviting newcomers to witness intimate artworks by homegrown artists. Meanwhile, the art scene comes to its own every September during the Bayfield Festival of the Arts, bringing together creative minds for a day full of fun.
New Glarus
Many travelers rank New Glarus among the nicest small towns in Wisconsin, a tribute to its enchanting Swiss heritage, neighborly locals, and stunning architecture. New Glarus's walkable downtown is decorated with unique chalet-style architecture, which is visible in the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum. The community stays true to its Swiss heritage by marking a variety of annual traditions, with the highlight being the Wilhelm Tell Festival. This sees the townspeople celebrating with traditional costumes, songs, dance, and games in an infectiously fun atmosphere.
Visitors have a rare opportunity to taste authentic Swiss dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and cheese fondue at the Glarner Stube. Lastly, a lazy stroll along the serene trails of New Glarus Woods State Park is a fine way of spending time outdoors.
Ellison Bay
Situated in the northern corner of Door County, Ellison Bay is an adventure lover's paradise surrounded by unprecedented natural beauty. It spoils vacationers with sweeping panoramas of Green Bay and opens doors to exciting outdoor adventures across the expansive wilderness of Newport State Park. This 2,300-acre playground along the shores of Lake Michigan attracts hikers, campers, snowshoers, and anglers. Meanwhile, there is more ground to cover at the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, where you can scale 100-foot limestone bluffs to get unbeatable views of the lake.
Meanwhile, consider visiting Death's Door Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the area's rich fishing traditions and nautical expeditions through the years. Alternatively, you can admire and potentially find something to buy at Clay Bay Pottery, which exhibits pottery, paintings, woodcarvings, and other beautiful art forms.
Sister Bay
Besides its serene natural surroundings, this tiny village of Door County is known for its welcoming residents and eclectic food scene. Many come to revel in Sister Bay's soothing atmosphere, best embodied by the sandy and lengthy shoreline of Sister Bay Beach. This popular waterfront attracts sunbathers, picnickers, swimmers, and strollers looking to let their hair down. Also, the Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours allow first-timers to experience the town from the water, with a nonchalant cruise highlighted by exquisite sightseeing opportunities.
If you enjoy the arts, Frykman Studio Gallery exhibits gorgeous photography and wood art. But you can leave without sampling Sister Bay's sumptuous cuisine at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, which serves authentic Swedish specialties in a romantic setting.
Washington Island
Tourists with an affinity for off-grid adventures won't mind the thirty-minute ferry ride from mainland Wisconsin to access a stunning escape in the middle of Lake Michigan. Washington Island stands out for its unmatched beauty, exemplified by quirky Schoolhouse Beach Park. This unique beach is known for its smooth and rounded limestone pebbles that remain visible through the crystal-clear lake waters. The Washington Island Stavkirke turns heads with its medieval facade, showcasing authentic Scandinavian architecture and craftsmanship.
Elsewhere, the town's colorful nautical heritage is extensively documented inside the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum, whose exhibits focus on everything from the local coast guard and the ferry to commercial fishing. Finally, you can wrap your island tour by catching an entertaining drama or play at Trueblood Performing Arts Center.
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay has long been considered a fisherman's paradise and offers some of the best bass fishing opportunities in the country. The town is steeped in maritime heritage, which newcomers can get familiar with at the Door County Maritime Museum. Stored inside is a collection of artifacts, relics, model ships, and other memorabilia about past expeditions. However, there is more to Sturgeon Bay's history, and the Door County Historical Museum takes a broader look into it by focusing on the natural, agricultural, cultural, and human histories.
While in downtown, spare a few minutes to watch an engrossing stage production at Third Avenue PlayWorks. But if you plan to venture into the great outdoors, visit the sprawling wilderness of Cave Point County Park and revel in the unmatched vistas of Lake Michigan.
Whitefish Bay
Whitefish Bay is a lovely suburban community offering the ultimate escape from the busyness of Milwaukee. Its picturesque beauty is framed by the sandy shores and glistening waters of Lake Michigan, making it a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy the scene from Big Bay Park, which offers a lush natural area with picnic spaces and nature trails leading to the water. Meanwhile, Gallery 505 invites art connoisseurs to inspect a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary pieces by over sixty European and North American artists.
When you are hungry from all the walking and exploring downtown Whitefish Bay, pop into Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn for a hearty meal. The establishment serves a delectable blend of American and German cuisine in a family-friendly environment.
Chippewa Falls
Set on the Chippewa River banks, this charming town draws tourists with natural beauty, family-centric attractions, and colorful history. It is home to Lake Wissota State Park, a 1,000-acre lakefront reserve offering a range of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. Vacationing families tend to prioritize the Irvine Park Zoo for their fun moments in Chippewa Falls. This inspirational sanctuary houses native and exotic animal species across a 300-acre property, including tigers, bears, bobcats, and bison.
The community's fascinating backstory is accessible at the Chippewa Area History Center. This resourceful venue uses relics, memorabilia, archives, and antiques to interpret centuries of regional history, dating to the Native American and early settler years.
While it is almost impossible to pick favorites among the Badger State's wealth of adorable destinations, these nicest small towns in Wisconsin, United States, present a compelling case to justify their position among the most sought-after tourist destinations. Their serene natural setting and slow-paced atmosphere are a fresh breath of air from the constant chaos in the big city. Whether you seek the seclusion of Washington Island or the serenity of Ellison Bay, either could easily pass for the ultimate holiday getaway.
