12 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Wisconsin

Wisconsin's 54,000 square miles include the rolling green hills and cornfields of Grant County, located in the southwest corner of the state, and the rugged, forested regions in the northern part of Wisconsin, near the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and are home to many peaceful, underrated communities. In Minoqua, visitors can enjoy forested camping spots near the town's many small lakes. Those interested in maritime history will get a kick out of Sturgeon Bay's significance to Great Lakes' history (and its famous lighthouse). Depending on the time of year during your visit to these off-grid towns, you may even be able to enjoy the state's famous ski trails, located in several of Wisconsin's state parks.

Sturgeon Bay

With a name like "Sturgeon Bay," it's no surprise this town is centered on its maritime history. Visitors flock annually to the Door County Maritime Museum for its interactive exhibits detailing the history of the Great Lakes' maritime pioneers. The museum includes the restored tugboat, the John Purves, which visitors can tour. There is also the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower with exhibits, displays, and hands-on learning for children and adults alike.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, as well as numerous hiking and bike trails, among the lush green shores at Potawatomi State Park. The Miller Art Museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Sturgeon Bay, and was established in 1975 as the area's only fine art museum. For a bite to eat, visitors to the town can check out any of the town's excellent restaurants, such as the cozy steakhouse, Nightingale Supper Club, or Kitty O'Reillys Irish Pub.

Minocqua

Located in the northeast part of the state among Wisconsin's many lakes, Minocqua has it all: water recreation, gorgeous views of the lake, cultural attractions, and even a wildlife park and safari. Minoqua is located far from the Interstates among the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, making this town a fun, if lesser-known, destination for visitors who aren't afraid to brave one of Wisconsin's largest wilderness areas.

Minocqua is named for Minocqua Lake, and is best known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The Bearskin Trailhead Park gives hikers and bikers access across the water to Nitschke's Northern Resort, which features woodsy cabins and expansive green grounds for visitors looking to extend their stay. During the spring and summer, visitors to Minocqua can enjoy the Wildwood Wildlife Park & Safari. With over 1,700 animals of 229 species, including snow leopards and giraffes, it is no wonder the park is a fun attraction for adults and children of all ages.

For good food and stunning lakeside views, check out The Thirsty Whale, and for good beer in the heart of town, look no further than the Minocqua Brewing Company.

Montreal

This Wisconsin town shares the same name as the Canadian city. Located right near the Wisconsin-Michigan border, Montreal has all the charm visitors would expect from a Wisconsin town: friendly people, charming vibes, and great food. And don't forget the gorgeous natural beauty! Located far from Wisconsin's major cities, Montreal is located along a long stretch of road that includes other small towns. There's only one road in and out of town, truly giving it a tranquil, untouched charm.

Montreal is especially popular during the wintertime, when Historic Montreal Ski Trails are open for the season. For skiing enthusiasts hoping to get more out of their winter visit, Eagle Powersports' Snowmobile Rental and Repair has just the thing. Montreal sits on the north shore of the Gile Flowage, into which the tranquil waterfall Gile Falls flows. The falls and Gile Park, which is just a short walk from the falls, are a great place for a relaxing summer picnic.

Ashland

Small-town charm and big-lake views are what the town of Ashland is known for. It sits on the shores of Chequamegon Bay, which empties into Lake Superior. The Maslowski Beach Artesian Well is perfect for a tranquil afternoon picnic along the beach before touring the town, and the Ashland Mural Walk provides visitors with a colorful view on their way downtown.

History lovers will appreciate the Ashland Historical Society & Museum and its exhibits detailing the region's history, featuring lesser-known exhibits such as the Norman Rockwell exhibit, Women in the Military exhibit, and a restored pump organ that once belonged to Ashland natives Mike and Mary Ann Kehoe.

Adventurous visitors will enjoy camping and hiking at Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge. It is a perfect way to unplug from daily life and recharge among all the natural beauty northern Wisconsin has to offer. Given Ashland's location next to the Bad River Reservation and just north of the White River Boreal Forest State Natural Area, Ashland's remoteness adds to its charm.

Prairie du Sac

Prairie du Sac, located along the Wisconsin River, welcomes travelers every year. It sits just over 40 minutes northwest of the state capital, Madison, and is an out-of-the-way destination offering quiet charm that often feels like a breath of fresh air away from the business of the city. Wollersheim Winery & Distillery is among visitors' top destinations in Prairie du Sac. The award-winning winery and distillery has been going strong since the 1840s and offers brunches, wine tastings, and other events. Boating is a popular pastime among visitors and locals alike, which is no surprise given Prairie du Sac's riverfront location.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip just outside of the town to Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park. From enchanting play structures to metal plants and animals, such as horses and birds, the park, created from repurposed materials, is a memorable visit for visitors both big and small. If you are feeling brave and think highly of your throwing arm, stay for the annual Cow Chip Throwing Contest!

Baraboo

This town sits among Wisconsin's vast nature reserves, including nearby South Bluff / Devil's Nose State Natural Area and Lower Narrows State Natural Area, and is as unique as its name. Baraboo is home to the AL Ringling Mansion, which was built in 1906 for the famous ringmaster and has since been turned into a museum. The mansion's 20,000 square feet features exhibits like a gilded stage, luxurious furniture, and all the opulence and glamour visitors can ask for.

For a more down-to-earth look at the town's achievements, visitors can check out the Sauk County Historical Society. Its in-depth exhibits detail the region's proud history, and it even includes periodic events such as Unsolved Crimes of the Roaring Twenties. For the kids, the Baraboo Children's Museum is beyond compare. The museum's interactive play stations are sure to delight children of all ages. For a bite to eat, Baraboo doesn't disappoint. The town has several tasty options, including Gem City Saloon & Eatery and Jose's Authentic Mexican Restaurant.

Mauston

It may seem like a small blip along most visitors' drive along Interstate 90, but Mauston may not be as out-of-the-way as some of the other towns in the state. But it's anything but run-of-the-mill. Located on the shores of Decorah Lake, Mauston is an outdoorsy town with all the small-town charm visitors expect from central Wisconsin. Visitors can enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, at Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stables.

Visitors can find that perfect something for their home, or a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or family member at the Red Geranium Framing and Gifts. Due to the town's location on Decorah Lake, fishing is popular among visitors and locals alike. Fish Bones Guide Service offers chartered boats for anglers, allowing you to catch native fish species such as walleye and largemouth bass. Fans of microbreweries will enjoy a nice meal and a few cold brews at Gravity Box Brewing Company.

Tomah

This town shares its name with the nearby Tomah Lake. Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular pastimes in Tomah during the summertime, but there are other year-round attractions visitors can enjoy no matter the season. Check out Humbird Cheese Mart, where visitors can try samples and purchase unique local cheeses from right here in Wisconsin. You can even purchase gift boxes to take home for friends and family!

Tomah's Amish furniture store, All Things Amish and More, features beautiful, handcrafted furniture. For handmade sandwiches and fresh produce, head to Cranberry Country Market. For a quiet stroll before hitting the road, Gillett Park offers tranquil scenery, a picnic area, and a play area for the kids.

Buffalo City

Located on the westernmost part of the state on the banks of the Mississippi River, Buffalo City is best known for its boating and fishing. However, it can be easy to overlook when following the Mississippi River to Minneapolis. It's a quiet town, and Buffalo City has multiple eateries, such as River Ratz Saloon & Lodge and The Lost Pirate Tiki Bar and Grill. Charter a fishing boat with Ecker's Backwater Adventures or go down a mile south to Foelsch Riverside Park in nearby Cochrane. Migratory birds are commonly spotted in the region, and birdwatchers can catch glimpses of bald eagles, several varieties of ducks, and more. Buffalo City Park is a great, peaceful location with green scenery, walking paths, a picnic area, and a playground for kids.

Cassville

This tiny town of just under 800 is nestled right beside the Mississippi River, along the Wisconsin/Iowa border. Cassville is home to historic buildings, great food, and green, riverside views. Due to being far from any major city (the closest large city being Cedar Rapids, which is a 2-hour drive southwest across the Iowa border), Cassville is a small, charming town for visitors looking for beautiful views and a slower pace.

Visitors can enjoy casual dining at Moon's Town Pump before heading out to Happy Hooves Campground for a night under the stars. For scenery that can't be beat, head north of town to the Dewey Heights Prairie State Natural Area, where you can boat, swim, birdwatch, and hike. You can even rent a riverfront cabin at Eagle's Roost Resort and Marina, which is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The Cassville Farmall Museum also gives visitors a glimpse of the town's history and includes exhibits such as vintage tractors and farm equipment.

Marinette

Marinette is larger than many of the other towns, but its location along Green Bay puts it relatively out of the way for many travelers who stick to the main Interstates. Once you find Marinette, however, you will love the focus on performing arts, state parks, and rich maritime history. The town has a population of just over 11,000, and is a great place for visitors searching for the conveniences of a city while preserving small-town charm.

The Bayshore Arts Center is part of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and puts on shows that appeal to both children and adults. Seagull Bar State Natural Area is a peninsula that juts out into Green Bay and is a prime location for spotting migratory birds. For beautiful scenery and history, visitors can check out the 32nd Red Arrow Division Memorial, which commemorates fallen soldiers. At the north end of town, right before the Wisconsin/Michigan border, is the historical marker memorializing Queen Marinette, after whom the town was named.

Shell Lake

Surrounded by green rolling hills with only one main road in and out of town, it doesn't get more off-grid than Shell Lake. This small town encircles the lake after which the town was named. Shell Lake has an artsy vibe, with art galleries such as The Potter's Shed showcasing the creative talents of many local artists. It also has a coffee shop where patrons can enjoy the art while enjoying homemade brews and pastries. Don't forget to check out the Shell Lake Art Garden, with its many large, unique displays of metal outdoor art ranging from the whimsical to the natural.

At Rae's Bar and Grill, visitors can enjoy comfort food such as fresh fish, pizza, chicken wings, burgers, and more. Make sure to check out the Friday Fish Fry, which is a local favorite. Shell Lake Lunchbox has delectable breakfast and brunch options for visitors looking for lighter fare before a day on the lake. The Erika Quam Theater, located next to the Shell Lake Arts Center, is also home to great shows that visitors and locals alike enjoy.

Head Off-Grid in These Towns

Art lovers will appreciate the galleries in Shell Lake, while wine enthusiasts can enjoy small-batch Wisconsin wines at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prairie du Sac. Travelers looking for a fun, off-grid Wisconsin town with outdoor recreation and camping will find plenty to love in places like Cassville and Ashland, and anglers seeking a quiet getaway may be drawn to Mauston’s chartered fishing boats. Road trips are all about adventure and discovering new places. If you find yourself in Wisconsin, any of the off-grid towns listed above can offer memorable stops along the road less traveled.